Trattoria Altrov'e Opens in SM City Laoag: A New Taste for the Ilocano Palette
By nickahtolentino - Monday, June 23, 2025
Good news for food enthusiasts in Ilocos Norte! Trattoria Altrov'e, renowned for its authentic Italian flavors, has opened its 10th branch at SM City Laoag. From Siargao to El Nido, their previously thriving hubs, they’ve now brought their delectable offerings to the north—much to the delight of food lovers in the region.
For those unfamiliar, Trattoria Altrov'e has built a strong reputation for its flavorful and authentic Italian cuisine, particularly their brick oven pizzas, which are masterfully cooked to perfection. As someone who's yet to step foot in Italy, I’ve based my standards for good Italian food on Da Gianni (Westgate, Alabang) and Va Bene (Dasmariñas Village, Makati). I was thrilled to find a new addition here in Ilocos Norte that ticks all the boxes.
First Impressions
Walking into Trattoria Altrov'e was a refreshing experience. The interior is warm and inviting—a space designed to make you stay a little longer (and maybe order some dessert!). The eclectic design caught my attention right away, with its small teal-colored couches and brown-orange walls creating an aesthetic and cozy vibe.
One charming detail that stood out was their chairs with wheels, which are surprisingly convenient and made sitting down and standing up effortless. Plus, they have card terminals for payment, which is always a plus for diners like me who avoid carrying cash.
The Food
We only tried three dishes during our visit, primarily because of our tight budget, but they left quite the impression. I couldn’t try their highly talked-about Wheel Pasta just yet, but that gives me a reason to go back. Here's what we had:
Walking into Trattoria Altrov'e was a refreshing experience. The interior is warm and inviting—a space designed to make you stay a little longer (and maybe order some dessert!). The eclectic design caught my attention right away, with its small teal-colored couches and brown-orange walls creating an aesthetic and cozy vibe.
One charming detail that stood out was their chairs with wheels, which are surprisingly convenient and made sitting down and standing up effortless. Plus, they have card terminals for payment, which is always a plus for diners like me who avoid carrying cash.
The Food
We only tried three dishes during our visit, primarily because of our tight budget, but they left quite the impression. I couldn’t try their highly talked-about Wheel Pasta just yet, but that gives me a reason to go back. Here's what we had:
Gamberi Olio Pasta d'Olivia
This is a red pasta dish with shrimp, olive oil, and sun-dried tomatoes. The balance of flavors was wonderful—each bite feels rich yet not overwhelmingly heavy.
This is a red pasta dish with shrimp, olive oil, and sun-dried tomatoes. The balance of flavors was wonderful—each bite feels rich yet not overwhelmingly heavy.
All' Arrabbiata
Another red pasta dish, this one is slightly spicier, featuring more bell peppers and bits of bacon. It had a nice kick that paired perfectly with the freshness of the pasta.
Pancetta Con Tartufo (Truffle Pizza)
This was, hands down, my favorite dish of the day. The brick oven-fired crust had just the right crispiness, and the truffle flavor was chef’s kiss. It came loaded with bacon, mozzarella cheese, and a dash of oregano—a combination I know I’ll crave often.
This was, hands down, my favorite dish of the day. The brick oven-fired crust had just the right crispiness, and the truffle flavor was chef’s kiss. It came loaded with bacon, mozzarella cheese, and a dash of oregano—a combination I know I’ll crave often.
The Experience
Despite it being a Sunday when we visited, the restaurant wasn’t crowded, which made for a relaxing dining experience. Our total bill came to ₱1,144, inclusive of the service tax. For authentic Italian food of this quality, I’d say it’s worth every peso!
Final Thoughts
Trattoria Altrove in SM City Laoag is a fantastic addition to the food scene in Ilocos Norte. The authentic flavors, cozy ambiance, and reasonable pricing make it a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. While we’ve only scratched the surface of their menu, what we’ve tried has left us eager to come back and explore more.
I’m already looking forward to trying their Wheel Pasta and more of their pizzas on our next visit. For now, I’ll bask in the memory of that truffle pizza.
Whether you’re a fan of Italian cuisine or just looking for a new culinary adventure, Trattoria Altrove is an excellent choice. Buon appetito!
Despite it being a Sunday when we visited, the restaurant wasn’t crowded, which made for a relaxing dining experience. Our total bill came to ₱1,144, inclusive of the service tax. For authentic Italian food of this quality, I’d say it’s worth every peso!
Final Thoughts
Trattoria Altrove in SM City Laoag is a fantastic addition to the food scene in Ilocos Norte. The authentic flavors, cozy ambiance, and reasonable pricing make it a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. While we’ve only scratched the surface of their menu, what we’ve tried has left us eager to come back and explore more.
I’m already looking forward to trying their Wheel Pasta and more of their pizzas on our next visit. For now, I’ll bask in the memory of that truffle pizza.
Whether you’re a fan of Italian cuisine or just looking for a new culinary adventure, Trattoria Altrove is an excellent choice. Buon appetito!
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