Nestled among the many shops and restaurants that surround Hatanodai Station on the Ikegami Line in Shinagawa Ward, Kitchen Hanna Mamma is a great choice for anyone who wants to dine on delicious, reasonable Italian served by a friendly owner.
For lunch, customers can choose from a list of pasta dishes that change daily. I recommend the 'Hanna Mamma' course for ¥1,419. It includes a tasty appetizer plate of 5 items, choice of pasta, homemade dessert of the day with ice cream, and choice of coffee, tea, wine, or beer. If you are not interested in having dessert, choose the 'Pearl' course for ¥1,229. The 'Jasmine' course includes a salad, choice of pasta, and coffee or tea for ¥943. And, for those who want to keep it simple, the 'Smash' course offers a choice of pasta plus coffee or tea for ¥905 (tax not included, all prices subject to change).
On one of the days I visited, the pasta choices included: short-necked clams & shimeji mushrooms, chicken & spinach in an olive oil sauce, cabbage & bacon in tomato sauce, small shrimp & mixed vegetables in a cream sauce, and a Genovese with bacon. For a larger portion of pasta on any of the courses, just ask - it's free. You can also add soup to your meal - choose from a corn potage or Italian-style vegetable for ¥286.
I had the Hanna Mamma course which began with a variety of appetizers followed by the Genovese pasta. The dessert of the day was a blueberry tart with vanilla ice cream. Everything was delicious.
The dinner menu is extensive, with many tasty appetizers to choose from - ranging in price from ¥370 - ¥1,000 each. Bagna cauda, prosciutto, chicken liver pate', semi-dried tomato 'potato salad', Italian-style fried chicken, etc., the list goes on and on. Try a risotto, a pizza, or choose from a list of pasta dishes. Chef Uesugi recommends his top pasta for the past 13 years, Mediterranean-style tomato spaghetti with fresh seafood and vegetables.
For the best deal, I recommend ordering some appetizers followed by the ¥1,886 pasta course: salad, choice of pasta, dessert of the day, and choice of beer, wine, coffee, or tea.
A glass of house wine is ¥371; a bottle ¥2,229. Sparkling wine is ¥490 a glass; ¥2,940 for a bottle. Draft beer, cider, and soft drinks are also available. Current drink specials include a selection of reasonably priced Italian bottled beers and homemade sangria for ¥530.
The menu has been translated into English and Chef Uesugi, although not fluent, graciously welcomes non-Japanese and will do his best to answer your questions. Guests can easily relax and feel at home as the restaurant is small and cozy, with about 15 seats. If you stop by, let Chef Uesugi know that you read about his restaurant on JapanTravel!
Getting there: From Hatanodai Station's East Exit, turn left. Go under the arch and turn down the first small alley on your right. *There will soon be a 7-11 on the left just before the turn, and, at the turn, there is a soba shop.
