Disney4me Posted December 19, 2014 Report Share Posted December 19, 2014 Trattoria al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is officially open for business, and we’ve enjoyed our first dinner there!Trattoria al Forno at Disney’s BoardwalkThe restaurant began serving breakfast and dinner yesterday to a packed house (see our Trattoria breakfast menu review here). When we left late last night, the waiting area was standing room only!We’ll have a review of all of the dishes we tried this first time out on Monday; but in the meantime, we wanted to give you a look around the newly remodeled space. Thanks to our friend Mealtrip for bringing his fabulous photography back to the blog in this post!Trattoria al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalkTrattoria al Forno occupies the space that was previously Spoodles, and most recently the home of Kouzzina by Cat Cora. Many Disney food fans were sorry to see the Greek-themed restaurant close.Trattoria al Forno EntranceNow, Disney takes the space back to its original roots with a “family Italian restaurant” that has grown in its physical space and has evolved in its culinary approach over time.Trattoria Sign at the Hostess StationWhile the dining room of Kouzzina was open, basically occupying one large room, the Trattoria designers claim you’ll see smaller rooms as you travel the length of Trattoria al Forno, with subtle differences in decor signaling your progression from one room to the other.The backstory of the restaurant holds that an Italian family ran a modest tavern and boarding house on the boardwalk, which expanded over the years into a popular restaurant. As the restaurant was growing, boardinghouse rooms were converted into additional dining spaces – each family generation adding their own touches to the menu and the restaurant’s design.Now, in all honesty, the overall space is pretty much the same general area that it was when the restaurant was Kouzzina. There’s an entryway and waiting room, a big dining room (which Trattoria has outfitted with brick columns to indicate said “rooms”), and an open kitchen. The room used in the past as a private dining room has been included as a general dining area, but that’s pretty much the only completely separate dining room in the place. But we can chat more about that later. Let’s get inside!Beginning in the Entrata, or entrance, the space has been overhauled to create a warm but open area with minimal detail. No more Cat Cora cookbooks or merchandise. Just a wine “wall,” very little seating, and a hostess podium.EntrataStone, wood, and warm lighting accent the space. Framed wall hangings give it that “family Italian” restaurant feel. You know the deal.Seating While You WaitIt’s very comfortable when it’s not crowded. While we didn’t have to wait long for our 5 PM advance dining reservation, the seating area was inviting.Waiting AreaOnce your party is called, you’ll travel through frosted glass doors to your table.The open kitchen remains the restaurant’s main focal point.Wide Shot of the Trattoria KitchenKitchenHere, you can see the open oven, which serves to anchor the Cucina portion of the restaurant. This is Trattoria’s first dining area, and offers a casual, “eat-in kitchen” vibe.Forno Up CloseKitchen from the Cucina, the Restaurant’s First Dining RoomBeyond the more casual Cucina, you travel into the slightly more opulent Sala da Pranzo, or formal dining room. The space is marked with soaring ceilings above.Sala da PranzoThis area is beautiful, but you can definitely see that the “multiple dining rooms” suggestion is pretty much in name only when it comes to the main area of the restaurant. Those brick columns are the only indication that you’re in a separate part of the restaurant. Though, I suppose they could pull those curtains across and separate the areas that way? A la a hotel conference room?Seating in the Sala da Pranzo looking back to CucinaWhile there is some distinction to each area if you are reeeeally paying attention, the seating itself is fairly similar throughout the dining room. There are some differences, however. These tall-backed chairs seemed to be reserved for the Sala da Pranzo.Seating in the Sala da Pranzo looking back to the CucinaCrystal chandeliers with a slightly modern feel provide soft light in this central area, and the back wall is lined with a huge display of silver, glassware, and china.Vaulted Ceilings in the Sala da PranzoDecor — Sala da PranzoChairs and banquettes are substantial and are comfortably upholstered with padding. Most of the tables offer a rich wood finish; a few light colored tables punctuate the space.Seating — Sala da PranzoClose Up of Sala da Pranzo SeatingBeyond the Sala de Pranzo, you come to the Salotto. Here, you’re in a comfortable living room setting, converted for diners to eat in the growing restaurant. I loved the chairs in this area!Seating in the SalottoSeating — Looking Back Across the RoomsAnd the round banquettes looked pretty cozy.Round Banquette in the SalottoFinally, you come to the Taverna area, the most secluded of the dining areas. It’s actually separated from the other three by a door. In previous lives of the space, this area was used for smaller functions or private dining as I mentioned previously. But at Trattoria, it will be utilized as regular dining space.Taverna SeatingThe TavernaNow, we’ll have a full review for you on Monday of aaaaaallllllll of the food we ate last night…but I had to give you a sneak peek!CharcuterieGiant MeatballTiramisuMORE TO COME!!And that’s a wrap! We’ll be sharing with you lots more pics of our dining experience in just a little bit, but we hope you’ve enjoyed this first look at Disney’s newest restaurant!What do you think of Trattoria al Forno’s decor and atmosphere? Leave a comment and tell us if you’re excited to dine here!Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook FanRelated posts:News: Opening Day, Reservation Date, and Menu for Trattoria al Forno on Disney’s BoardWalkFirst Look! Trattoria al Forno to Replace Kouzzina by Cat Cora on Disney World’s BoardWalkSneak Peek and Review: Trattoria al Forno Breakfast at Disney’s BoardWalkView the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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