Reminders of La Dolce Vita: A Restaurant Review of Orofino
As self-proclaimed aficionados of Italian cuisine, my husband and I were eager to try Orofino, drawn by its reputation for genuine Italian fare. Having spent nearly three years living in Italy, our standards were high, and Orofino did not disappoint.
From the moment we stepped through the door, we were greeted with the warm aromas of traditional Italian cooking and the inviting ambiance of an authentic trattoria or ristorante. The interior exudes charm with exposed brick walls in an upscale but not pretentious manner. The decor was simple and cozy, adding to the atmosphere.
One of Orofino's standout features is its commitment to showcasing the diverse flavors of Italy's various regions. This dedication is evident in the restaurant's meticulously curated menu, which boasts classic Italian staples highlighting each region's specialties. We were delighted to discover a key on the menu indicating the origin of each dish, allowing us to embark on a stroll down memory lane, recalling our favorite trips to Toscana, Lazio, and Liguria.
To kick off our dining experience, we indulged in a mixed bruschetta antipasti, a delightful assortment of crispy bread topped with an array of fresh, vibrant toppings, ranging from the classic pomodori mix to goat cheese paired with a truffle sauce. Paired with a bold and robust Primitivo from Puglia, the bruschetta set the stage for what was to come—an evening of culinary bliss.
I have an egg allergy, so I typically skip the primi menu (most of the fresh, handmade pasta contains eggs), and my husband has become quite the carbonara snob, so we opted to jump straight to the secondi options. I savored every bite of the tagliata di manzo, a well-seasoned steak cooked to perfection and served alongside prosciutto-wrapped asparagus with patate al forno, a classic staple side dish in Veneto (and most of Northern Italy). My husband indulged in the lamb chops with a delectable glaze and fresh zucchini vegetable medley. Each bite was a nostalgic reminder of the flavors of Italy that we had grown to love.
The service was also exceptional, and our server had excellent recommendations and fantastic wine acumen. Honestly, the one thing missing was the complimentary limoncello that typically accompanied the end of a meal at our favorite local trattorias. While we understood that liquor laws in Virginia may prohibit such gestures, it was a minor detail in an otherwise impeccable dining experience.
For anyone seeking a taste of Italy without the airfare, look no further than Orofino—it's the real deal.
