Mamma Susanna's Ristorante Italiano

Mamma Susanna's Ristorante Italiano Restaurant Review:

Hidden away in a quiet residential neighborhood east of town, Mamma Susanna’s is the go-to spot for authentic old-world Italian cuisine. The dining space is reminiscent of an Italian villa, with wine-themed artwork, a Venetian plaster wall and ample indoor use of diamond garden trellis. Red-and-white checkered tablecloths and a display of wine bottles complete the look. The menu is traditional, featuring house-made pasta, pizza, meat and seafood. Starters include steamed clams, bruschetta and garlic cheese bread, the latter disappointingly made from sliced white bread rather than the promised San Francisco sourdough. As an entrée, the penne rustica was a winner, with a well-balanced combination of tender chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes and a light yet flavorful white wine sauce tying it all together. Potato gnocchi was also satisfying, albeit a bit overcooked, the rich Gorgonzola sauce surprisingly not overpowering. Among other options are salmon with dill and artichokes, chicken piccata and veal Parmesan. Desserts include sweets such as tiramisu, panna cotta and cannoli. The wine list features several Italian varietals and a dozen California wines --- all sold by the glass, and without the enormous markup common at other restaurants.