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Italian

Cafe Silvium

Shippan, Stamford, CT 📍 Maps

This is a boisterous, old-school southern Italian trattoria where the kitchen specializes in hearty, hand-rolled pastas and robust regional classics from the owners' hometown of Gravina di Puglia. Run by brothers Nick and Vincenzo Petrafesa, the narrow dining room is lined with wooden wine crates and warm copper tones, creating an unpretentious neighborhood energy that feels like a lively Sunday family dinner. Expect a packed house of fiercely loyal regulars and servers who pour house wine dangerously close to the absolute brim of your glass.

★ The Legend
Rigatoni Gnact Gnact
A decadent, comforting bowl of rigatoni tossed with a rich medley of prosciutto, pancetta, and savory Italian sausage in a velvety vodka sauce. Regulars love to customize this legendary crowd-pleaser by asking the kitchen to top it with a crispy chicken cutlet or a cool ball of fresh burrata.
◆ Fan Favorite
Pork Osso Buco
This fall-off-the-bone tender pork shank is slow-braised for hours and served over a bed of rich, creamy saffron risotto. It is a staple of the rotating blackboard specials that regulars look for the second they are seated, often pairing it with a heavy pour of the house Chianti.
◇ Hidden Gem
Carciofi Fritti
Most tables bypass the antipasti section to save room for pasta, but regulars know to start with these light, crispy fried baby artichokes. They are fried to a delicate golden brown and served alongside a bright, house-made marinara sauce that is perfect for dipping.
✦ Off the Menu
Fagottini
Known affectionately by regulars as 'moneybags,' this off-menu pasta features delicate, purse-shaped dumplings stuffed with a rich blend of cheeses and tossed with pancetta and sweet peas in a luscious cream sauce. Simply ask your server for the 'moneybags' pasta, and they will happily have the kitchen whip up a batch.
Insider Tip

If you are dining on a Friday or Saturday night, arrive at least 30 minutes before the doors open to secure a seat in the first turn, as they only accept reservations for parties of six or more on weekends. While you wait in the inevitably packed hallway, ask the staff for a glass of red wine—they are famous for keeping waiting guests happy with incredibly generous, complimentary pours.

Every restaurant has its legendary dishes.

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