By: Addie King

In a city where po-boys reign, a local establishment is shaking things up with tasty and inexpensive Italian comfort foods.  Nonna Mia, located right on Esplanade Avenue in the old Asian Pacific Cafe building, has been dazzling the taste buds of New Orleanians for just over a year now.  The menu includes huge portions of the standard Italian offerings – salad, pizza, sandwiches, pasta, and an impressive array of appetizers.

I recently had dinner there to celebrate a friend’s birthday.  We originally had reservations for the outside patio (which is lovely!) but the rain forced us indoors.   We ended up in a side room with sultry photos of Hollywood vixens.  Although it was a little chilly, the ambiance was otherwise comfortable.   Our server was pleasant and tended to our table of six well.  I’ve eaten at Nonna Mia many times and have never had a bad experience.  If you’ve never been, it’s definitely worth a stop.

Recommended:

Marinated Olives appetizer – an assortment of olives sautéed in olive oil with herbs, whole cloves of garlic and toasted crusty bread.  This dish is amazing.  The olives have a deliciously tangy bite and the garlic is always perfectly sautéed.  Note that you will need to request more bread, which they are happy to give you. $5.95

Pizza by the slice starts at $2.50 and is customizable with a number of premium and standard toppings.  Caveat: Only white crust and red sauce are available as the base for pizza-by-the-slice.

Be in the know: On Monday nights they feature $5 pitchers of Abita and Peroni and offer half off every bottle of wine.

Check them out:

Address: 3125 Esplanade Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70119

Phone: 504.948.1717

Web: http://www.NonnaMia.net

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/NonnaMiaNOLA

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NonnaMiaNewOrleans

Foursquare: http://foursquare.com/venue/223038

Foursquare special – Free Bottle of House Wine or Pitcher of Draft Beer with your 4th check in (with purchase, dine in only); Free Small Pizza for every Mayor (with purchase, dine in only)

View full menu here: http://www.nonnamia.net/our-menu.php