Mattina, formerly known as Blanconero, is a fresh spot in MediaCity that’s quickly catching attention for all the right reasons.
Owners Gavin and Alessandro have revamped the place, and with a name change to Mattina, they’ve added an extra layer of charm.
‘Mattina’ means ‘morning’ in Italian, and it perfectly captures the vibe of the restaurant – bright, welcoming, and full of energy. But the one thing that hasn’t changed? Their focus on exceptional lasagne, the dish they’ve perfected and made their own.
The interior at Mattina remains minimalist, with neutral tones and plenty of natural light creating a calm, comfortable environment. It’s simple but stylish, providing the perfect atmosphere to enjoy a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
Now, let’s talk about the food. Gavin and Alessandro have stuck with their winning formula of focusing on one dish done exceptionally well: lasagne.
They offer six different variations, all priced at £9, except for the aubergine parmigiana at £10. The classic beef ragù lasagne is comforting and rich, while the sausage and fiery nduja variety gives a spicy kick. The porcini mushroom and sausage lasagne brings earthy, savoury flavours, and for the vegetarians, the green bean, potato, and pesto option is a fresh twist on the classic. The salmon and courgette lasagne is light and refreshing, while the vegan taleggio cheese and vegetable lasagne offers a creamy, satisfying alternative. If you’re after something indulgent, the aubergine parmigiana is a must-try.
Beyond lasagne, Mattina offers daily-changing focaccia sandwiches, which are made fresh in-house.
The focaccia is crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside, filled with delicious ingredients like pistachio mortadella, mozzarella, and pesto. And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, their cannoli are the perfect way to finish your meal. With fillings that change daily, like pistachio or salted caramel, these cannoli are the perfect little indulgence.
Mattina doesn’t just stop at food. They’ve got the coffee down as well. Strong, smooth, and well-crafted, their coffee is the ideal drink to pair with your meal. The staff are friendly and happy to chat about what’s on offer or give a recommendation, adding to the warm and welcoming atmosphere.
What Gavin and Alessandro have done with Mattina is refreshingly simple. They’ve kept the menu short and sweet, focusing on what they do best. You won’t find an overwhelming list of options here, just six different lasagne varieties and a few added extras, all done to perfection. It’s a place that understands the value of simplicity and the power of doing one thing really well.
If you’re in MediaCity and craving proper Italian comfort food, Mattina is definitely worth a visit. Whether you’re popping in for a quick focaccia sandwich, sitting down for a hearty portion of lasagne, or grabbing a cannoli to go, you’re guaranteed a satisfying experience every time.
The name change to Mattina reflects the fresh, bright, and welcoming atmosphere that Gavin and Alessandro have worked hard to create. It’s a place where the focus is on great food, good company, and a no-nonsense approach to dining.
So, if you’re after an unpretentious, delicious meal, Mattina is the place to be. One perfect dish, served with a side of Italian authenticity.
