Màstra Italian Bakery Bistro — Restaurant in American Fork

I’ve taken some time to think about this review because I have very mixed feelings. Food. The food was incredible, the pasta was clearly made from scratch and was delicious. I got one with red sauce and my boyfriend got the Cacio e Pepe. Both dishes were completely different but absolutely incredible. The focaccia was very fresh, a little salty for my liking but my boyfriend enjoyed it. The drink selection was odd, cans of sparkling water and plastic bottles of soda with no glass or ice brought with it. I was surprised there wasn’t wine as it is an Italian restaurant but with being in Utah County it wasn’t the biggest shock.

Service/Atmosphere. The service was odd, we felt like more of an inconvenience than anything when we put our names on the wait list. When we got the text that they were ready for us we went in and the table had not been cleared or cleaned (it’s a very small space so we just stood their awkwardly for a few minutes) once we sat down 2 servers kept walking past us and didn’t say anything or put waters down for several minutes. Finally our server said he’d be right with us and we waited about 7 more minutes after that. We were brought bread but no plates to eat it off of, so I asked for some and he seemed confused but was kind and grabbed some. When we decided on our food we made our best attempt to pronounce the items correctly and the server seemed annoyed we got it wrong and said “it’s actually…”. Not the biggest deal. We finished our bread basket and when the focaccia was brought out the server moved the empty bread basket to put the focaccia down, instead of taking it. When our food was brought out there wasn’t much room on the table and there were empty plates that the server didn’t seem to notice, I asked if he’d be willing to take them and he did. The table next to us had a child in a high chair and after that party left they seated the next party (no baby) with the dirty high chair at the table, that was odd. They removed it maybe 10 minutes later after that table asked them to. They were also called in to be seated well before their table was ready and they were a bigger group so them standing waiting was also awkward. Finally, the restaurant was bright and clean besides the white chairs, they look like they need a good cleaning and should be wiped down between guests at least.

That was way too much information but my final thoughts are that the food is delightful and if I were to get it again I would get it to go.

I think it could be a 10/10 with proper training of...

Im simply going to go with a 3 star. Nothing to rave about, yet, nothing horrible either. Sad because I was really excited about SO many excellent and amazing reviews.

Ambience was nice and kind, as was the hostesses and servers. However, let’s just get to the food. We had the focaccia with onion, which I was stoked about.. and um.. it was just alright, 4 slices and cold (which ive had warm and cold before) didn’t mind it. Except it was just not my expectation of focaccia (maybe I’m spoiled with my taste buds) Wife ordered something with pesto, and just tasted like any other regular pesto dish out there, literally just good ole simple pesto. As for me, I ordered the “Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe” which is a creamy cheese pasta. Wasn’t too creamy which I appreciated because I hate when it’s noodles swimming in sauce. As for the flavor WAAAAAAYYY too “cheesey” which ended up tasting like someone dumped a bag of salt in it. I couldn’t handle the taste and the dish ended up getting cold really fast, which then turned the sauce very pasty. I ate as much as I could. However, left about half the plate. I’m the kind that gets embarrassed sending a dish back, which I should have, since it was hard for me to eat. (Oh well, my loss)

Anyway, the best part was the tiramisu with coffee. Flavor was excellent. Wasn’t super strong where you take one bite and you’re done! It was soft and flavorful. Definitely definitely recommend it.

As for the cost, I’ll put it the pictures so you can see it. In my opinion. Too expensive for MY experience with the food. I think however, I’ll come back and try something else. Or just come back...

The best Italian food I have ever had. Their focaccia bread has a crispy exterior, but melts in your mouth. My personal favorite is the tomato one. My husband has gotten the carbonara every time. It has perfect al dente noodles, and a rich and creamy sauce. One thing is that is unique about it is that it has egg in it rather than the cream and butter we typically use in America. I have gotten their Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe which was the most unique pasta I’ve ever had. The flavors are bold and may not be for everyone (I like strong flavors). It was delicious, but not quite the homey pasta you may be looking for. I have also tried their Fusilloni al Pesto Genovese. It was so FRESH. And the flavors were amazing. My favorite thing I have ever had there is Rigatoni al Pomodoro e Basilico. It is a refreshing dish, yet comforting and rich. I was in love with this dish!! My baby also couldn’t get enough of it. I’d HIGHLY recommend this dish. I’ve also tasted bits of the lasagna with red sauce. It is delicious and unlike any lasagna I’ve had. However, I’d seriously recommend trying their pastas first. Dessert wise I loved their tiramisu so much. It was light and creamy and rich all at once. My favorite is panna cotta with berries is my favorite. The berries reduction was insanely good. The restaurant is small, so it fills quickly and can be crowded. However, the food always comes out fast. You get free plain bread and dip the moment you sit down. Despite being crowded, the staff is attentive and kind. This place boggles my mind with how amazing it is!...