(Credit: Suzanne Walsh)
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Terra Ristorante Italiano, a posh and beautiful restaurant with innovative and delicious food, is under new management in the capable hands of Marc Murphy, who previously managed Mediteraneo and Terra Restaurant in Greenwich. Murphy has made some very small, but crucial changes. Diners will appreciate his attention to detail, seen in the crisp, white linens and extra staff to provide each customer with a personal dining experience.
Food: Don’t be intimidated by the Italian on the menu. It’s OK to point to your selection if you don't want to attempt the Italian pronounciation. But your server won’t make you feel stupid for butchering it and will know what you want, so give the Italian a try. Chef Marcio Carvalho thoughtfully presents his delicious food, creating works of art almost too beautiful to eat. Choose from traditional Italian dishes like Bucatini con Vitello (spaghetti and veal meatballs) and Linguini alle Vongole (linguini with clams), a variety of fish entrees including halibut and sea bass or a generous serving of certified Black Angus beef. Entrees range from $13-$32. If you want a lighter, less expensive meal, try one of the thin-crust pizzas. Dessert can take awhile, but the tiramisu and creme brulee are totally worth the wait.
Booze: Bottled beer, a small list of wines available by the generously-sized glass and an extensive list of wines by the bottle, including a variety of interesting Italian wines. Specialty martinis include pomegranate, white chocolate and a Cosmo Bianco, a Cosmo made with white cranberry juice. Other martinis, although not on the menu, are readily available.
Decor: The interior, decorated with a vast reproduction of a Renaissance fresco, is almost too lovely for the eatery's setting in the bustling Shoppes at Farmington Valley. Check out the bathrooms—they’re as attractive as the dining room. The framed picture of Will Smith in "Ali" doesn’t quite fit the Italian decor. But restaurant owner Paul Ardaji was a producer of the movie, so he displays the photo with pride.
Insider tip: Terra offers a $60 prix fixe menu on Tuesday nights. Each of the three-courses features a different glass of wine selected to compliment every dish.
Bottom Line: Terra is a great option if you’re looking to splurge a little on a first date or a meal with friends from out of town. It will be worth every penny, and you’ll look forward to your next visit.
Terra Ristorante Italiano
110 Albany Tpk, Canton
860-693-1116
