By: Philip Innes
In July 2014, Asti Ristorante & Bar opened in the former Mango’s Bar & Grill space in Branford. Set back from Main Street, Asti is accessed via a courtyard where the restaurant offers attractive patio dining behind a low-lying white picket fence. The season for al fresco dining is extended through the use of heat lamps.
Inside, the layout hasn’t changed much since it was Mango’s, with a decidedly separate dining space and lounge. Of course, the lounge, which retains its distinctive square bar, is also a popular place to take a meal. I haven’t visited during Happy Hour, but Asti’s website states that the bar area has five televisions and offers a happy hour buffet.
Owner Joe Mazzarella describes Asti as a casual Italian restaurant that welcomes families and keeps its entrée prices mostly in the teens. It features a large and diverse menu, with even a section for paleo dining that can bring out the caveman in people. And the night I happened to visit with a male friend, there’s a terrific ladies night special (which by law, not just restaurant good will, has to be offered to men as well).
The ladies night special, which runs from 4-10 pm every Wednesday, includes $6 martinis and a $24 three-course, prix-fixe menu. My friend ordered a mango martini, while I had a pomegranate martini which was full-sized, full strength and delicious. Throughout our meal, our server and other staff checked back frequently, genuinely concerned that we were satisfied.
We were started with good bread, olives and herb-scented olive oil. For our appetizers, we ordered the shrimp salerno and the fried calamari, both of which we’re very good. For our entrées, we selected the scrod oreganata and the chicken Astiago (pun clearly intended), also very good. And for dessert, we chose a New York-style cheesecake and a brownie sundae, both of which hit the spot. Asti la vista, Baby!
THE VERDICT: Asti Ristorante & Bar in Branford offers terrific, affordable Italian dining in a friendly and attractive setting.
FEEDBACK: Let us know in our comments section if you liked Asti as much as we did!
CONTACT INFO: 988 Main Street, Branford; 203-208-4041; astibranford.com