Mangia Italiano

I only speak with facts,  no embellished terms here.  We enjoy trying new places,  when we don't feel like playing in our own kitchen.  First I submitted a pic of the calamari,  which didn't include ANY calamari,  since it was completely over cooked/fried now non-existent in the breading.  We ordered two different sandwiches,  one containing roast beef,  peppers and SOME of the jalapeño promised in the menu description,  and with that said it was somewhat dry and too many moments that I had to chew through tough spots and gristle.  It lacked flavor,  the components were not brought together well,  if this was a fluke,  fine but it needs refinement according to the investment.  The other sandwich/panini was similarly dry and over bearing with eggplant??  Eggplant wasn't IN the description.  Either these were staff errors or this is the norm.  Such a shame since the interior of the restaurant was fairly nice.  Work on the menu and make it work,  or the "foodies"  will catch on and go elsewhere. With my pregnant fiance needing to eat, and she didn't, because of total disgust rendering her with the loss of appetite. Everything we ordered was either recommended or was reinforced by Curt (Manager?), that everything would be a hit. Not really after a $40 expense we nearly threw away. This should be a huge red flag for the man we call "Collier", so maybe getting off the defense in your responses would help, and just fix the problem. I'm sure I'll be hearing from him.

Mangia is a perfect example of awesome local food in a great Lou neighborhood, but with broad enough appeal to make it a destination as well.  First, South Grand rocks, especially in the summer.  A little more low key than the Loop or Wash Ave, but still kickin' with food, drinks, vintage shops, and more.  I love that this is a hub for low priced local food, much of it ethnic of all kinds. The proverbial melting pot.  
I have eaten in at Mangia on many occasions, but this last visit was to go.  I walked in and got a friendly greeting right away.  The server gave me the menu and took my order, and I let him know that I would be right back after running a few errands on Grand. I came back 10 minutes later as instructed, and my food was just coming out.  The salads were separated from the hot pasta and bread in recyclable containers, and my bill was very reasonable.  The portions are smaller than you would get in a chain pasta place or on the Hill, but still more than a serving, plus you pay less.  Additionally, the pasta is homemade and the quality shines through.  A little goes a long way since the flavors are so bold and distinct- no bland, factory pasta here!  The house salad is also phenomenal with fresh ingredients and a creamy yet tangy house made dressing.  A variety of hot breads and butter came with at no extra charge, a nice treat for a to go order.  
Dining in here is just as great.  The bar room is funky and eclectic with local art and music.  The dining room is "urban cafe", just like what you would see in NYC.  Elegant and classy, yet laid back and comfortable.  The outdoor patio is always fun for people watching.  Come earlier for a great meal with the family, stay late for a hip party scene!

The restaurant is really in the middle of nowhere but let me tell you, it's a good spot to try if you like Italian. The restaurant itself is very cool looking, cool decor, great looking bar, cool menus, and plenty of seats and they are not all bunched up together (the last few Italian restaurants I've gone to I've felt like I was eating on top of other people). Our server was OK, she did her job but I did not feel like she went the extra mile in any way to explain their top dishes or beer selections or anything really but she was fast in taking our orders and checking up on us for drinks and stuff. So, I'm OK with that. The food was pretty good, I loved our appetizers (stuffed something) including the rolls/bread that you get, and my steak and pasta....all good. My only concern and my biggest reason for giving it 3 stars were the mashed potatoes. I love mashed potatoes and something was off about them, not sure what but they tasted...how can I say... like oranges, potatoes, and lime juice mixed together...for real and I was not the only one to think so...so I hope it was just that batch but either way beware and my suggestion is to not risk it and order another side. The other sides and I tried a few were all pretty good.