In Search of Comfort (Italian) Food

I am half Italian, and have spent my entire life consuming huge amounts of pasta and risotto cooked by my mom, aunt or grandmother. To me, pasta is the ultimate comfort food (especially if it comes with a homemade ragu sauce). So after having a bad day at work, I was craving pasta and studying my options.

Locals will tell you that the best Italian restaurant is San Ceferino in San Isidro. The décor is interesting (hanging bottles!) and the plates are huge, but it is also overpriced for the quality. I paid about S./ 70 for a plate of spaghetti frutti di mare, which was ok but not mind blowing. So I say, pass.

A good price-value option is La Bodega de la Trattoria. It is part of a chain, but the plates are decently sized and good quality. It has that “homemade” taste perfect for when you’re missing home. Also, house wine is available by the half liter which is a good option if dining for two. The décor is very simple, and the Miraflores location has a terrace you can sit at if the weather is nice (which is almost never during winter in Lima). 

The piadina with prosciutto and olive oil will calm your hunger before you order a plate of fettucini with ragu. Other dishes to try include the pesto penne and, if you're feeling adventurous and Peruvian, they have many dishes that include local flavors like risotto with lomo saltado.  Ironically enough, they also make very good burgers. 

For desert, skip the profiteroles and go straight for the boccanera (chocolate-y goodness).

From the same owners of la Bodeguita comes Trattoria di Mambrino, in the trendy Larcomar mall. The quality (and the prices) are higher than La Bodeguita, but it’s reasonable. The wine list is short, you can do well enough with local wines by the glass. 

The menu features typical bruschettas, pizzas, and pastas. There are a few surprises in terms of taste, especially the fiocchi filled with pear and truffle oil. The ragu is nice, much the same as the Bodeguita’s but with veal. I also recommend the goat cheese pizza. For desert, you can’t beat chocolate soufflé with vanilla ice cream! 

I ended up choosing Mambrino. There's nothing good company, pasta, and chocolate can't fix!