Named for a quaint dining spot of the same name in the ancient city of Rome, Trattoria Romana —  the Dongan Hills eatery where chef Vittorio Asoli sits at the helm —  conveys a warm, welcoming feeling, much like trattorias found in villages throughout Italy.

When queried about the  Restaurant and his culinary prowess, the masterful chef —  who was born in that “eternal city,” — attributes his kitchen talents to his mom. He says her cooking creations were inspirational, although he alludes to studying formal culinary arts in his native city.