a trattoria is usually a more casual, family style italian restaurant that offers affordable, modest food (and not so much that fancy shmancy stuff)….and well, this trattoria caterina is just that! with its maroon awning and sidewalk patio, t.c. is a cute & unassuming place in printer’s row that offers homecooked-style dishes (almost as if i could have cooked something similar if i really tried) and friendly service with a smile. oh, it’s also BYOB, but they do offer wines that they can order from a store down the street. you just can’t drink outside on the patio.

t.c. is one of those places where the food is good enough, the setting is casual enough (i.e. affordable), and the service is friendly enough that i’d go back for more on a regular basis.

I have never been dissappointed the newer owners only added to the menu but they seem to skimp a bit more on the portions. I highly reccomend all of the salads and the eggplant rolls are amazing. The only drawback is no wine (they will run down the street for you) and they are not open on Sun. This place is a jem and has been there for years. Stay away from the broccoli puffs and lemon chix.

Nice patio seating for the summer and moderate food and prices. I had the chicken with artichoke and pesto risotto and the chicken was a little dry, but the veggies and artichoke were good. The risotto seemed like it was just rice with pesto sauce on it. The people are very friendly though and the patio seating is great when the weather permits.