What was once a popular neighborhood pizza place in the Clocktower Square, located in a quiet rural corner of Southern Connecticut, is now a thriving contemporary Italian trattoria in the destination town of Monroe. Since 1997, local diners have been guarding this culinary gem as proud parents of the area’s best kept secret. Trattoria Carl Anthony is the brainchild of Executive Chef/Owner Sam DeVellis and his brother Joseph and cousin Idilio.

Upon the success of his families’ first venture, Giove’s Pizza Kitchen in Trumbull, the trio fell upon a unique opportunity to take over what was originally known as Carl Anthony’s Pizzeria, a casual take-out/eat-in pizza joint. Seeing a need for a more upscale restaurant in the area, they set out to create a menu, an atmosphere and an energy that would attract local diners as well as lure in food and wine enthusiasts from the surrounding communities. With trattoria now in the forefront, Sam began to work on a menu that reflected his Italian roots along with his own modern interpretations. A self taught chef, Sam’s creativity and entrepreneurial spirit are evident with every dish he prepares.

The dining room has been transformed into an intimate “modern day meets old world” trattoria. Subdue colors and banquet seating frame the entire room. Computer generated photos of the Grand Canal, scenic overviews of Venice and Rome, and a day n the life of Italian artists and merchants adorn the walls. A separate bar area , complete with a photo of the sculpture of David, serves up designer martinis, well-deserved cocktails and offers an exceptional selection of wines.. The bar opens up to a spacious outdoor patio that is shaded by huge market umbrellas, a perfect lunch setting or with candle lit tables for a romantic evening dinner which is accompanied with music on the weekends.