Mama's Trattoria
Shop 4 Melbourne Building
West Row
Canberra City
Phone: 02 6248 0936
Even though its a cosy new setting and location its still the same great food. Thank goodness! Its a different decor to the old place - less Italian kitchen and more upmarket - which may scare off some of its traditional customers - but once inside its worth it.
Dining alone isn't always fun - but nevertheless it happens! The staff made it easier here too. Fast friendly service always helps. A favourite is Linguini con Gamberi described in the menu as flat spaghetti tossed with fresh prawns, garlic, chilli and olive oil. This isn't a heavy pasta dish. The smattering of oil, chilli and garlic provide subtle flavours with enough oil at the bottom to swirl the pasta through for the whole meal. Plenty of prawns also cap it off nicely and at only $19.50 its good value too!
There are a variety of breads available ranging from several bruscetta's through to herb, garlic, anchovy (maybe next time), pesto and olive. I ordered olive and was asked if I'd like a half serve (2 slices) which I readily agreed to. It was a nice touch asking this and the bread was delicious. Light, crisp on the outside and warm right trough. The olive pesto or spread was nicely tangy.
In terms of prices, Mama's Trattoria is good value. In terms of quality its great value. Bruscetta is $9.00. Pasta mains run from $14.90 through to $19.50. Other mains are from $23.90 to $25.90. Desserts are all $9.50 except gelato which is $3.00 per scoop. Its licenced too - whites ranging from $19.00 to $30.00 and reds from $19.00 to $32.00 - so its very reasonable. The half serve of olive bread was only $2.00.
Mama's Trattoria is back - looking a bit different but tasting just as good! I must admit I preferred the cheerful homey feel the old place had but I'm glad its around and the food and value is great.
