Strada in the Grove, located at 3176 Commodore Plaza, is an Italian restaurant with a modern twist. Instead of clichéd vines running up against the walls or an elegant fountain prominently featured dead center, hungry customers can expect a more contemporary setting.
Strada might seem like standard fare at first. First, wait staff will walk you to your table. Once you’re inside, there’s a bar that guests can either dine at or wait until they are seated. If you go in a little further, there are booths against the wall or tables in the center of the restaurant.
There’s a window overlooking the street that customers are able to sit near to. It’s dimly lit with attentive service. The design features the right balance between a modern aesthetic and a rustic feel, almost as if Tuscany was designed by a hipster.
The complimentary bread is served with olive oil and balsamic vinegar at each table. The menu has many great items, but the standout was the crespelle di ossobuco. This plate is a handmade crespelle stuffed with ossobuco meat, topped with a light tomato sauce and a black truffle infusion. The ossobuco is soft and feels almost creamy.
Customers can also order the fettuccine nere all’aragosta, which is black fettuccine with Maine lobster, assorted seafood and covered in light tomato sauce. The dish also comes with half a lobster, and they supply you with the tools to crack the lobster shell to get the most meat possible. The assorted seafood consists of mussels, shrimp, calamari and clams.
For dessert the torta al cioccolato is a must. This dish is a homemade triple chocolate cake with an English vanilla sauce topped with a few slices of strawberry as garnish. Honestly, the English vanilla sauce could have been removed, but the dish itself was not hampered by it.
All in all, Strada should be the next date-night hotspot for any couple. Options on the menu are limited, but the dishes are worth it.
