April 19, 2005
Da Nanninella
8-21 Higahiyama-cho, Ashiya/0797-25-9667/11:30-14:30,18:00-21:30/¥5000-8000/6 pickels
Santa Lucia in Osaka opened its sister restaurant in Ashiya.
Santa Lucia in Osaka offers an authentic, hearty Italian food made by its owner-chef Mr. Spano. Now we can enjoy his great Napolitan pizza in Ashiya as well.
Da Nanninella is situated above a liquor store called "Century" (by-the-way, which has a good supply of wines). Entering into the restaurant, what you'll see is its big open kitchen. On the counter you can see today's antipasti dishes neatly laid on. Walking further into the restaurant, you can see a big pizza oven and piled logs in one corner. It's a mistake to go to this place to find sophistication either from their food, decor and service. This is a place to have authentic, "Italian" casual food.
The menu does not offer wide varieties. You can find very basic menu such as margerita pizza and napoletana pizza, and several kinds of pasta. Their antipasto misto comes in a large volume, which is good share. Pasta dishes includes basic ones like peperoncino and vongole. Each dish does not dissapoint you in terms of volume and amount of garlic they use. This restaurant is certainly not for people who seek for a romantic evening but for friends or family who want to have good food together. (And don't be afraind of bringing young kids!!)
I do not know if it is because of its authenticity, Ashiya people decided to overlook its rough service. When we went here during weekdays, we did not have any trouble in getting a table, but when we returned to the restaurant on Saturday and Sunday, without reservation, we couldn't get a table!
Food: 6.5 Service: 5 Ambience: 6 Total: 6 pickles
How to get there: By car, turn toward Ashiya Ikari Supermarket at Miyagawa crossing on Ruote 2 (towards the mountain side). At the Ikari supermarket, turn left. After you pass Seven Eleven CV store on your right, you'll see a street that runs in parallel to the street you're on. There's a liquor store on that street and Da Naninella is above the liquor store. After 8:00 pm you can park in front of the liquor store.
XEX WEST (Complex Dining)
Herbis Ent 7F, 2-2-22 Kita-ku Umeda, Osaka/06-4795-0065/11:30 - 15:30 (LO 14:30) 18:00 - 24:00 (LO 23:00)/¥7000-20000/7.5 pickles
Tokyo style dining arrived in Osaka!
XEX has come to Kansai area for the first time. XEX WEST consists of three parts: “The BAR”, "AN" (Japanese restaurant) and "Salvatore Cuomo Bros" (Italian restaurant). This new hip place on the top floor of Herbis Ent is certainly a place to be seen for Osaka celebrities (if it's not an oxymoron).
I tried their Italian restaurant and the experience was really pleasant. They try very hard to keep the italian atmosphere. At least one of their waiters/waitresses constantly keep shouting words in Italian. Well, it didn't bother me but if you understand Italian, you may feel bit awkward. They have Napoli (5800 yen), Salvatore (7800 yen) and Special courses (12,000 yen)for dinner and all are pre-fix courses. We ordered Salvatore course that comes with 2 starters, pizza, pasta, main course and dessert. Each dish was pleasure both for eyes and palates and the volume was ample. I found their wine menu quite well organized and reasonable.
I strongly recommend this restaurant if you're planning a dinner for your anniversary or somebody's birthday. English menu and service available. Credit cards OK.
Check their homepage.
Food: 7 Service: 7.5 Ambience: 7.5 Total: 7.5 pickles
How to get there: It's on the 7th floor of Herbis Ent in Umeda.