The interior of Mangiare Ristorante Italiano in Newmarket. The owners create a warm and welcoming ambience, especially during the holidays. (Kyle Alvarez/Stars and Stripes)
As my time in England comes to an end, I look back on the many fond memories of places my family visited and dishes we enjoyed at so many delicious restaurants in the country.
One favorite place we frequented for comfort food is Mangiare Ristorante Italiano in Newmarket, a short drive from RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath.
The combination of a warm and welcoming ambience, friendly customer service and delightful meals is the reason we chose Mangiare so often. I can’t recall ever having a bad experience there.
On our most recent visit, the restaurant was wondrously decorated for the Christmas season. The relaxing environment made it feel like we were dining at my grandma’s house.
The fried calamari at Mangiare Ristorante Italiano in Newmarket, England. The starters are priced between 5.50 and 17 pounds. (Kyle Alvarez/Stars and Stripes)
I debated between fried calamari and mozzarella sticks as an appetizer. Both have been home runs for me in the past. I went with the calamari this time, as I was itching for fresh seafood more than cheese, which I wanted to leave for the main dish.
Tartar sauce is generally a hard pass for me because at most places, I find it greasy and overpowering, but not at Mangiare. Its light, refreshing take on the dipping sauce doesn’t detract from the calamari whatsoever.
The gnocchi gorgonzola at Mangiare Ristorante Italiano. Besides the gorgonzola option, the restaurant also offers gnocchi Bolognese. (Kyle Alvarez/Stars and Stripes)
For my main dish, I ordered gnocchi, a favorite of mine. Both options, gnocchi Bolognese and gnocchi gorgonzola with mushrooms and spring onions, are superb.
I went with the latter this time. It came in a deep-dish bowl fresh from the kitchen, and the smell of the gorgonzola coming from the plate preemptively whetted my appetite.
One reason I love gnocchi is that it makes a standout sauce shine. Mangiare’s gorgonzola sauce hits all the desired notes. It coats the gnocchi generously, leaving me to indulge in every bite. I had to fight the urge to lick the bowl clean.
The bread-and-butter pudding at Mangiare Ristorante Italiano in Newmarket, England, is a standout on the restaurant's dessert menu. (Kyle Alvarez/Stars and Stripes)
To cap off the evening, I went with my favorite dessert, the bread-and-butter pudding. It comes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, is sprinkled with powdered sugar and has baked-in raisins. It’s consistent in its quality; always slightly crispy on the outside and warm and gooey on the inside. It can easily be cut with a spoon.
The wife and I usually split the dessert, as it is fairly large, but this time I had it all to myself.
Needless to say, I was stuffed and satisfied at the end of the meal. It was a familiar feeling born of all the trips over the years to Mangiare, which I cannot recommend enough.
Mangiare Ristorante Italiano in Newmarket, England, is open seven days a week and serves a wide assortment of Italian cuisine in a friendly atmosphere. (Kyle Alvarez/Stars and Stripes)
Mangiare Ristorante Italiano
Address: UL, 3 4 Exeter Road, Newmarket, England
Prices: Starters, sides and extras range from 5.50 to 17 pounds; pasta and risottos, 10 to 18 pounds; pizzas, 5.50 to 15 pounds; specialties, 17.50 to 24 pounds; desserts range from 1.50 to 7 pounds
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 12-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 12-11 p.m.
Information: Online: mangiareristorante.co.uk
