La Trattoria di Mambrino Review

Food is more than just fuel, more than a necessity, it's an adventure waiting on a plate. This is why, knowing where to eat out is crucial. From the first whiff of sizzling aromas to that perfect bite that makes your taste buds do a flip, every meal tells a story. No one wants to spend their money on bad food or bad experiences, which is why we will dive into the culinary details of the restaurant “La Bodega de la Trattoria” at Jockey Plaza.

With many locals, this restaurant is renowned and known for its amazing pizzas and Italian food. Unlike its older sister “La Trattoria di Mambrino” this is a much more inexpensive alternative. 

It is no surprise that after a long day of walking through the mall, we crave not only a great meal, but also a place where we can unwind with our friends. Time and time again, we find ourselves gravitating towards what we all can agree is one of the best restaurants in the entire mall. Sure, the food is amazing—rich, flavorful, and indulgent—but it’s more than just the dishes that bring us back. This spot has become our go-to for laughter, inside jokes, and memories that make each meal special. It’s where we gather after our shopping sprees, making it as much about the experience as the food.

This weekend we stopped by the restaurant and ordered the fan favorite, the Pizza Margarita, accompanied by the Hawaiian Drink, the Fragola Limonata, and some Garlic Bread to start up our three-course meal. To be quite honest, the garlic bread, though it was good, seemed to harden up and crumble too much. The sides were hard to chew, making it an unpleasant experience when eating, not to mention the crumbs that would fall everywhere. Regardless of how hard and unchewable the garlic bread was, the main entry plate did not disappoint. The Pizza Margarita was delicious, with the perfect amount of crisp on the outside and with a soft, chewy crust and a rich, savory blend of toppings that hit all the right notes. The basil covered with cheese and the right amount of tomato sauce made the pizza perfect. Just make sure to pick the thin crust when ordering; the thicker crust is another story. Alongside that, the fragola limonata was a refreshing surprise, balancing sweet strawberry flavors with a tangy lemon kick that made every sip a treat. And let’s not forget the Hawaiian drink, which was just as impressive, bursting with tropical flavors that perfectly complemented the meal. All in all, the food and drinks were delicious. Lastly, we ordered dessert! We ordered the chocolate lava cake with two scoops of vanilla ice cream. 

However, depending on where you sit, service may be slow. On our most recent trip to the Bodega, we experienced neglect from our servers, as we were sitting in the far corner of the restaurant. Tucked in a corner we didn’t have to worry about the possible disturbance of others, nonetheless, none of the tables were completely filled, yet the service still managed to look over us, making our dining experience twice as much longer as it usually would be. If you love talking and don’t mind a longer stay in the restaurant, we wouldn't give much thought as to where we sit.  

We definitely recommend this restaurant, and despite the wait, the food makes it all worth it.