Mamma Ciccia Café — Restaurant in Mandello del Lario

Mamma Ciccia's graciously sat us for dinner even though we did not have reservations and it was a relatively busy summer Monday evening. (And we were also early for dinner, sitting down at maybe 6 PM or so. We were happy to wait for the kitchen to open.)

The food and wine was fantastic. For primi, I got the Paccheri cacio et pepe while my husband got the lasagna. Both were excellent, with the lasagne being much more stratified and delicate than what we usually see in Minneapolis. Secondi was tartare for me and pork for my husband, with a light local red to match. And we even got to meet an exuberant East German who was staying at the hotel. All in all, good highlights and nice memories.

Highly recommended, and very close to the waterfront. Nice ambiance. Don't make our mistake and get reservations,...

I wish I could have eaten here as this restaurant came recommended by our lovely Airbnb host. I have been turned down from eating at this restaurant for my whole trip in Mandello. With no tables taken and arriving at the start of the restaurant open- I thought for sure they could accommodate one person. The host turned me down. No one was there and no one was coming. There was no explanation or apology/ or an offer for me to make a reservation for another night. A lot of stares made me feel as if this is a place I am not welcome at.

Not the typical hospitable attitude I have encountered in other...

Bang on, this spot. It only has limited seating but it’s worth a visit or two to try and get in. Not only is the food flavourful and of good quality, it also has some exceptional service. The head waiter here as an eye for detail like you wouldn’t expect at a place that also feels casual in a way. Working at a speed that somehow still looks elegant, he tends to the tables, makes jokes and makes you feel extraordinarily welcome. The whole Mamma Ciccia café is designed for such a casual excellence, I’ve never regretted the fact I didn’t have cash on me for a good tip. I’ll have to go back to make...