Trattoria Stefano

Cold welcome if it could be called welcome. Ignored for about 10 minutes without a word from those trying to look busy. Food specials were blurted out so fast, we missed half of them, no prices given, and servings were skimpy and presented without flair. Expensive and I could do better at home.

We have eaten at Stephano's since they opened, and it was always superior. My last meal there was terrible, a joke really and I was so incredibly disappointed. Others have cmplained about the food (not the service) and that it was way too pricey. It is. But, when the food is great, we don't mind paying the price. Now, however, I can't say we'll be back. There are other places in Sheboygan that are just as good.
Too bad for Stephano and crew.

Horrible experience here with the waitstaff. The food was moderately good for the price. Will never return

My wife and I have eaten excellent food all over Europe, Central America and the United States. This meal, both the wine and the food, was the "Best Ever"!!! I cannot begin to express how well prepared, seasoned, plated, wine accompanied, and tasted it was. I only wish I lived closer than the 1800 miles away that I do. What a gem!

been here 6 times. every time the food is exceptional and the servers are well trained and knowledgeable on the food and the wine list. (i know very little about italian wines but their recommendations always meet what I ask for). by the way, the neapolitan style pizza they serve across the street is fantastic as well.

This was an unexpected pleasure. I was traveling through Sheboygan on business and ended up at Stefano's for dinner. The food was great! I travel a lot and this was more what I would expect from Chicago or New York.

Our expectations were high when we decided to have my birthday dinner with friends at Trattoria Stefano in Sheboygan. This downtown Sheboygan restaurant has a regional reputation for excellent northern Italian cuisine.
The group included nine of us who arrived at 7:35 for our 7:30 reservations. We were courteously greeting by the host who told us our table would be ready shortly and directed us to the well appointed bar where there was seating for most of us. The bartender inquired about drinks and directed our attention to the red wine "specials" We ordered two bottles of Italian red wine, a 2001 Speri Amorini and a 2003 Ripossa. Both were lush reds with little aftertaste, though I preferred the drier and less fruity Speri Amorini. Later I was quite surprised to find out the "specials" were priced at $75 & $48 per bottle respectively. The bar was comfortable, but the wait was much too long. We inquired about our table several times, and later a complimentary Bruschetta alla Campania appetizer was served to us. Homemade bread topped with fresh mozzarella, fresh basil and wonderful garlic and tomato rub left us hungry for more.
We were famished when the host came to seat us at 8:25pm. But the host graciously brought us a complimentary bottle of wine after remarking about our long wait. The server was well versed on the menu and took our orders quickly but occasionally had to be reminded about a beer order (which I never did receive) and about refilling water glasses. Our food orders came in a reasonable period of time and looked spectacular.
Most of the group ordered pasta dishes with my favorite being The Rigatoni Gorgonzola. It included sautéed bits of Italian sausage, prosciutto, cherry tomatoes, and peas in garlic light cream tomato sauce tossed with parmigiano. The Penne del Sud was a spicy southern Italian dish with garlic olive oil, dried chilies, calabrese salami and fresh cherry tomatoes, pecorino cheese. It had the perfect amount of "bite" and was delicious. The Fedelini con Filetto di Pomodori was another wonderful dish with tomatoes, basil, arugula in a light tomato glaze topped with pecorino cheese. The grilled chicken Pollo alla Trattoria was also a hit topped with Fontina Val D Aosta, sliced tomato, basil in a light white sauce served with rosemary potatoes and sautéed spinach. Two of the group raved about the Grouper Special that was pan-fried perfectly, served with warm butter.
The pasta entrees ranged in price from $12 to $17 with the most expensive menu item being the lamb loin chops at $30. Portions were adequately sized, but it helped to split a salad with a tablemate. None of us had room for desert.
The quality of food was excellent with everyone enjoying his or her meal. However the long waiting times, mucho expensive “special” wines, and some service issues clouded the evening making it less than perfect.
The Viglietti family owns four restaurants in Sheboygan ranging from the casual Field & Fork to the upper crust Steffano. Trattoria Stefano is located at 533 South 8th st. Reservations are often necessary, phone 452-8455.

always my favorite choice for a
quality dining experience