Sweet + savoury
I don’t know about you, but when the weather gets colder, I crave more sweet foods. Lucky then, that Mandarosso Pastis opened last month, because they have plenty of sweetness (and also savoury) to offer!
On Carrer General Alvarez de Castro number 5-7, around the corner from Mercat de Santa Caterina, you will find this former milk bar, which has been lovingly renovated and turned into a cosy café by Pietro and Roberta.
Former "granja"
They offer yummie breakfasts and a lunch menu that doesn’t set you back much, which consists of a sandwich or bagel with all manner of deliciousness in it, followed by one of their to-die-for desserts. And all that accompanied by a drink and a fabulous coffee.
Breakfast delights
Aperitif options
Another option is to have a typical Italian aperitivo while you munch on some olives and listen to whatever music is being played on their turntable – how cool is that?! – which can be anything from the Doors to Vinicio Capossela.
Sound system
Artful WC door
As with Pietro’s restaurant Le Cucine Mandarosso (which I really must show you one of these days), the decor at Mandarosso Pastis is eclectic, yet tasteful, and a mix between vintage items and artful ones, such as the door to the WC (above).
On offer...
A delightful double mirror lists the large selection of desserts and other sweet bits and bobs that are on offer – too many to try in one sitting, that’s for sure! All are delicious, and mostly Italian in origin.
Spoiled for choice
Jar of sweets
For those who crave even more sweetness, a gorgeous etched glass jar stands on the counter filled with pretty sweets from Italy, next to a couple of handwritten menus.
Menú del mediodia
Lovely space
Thanks to its glass front and high ceilings, Mandarosso Pastis is a very light and airy place, and a couple of rustic wooden tables (with handy shelves for magazines and newspapers) complete with cute vintage-style chairs and a bunch of colourful, fresh flowers make for a cosy ambiance.
Cosy corner
Carrot cake
The attention for detail visible in the decoration and crockery, are indicative of the great care with which Pietro and Roberta prepare their food and attend their customers. They use only the best ingredients, which they source both in Italy and locally. Based on this honest and sensible approach, no doubt before too long Mandarosso Pastis will be as much of a success story as its older brother Le Cucine Mandarosso has become.
Roberta, Pietro + Marta
Better check it out before it becomes too busy! Mandarosso Pastis opens Tuesday to Saturday from 8am to 9pm, and on Sundays from 9am to 2pm.
Mandarosso Partis
