Mandola's Italian Market

04/27/2008 Posted by austinfoodgirl

I highly recommend eating here. Ask them about their fancy restaurant in Driftwood, it's badass also. I am one picky AustinFoodGirl.

02/23/2008 Posted by tuesdaythursday

Mandola's Italian Market is a delightful restaurant located in the Triangle. Although exceptionally "fratty" (and thus a tad unbearable) on the weekends, stop by any Tuesday night and relax while little Italy envelopes you. The huge wine selection, coupled with the extensive deli of fresh cheeses, meats, and pastries, leaves me to make several suggestions: 1. try the gorgonzola dolce, 2. when trying the gorgonzola dolce, remember to eat with a freind so that you aren't responsible for eating 1/2 - 1 1/2 pounds of exquisite cheese all by yourself, 3. try the Melini Chianti Borghi D'Elsa--voted best inexpensive red wine in 2005 by the New York Daily News, and 4. take your food outside and dine under the twinkly lights beside the concrete fountain. Mandola's is a magical place--perfect for dinner with a date you're trying to woo into believing you're actually a foodie. ENJOY!

Pros: True Italian Cuisine with a little taste of Austin.

Cons: Beat the crowds--dine on a weeknight!

01/27/2008 Posted by notacheapdate

Mandola's is the place to be if you like a crowd. I went on a Saturday night, and as expected, the line was out the door. The place is definitely for wine lovers since every other person in line had a drink in hand (I wouldn't be able to rate the wine since I don't drink). The tables are pushed really close together, so I would not recommend bringing a baby stroller/carriage or to come in a group of more than 4 unless you're willing to sit outside. I tried the bruschetta, and it was heavy with garlic (to the point I was coughing after each bite) and low on olive oil. The great part about it was that they used cherry tomato halves, so it tasted fresh. I had the pesto pasta as my main meal, and it would have tasted just fine but was a little drier than recommended with the lack of sauce. Try the pizza though! Tomato sauce is not their main ingredient, so you're able to taste the fresh ingredients. If you haven't been here yet, I would definitely try it to get that city feel, but otherwise I would recommend you waiting on that sushi restaurant that will be opening up soon right across the center from them!

Pros: Great pizza, Fresh ingredients

Cons: Crowded, Uncomfortable chairs

01/07/2008 Posted by bobg12345

My Review is of this map.....1 star at best. Mandola's that is being reviewed by most reviewers here is on Lamar between 45th and 51st Streets. Map shows it down by River....Don't know what is there, but its not the market.

12/09/2007 Posted by rp4runner

The food at Mandola's market is outstanding, and their new restaurant Trattoria Lisina in Driftwood is also outstanding. It's so nice to finally have great Italian food options in Austin. I wish we had a market in SW Austin. Keep up the great work!!

Pros: Quality of food, great for kids.

Cons: n/a

08/19/2007 Posted by dehiller

I enjoyed the attractive decor--wall murals, brick, wood--but the place is really loud...not least because they've got tables upon tables--no elbow room to speak of--and it's often really busy. The sandwiches (panini) are good, but the pasta dishes were too garlicky and not very authentic (I grew up in an Italian neighborhood in NJ and, both at home and when eating out, Italian food was the "default," so I think I know Italian food!). For what it is, the food menu is a little overpriced. The bakery selections, on the other hand, are worth it: chocolate-dipped espresso cookies are fantastic. The service is just OK, and the lines can get very long at mealtimes. We've walked out before because getting a table and our meal within 45 minutes looked hopeless. Basically, this is a quaint themed restaurant--not bad, but not all that it's cracked up to be either. Come weekdays in the mid-afternoon and try the baked goods; they are unique among Austin bakeries.

Pros: great bakery, wifi, nice decor

Cons: mediocre entrees, tables too close together, very loud, long lines at mealtimes

06/27/2007 Posted by webella

Being a native New Yorker, reminds me of a Balducci coupled with a bistro like quality...nice wine selction, good food, and helpful staff. I loved seeing brands of foodstuffs that I remember from NYC...

Pros: Ambience

Cons: None

06/26/2007 Posted by snugglygirl007

Every time I have been here I have had a wonderful, unique experience. The set-up and decor make you feel like you are in Italy itself. The staff is more than happy to help with much attention to detail. The last time I went was on Christmas Eve, Mandola's was in the process of closing early, but they still allowed us in with a smile. It was surreal as we had the most romantic dinner - we were the only ones in the entire place, we took our time and savored every delectable bit, not once being rushed. There was something special about seeing such an often busy place, so quiet and family-like. And, I have seen it busy there - VERY busy at peak times, with long lines - but somehow even when it's crowded, the ambience overtakes it.

Pros: Ambience. Ambience. Ambience.

Cons: Can be crowded at times - but very well worth it.

06/24/2007 Posted by a_e_b

Long wait for over-priced, mediorcre food. Always over-crowded and staff is less than happy to assist. If you want to have a conversation with any of the people you are eating with- forget about sitting inside because it is way too loud. We have given this place several tries because it is so convienent (right downsatirs) and after the latest eperience we would rather drive to another restaurant.

04/10/2007 Posted by foghornlonghorn

The first time I ate at Mandola's I wasn't impressed at all. However, I've done restaurant reviews on a professional basis long enough to know that you have to visit a place a few times to give it a fair shake. Just about every place, including four star restaurants, have bad days. Since my first try I have been back seven times and I love it more and more each time. I've had everything from the Ravioli with meat sauces, to the signature pizzas, and am a true believer now. I've been to the north end (italian district in Boston) and Little Italy in NYC and this place equals them all. Well sorentos italian gourmet in beantown beats everyone, but this place is still nicely done

Pros: Great food, no need to tip, free refills on sodas

Cons: noisey as heck, usually very crowded