Crazy for Carbs at Mandolino Ristorante & Pizzeria

By: Finance Foodie

This past weekend, the Mister and I were in the Union Square area of Manhattan when the hankering for some pasta and pizza hit. As luck would have it, we happened to walk by Mandolino Ristorante & Pizzeria, a fairly new Italian addition to the neighborhood - we heard good things already about this place through the grapevine, so we decided to stop on in.

Exterior

The interior of Mandolino can be described as "chill hipster cool" with artwork by local up and coming artists adorning its walls (this is near the East Village after all).  As we were their for brunch, the crowd was pretty subdued (mostly local NYU students on a study break), but I can imagine it getting real creative during the evenings, especially as the spot is right across the street from the Classic Stage Company theater.

Interior

For our appetizer, the Mister and I shared the Porcina pizza ($18), a brick oven pizza topped with porcini mushrooms, prosciutto, mozzerella, truffle oil and shaved parm - basically all my favorites! Everything was so fresh tasting on this pizza, but the real highlight was the dough. I was later told by the owner that the dough (along with the yeast to rise the dough) is all made in house, which explains the nice chewy consistency that is reminiscent of my holidays noshing in the lovely cafes in Napoli.

Porcina Pizza

For our entrees, the Mister got the Linguine Alle Vongole ($19.95), the standard Italian menu staple of pasta and clams, and I got the Frittata Spagetti ($15.95), the not-so standard plate of spaghetti, pancetta and sauce tucked inside a frittata, served with a side of salad (gotta be at least somewhat healthy!).  Mandolino's Linguine Alle Vongole was super solid and well made - the clams were fresh and generous, the garlic butter sauce was tasty and the pasta was cooked perfectly.  The frittata was also very flavorful and perfect for brunch -and a good excuse to eat noodles before noon!

Linguine Alle Vongole

Frittata Spaghetti 

We were so full that we had to pass on dessert (the Nutella Pizza did sounded awfully tempting) but I take comfort in knowing we will return again to try more of the menu. Mandolino serves authentic high quality Italian food in a cozy atmosphere that is great for any meal period!

Mandolino Ristorante &Pizzeria
137 E 13th St
New York, NY 10003
(212) 477-1535
mandolinonyc.com