Birthday dinner = no risks, only good vibes and even better pasta. I kept it small, just me and two of my closest friends, but that almost made it better. It felt intentional. The kind of night where you’re not trying to impress anyone, you just want really good food and people you love around the table. Trattoria Carina had been on my radar, and birthday felt like the right moment to finally lock it in. Walking in, it’s instantly cozy in that effortless way. Small and personal. Not overdone, not trying too hard: just warm, intimate, and a little tucked away. I also want to give a shoutout to the staff, who are beyond amazing and attentive. This is the kind of place where you settle in quickly and don’t feel rushed out. Perfect birthday energy. We sat down, caught up, and of course, I already knew what I was there for.
The Dish
This rigatoni vodka was not your typical vodka sauce, and I mean that in the best way. First thing I noticed: the color. Way more red than your standard creamy pink, which already told me we were dealing with something different. Then the game changer, spicy sausage. Hugeeee plus. It added this depth and heat that completely elevated the dish. Instead of that smooth, slightly sweet vodka sauce you usually get, this had more of a kick and a richness that made every bite feel a little more bold. And the pasta, longer rigatonis. I don’t see that often, and I loved it. It gave the dish a different feel, almost like a mix between classic rigatoni and something more elevated. The sauce coated everything perfectly, and with the sausage mixed in, every bite had something going on.
It wasn’t trying to be the classic vodka sauce—it was doing its own thing. And it worked.
The Verdict
Trattoria Carina is where you go when you want something familiar, but with a twist. It took a classic and made it feel a little more interesting, a little more memorable, perfect for a birthday dinner! Or chill wine night with the girls. Good energy, great food, and a dish that actually surprised me. Would I go back? 100%. Especially for that sausage. 10/10. Birthday Approved. Case Closed.