RISOTTO at its finest
Taste Risotto at its finest at Mangia Qui, an immensely popular Harrisburg restaurant only steps away from the Pennsylvania State Capitol.
Want to try the most uncomplicated, melt-in-your-mouth risotto you’ll find anywhere on our planet? Mangia Qui’s chef works her magic with this dish, from the flavor-rich variety of cheese to the presentation. It’s all there for the risotto-lover to relish.
My meal began with a melody of Primi (first course): Risotto Quattro Formaggio Aquarella rice, sautéed greens, taleggio, parmigiano, romana and leonora cheeses, fried baby artichoke
All photos by Joan Mead-Matsui unless otherwise noted.
But don’t be alarmed by the green tint. The sauteed greens were harmoniously balanced with perfectly cooked (al dente) arborio rice, artichokes, and a medley of cheese and garnished with pansies and flower foliage from co-owner Staci Basore’s garden.Â
Before I tell you more about my experience at Mangia Qui, you should know I was raised in a predominately Italian family. My father was of mostly German lineage but he couldn’t have cared less about German food. My maternal grandmother’s meals (i.e. homemade pasta and meatballs, roast chicken, and pork butt layered between a crusty cornmeal “sandwich”) set the tone for most gatherings. She labeled many of
When Rick Dunlap, Visit Hershey-Harrisburg, and I set up my travel itinerary, he asked if I’d like to dine at Mangia Qui on day two of my three-day solo media trip. I said, “Of course.” I arrived at the restaurant around 5 p.m. after a jam-packed day filled with outdoor activities. Throughout the afternoon, my stomach growled non stop and perhaps because
(as many Italians do) immediately after one meal (lunch, for example) my thoughts shift to dinner. By 1 p.m., I had already begun to contemplate what I’d find on the menu.
Not long after I arrived, I was in the process of unpacking my gear when my server brought to my table a small stainless steel bowl brimming with olives, a bottle of water, a water goblet, and the menu.
He discussed the daily specials as I perused the menu a second time. Half-way down the page, the words Risotto Quattro Formaggio popped out. I would have been satisfied with my appetizers and Risotto but my server asked what I’d like for my entree. Do you mean there’s more (food), I thought. The Branzino Seared a la plancha, olive oil poached sweet onion, Kentucky flats, Yukons and squash, and lemon caper brown butter was one of the “Secondi” that appealed to me so I ordered it. Sadly, I had no room or need for dessert afterward.
Basore is part of the team that owns and operates Mangia Qui and two sister restaurants, Rubicon and Suba.  Mangia Qui offers a fresh, locally sourced, and artisanal approach to dining that’s as much about meeting friends and family for a relaxed dining experience as it “the food,” which was superb. In addition to finding Risotto at its finest, without hesitation, I recommend Mangia Qui to anyone who is seeking a first-rate Italian restaurant. Plan a date night, family gathering, friends’ night-out, special occasion, or business-related dinner.Â
Mangia Qui: Casual dining and
phenomenal Italian cuisine.
272 North Street
Harrisburg, PA — 17102
717.233.7358
Complimentary valet parking on Friday and Saturday evenings, 5 -11 p,m.
Join the staff for a New Year’s Eve celebration.
For more information about Hershey and Harrisburg lodging and attractions, visit www.VisitHersheyHarrisburg.org.
My trip was hosted and comped by Visit Hershey & Harrisburg but my opinions are my own and are based on my personal experiences.
This father and son duo prepare to cast a fishing line into the Susquehanna River. Plan a Harrisburg family fishing trip or water activity and enjoy the outdoors TOGETHER.
