Inside PASTAMAMMA Riyadh: the newest Italian restaurant to hit the block
Carbs central (but in the best way possible)
Whenever someone asks me what my favourite cuisine is, Italian always comes to mind. Growing up on Italian and Italian-inspired flavours for basically my entire life, thanks to all the amazing Italian restaurants in Riyadh, I’m always on the lookout for more spots. Now, PASTAMAMMA Riyadh joins the list (much to my delight).
Its location? Inside the capital’s favourite mall, Riyadh Park (lucky, we know). The space serves Italian-inspired flavours at their finest. The restaurant seamlessly blends classic Italian tastes with contemporary techniques.
After winning hearts at its flagship location in Dubai at Bluewaters, PASTAMAMMA Riyadh has become a top choice for exceptional handmade pasta and wood-fired pizzas.
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The looks
A casual dining space at its core. As you walk into the space, you’ll find industrial decor all over, along with grey-toned, sleek tables and comfy sofa seating. But it’s done tastefully, not the dreary minimalist decor we’ve all grown tired of. One look at the restaurant and you’ll see hints of colour through the greenery that can be found all over the space, walnut wood accents, all lit up by several gorgeous pendant lights.
And if you’re anything like me, you’d find yourself constantly drawn to the open kitchen where the staff is always making handmade pasta and the wood-fired oven that’s launching delicious thin-crust pizzas.
There’s also a gorgeous bar in the back that churns out delicious beverages, both mocktails and coffee and is helmed by a talented team. The sprawling restaurant is even home to a stunning terrace dining area, perfect for the cooler evenings.
The food
On to the real meat (and veggies) of this review, I now ask you to humbly direct your attention to the amazing food. Serving up an extensive menu designed to captivate the modern palate, guests can look forward to discovering beautifully crafted pasta dishes, pizzas, and delightful desserts.
We started off with a delicious burrata salad (you can’t go to an Italian restaurant and not get the burrata), served with heirloom tomatoes, homemade pesto, a balsamic glaze, and crispy pizza bread. Light, fresh, and the perfect way to whet your appetite.
Followed by the trottole arrabbiata with chorizo featuring trottole pasta, beef chorizo, spicy nduja, San Marzano tomato sauce, parmesan, and fresh basil, and I pride myself on my choice of pasta, especially of the arrabbiata variety, and I do have to say, this may be one of the best I’ve ever had.
For our pizza option, we tucked into the Quattro Formaggi, featuring Fior di Latte, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, gorgonzola, and Asiago, and while it was very rich, it was also very wonderful (I would’ve finished the whole thing if I could have).
Perfectly complementary sides include the herbed potatoes and mushrooms, and grilled vegetables. For drinks, do yourself a favour and get the yuzu and kiwi lemonade.
Lastly, we’d recommend the chocolate fondant served with vanilla ice cream for your dessert.
What’s On the Bill
SAR300 to 500 for two, including food and drinks.
The Final Say
What’s On Verdict: Fuss-free, casual Italian dining is done right at PASTAMAMMA Riyadh.
Location: Riyadh Park Mall, Gate 4, Floor 1
