Trenton Restaurant Guide

My husband and I have enjoyed this restaurant numerous times on special occasions, such as our anniversary. First, you should know that Chianti's features classic Italian cuisine, as do most 'burg restaurants -- that's why locals keep coming back. None of that nouveau stuff (fusion this, fusion that) is involved here. (If you want that, go to Princeton, or better yet New Hope or New Brunswick.)The restaurant consists of two rooms as well as a small bar area adjoining the foyer. If you can't be seated right away, the bar is a great place to grab a glass of wine and start on your relaxing evening. The main dining area features romantic lighting and a warm paint palette. Although the area is not huge and the tables are always full, the bustling restaurant seems to contain the noise well so you can actually have a conversation with your loved one. I always order angel hair primavera with pink sauce, because it's the best anything primavera I've had anywhere, while my husband loves any of their fish dishes. As is the Chambersburg tradition, a high quality bread is served with the meal. I heard at one point that all the restaurants get their bread from Hoboken, which I guess is the bread capital of Jersey. At any rate, the bread is firm, chewy and almost earthy, and can stand up to any "gravy" sopping you may demand of it. The flourless chocolate cake is serious enough to make your mouth pucker -- chocoholics like myself need look no further on the dessert menu. The wine list is fair if not extensive, and we have received several good recommendations from well-informed wait staff. There is quite a mark-up on the wines, but of course that occurs everywhere. We have found service to be prompt, considerate and friendly in that somewhat informal 'burg tradition. I wouldn't change it for anything.