For this restaurateur, Saipan deserves ‘something nice’

For restaurateur Vlad Melnik, Saipan deserves “something nice” when it comes to dining and relaxing.

Vlad, the owner of La Trattoria, an Italian restaurant located along Isa Drive, says this does not mean prices on the menu are exorbitant. Quite the contrary, Vlad adds.

He describes his restaurant as a family restaurant where one can have a nice meal with friends and loved ones in a cozy atmosphere.

It helps that the restaurant faces the sea and is right in the middle of the road going up Capital Hill, with a picturesque view of the ocean and Mañagaha Island.

According to Vlad, “La Trattoria,” which loosely translates to “an eating place serving simple Italian dishes,” lives up to its billing with simple yet authentic dishes made only from high-quality ingredients.

Vlad says the ingredients—from various cheeses and olive oil, to herbs, and spices, among others—are all imported from Italy.

They also bake their own bread and create their own selection of pizzas with two wood-fired ovens for that authentic Italian taste.

Pizzas, salads, and meat dishes are all made from authentic ingredients, Vlad says.

Returning diners might be surprised to see that the menu changes ever so often, which, according to Vlad, is a way for the restaurant to let customers discover “new tastes and new dishes.”

He says he is very hands-on when it comes to the kitchen, but he is quick to add that the goal is not to “experiment,” but to offer something new. “We love to cook,” Vlad says.

Loyal patrons
La Trattoria used to be located in Garapan before transferring to its present location.

Vlad says he has been eyeing the Isa Drive location for many years before finally securing a long-term lease on the area.

The present La Trattoria has been in operations for two months now with a growing number of patrons.

“Our loyal customers followed us here,” Vlad says, noting that he was pleasantly surprised to see residents in nearby communities going to La Trattoria.

He says the restaurant’s usual clientele of doctors, lawyers, and expats are now joined by businessmen, residents, and tourists.

Speaking of tourists, Vlad says he wants diners to appreciate the effort and passion that goes with every dish prepared and served by La Trattoria’s dedicated 12-man staff.

Wine selection
La Trattoria also has an extensive selection of wines and other drinks at its bar.

According to Vlad, the restaurant currently has 40 different kinds of wine.

“We have the biggest selection of Italian wines,” he says, noting that 90 percent of the restaurant’s wines are from Italy, and the rest are from France, Chile, and San Francisco.

He says some of the premium wines are sold by the glass. The selection caters to anyone who wants to have a sip of Italian wines, with some items priced from $30 to $80 per bottle.

If a customer is not so inclined to order a Merlot, Chardonnay, or a Cabernet, there is also a modest selection of imported Italian beers and other alcoholic drinks.

So if you are a diner or a foodie wanting to experience dining in an authentic Italian restaurant, La Trattoria is definitely worth a visit. (Joel D. Pinaroc)