This was a huge surprise. I stopped in for lunch and really had the best, freshest experience there. I met Michele at The Vintners event where he invited me to try out the cuisine.
It’s in a modest shopping center, but not on the street, right in the heart of Solvang, but if someone didn’t tell you about it you would have totally missed the boat.
Toscana, Pizzeria, Tapas, Enoteca is owned by Chef Michele Mancuso and partners. Chef Mancuso is a long-time resident of the Santa Ynez Valley. Originally from Italy, he studied Culinary Arts in Firenze which is in the center of Toscana—the inspiration behind the name.
He wants people to call his restaurant an Italian Pizzeria; his mission is to serve authentic Italian flavors. They want your visit to not just be a regular meal, but to have a truly immersive Italian experience. There is no pretentiousness or snobbish attitude, just good fresh food.
Their grand opening was on February 24th. Micheal said it was so good to have the support of our fellow Solvang businesses.
Here’s what I tried:
Pizza:
Boscaiola with tomato mozzarella mushroom sausage truffle oil. This pizza is very delicate with a nice thin crust, just like I remember in Tuscany, Italy. The sausage and the truffle oil are simply wonderful.
Quattro Stagioni with tomato mozzarella artichoke sausage mushroom arugula.The artichoke really just adds the right flavor to this fantastic pizza.
Insalata & Tapas & Secondi:
Arugula e Parmigiano with arugula parmigiano olive oil lemon dressing. Very simple with perfect ingredients makes for one healthy fresh salad.
Melanzane alla Parmigiana with eggplant baked with mozzarella marinara sauce and parmigiano. This baked eggplant is sweet with a remarkable tomato sauce and just the right amount of garlic and Italian seasonings.
Polpette al Sugo with meatballs mozzarella marinara sauce and parmigiano. A very good rendition of this Italian classic, the sauce is scrumptious.
Lasagna Toscana with classic meat sauce. Each dish has a little bit different red sauce, this lasagna has a distinct flavor and texture that is up there with the best lasagna dishes around.
Carpaccio di Salmone with smoked salmon arugula capers red onion lemon olive oil dressing. The salmon is smoked with a great soft texture; it goes great with the spicy arugula, what a good combination.
Dessert:
Coconut Sorbetto, served in a coconut, creamy smooth absolutely delicious.
Peach Sorbetto, served in a peach. If you have never had one of these sorbets from Italy you must try it.
Wine:
Alma Rosa Chardonnay, this wine went great with the smoked salmon, very fruity flavored, forward with a bit of oak, outstanding!
Their Emblem is a fleur de lys from Florence. There is butcher paper on all of the tables. The rustic interior is simple and designed by Michael himself, with a wall mural of Italian arches with the backdrop of an ocean and flowers. There are wood floors, the walls have black and white photos of Italy, with great barstools that are made from wine barrel parts. They play very fitting music: Michael Buble, Andrea Bocelli, Céline Dion and other talented musicians similar to his music genre.
They use local products from farms in Santa Maria, eighty percent of their customers are local. Michel was born in Calabria but has lived in this area for 16 years. He also has the great honor of choosing the wines that are served.
They’re eager to offer you a truly immersive authentic Italian experience providing you the finest food with a quaint, vibrant atmosphere.
Toscana – Pizzeria, Tapas, Enoteca
485 Alisal Road, Suite 163
Solvang, CA 93463
1-805-697-7445
https://toscanabymancuso.wordpress.com/
