Settimo Cielo

Settimo Cielo
17 East Front Street
Trenton
609-656-8877

Hours: Lunch: Mon-Fri, 11 am-3:30 pm; Dinner: Mon-Fri, 5-9 pm; Sat, 4-10 pm.
Price: $$/$$$

Style: Settimo Cielo translates as seventh heaven. Behind the restaurant’s unimposing façade, Trenton’s business and political haymakers rub elbows in a fine-dining atmosphere that can be clubby by day and romantic by night.

Don’t Miss: Complimentary fresh bruschetta topped with tomatoes, basil and shredded mozzarella brought a smile to our faces. The best-selling appetizer, a portobello stuffed with crabmeat, mozzarella and roasted red peppers ($10.95 lunch, $11.95 dinner), comes in a sweet Barolo wine reduction. Our waiter said we could substitute an off-the-menu cognac reduction if we wanted a less sweet dressing. The daily specials, recited in detail by our waiter, led us to favor them over the traditional Northern Italian menu. Still, the menu’s extensive vitello (veal) section is worth exploring. The kitchen butchers whole sides of veal for maximum freshness and flavor in a range of dishes ($16.95-$20 lunch, $21.95-$31.95 dinner). A tilapia special was served in an expertly seasoned wine sauce. Red snapper, striped bass and swordfish also turn up as specials ($21.95 and up). The menu has a dozen pastas, many made in house ($14.95-$18.95).

Heads Up: At lunch, metered street parking is not too hard to find. At night, the well-lit street is ghostly quiet, and curbside parking is plentiful. On weekends, free parking is available in the garage across the street.

The Scoop: The waitstaff is polished and professional, adept at accommodating groups of state workers, politicians and others who come in for a good meal and bonhomie. Wines by the glass are a reasonable $6 to $8; no bottle costs more than $30.