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| - I came here with a couple of girlfriends last night. I must say, I am so happy that Nando has opened up downtown. It's filling an important void of upscale Italian food in CU. On our way out, we run into one of the waiters who informs us he's straight up from Rome! Too good to be true we thought! We challenged him on this notion but it turns out to be true! Many of the employees including the owner are actually from Italy. Not only that, the food is great without being pretentious. The service is attentive and helpful without being overbearing. Actually, I will even venture to say that the service was almost too attentive. When I arrived, looking for my friends, the owner himself noticed that I looked lost and brought me to someone who could assist me with putting our name on the list. Seconds after I finished something, someone was asking if I wanted more to drink or eat. This was all very impressive considering how packed they were last night.
Last night, we tried the gnocci, polenta, & panna cotta. It was all top quality with really great ingredients. The mushroom flavor in the polenta was super intense and savory. The texture of the gnocci was soft and unlike anything I've tasted. The vanilla flavor of the panna cotta is the most "vanilla" thing I've ever had. Can't wait to come back and try more!
I would highly advise that you make a reservation in advance. Last night at 7 o'clock on a Wednesday, there was a 45 minute wait for the three of us. It was fine, we just had drinks at the bar while we waited but in hindsight, a reservation would have been smart.
Watch out Champaign, this place rocks!
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