Mangia Calabrese
Via d'Ascanio, 22, 00186 Roma RM
Rating: 4.8 ★ (71 ratings)
Details
Mangia Calabrese offers a truly distinctive dining experience in Rome, welcoming guests into an inviting and authentic setting. The atmosphere is particularly noteworthy, with a spectacular downstairs area immersed in stone, reminiscent of ancient caves where cured meats are traditionally stored, lending a wonderfully cosy and characteristic ambience. This typical Roman establishment provides a charming backdrop for enjoying regional specialities, making it stand out from the conventional.
The restaurant prides itself on its traditional Calabrese cuisine, celebrated for its bold and often spicy flavours. Guests frequently commend the superb quality of the panini, filled with typical products such as 'nduja and black pork sausage, alongside other well-received dishes like the exceptional bruschetta. A variety of offerings includes pizzas, traditional first courses, and tempting Calabrian platters, all crafted with fresh, regional ingredients.
This delightful eatery is ideal for those seeking an informal yet memorable meal, offering good value with generous portions in a relaxed environment. Its charming character and authentic food make it well-suited for casual lunches or dinners, appealing especially to visitors eager to explore the robust culinary heritage of Calabria within Rome. The welcoming staff and pleasant atmosphere contribute to an enjoyable visit for anyone desiring a taste of southern Italy.
Location
Opening Hours
Monday: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM | Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM | Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM | Thursday: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM | Friday: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM | Saturday: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM | Sunday: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Contact
+39 347 875 2676 | https://www.instagram.com/mangiacalabrese/
Comments
Original comment:
I stumbled upon this restaurant by chance and decided to give it a try instead of going with a more established place with a 4.8 rating and thousands of reviews. I noticed someone had mentioned a discount via The Fork, which convinced me to try it out.
Unfortunately, the experience was very disappointing. The basement dining area smelled unpleasant and was extremely humid — not a comfortable setting at all. I ordered the fish pasta, but it was poorly executed and tasted off. I only managed to eat a third of it, and I’m generally quite open to trying new or unusual dishes. This one just felt unsafe to eat.
On a more positive note, the tuna toast was actually quite good.
To make things worse, I was refused the advertised discount from The Fork for unclear reasons. I was told when placing my order that this qualified under the à la carte Fork deal — but this was later contradicted. The explanation didn’t make sense and felt like an excuse.
Overall, the experience left me feeling misled, and I now question the validity of some of the other positive reviews. I would strongly recommend avoiding this place.