While Alta Strada may have opened in 2007, it’s the dream restaurant that Michael Schlow, owner/chef, has been planning for a long time. “I think a lot of chef’s and owners think 'dream restaurant' and right away they think fancy and expensive, with all the bells and whistles” says Schlow. “My goal with Alta Strada was to help create the ultimate neighborhood restaurant, one that felt like it had been part of the community for a long time, but was still bright, and fresh, and very current. A place that was a little stripped down, uncluttered, but served great food in a relaxed, completely easy-going environment.”

Attentive, intelligent, friendly, unobtrusive service, along with delicious, authentic Italian food, is the hallmark of Alta Strada, and what has made it an instant hit in Wellesley. The thought behind the creation of Alta Strada was to make a restaurant that locals would call their own, want to show it off to friends, and be casual and approachable enough that everyone could eat there once a week or more. Plus, there’s a fantastic market on the lower lever so that guests can also bring Alta Strada home with them and enjoy it there as well.