Nando Trattoria | A Travel Foodie's Journey

Elegant and refined define the Art Deco decor and the culinary offerings at Nando Trattoria. Upon entering the establishment, one immediately senses they are somewhere special. The restaurant is located on Manhattan Avenue and is in a fairly modest sized space. At the time of dining, which was prime dinner time on a Saturday evening, every table at the restaurant was occupied.

CUORI DI LATTUGA DEI CESAR
Organic heart of romaine lettuce, DOP Parmigiano Reggiano, toasted croutons, Caesar dressing

The patrons’ anticipation and enjoyment of an authentic Italian dining experience is palpable as gasps of excitement and delight are heard while dishes are served to adjoining tables.

ARANCINO DI RISO AL RAGÙ DI CARNE
Golden crispy rice saffron ball, wagyu beef ragù and smoked mozzarella, provolone

There is a low and respectable murmur of voices and laughter during the meal. Most of the tables are comprised of at least two couples and in a few instances, a slightly larger party.

RAVIOLI DI ARAGOSTA E GRANCHIO
Crab and Lobster ravioli, delicate scampi sauce, scallop

We had the benefit of sitting next to a lovely gentleman who was proud to declare he had dined at the restaurant every week since it opened in the height of the pandemic. Nando Trattoria’s ability to thrive despite such obstacles speaks volumes about what they uniquely offer the residents and visitors to this newish Manhattan Beach restaurant.

There were a few notable highlights.

FOCACCIA
NANDO TRATTORIA ANTIPASTI – APPETIZERS
Fresh baked focaccia bread served with Parmigiano truffle fondue

The first was the focaccia served with a parmigiano truffle fondue. The top layer was reminiscent of a pie crust which was light, airy and flaky.

LASAGNA BOLOGNESE
Traditional baked lasagna with beef ragu and bechamel

Our next favorite dish was the lasagne bolognese which was both dense, due to the combination of the beef and bechamel sauce, but also light as a result of perfectly textured and al dente handcrafted pasta.

The icing on the meal were the nutella bombolini. We almost opted to skip that dessert but one of the servers convinced us that it would be a mistake of gargantuan proportion. Needless to say, he was right and I will forever have dreams about that doughy slightly sugared exterior with the warm, creamy filling.

In a beachside restaurant community that has seen a transformation of clientele and residents over the years, Nando Trattoria definitely stands on its own and is without compare.

I am eagerly awaiting the next opportunity to introduce our foodie friends to this “new to us” neighborhood gem. Grazie to the two brothers who brought their culinary gifts and passion to the shores of Manhattan Beach. We are looking forward to seeing you soon.