You may be used to dining at some of the top restaurants Roanoke has to offer, but there is a new Italian restaurant on the scene! The Bentley Bay Condominiums at 250 West Avenue in South Beach recently opened the doors to the Mozzafiato Italian Food Experience, its newest fine dining restaurant located on the ground level waterside. The creation of luxury hospitality veteran Giovanni Maglione, Mozzafiato Italian Food Experience features a full menu of Italian dishes inspired by classics hailing from Napoli, Italy.
Their antipasti dishes feature Caprese Di Salmone, Parmigiana Di Melanzane Vegetariana, Tartare Di Tonno Profumata Agli Agrumi E Riso Venere among others.
(left to right) Grilled Octopus with avocado’s salad and mongo’s cream- Raw shrimps and caponata mozzarella, tomatoes and olives- tuna tartar on avocado.
The chef doesn’t stray too far from the classics with the main courses. The region of Napoli specializes in seafood and pasta offerings which is why Calamarata’ pasta with squid, green pepper and pumpkin cream and Gnocchi with shrimps squid, pistachio pesto and almonds are on the menu. Their Spaghetti Alla Nerano pasta celebrates the fameallad Nerano pasta from Italy, and perfectly al dente rigatoni and carbonara pasta entrees are also offered.
A fine dining Italian experience is not complete without a selection of exceptional Italian wines. Mozzafiato’s wine selection showcases a variety of rare and small batch wines from across Italy. Meticulously curated, each wine pairs wonderfully with the dishes.
A highlight is the Reitemp Barbera del Monferrato Superiore. This small batch of natural wine is the product of a small family owned operation. The bottle served during the dinner that inspired this article was number 3423 of 3666.
The Reitemp, with its deep red hue and earthy taste profile, went well with the beef flan dish presented during a dinner reception. Not be confused with the texture of dessert flan, this dish resembles flan in shape. Beef flan’ meaty texture and is hearty and filling.
Mozzafiatos desserts are both traditional and edgy. Crunchy tiramisu, Lemon “Sgroppino” with vodka and mint leaves, and Mille Feuille with custards and strawberries are among the delectable sweets on the menu.
Mozzafiato’s décor enhances the dining experience by creating an eclectic ambiance that ties in elements of the beach and rustic Italy. The interior is reminiscent of a Hampton’s color scheme that boasts clean lines, light, and neutral palate, birch wood, linen, and artful light fixtures and some of the dining furniture, such as the elegantly displayed 12-seat rustic communal table is perfect for family sized affairs.
The dining room’s capacity of 78 seated guests and 100 standing room only is a plus for private social or corporate events. There is also an elegantly displayed 12-seat rustic communal table perfect for groups.
Happy hour enthusiasts will soon have many reasons to be excited. Mozzafiato is going to start an Italian style happy hour evening with entertainment programming and an extensive buffet presentation of light bites paired with one of their unique wines or proseccos.
Mozzafiato guests can also rejoice because valet parking is complimentary for all patrons. Mozzafiato is open for dinner Monday-Sunday 6:00p-Midnight and guests can make reservations via OpenTable or by calling the restaurant directly at 305-790-3062. https://www.mozzafiatorestaurant.com/