December 7, 2003
Restaurant Review: Da Nino
Da Nino is an Italian pizzeria/restaurant in Darmstadt, Germany that has the possibility to be great.
Many of the meals are excellent, but simple things like Insalata Mista (mixed green salad) leave you scratching your head in wonder. How can one be served a watery mess of leaves and shredded carrot drowned in balsamic vinegar, a plate given obviously so little attention --- and then receive one of the specials, pulposalat mit sellerie and kartoffeln, a wonderous pile of succulent white octopus chunks with fresh celery and perfectly done slices of potato, all in a tasty lemony vinaigrette that was just right (€9.50). The last time I was there, we had an antipasti platter (appetizer plate, €7.50) of wonderfully seasoned grilled and roasted vegetables; additionally I had the Penne a la Arrabiata ("angry" penne, €9) -- a spicy and delicious pasta, again done just right. Another diner had spaghetti with clams in white wine sauce and enjoyed it (€9.50).
The experience at Da Nino leaves you feeling a bit "run-over" by a condescending herd of elephants. The staff doesn't quite look at you when you speak to them. Menus are handed to the air above you as someone more interesting walks in. I'd say the service borders on friendly/hostile. Your feeble attempt at ordering food or wine is ridiculed later by the waitstaff. You might get your glass of wine.
One thing that sticks out in my mind is that after our host paid the bill, we sat chatting for about 20 minutes before leaving ... and the owner came over and rushed us along, asking us to basically vacate the table for other customers. Not really unfriendly --- but definitely rare for Europeans. In Europe, if you order anything, even a water, you can sit there for as long as you like and no one will ever ask you to leave. It may happen but it's not common.
The restaurant itself has a warm, cozy, comfortable atmosphere -- sometimes--on busy nights, it feels like a train station at rush hour. I guess it depends on the night you go there: I once went during the week and it was comfortably full. The second time was a Saturday night and understandably more crowded.
Finally, most of their prices match the quality of the food. On the menu they have soups, standard salads, pasta, pizza, various meats and fish, and Italian desserts such as Tiramisu. But I recommend making a selection from the daily Specials menu, which offers more fresh and interesting choices.
Info:
Appetizers range from 5 - 12 Euros
Entrees range from 10 - 25 Euros
Pizzas range from 6 - 10 Euros
Good selection of wine, in a broad price range.
A small piece of tomato basil bruschetta is gratis with your meal.
64283 Darmstadt Alexanderstr. 29
Telefon: 06151 - 24220
