I hate eating on Church Street. The atmosphere is great, but the food is mediocre at best (see: Sweetwaters). 

So the other week when I got a little hungry, I decided to venture to a reliable feeding ground for the finer things: Trattoria Delia. 

Away from the well-traveled brick of Church Street and hidden behind a large oak door, is Trattoria Delia, on Saint Paul Street.

This hidden gem is widely regarded as one of the best Italian dining locations in the Burlington area.

I have now gone on three first dates there – only one successful – but I typically go with friends or with colleagues. 

This time, my date was my iPad mini, for note taking. 

“The Trat,” as fans call it, is set slightly below street level and is adorned with exposed beams and dark colored walls. 

With food and wine headings completely in Italian, the less-worldly eater is left to decipher dish contents through thankfully detailed descriptions. 

I started with the prosciutto e scamorza al Forno appetizer, essentially melted cheese wrapped in prosciutto, a saltier version of bacon. 

A battle of senses ensued, as it was too hot to immediately eat but too good to not. 

I suffered a few burns and proceeded to the main dish: gnocchi alla boscailoa, or Wild Boar Gnocchi. 

Rich and tender, the boar swam in a deep brown sauce with gnocchi, making it both fun and easy to eat. 

The sign of a good restaurant, for me, is if the waiter knows more about the food than I do. 

Before I could even ask, my waitress offered a raft of different wines ?- red, obviously – that would go well with the boar. 

I settled on a Nero di Troia, a cross between a Merlot and a Cabernet Sauvignon.

I could not have thought of a better wine – deep, earthy and plummy – to pair with the richness of the boar.

Owners Lori and Tom Delia have strived to offer an experience that is seemingly effortless. 

The price-point is high for college students, but I think it’s appropriate for the quality. 

Conclusion? Trattoria Delia’s reputation is upheld as the best Italian dining in Burlington. 

Warm and cozy, the service is almost as high quality as the food. I recommend a visit, and perhaps a date.

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Atmosphere:               4.5/5

Food: 4/5

Drink:               4.5/5

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“Our Mirthful Board” is a weekly restaurant review and local food column. 

The title comes from Ben Jonson’s 17th century poem, “Inviting a Friend to Supper.”