Italianni's branch in Mall of Asia underwent a renovation last month and is now open to serve not just gastronomists and connoisseur of good food but also families and friends who simply love to experience true American-Italian dining experience. It is no secret that at this side of the huge mall, is a bigger and better dining area which could cater big groups anytime of the day. It was such a blissful dinner for me and my foodie contemporaries as we were able to taste, feel, see and try the old and fresh face and offerings of Italianni's last week. Allow me to spill the beans little by little.
I learned to appreciate what Italian dining experience truly is when some of my friends and classmates in college some 6 years ago need to underwent their training in some Italianni's branches. This was for the completion of our course in Food Service Systems. And even up to now, that same feeling is present. .of being right at home and a sense of eating while dreaming in an Italian family villa. I know for sure that you guys also recognize the old country ambiance and warm hospitality that staff delivers from entering the restaurant up to the point you bid goodbye.
Italianni's was very grateful for their guests and supporters so they slashed 50% off of your bill when they reopened last October 10 and that promo was not just limited to a certain part of the day because they had it all-day long. That was such a treat! ^_^
And the best part was having them experienced in such an impressively huge dinner. This restaurant under the Bistro group never ever failed me. Allow me to share with you the great food and great company that they are very well popular of.
(L-R) Green Tea, Iced Tea and Dalandan
While waiting for the sumptuous dishes to arrive, we were given our preferred drinks to quench our thirst and kill I time with. These drinks along with soda could either be refillable (PhP110) or non-refillable (PhP75). If you are the type who get thirsty really easily like me, refillable beverage will do. I indulged myself with Dalandan Juice that evening. I want it not sugar-laden and made with real dalandan juice and pulp.
If you frequent this restaurant it is common for you to initially have on your table a starter like this. A basket of freshly-baked focaccia and Tuscan bread served with olive oil and balsamic vinegar aged 20 years.
Alaskan Crab Dip PhP395
Apart for the basket of freshly-baked bread as seen above, a plate full of pita and garlic bread, served with a dip that is drool worthy landed our table as well. The creamy and luscious dip was made of alaskan crab, white wine, mozzarella cheese, and cream dip. Tell me...who would not like its almost perfect combination?
Four Seasons PhP595
As a salad lover I dare say Italianni's is one of the best casual dining restaurants here in the country that offers only the highest quality plate of greens. Fall in love with the combination of crisp romaine lettuce, tomatoes, green apple, dried berries, grapes, caramelized walnuts, parmesan flakes, and honeyed shrimp drizzled with four seasons dressing. Definitely a refreshing salad that you would not dare miss. I can't help myself but to have spoonfuls after spoonfuls of this even if most of my friends are on the main course part.
Sicilian Chicken (Lunch PhP425 | Regular PhP650)
Another salad that is worth your appetite is a kind that is made with chicken breast cubes, crispy romaine lettuce, mangoes, red grapes and pine nuts, tossed in a creamy lemon-Dijon dressing. Slightly creamy and fruit at the same time but still revealing its healthy goodness.
Seafood Risotto PhP695
I rarely eat a dish mainly made of Italian-short grain rice. It is but tasty and very gratifying to have spoonfuls of this dish which I consider a one-dish meal already. Salmon, shrimp pieces and calamari slices sauteed in white wine and simmered in their seafood flavored Arborio rice. A must-try by every rice eater out there.
Seafood Cioppino
(Lunch PhP395 | Regular PhP595 | Abbondanza PhP895)
I suggest you order for the biggest serving, especially when you are a group of three or more. A filling meal and nutrient-dense meal should always consist an order like this. A plate made with mussels, shrimps, clams, calamari and linguine in a red wine sauce, enhanced with basil pesto. Oh! This is what Italian goodness is all about. You gotta grab this pasta and seafood eaters! Hefty and the value for money is there.
Creamy Crab Spaghetti PhP425
Still another pasta dish that everybody has been raving about. A spaghetti pasta in cream sauce with Alaskan crab meat, fresh herbs and spices. Make sure that those with allergies to seafood should stay away from this no matter how satisfying it is. I love its just enough creaminess and fresh taste of seafood prominently of crab meat. Definitely a vote of YAY! for this :)
Crispy Pork Ribs PhP425
Should you want to allow yourself into excessive meat and fat even for just a day, then it is but pleasurable to try this deep-fried pork ribs marinated in Italian spices, and served with garlic rice, seasonal veggies, and spicy scallion dip. Sometimes a brisk cheat moment is as unforgettable as this crispy pork ribs partnered with very appealing vegetable sides.
Penne with Italian Sausage PhP495
I can consider this as a comfort food being someone who has great love for a pasta assuming the shape of penne. I do not understand myself for having great admiration to this noodle type. By the way this dish is made of penne sauteed with crispy pancetta and caramelized onions in pesto. It has desirable qualities that a pasta dish should have like the perfect blend of spices for the sausage with a tinge of sweetness from the caramelized onion and good texture from the pancetta.'Tis is worth your bucks!
Seafood Mango Pizza PhP625
Brick oven baked pizza with mixed seafood in pesto cream sauce, mozzarella, and mangoes. What do you expect from this? Of course it is seafoody and fruity at the same time with the right amount of cheese and pesto to play along the tanginess.
Angus Steak Pizza PhP575
Another brick oven baked pizza from the menu that uses minced angus beef, green bell peppers, mushroom cream sauce, with mozzarella cheese, and caramelized onions. If you want something meaty that uses high quality meat with sharp taste and flavor for a pizza you ought to try this and feel same way I did that I almost forgot my name. Good thing that the meat was tender and it could easily be chewed and slide down to esophagus.
Americano PhP95
Just like anyone who has fond love for good food, a perfect cup of black coffee would commence sweet ending moments like here in Italianni's. I ordered for a strong coffee instead of tea in order to give way to the sweetness level of these desserts. Wanna grab a bite? Time for Dolce!
Tartufo PhP450
A three-layered chocolate cake with dark and white chocolate mousse covered with the fudgiest frosting. Need I say more? Looks does not always deceive. I assure you that this one is a killer. Good for sharing already. A type of dessert that easily melts so I suggest you eat it as soon as it landed your table.
Limon di Cielo PhP225 
Red Velvet Cheesecake PhP395
My first time to try Italianni's version of Red Velvet. Made with creamy white chocolate cheesecake batter baked on red velvet cake layered with semi sweet chocolate chips, topped with cream cheese icing. Drizzled with chocolate ganache and dusted with red velvet crumbs. Too sweet for my tooth yet an ultimate meal ender.
Mango Panna Cotta PhP295
Sometimes I want a dessert that is not just tempting but mechanically soft as well, just like this Italian vanilla custard that is made fresh daily. Served with your choice of sauce: mango, blueberry, or honey with walnuts. Mango is always the best for panna cotta recipe! The cream, milk and sugar forming into a gelatin was such a heavenly creation. MMmmmmmmMM...I was so dreamy while having my dessert spoon dig unto its surprisingly excellent quality.
Quality-wise this restaurant is one of the top caliber ones. Service was excellent because it was very evident that the guest relations officer to the waiters and managers on duty are very knowledgeable of the product with impressive way of welcoming the guests. Ambiance, a two thumbs up! I need not say more.
Buon appetito, foodies! Muchas gracias Italinni's for having me and the rest of the food lovers/bloggers. It is always an exceptional dining experience no matter what branch I may be.
2/L South Wing, Entertainment Mall
SM Mall Of Asia, Pasay City
Philippines
5560549 / 9011401
italmoa@bistro.com.ph
Official Website
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