Mangia Cucina & Bar was recommended to me by a buddy that’s ate there several times. It’s a Sicilian style Italian restaurant. They also operate a speciality grocery shop, La Bottega Di Mangia, out in Yaletown.
We dropped in on a Thursday evening with 7:00pm reservations. The inside is charming and cozy with a warm, relaxed ambiance. There’s about half a dozen tables inside along with one heated table outside. Service was excellent; our waiter was knowledgeable and staff were continuously coming by to top off our waters.
The menu is split into antipasti, insalata, pasta, risotto, secondi and dolci. Entrees are in the $27.00 to $37.00 price range. They had one special of the night (veal with mixed beans and butternut squash puree).
Spaghetti al salmone ($30.00)
Squid-ink spaghetti, vodka-rose sauce, in-house cured salmon and green peas. Haven’t seen squid ink pasta since I first tried it years ago at an Italian restaurant in SF. The spaghetti had a firm al dente bite. Cured salmon was done well but I enjoyed how they mixed in a few regular chunks. Quite enjoyable.
Ravioli all’aragosta ($34.00)
Handmade ravioli filled with lobster & crab served with garlic, chili and cherry tomato in a white wine reduction. My uncle devoured it.
2x Seafood cioppino ($37.00)
Clams, mussels, prawns and red snapper fillet served in a lobster bisque. Had a couple spoonfuls of the broth; good flavour but man, it’s a small portion.
2x Espresso ($3.00)
A couple of strong espressos to end the night.
Cannolo al pistacchio ($11.00)
Pastry shell with sweet ricotta mousse and topped with a pistachio cream & crumble. For the price, you’d expect/hope for two pieces of cannoli. Not the case but it was tasty. Not too sweet and the pistachio cream was fantastic.
Tiramisu classico ($11.00)
Savoiardi biscuits, marsala, espresso and mascarpone mousse. More of a custard style tiramisu but well balanced, airy and creamy.
MC&B is a perfect spot for date night. A little pricey but the quality is there and the pasta hit the spot.
Mangia Cucina & Bar
https://www.mangiacucina.com/
2211 Manitoba St
Vancouver, BC
(604) 620-5445
CHERRY BOB-OMBS 