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When you’re in the mood for authentic Italian cuisine, you don’t have to travel far from Mission, Texas. Nearby McAllen boasts a choice of stylish restaurants that are ideal for a date night or casual dining with friends. Here are four of the best in the area.
Il Forno a Legna
Located on North 10th Street, Il Forno a Legna is an upscale restaurant that blends traditional styling with a contemporary feel. Elegant furniture, vintage Italian posters, and subtle lighting give the place a classy but welcoming atmosphere. What really grabs you is the amazing wood-fired pizza oven that sends out gorgeous aromas.
You can enjoy delicious appetizers like burrata con prosciutto di Parma, wood-fired clams casino, and carpaccio di Manzo. Along with a superb selection of pasta dishes and pizzas, their signature dishes include pollo al marsala con funghi shiitake, costole di Manzo brasate (jumbo beef rib), polpo alla griglia (grilled octopus), and succulent steaks.
Mama’s Pizzeria
Mama’s Pizzeria is a quaint little restaurant, also on North 10th street. The homely decor, eclectic art and ornaments, and cozy lighting give the dining room a warm, mellow ambiance. What’s more, a beautifully lit covered patio offers al fresco eating. From the bar, you can order imported and seasonal craft beers, wine, and carafes of excellent sangria.
The menu features antipasti such as breaded cheese ravioli, spinach artichoke dip, and lemon peppered fried zucchini. Pizzas are offered in five sizes, and vegetarians can choose a cauliflower crust. Seafood dishes at Mama’s Pizzeria include pesce con pasta alla pesto, lobster ravioli, linguini shrimp, and drunken mussels over linguini.
Malfitany Pasta Company
Stop by the Malfitany Pasta Company — another top outfit on North 10th Street — to see where pasta and sauces are freshly made from scratch every day. Its dining room features simple but stylish decor, with vintage black and white photos of Italy adding a touch of class. Also, you’ll be treated to a warm welcome at this cozy family-owned restaurant.
You’ll find great appetizers on the menu like savory cheesecake, pepperoni rolls, fried mozzarella, clam chowder, and salads. Pasta entrees include tagliatelle Alfredo, baked ziti, and frutti de mar. Malfitany Pasta Company also offers brick oven-baked flatbreads and baked or fried panzerottis, which are filled Italian turnovers made from homemade dough.
Romano’s Macaroni Grill
Romano’s Macaroni Grill is committed to bringing you a taste of Italy through dishes made with ingredients from small family-owned Italian farms. Inside this chain eatery, dark wood furniture contrasts with crisp white table linen, while the hanging lighting creates a warm, comfortable atmosphere. The bar offers a good selection of red and white wines, cocktails, and bottled beers including Sam Adams, various domestics, and regional favorites.
Antipasti offerings at Romano’s include calamari friti, stuffed mushrooms, and crispy Brussels sprouts. Choose from pasta dishes such as mushroom or seafood ravioli, penne rustica, and butternut tortellacci. There are also excellent entrees here like Buffalo chicken parmesan, braised lamb shank, grilled salmon, and shrimp Portofino.
These McAllen Italian restaurants offer varying dining experiences but have superb Italian cuisine in common.
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