Spanish Fort, rejoice! While we all love the abundance of chain restaurants at the Eastern Shore Centre, can we agree that Spanish Fort is lacking in the independent restaurant department?

My husband and I found ourselves on Highway 31 around lunch time the other day after having some repairs done on our car, so we naturally decided to get lunch at the new pizza and Italian restaurant, Trattoria.

Walking in, I was immediately charmed by the quaint feel Trattoria's dining room — red and white checkered tablecloths, a big semi-circle bar in the back, dim lighting and specials handwritten on a chalkboard. Our waitress was friendly and made excellent suggestions on what to eat.

We started with a soup — most of the menu items come with a soup or salad — which was my favorite part of the meal. I had a shrimp and corn bisque that was out of this world, and Scott had chili, which was also delicious. We both made sure to get every last drop of soup out of our bowls.

Our waitress informed us the best item on the menu was the Philly cheese steak. While I haven't tried everything on the menu, I assume she is correct. A generous portion of thinly sliced ribeye steak with bell peppers, onions and melted white American cheese are piled on top of a toasted, house-made hoagie — my mouth is watering remembering it.

I'll definitely be visiting Trattoria again. If you live in Spanish Fort, please support this locally-owned business!

11611 U.S. Highway 31, Spanish Fort, AL

251-375-0076

Open every day at 11 a.m.