Mandola's Italian Market @ the Triangle

[1990txgirl]

I highly recommend that everyone go try Mandola’s Italian Market at the new Triangle development (where Guadalupe merges into N. Lamar, around 51st St.) in north central Austin.

Had dinner there last night and it was outstanding; very reasonable prices and great menu selection. They also have a full Italian market featuring house-made Italian sausage, fresh mozzarella and ricotta, and a bakery. Best of all, you can purchase and consume wine on premises without a corkage fee! We had a Zenato Ripassa that's usually marked up to $40-50 at restaurants (retail, $24). Oh, and it's counter service with no tip jar and no tip line on your cc receipts either. What a concept!

Many of you are familiar with chef/owner Damian Mandola’s Houston restaurant, Damian’s Cucina Italiana, and the venture he started with his nephew Johnny Carrabba, Carrabba’s Italian Grill. See a copy of Mandola’s menu here. He also has a cooking show on PBS, Cucina Sicilia. They both live in Austin now and the show is filmed in the area.

I'm well aware that a lot people aren't crazy about what's become of that lot of land, but don't let that deter you from a great new place to eat!

 

[numbereleven]

The desserts are also excellent. A solid cannoli, not too sweet.

 

[TheTresLeches]

I went there for lunch last week. The food was really good, the service had some issues, but they've only been open for less than two months, so I'll cut them some slack and give them another try.

 

[unpaintedhuffhines]

ate there about a month ago with my wife and my dad. We all thought the food was good, not excellent. In fact, our first bite we all had a great reaction..holy crap this is amazing. Then by the end of the meal we all felt it lost something. I know that sounds odd but we all felt the same way.

It is definitely worth a try and I really like the concept. There is something to be said for a place that is different when it comes to ordering. There was also a cool vibe inside the place, as it is also a market (although 99% of the people there were there for dinner).

We ate outside and loved the patio area. Go check it out, unless you are Texas Horn and have something against restaurants that didn't originate in Austin.

 

[KingKoopa]

i had the italian tuna sandwich there last week... i was pretty impressed (though the one at hog island still has my vote as best in austin). had a great glass of wine with it too. i really enjoyed the atmosphere and looking around the shop and will definitely go back sometime.