Although dining along Grandview Avenue has gone through many transitions over the years, Trattoria Roma has been a mainstay since 2000. Longtime chef Matt Prokopchak and general manager Shawn Mason, both partners in the restaurant, have made it their mission to keep the traditional items on the menu while using modern flourishes on several entrees.

“I think the essence of this place are the people, not just Shawn and I, but our staff and the customers,” Prokopchak said. Plus, the food certainly speaks to patrons. The 6-ounce meatball ($12), good as a shareable and stuffed with provolone and mozzarella and ladled with sauce, is served with crostini on the side.