Mangia Mangia in Albany/Berkeley?

[uberslop]

This one just hit my radar, and all I can find on it online is a 13-year-old Chron review and some pretty good (if a bit mixed) Yelp takes -- any hounds been there? Not expecting miracles, but if it's an occasional near-Solano alternative to La Siciliana in Elmwood (or something similar), I'd love to know about it -- anyone?

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Mangia Mangia
755 San Pablo Ave., Albany, CA 94706

[mariacarmen]

the first time i went, many years ago, the food was fine, but they were busy and really rudely rushed us over our dinner. kept us away for a long time. went back with friends about 4 months ago, food was pretty average to below-average. i would not go back. sauces were uninspiring, muddled... it's just not that great. I'm no longer a huge fan of Nizza La Bella, but I think their take on Italian is better, even.

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Nizza La Bella
827 San Pablo Ave, Albany, CA 94706

[uberslop]

Thanks, all, for your thoughts -- and for the heads-up re: Nizza -- how I've missed *both* of these places, as many times as I've driven that stretch of San Pablo, is beyond me. Thanks again -- will try both and report back!

[Robert Lauriston]

I thought it was fine the one time I went there. Better than Cugini. I never think of going there since I'd have to drive past Nizza la Bella.

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Nizza La Bella
827 San Pablo Ave, Albany, CA 94706

Cugini Restaurant
1556 Solano Ave, Albany, CA

[lmnopm]

I've been there a couple of times and have enjoyed it. I consider it sort of "modern old-school" Italian. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it (at least to someone who isn't expecting miracles or the meal of a lifetime).

[lmnopm]

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/653760

Aha, I searched and finally found an old review I made.

[rotiprata]

The pasta were delicious when we tried it. That chocolate souffle was overhyped though (dry).