Natalia's

Natalia's Restaurant Review:

Natalia's current location in Macon's northern ’burbs makes it even handier to southside Atlantans. The free-standing stone building resembles an Italian farmhouse, while inside the vivaciously decorated spaces conjure up thoughts of commedia dell'arte. A native of Abruzzo, Natalia del Basso-Orsini directs the kitchen, where a team of chefs keeps up a high bar for Italian fare. Popular Italian-style concepts are available, such as fried calamari and veal scaloppine piccata. Check out the specials, such as the lovely cioppino-like zuppa of fish and shellfish in a light lobster broth. Cooked al dente, pastas and risotti are available in half orders, a real convenience. The roasted duck supplies a huge portion of leg and breast meat with a diner’s choice of raspberry (our option) or dark cherry sauce. Finish off the meal with any of several tempting desserts, including a classically prepared tiramisu, dusted with coffee and nurtured with a side of zabaglione. The wine list is a compendium of French, American and Italian wines (but very few whites) and the by-the-glass list leaves us cold. But the Italian reds sport some values, such as the Sassicaia for $300. Other options are more wallet-sensitive and still very good. The espresso is spot on.