Featured photo credit: Antica Trattoria
A cozy lunch or dinner is the best way to catch up with everyone with the bonus of having delicious food! Antica Trattoria is a family-friendly restaurant that’s laid back while maintaining high standards when it comes to food and service. You get the coziness of an easygoing family-owned place plus impeccable food, prepared with the best, freshest available ingredients only, paired with thoughtful and attentive service.
Delicious Food Through the Years
Bruno Santos and his wife took over Antica Trattoria three years ago, but this eatery’s history dates back to long before that, in a different location. As the couple took over the place, already set up at its current location nearby MGM Macau, a few changes were made menu-wise but the food has remained as it has always been–delicious. The menu is extensive and the portions served are quite generous which makes them ideal for sharing. After all, this is an Italian restaurant and Italian food, much like Chinese food, is meant to be shared.
As we climb up the staircase, we take a moment to appreciate the collection of Italian movie posters on display. Antica Trattoria oozes the authentic vibe of a trattoria, sporting an inviting rustic decor filled with details. Vintage kitchen utensils and hand-painted ceramics as one would find in the kitchen of an Italian grandma decorate the walls. The dining room is massive, but this doesn’t mean it feels impersonal or cold. Rather, it’s quite the opposite! The space is warm and brimming with personal touches–just like any family-owned place should feel. Plus, the whole space is filled with natural light. There’s a cocktail bar, Syndicate, where you can have a seat while the bartender mixes up your pre-dinner cocktail.
We went to Antica Trattoria to savor some of their culinary highlights and strongly believe this place should be a regular go-to spot for any Italian food aficionado when in Macau.
Parma ham croquettes
Fresh Tuna Salad & Parma Ham Croquettes
After indulging in the little tomato buns with butter brought to us shortly after we were seated, this fresh tuna salad was just the ticket to start our meal with. A very generous portion of a beautiful piece of sesame seared tuna takes center stage on this salad, served along with arugula, cherry tomatoes, shredded almonds, and shaved parmesan. We topped it up with drizzles of some tangy balsamic vinegar and were quite content with this fresh, balanced and highly satisfying salad.
Parma ham croquettes were unheard of to us until our visit to Antica Trattoria and we’re so glad we got to try them! These croquettes have a crispy golden crust covering a filling of a substantial mixture of potato mash and parma ham cubes. For extra joy, each one of them is rolled up in a slice of exquisite parma ham brought straight from Italy!
Parma ham & mushroom pizza
Parma Ham & Mushroom Pizza, Octopus Risotto & Grilled Flank Steak With Mushroom Sauce
So many restaurants in town are making pizza these days. Pizza can easily taste acceptable, but how often can it be perfect? At Antica Trattoria, we found perfection in the shape of a pizza. The dough is just right–thin and crispy. The balanced tomato sauce and melty mozzarella cheese came together beautifully, setting the base for mushrooms and superb parma ham. For any pizza lover, grown-up or little, this is definitely one of their must-try dishes.
Octopus is finally getting the credit it deserves, as it seems to be earning a spot on more and more dining menus. This was our first try of octopus risotto and it did not disappoint. The creamy risotto had a fantastic texture and was packed with flavor, enhanced by pieces of tender octopus spread throughout this Italian comfort food staple.
If your party includes meat lovers, the succulent grilled flank steak with mushroom sauce is a must. The flank is a cut with a little fattiness, just enough to add flavor without compromising the meat’s consistency. The large cut is served with a fresh salad combining greens, tomatoes and radishes, delicious hot fries and a creamy mushroom sauce that we couldn’t get enough of!
Photo credit: Antica Trattoria
Ideal for Different Occasions
Be sure to check out the many menu offerings, as we’re sure there’s something to please all diners. The menu features a large spread of the best of Italian gastronomy, including appetizers, soups, salads, pizzas, pasta, risottos, meat, and fish dishes. Those with a sweet tooth will also find a selection of delightful desserts, including the most-loved Italian tiramisu, egg pudding, chocolate mousse cake, cheesecake and a choice of ice cream.
When it comes to beverages, name it and you’d probably find it. From beers to signature and classic cocktails, soft drinks and non-alcoholic cocktails, and last but not least a wide selection of wines, mostly from Italy, but also from France, Germany, and Portugal.
If you’re out in the city center for a quick lunch break, planning a family or friends gathering, romantic dinner or just looking for an authentic Italian trattoria while visiting Macau, Antica Trattoria will be sure to delight you and your guests!
For more information and updates, check out their Facebook page
Antica Trattoria 40-46 Edificio Vista Magnifica Court, Avenida Sir Anders Ljungstedt, Macau, +853 2875 5102, www.facebook.com/anticatrattoriamacau
