GOURMET’S CHOICE: Mamma Juana,Worth the Trip to Ciudad Lineal

By  Margaux Cintrano
Photos supplied

Trattoria Mamma Juana

Paradise for the palate

Calle Alcalá  423
Metro:  Ciudad Lineal station, Line 5
Reservations:  91. 741. 1981
Website:  www.restaurantemammajuana.com

Browsing the shops along Madrid´s longest boulevard, Calle Alcalá, is a wonderful way to spend a morning.  Trattoria Mamma Juana is one of the most charming Italian restaurants in northeastern Madrid.  Located just off the corner of Calle Arturo ( Number 2 ), and 100 metres from Alcalá Norte Commercial Shopping Centre ( Number 414), is a whole new gamut of regional Italian at its best.

Firstly, the interior is a duplex featuring two totally distinct ambiances. The first is a neutral earthy contemporary upstairs, and the downstairs is a lively Napoli, Italian trattoria, chockfull of bright sunny yellow and brilliant primaries reminiscent of an authentic Naples, popular haunt.  The third ambiance, which is the star of the show, is the exterior, sidewalk Terrasse.

The memorable and surprisingly wonderful lunch we had was:

Caprese salad

Mamma Juana´s  Caprese:  Mozzarella di Bufala, smoked salmon, radicchio, arugula field greens, oak leaf red lettuce, tomato, red onion, and avocado drizzled with the loveliest vinaigrette I have had in the vicinity.

The main consisted of a freshly prepared green egg spinach fettuccini served with fresh egg white fettucini, with an ever so light 4 Italian cheese sauce.

The wine ordered was Julian Chivite, Gran Feudo, a stunning and refreshing strawberry colored Rosé which paired perfectly with the salad and the pasta.  Note:  The wine list is quite limited, however, the wines on the carte are sure to create a lovely couple. The star of the show was the amazing dessert, a spectacular Napolean layered fresh mango, filled pastry served with fresh raspberries. Simply paradise for the palate.

Mango Napoleon, the spectacular star of the show

Of course, an Espresso followed.