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Bella Mangiata (Italian cuisine)  $$$

 7.5
JaT Rating

233 Baldwin Ave, San Mateo, 94401  (Directions)


650.343.2404


Website  Menu  vCard

            
        
San Mateo cafe specializing in Italian dishes and excellent service


Reviewer: Jason
Total Reviews: 1040
Reviewed: 12/29/2004
Rating: 7.5
My photo gallery 		I was told Bella Mangiata served decent food so I decided to take some out of town friends for some Italian food in San Mateo. Parking is somewhat limited but I landed a spot in front of the restaurant. Lucky for us, it was raining quite hard. We walked in and it was nearly empty, maybe it had to do with the horrible weather or the late dinner.

We sat down and they immediately brought out bread and flavorful dipping sauce. I dont know what its called but it was probably made out of olive oil, lemon, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper. This would make a good marinade...Im going to have to try it.

I ordered the Penne with shrimp and spinach. I thought the sauce was lacking seasoning and tasted somewhat bland. Sauce wasnt tangy and didnt explode with any complex flavors. The shrimps were tiny, about 1 size above bay shrimps. Id rather have 5 tiger shrimps instead of 20 or so small shrimps. The spinach was ok but didnt add too much flavor to a somewhat lackluster dish. I dont think I would order this dish again for the price. The penne was cooked perfectly, firm to the bite.

I wont write off Bella Mangiate just yet, I was able to try the Veal with polenta and mixed vegetables. That was the meal of the night. Meat was tender and sauce was full of wonderful flavors (mushrooms and wine). If the prices were a tad lower, I would consider making a return visit sooner.
 
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