The latest cafe in a notable area by Norwalk’s Maritime Aquarium is “impressed by the emotions that came with eating in the kitchens of our Italian mothers and grandmothers.”
Mamma Bella Cucina opened its doorways May possibly 2, getting the room not long ago vacated by RHK Seafood Boil & Bar. The menu functions regular Italian fare and dishes with present day twists, aiming to be a household-pleasant spot that’s also a destination for casual dinners and drinks.
“We are trying to make all people sense snug we want there to be a thing here for everyone,” mentioned Joseph Giuliano, who opened the cafe with enterprise spouse Anthony Sandolo.
Mamma Bella Cucina’s menu gives pastas, panini, soups, salads, entrees and 12-inch pizzas, alongside with a lineup of “Italian tapas”: compact plates like meatballs, burrata, arancini, calamari, bruschetta, mussels and polenta Bolognese. Eggplant rollatini has been an early hit, Giuliano stated, showcasing thinly sliced fried eggplant rolled all around ricotta cheese.
Pasta options include ravioli, penne a la vodka, gnocchi Bolognese, fettuccine Alfredo and “penne alla mamma,” with grilled hen, sundried tomato and broccoli rabe, and entrees include things like hen and eggplant parmigiana, NY strip steak and grilled salmon. Giuliano thinks Mamma Bella’s hen scarpariello is most likely to come to be a signature dish.
“This is a loved ones recipe, and we have been cooking it like this for several years,” he stated of the common dish with hen breast, sizzling and sweet peppers, garlic and oil. “It is really a staple dish in Italian homes, and it really is just anything that we desired to convey below so people today could have the exact encounter that we did growing up.”
Chicken scarpiarello also demonstrates up in pizza type, alongside Mamma Bella’s other 12-inch pies with toppings like buffalo hen, Hawaiian with ham and pineapple, Mamma’s with broccoli rabe and sausage, and caprese and margherita preparations. A Buongiorno pizza with egg and cheese can be designed with both bacon or ham, and company can also craft their individual pizzas. Gluten-free of charge and cauliflower crusts are offered.
Mamma Bella presents draft and bottled beers, a range of wines, and cocktails, sangria and martinis, numerous with Italian twists. Attendees can also love bottomless Bloody Marys, mimosas and bellinis at brunch on Sundays, which capabilities dishes like steak and eggs, Nutella French toast and omelettes.
The main dining room has about 50 seats, Giuliano stated, and a private place is out there for functions and occasions. The cafe also gives outdoor seating.
Mamma Bella Cucina is at 19 N. Drinking water Road. It can be open up day-to-day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., with Sunday brunch until 3 p.m. Get in touch with 203-354-4664.