Stepping into Mambo Italiano in Irvington, New York, is like being warmly embraced by the very essence of Italian hospitality. From the moment we were seated, the ambience promised an unforgettable dining experience, and it certainly delivered.
Our culinary journey began with the honey ricotta appetizer, a dish that perfectly balances the richness of ricotta with the delicate sweetness of honey, creating a symphony of flavors that danced on the palate. The smooth, creamy texture of the ricotta was complemented by the subtle hint of honey, making it a memorable start to our meal.
For the main course, we indulged in the homemade lasagna, a dish that Mambo Italiano has elevated to an art form. Each layer was a testament to the chef's dedication to quality and authenticity, with perfectly cooked pasta, rich and flavorful sauce, and a blend of cheeses that melted in the mouth. It was, without exaggeration, a masterpiece of Italian cuisine.
Our children delighted in the tiny rigatoni with meatballs, a dish that could easily be the highlight of any Italian grandmother's Sunday dinner. The meatballs were the best I've tasted in years, tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, nestled atop perfectly al dente rigatoni and smothered in a homemade sauce that was both comforting and exquisite.
Mambo Italiano is not just a restaurant; it's a celebration of Italian culture, tradition, and the simple joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. The staff's attentive and friendly service made us feel like part of the family, adding to the overall warmth of the experience.
In conclusion, Mambo Italiano is a gem in the heart of Irvington that beckons with its authentic Italian dishes, cozy atmosphere, and impeccable service. It is a place where every meal feels like a special occasion, and the memories linger long after the last bite. We are already looking forward to our next visit to this...
Read moreOct 2024, came here with friends for the first time on a recommendation. The food was delicious and the service outstanding. The restaurant inside is cozy with a great vibe. There are tables in the front and in the back in addition to a counter with bar stools (that have no backs) overlooking the kitchen where the two chef's are preparing your meal. Honestly, I love watching them cook, because I am relieved that I don't have to cook at home that night. There are only three people working the whole restaurant, and they are really hustling. In my opinion they could use another person to handle the tables, pour water, cleanup and setup, etc, Now for our meals, I ordered the Homemade Tagliatelle, my friends ordered the Homemade Lasagna, and Braised Pork over creamy polenta. All three meals were freshly made and were delicious. They definitely don't skimp on the portion size, we all ended up taking home leftovers. Plus, I had the Pistachio Gelato that was outstanding, and fresh, it was really a dessert for two. The Menu prices are reasonable except for the Insalate (Salad) section, I thought that was overpriced. The only negative comment about the restaurant is their Menu's are hard to read because the font is in Script, it should be Ariel or something that is easier to read. All and all, we would come back here and try something else...
Read moreThis place is a gem, and it is reflected from start to finish.
As a party of four on a Saturday night, we showed up right around opening time without a reservation - luckily, the bar was available. It was quite cozy for four, but that was made up for by the front row view into the small kitchen, where we watched with amazement as everything was artfully crafted.
The view into the kitchen distracted me from taking any photos of the amazing food, but some of the favorites are shown in other reviews - like the perfect tagliatelle (homemade) with bolognese & ricotta, as well as the tender braised chicken with a creamy polenta.
Luckily, I did get pictures of the dessert - including the proper tiramisu, and a simply delectable homemade amaretto mascarpone cheesecake.
We spoke with both of the owners, who were very passionate about their work, and were very kind. When we visited in February 2025, they had just been open for one year.
I was only briefly in town, but I would love to come back here as soon as possible. What a...
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