"Chronicle critic Jessi Cape visited ManinPasta on South Lamar this week, and found Italian food that was “clearly legit.” Owner Davide Careri is Sicilian, she found each item was crafted with a nonna’s care (and, on a lunch visit, Italian was the dominant language spoken). Cape started with drinks on the “tucked away” patio, and saluted the “solid” cocktail program. The first dish was the Dal Mare, sautéed mussels and clams in a “luscious” cherry tomato broth. However, her next dish, the classic Roman carbonara, earned high praise: However, at $18.50 for a regular portion size, she wondered if the dish was worth it. On the pizza size of things, Cape enjoyed the pizza, particularly the crust which “married thin outside crunch with chewy interior,” but found it a bit subdued compared to the spicier Fuoco dell’Etna with sausage and peppers. However, she was unable to verify the restaurant’s claimed status as Verace Pizza Napoletana (authentic Neapolitan pizza). Overall, Cape found the restaurant had “unexpected warmth and charm” and hopes a price adjustment will bring the restaurant more business." - Erin Russell
