Nestled in the neighborhood complex of San Antonio Plaza in Forbes Park is this small and unpretentious deli-style restaurant. Here in Manila, it’s not unheard of for a restaurant to last barely two to five years. That’s mostly because they are not consistent enough, serving great food the first few years, then deteriorating slowly thereafter. But since La Nuova Pasteleria has been around for over 30 years, I guess that would have to make it a class all on its own.
The good: (everything, basically)
Flat bread with tomato and chicken pate
Zuppa di Funghi (P271) Fresh mushroom soup. Not cream of mushroom (as what most restaurants serve), fresh real mushroom: clear and well seasoned with pepper and olive oil. I found it refreshing to have mushroom soup that did not taste like it came straight out of a Campbell’s can.
Spinacci Trifolate Sauteed (P385) Spinach with truffle cream in Porcini mushroom sauce. Easily a hit for an appetizer. The sauce was so rich and creamy, one could almost get full eating this alone.
Spinach Pizza – with fresh tomato sauce, topped with creamy mushroom and spinach. Better than most vegetarian-style pizzas you’ll find around the city. It was mild yet flavorful at the same time.
Pepperoni Pizza with olives – authentic taste to something so ubiquitous
Pescatora e Salsa Pomodoro (P459) Spaghetti with seafood in tomato sauce. The tomato sauce was a great feature in this dish. Although I’m not a fan of seafood + pasta, this one makes a real difference.
Filleto de Salmone (P595). Salmon steak with scallop and shrimp in cream sauce. The star of the table, hands down. If there is only one thing you can order out of this meal, get this one. The salmon is perfectly baked and the shrimp and scallop were not bad at all. But what makes this dish insanely delicious is the sauce made of cream, butter, cheese, and some dill. The pasta with bell pepper on the side add a nice contrast to it. Ahh, heaven.
For dessert, we shared a strawberry shortcake which the waiters gave on the house.
The verdict: I have no bad reviews for this place at all. Ok, maybe they could do with bigger space. And gelato. But that’s beside the point. This place serves authentic Italian food that’s cooked in the right, Italian way: simple, no frills, and delicious.
Rating: 4.75 / 5
P.S. A far cry from the “World of the J.” no?
Chatty, La Nuova's my favorite!!! Their Ravioli Verdi is the absolute best comfort food everrrr. :) Ig's mommy got me super addicted to the stuff! :D The Vongole al Vino Bianco and the Parmigiana Di Melanzane is super yummy too. :) Aaahhhh I'm craving!!! Bad idea to read this at such an ungodly hour!!!
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