Mentone

"Couldn't reserve on Valentine's day, so we ate there on the 15th. The Val-day menu was still available, so we shared the last black truffle pizza, w. a cheese base flecked with small bits of truffle. Then the server shredded truffle slices over the top--OMG--$65 and worth every penny! (Regular pizzas range from $17 to $26.) For starters, we split an arugula salad and a vegetable side (brown butter braised cabbage--even if you hate cabbage, you'll love this). For dessert, we shared the affogato. The chocolate was molded and formed against the side and bottom of the cup, then they poured espresso into the cup. Superb. I said to my husband, "This tastes like Valrhona." You know you have an outstanding server when you ask which brand of chocolate was used. Zach answered, "Valrhona." I use this superb variety for every chocolate dessert I make."

"Mentone packs flavor into every bite. On my recent visit, I ordered the stracciatella cheese with focaccia, puntarelle salad, pork pâté, and margherita pizza. The stracciatella: I've never enjoyed a soft cheese more. The balance of oil, salt, and pepper took the delicate flavor of the cheese to a new level. Puntarelle salad: I don't think I've ever had a more flavorful salad. Every bite packs a punch, without becoming overpowering. Pâté: great flavor combination; it's not easy to mix savory and sweet, but this dish pulls it off with the apple reduction. Margherita pizza: simple and delicious. The natural flavors really shine through. The inside of each slice becomes soggy quickly, but I'm not sure there's a way around that. If I had to sum up my experience at Mentone: intentionality. Nothing is random, every flavor has a purpose. I can't wait to return."

"Walked in and sadly was ignored for the first couple of minutes by the staff that kept walking by, looking at me and simply looking away instead of greeting and saying someone will be right with me. Must have not been white enough for them because after being assisted after 3 minutes of standing there we sat down to wait for our reservation, someone else walked in and someone from the restaurant was quick to come up to greet them. When we finally sat down our waitress was attentive. Since it was our first time there, we tried a few different dishes. Started off with two appetizers, salami plate and and a salad, both were decent. My group shared a margherita pizza, we each got a pasta dish, clams, bolognese, and I got the gnocchi. The pizza was just ok, nothing special that would keep me coming back for. The clams pasta was good, bolognese ok, but the gnocchi...the gnocchi!! OMG was the best dish. Clouds of heaven!! The texture put you on cloud nine, I appreciated the size and the sauce, along with the peas and asparagus were a great touch! Also tried two drinks ..nothing special. Dining there was on the pricey side, usually don't mind it if the whole experience is pleasant. Would go back just for the gnocchi other than that I would not return, especially if I'm going to feel like I'm not welcomed when I walk in."

"Excellent service with small but delicious and fresh menu. Beef tartare was favorite but pizza was impressive as well. Tomato sauce was very with clear and clean flavor. Great and crispy remaining parts."

"My son and daughter-in-law brought us here as it is their go-to place. They drummed it up so much that the expectation was pretty high. Mentone was truly an awesome experience. The eggplant appetizer was to die for. The pork belly and scallops were very, very good. The pizza - we had the spicy soppressata - was on par with the best ones I have ever had. The drinks were also very good. It was a little pricey but totally worth it."