There are places you don’t plan to revisit — and then one random lunch reminds you exactly why they once felt like home.
For me, Mani d’Oro in Gasperich is one of those places.

I used to come here all the time when I lived in the neighbourhood. It was my safe spot: comforting food, people who greet you like they mean it, flavours that don’t need convincing.
And then life happened, routines changed… and somehow, I drifted away.

Until this week. And let me tell you: bad decision, Corie. Bad decision.

The return: a quiet entrance, a loud reminder

The restaurant hasn’t changed — luckily. It still has that unpretentious, honest charm that tells you you’re about to eat something real. No theatrics, no over-designed plates. Just the kind of Italian food that wins you over slowly, confidently, like someone who knows exactly who they are.

And it didn’t take long before I remembered why I loved it.

Let’s talk food — because wow.

Focaccia that unlocks memories

Soft, warm, fragrant.
The kind of focaccia that doesn’t need olive oil because it is the experience.
One bite and I immediately regretted the years I stayed away.

An antipasti board that brings out your inner nonna

Mortadella with pistachios, salmon, vitello tonnato…
Everything homemade, everything flavourful, everything served like they actually want you to enjoy your life.
Simple ingredients, bold flavours — the way Italian food should be.

Pasta that knows its job

The pistachio pesto with burrata was creamy, aromatic, comforting in a dangerous “I could eat this every day” way.
The beetroot risotto? A beautiful surprise: vibrant, balanced, delicious without trying too hard.
Mani d’Oro does not do drama — it does flavour.

A place that still feels like home

There’s something strangely emotional about rediscovering a restaurant you used to love.
It’s like flipping through an old photo album — except instead of pictures, you get pasta, focaccia, and a glass of something good.

I walked in expecting a meal.
I walked out reminded of a piece of my old routine I didn’t know I missed.

Bonus: Christmas gift ideas that won’t disappoint 🎁

Mani d’Oro has a whole corner dedicated to homemade treats:
biscuits, nougats, gift hampers, classic Italian sweets…
All crafted in house — perfect if you’re looking for something thoughtful (or if you need a last-minute gift that still looks like you planned ahead).

So… am I back? Absolutely.

Mani d’Oro is genuine, flavourful, warm, and completely itself — a rare combination nowadays.
If you haven’t been in a while, go.
If you’ve never been, definitely go.
Some places deserve to be rediscovered.

And clearly, I had some catching up to do.