Mariella, the charming Italian restaurant nestled in South Slope, Brooklyn, has quickly become a neighborhood favorite. But what makes its menu so appealing? This in-depth review explores Mariella's offerings, highlighting its strengths and areas for potential improvement. We'll examine the menu's composition, pricing, and overall dining experience to provide a comprehensive picture for potential patrons. The Mariella menu is a delicious journey through classic Italian dishes with a modern twist.
Appetizers: A Taste of Italy
The appetizer section of the Mariella menu is a delightful introduction to the restaurant's culinary style. Options range from classic bruschetta, where the quality of the tomatoes is clearly a priority, to more creative dishes like the fried artichokes with lemon aioli.
- Standouts: The burrata with roasted peppers is a consistently praised dish, with creamy burrata perfectly complementing the sweetness of the roasted peppers. The Arancini, fried risotto balls, are another popular choice, offering a crispy exterior and flavorful, creamy interior.
- Room for Improvement: While the overall quality is high, some have noted that portion sizes for certain appetizers could be slightly larger given the price point.
Analyzing Appetizer Pricing
| Appetizer | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Bruschetta | $14 |
| Fried Artichokes | $16 |
| Burrata with Roasted Peppers | $18 |
| Arancini | $15 |
Pasta: The Heart of the Mariella Menu
Mariella's pasta dishes are arguably the highlight of their menu. They utilize fresh, high-quality ingredients and showcase classic Italian techniques. The pasta is made in-house, lending a unique texture and taste unavailable in many other restaurants.
Popular Pasta Choices
- Cacio e Pepe: This simple yet elegant dish is a testament to the quality of Mariella's ingredients. The perfectly cooked pasta is coated in a creamy sauce of pecorino romano cheese and black pepper.
- Spaghetti alle Vongole: The spaghetti with clams is another favorite, boasting fresh, perfectly cooked clams in a light garlic and white wine sauce.
- Truffle Tagliatelle: For a luxurious experience, the truffle tagliatelle is a decadent choice, featuring house-made tagliatelle pasta infused with the rich aroma of truffle oil.
Pasta Menu Pricing
| Pasta Dish | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Cacio e Pepe | $22 |
| Spaghetti alle Vongole | $24 |
| Truffle Tagliatelle | $28 |
Main Courses: Hearty and Satisfying
Mariella's main courses offer a satisfying complement to their pasta selection. From grilled meats to seafood dishes, the menu demonstrates a versatility that caters to various tastes. The focus remains on fresh, high-quality ingredients, prepared with care and attention to detail.
Notable Main Courses
- Grilled Branzino: This is a consistently popular choice, offering a perfectly cooked branzino with crisp skin and flaky flesh. The accompanying vegetables are simple yet perfectly complement the fish.
- Chicken Parmesan: A classic done right. The chicken is tender, the breading is crispy, and the marinara sauce is rich and flavorful. This dish represents a solid and reliable option for those seeking comfort food.
Main Course Pricing
| Main Course | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Grilled Branzino | $30 |
| Chicken Parmesan | $26 |
Desserts: The Sweet Ending
The dessert menu at Mariella is a smaller but well-curated selection. The focus is on classic Italian desserts, made with care and attention to detail.
Dessert Highlights
- Tiramisu: A classic Italian dessert, Mariella's version is rich, creamy, and flavorful.
- Cannoli: The cannoli are fresh and filled with a creamy ricotta filling.
Overall Mariella Experience and Menu Review
Mariella's South Slope location offers a welcoming and intimate dining experience. The service is generally attentive and friendly, contributing to the overall positive ambiance. The menu itself, while not extensive, provides a solid selection of high-quality Italian dishes at a price point that reflects the quality of ingredients and preparation. While some might find the portion sizes of certain appetizers slightly small given their price, the overall quality and taste of the food consistently earn high praise. The consistent positive reviews highlight Mariella as a worthwhile addition to the South Slope dining scene. Its focus on quality ingredients and classic Italian dishes makes it a strong contender for a memorable Italian meal.
