MASTRANTONIO ILLOVO

BEST FOR Business lunches. FOOD Authentic Italian cooking is what Mastrantonio is all about. Antipasto is a good place to start, with the likes of carpaccio di manzo: gorgeous fillet thinly sliced and drizzled with olive oil and topped with shavings of parmesan and mushroom; or the melanzane of layered brinjal and tomato sauce topped with bubbling mozzarella and parmesan. For mains, try the light and fluffy home-made gnocchi, perfect with the four-cheese sauce; or the linguine porcini, heroing the mushroom with just garlic and olive oil coating silky pasta ribbons. There’s a selection of chicken, steak and veal dishes all cooked in traditional Italian style. End the meal with tiramisu and an espresso. DRINKS The wine list, while on the pricier side, features a decent selection of local and international wines. SERVICE Warm greetings by management don’t match the lacklustre table service. AMBIENCE Everything a trattoria should be; warm, with soft lighting illuminating perfectly laid tables. (SST)