Mangia Toscano — Restaurant in Metuchen

Very surprised by the outstanding food, service and ambience in a relatively non-descript location. The menu is well designed and the kitchen is trained and able execute at a very high level. Every dish including the sides, garnish, sauces were seasoned correctly, cooked to temp or consistency and complementary. I've worked in a few very good restaurants and eaten broadly.

What got me curious was the quality of the olive oil served with the (very good) bread. I've eaten at restaurants where they server cooking grade olive oil for dipping or (ever worse) 80/20 blends. Here the olive oil served is clearly high quality with excellent notes and mouth feel. At risk of sounding like a blowhard - I do go olive oil tasting from time to time.

The spinach we ordered as a side dish, cooked simply with oil and garlic, was a standout in that at most restaurants this is simply an afterthought coming out of sautee. Here it (likely) sourced from a quality supplier, cleaned and cooked delicately with respect for the ingredient.

All the dishes we ordered follow the above proscription. Quality ingredients precisely prepared in the Italian tradition.

Octopus - another tough dish - is technically very well done. I would guess pressure cooked then grilled to order and served with an emulsification of lemon with capers. I also marveled at the potatoes accompanying the Octopusas I cannot quite figure out how they pulled off the texture. Possibly a combination of roasting and double frying?

I did read the negative reviews they received and the rebuttal from the restaurant Manager. Quite frankly, I agree with his assessment. Having worked in restaurants for some years - sometimes the customers lack of familiarity (ignorance) leads to missed expectations.

We ordered the Octopus, Rustic Salad, Prosciutto with Burrata for starters. Though we were there for lunch they were kind enough to prepare the Bisteca alla Fiorentino ( a dinner item). I could be nitpicky about the steak or the ever so marginally overdressed salad, but it would be the same courtesy I extend my friends when eating at their restaurants and coming from a place or positive feedback and not criticism.

It was $200 for 2 without drinks or tip. While I would not venture a 3rd trip to Alinea or battle to get back into Pujol or N/Naka its an easy call to swing back through here to try more...

My husband end up at ER. **Update - The doctors confirmed it was food poisoning, not Norovirus, but thanks for your concern. We had lunch at your place, went home, have your leftovers + dessert, sleep, 2am my husband blacks out. But thanks for your concern and your lovely supportive response.

** And just because you replace the salty food with another and apologize doesn’t mean it didn’t happen or the fact that I was charge for fine dining. Since we order “kids” option then why were we charged full price?? The fault is limitless. I never got my side that I ordered, you cancelled my food to give someone else. I can keep going..

My husband end up in the E.R. after eating here. To the point he blacked out. If I could give this place negative 100 I would. Went there for his bday celebration , he ended up getting Norovirus from here. Apart from ending up at the E.R. the service was beyond horrible, they messed up our orders few times, accidentally cancelled my order, food was salty, food was missing, food was late, “kids” menu options not kids pricing same as adult entrees, then don’t say you have options or communicate it!

Their excuse was “the kitchen is busy with a big party”. In that case if the restaurant can’t handle few customers then don’t accept reservations!! Not our problem how busy you guys are. Horrible horrible experience overall.

They charge you for a fine dining experience but the quality of food (not to mention cheap take out boxes) said otherwise. Not worth the money never coming back. Idk how this place has...

Bring your own wine! Or buy the local they offer. Been wanting to try this place for a while. Reservations are a must or be prepared to be turned away. We arrived earlier than our reservation but were immediately seated. The restaurant is immaculate and very well kept. Inside the AC is a little cold and the conversation is loud so we were glad we booked the patio. I was seriously impressed with the preparedness of this restaurant for any weather change and from what I understand there is winter seating out there too. The exterior walls of the patio are all remote and super quiet when they open and close. Our server David was very polite and friendly. Answered our questions and made great suggestions. The food was outstanding... and David suggested we share everything so we ordered the octopus app... excellent choice. For dinner first they brought us 2 plates of the Duck Ragù with spaghetti and it was very rich and savory. We both enjoyed very much. Then the branzino fish came out after and we enjoyed this dish very much as well. Almost too full at this point, portions were generous, but wanted to try the Toscano pie. Don't care if this was refrigerated and microwaved... (as most restaurants do)just saying... it was excellent regardless. At no time were we rushed nor did it seem they were anxious to turn the tables super fast as other such experiences. It was a very nice relaxed(patio) atmosphere experience with an exceptional menu to choose from. Overall very satisfied and would absolutely...