Jaxx D.
Yelp
Mangia Mangia Pasta Cafe was a disappointing experience, despite its reputation and the glowing reviews that made me curious to try it.
The service was lackluster. While our waitress was friendly, my glass of water was only refilled once throughout the entire dinner, and the restaurant wasn't even busy. Maybe it was an off day, but the level of attention just didn't match the expectations for a place like this.
On a positive note, the outdoor seating is lovely, with a fantastic ambiance that sets the stage for a promising meal. Unfortunately, the food fell far short. I ordered the Pollo Con Funghi e Piselli, and it was underwhelming. The chicken was bland, flavorless, and had the texture of something that might have been boiled. The pasta was overcooked to the point of being mushy, and the marinara sauce lacked flavor entirely. Honestly, you could open a jar of Rao's marinara at home and end up with something much better.
My wife ordered the Mahi Piccata, and we both found it overwhelmingly lemony--so much so that it overpowered any other flavors in the dish.
While the setting is nice, the food and service just didn't live up to the hype. If you're craving Italian food in Key West, there are much better options to explore. Unfortunately, Mangia Mangia left us wishing for a do-over somewhere else.