In the heart of downtown Covington, there is a neighborhood café with the most apropos name, Mattina Bella (beautiful morning). Inside this historic building, you will find a smiling Riccobonno family member there to greet you when you walk through the door. However, if you look closely you will notice a true blue, big family business. The owners are Vincent and Debbie Riccobonno. Their two sons Vincent, Jr. and Michael run the kitchen and three of their daughters, Teresa, Andrea and Gabrielle work in the front of the restaurant.
The restaurant business is nothing new to Vincent; he grew up in the business. You can say it is in his blood and now his children’s blood. His grandfather was the owner of the famous Rick’s Pancake Cottage in Mid-City. Vincent’s first job was at Rick’s and from there he went on to work with his mom at her place, Rick’s Café, in Gretna for eleven years until it closed. After spending ten years working at Beau Chen country club he went to work with his cousins back on the southshore at the Peppermill and helped them rebuild after Katrina.
It was not until the opportunity arose for Vincent and Debbie to purchase the old Judice’s on East Gibson Street that Vincent had the chance for a place of his own. Ever since the structure was built in 1935, it has been a bar or restaurant. Mr. Charlie Jenkins first owned it; then for a long time it was Nathan’s, until its run as Judice’s. Now that it is Mattina Bella, I have a feeling that it will continue the tradition of successful establishments that have called this place home.
Mattina Bella is open only for breakfast and lunch. The menu might not be elaborate, but it does have something for everyone. Vincent’s philosophy is simple, he wishes to make each dish a homerun and he ensures this by not creating an overly complicated menu. There are daily specials in addition to regular menu items, but believe me when I say that as far as menus go theirs is exactly what you would want from a great breakfast place. Items range from your basic eggs, any style, to Belgian waffles and everything in between. However, what will make your morning “bella” are their amazingly light and airy pancakes and their incredibly fluffy omelets. I usually avoid ordering omelets because they are oftentimes so dense and overcooked that it just ruins my entire morning, but these omelets are some of the fluffiest omelets I have ever eaten. My favorite is the Florentine omelet, which comes filled with homemade creamed spinach, artichokes and mozzarella cheese. This dish is on the rich side, but it is worth a few extra minutes of work out time!
If you love pancakes, this is the place to have them, especially the banana pecan ones. Oh my goodness, were my first thoughts as they were placed in front of me. They were so beautiful to look at as the toasted pecan pancakes gracefully wrapped themselves around the halved bananas. Everywhere I looked, there were sliced bananas, pecans and fluffy pancakes. No syrup or butter needed for these!
They also make some delicious side dishes that are noteworthy, including their large freshly baked biscuits. They are wonderful on their own, but I highly recommend having them grilled first…heavenly!
Another favorite side of mine is the debris grits or what I think is the perfect hangover remedy! They have the ideal amount of meat and salt from the gravy mixed in with the heartiness of the grits to help get you over the, “I shouldn’t have had that last margarita,” morning!
Mattina Bella also serves lunch every day until 2pm. Choices range from fresh salads, char-grilled burgers and sandwiches to hearty entrees. My favorite salad is the grilled chicken bella, which is loaded with diced apples, feta cheese, pecans, and cranberries and topped with the most outstanding balsamic vinaigrette. Debbie said that people ask them daily to bottle their delicious balsamic vinaigrette and they really should!
One of the biggest selling lunch entrees is the eggplant parmigiana that they have perfected, but if they have the seafood stuffed eggplant on the menu as a special, order it, it is excellent.
I love their paneed veal, especially because of the treasured memories I recall whenever I taste it. When my beloved Maw-Maw was alive, the Peppermill was one of her favorite places to go and the paneed veal was, of course, her favorite dish. Mattina Bella has recreated that for us here on the northshore and I personally thank them for this dish and the heartwarming memories it evokes.
Two other lunch favorites are the first-rate pecan catfish creole meuniere and, if you just want a burger, the bleus burger which is topped with a creamy bleu cheese and avocado. Both of these are excellent choices depending on your mood and appetite.
Over the past couple of years, I have eaten many meals at Mattina Bella, all of which have been “homeruns”. The Riccobonnos are a charming family who seem to have effortlessly perfected the art of good food, good service and very happy customers.
Mattina Bella
421 E. Gibson Street
Covington, LA 70433
985-892-0708
Tuesday – Sunday
7am-2pm
Also available for private parties
$-$$
4 pinecones