Evviva's Eggplant Parm panini made me think I was in the North End

Eggplant Parm with side of truffled chips (Rochester Voice photo)

ROCHESTER - Restaurants' gluten free offerings have come along way over the decades, but it's been a long slog since I was diagnosed gluten intolerant back in the1980s.
But the 110 Grill and their sister eatery Evviva Trattoria, both in The Ridge, are at the forefront of upscale gluten free dining.
So it was with much anticipation that I ordered an Eggplant parmigiana panini at Evviva Trattoria earlier this week.
The sandwich came out in a toasted ciabatta roll that I have never seen replicated in gluten free form.
The look was stunning and the taste and texture lived up to the look.
The panini came with Evviva's own marinara, mozzarella and pesto, which is made of crushed garlic, European pine nuts, coarse salt, basil leaves, and hard cheese such as Parmesan all blended with olive oil.
The sandwich was expansive, complex and mouth watering, with tastes I could never identify or remember having before.
Physically, the restaurant is laid out along clean lines, with a brick oven just behind the bar where you can also watch the pizza being tossed.
Now when you go don't fret if the food isn't out in 10 minutes. It probably won't be. But the wait is worth it, I assure you.
My panini came with home made truffled potato chips. You can sub a caesar salad for the chips.
The panini was about $14 and a draft Bud Light was $4.50.
The panini is huge, allowing a second meal to go home in a doggie bag.

You'll also like the cloth napkins and the heavy flatware.

Evviva Trattoria is located at 155 Marketplace Blvd. at The Ridge.

To check out their menus click here

Food ★★★★

Service ★★★★

Atmosphere ★★★★