Editor’s Note: In 2021, Michael and Nicole Borrell began reviewing Lebanon Valley’s restaurants and eating attractions as the Lebanon Valley Food Critics. Since then, the couple has aimed to offer unbiased reviews of the eating and drinking establishments the Lebanon Valley has to offer. LebTown is pleased to be partnering with LVFC to share these reviews with our readers. Bon appétit!
Welcome to our highly anticipated Lebanon Valley Pasta Wars. Three entrants from the Valley will compete to be declared the winner of Best Italian Food in the Valley.
Our judgement will be based upon several factors including style of quality, presentation, taste, and overall impression.
We kickoff this War on the east side of Lebanon at the corner of 5th Ave. and Lehman St., Trattoria Fratelli.
Trattoria Fratelli
Address
502 E. Lehman St.
Lebanon, PA 17046
Phone: (717) 273-1443
Website
tratfrat.com
Hours
Mon: Closed
Tue: Closed
Wed: 4 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Thu: 4 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Fri: 4 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sat: 4 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sun: Closed
The restaurant, nicknamed “Trat Frat,” has a classic Italian feel with a level of fancy while being casual at the same time.
Our selections for judgement this evening were Spaghetti & Shrimp ($27) and Pappardelle & Beef ($26). The meals come with a large house salad and bread.
The spaghetti & shrimp comes with baby peas, egg, parmesan, carbonara. Six large shrimp adorn this dish. The carbonara sauce has that luscious, creamy texture—without a drop of cream. Baby peas bring a pop of color and a fresh, slightly sweet contrast to the savory richness. Every bite is a comforting blend of creamy, cheesy, and subtly briny goodness.
The pappardelle & beef comes with mushrooms, asparagus, spinach in an herb butter sauce. This dish is hearty with numerous chunks of beef and plentiful amounts of mushrooms. The addition of asparagus adds a fresh, vibrant contrast—cutting through the richness with just the right touch of green. It’s a beautifully balanced dish: savory, buttery, and bursting with deep, umami flavor.
And as a bonus tonight, we had the chocolate opera fudge bombe ($12). A delightful end to a delectable meal.
Did we just have the best Italian in the Valley?
Next up we will travel to our other entrants: Lazzaro’s Italian Bistro and Martino’s Italian Traditions. After which, we will announce our winner.
If you have a restaurant you would like us to visit or review, whether a place you like or are nervous to try, please message us on Facebook or email lvfoodcritics@outlook.com and let us know. We thank everyone for the recommendations and the kind words we have received.
