Craving chicken marsala that’s out-of-this-world delicious?
Nonna’s Trattoria in St. Augustine, Florida, offers a take on this classic Italian dish that’s rich, savory, and unforgettable!
Located in the heart of America’s oldest city, Nonna’s Trattoria is a hidden gem that’s been serving up slices of Italian heaven for years.
Hold onto your cannolis, folks, because this place is something special.
As you approach Nonna’s, you’ll notice it’s not trying to be the Leaning Tower of Pizza.
It’s a modest, unassuming building that looks like it could be your Italian grandmother’s house – if your grandmother lived in sunny St. Augustine and had a penchant for al fresco dining.
The warm, terracotta-colored exterior and the inviting patio strung with twinkling lights set the stage for what’s to come.
Step inside, and you’re immediately enveloped in the warm embrace of family-style Italian dining.
The aroma of garlic, tomatoes, and freshly baked bread hits you like a loving nonna’s hug – firm, comforting, and slightly overwhelming.
The walls are adorned with black and white photos of Italian landscapes and family gatherings, making you feel like you’ve just crashed a Sicilian family reunion.
And let me tell you, these are the kind of reunions you want to crash.
The dining room is cozy without being cramped.
Now, let’s talk about the star of the show – the chicken Marsala.
Oh, mama mia!
This dish is so good, it should come with a warning label.
The chicken is tender enough to cut with a spoon, which is handy because you’ll want to shovel it into your mouth as quickly as possible.
The Marsala sauce is rich, velvety, and complex, with notes of wine, mushrooms, and what I can only describe as “Italian magic.”
But before we dive fork-first into that culinary masterpiece, let’s take a moment to appreciate the journey.
Because at Nonna’s, dinner isn’t just a meal.
It’s an experience, a gastronomic adventure that begins the moment you sit down and unfold your napkin with the gravitas of a matador preparing for battle.
The menu at Nonna’s Trattoria begins with a delightful array of starters that set the stage for an authentic Italian dining experience.
For those who enjoy a crispy, golden appetizer, the Fried Ravioli is a perfect choice.
These hand-breaded ravioli are stuffed with seasoned ricotta cheese and deep-fried to a golden brown, giving each bite a satisfying crunch.
Paired with a marinara sauce for dipping, the Fried Ravioli offers a comforting start to any meal.
Another classic Italian starter on the menu is the Parmesan Herb Fries.
These French fries are a notch above the ordinary, sprinkled generously with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs that give them a unique flavor.
Served alongside marinara sauce, the Parmesan Herb Fries are an indulgent yet familiar way to start a meal, especially for those who enjoy Italian twists on American classics.
Seafood lovers might be drawn to the Calamari Fritti, a dish that exemplifies the restaurant’s commitment to quality and flavor.
These tender calamari rings are lightly breaded and fried until they’re crispy on the outside yet tender on the inside.
Accompanied by a side of marinara sauce, the Calamari Fritti offers a delicate and savory prelude to the heartier dishes to come.
But let’s circle back to the main attraction: the chicken Marsala.
This dish is the kind of thing that food dreams are made of.
The chicken is pounded thin, ensuring that each bite is perfectly tender and cooked through.
It’s then lightly dusted with flour and sautéed until it achieves that perfect golden-brown color that makes you want to frame it rather than eat it.
But eat it you must, because the best is yet to come.
The Marsala sauce is where the magic really happens.
It’s a rich, velvety concoction that coats the chicken like a warm, flavorful blanket.
The sauce is made with Marsala wine, of course, which gives it a depth and complexity that’ll have your taste buds doing the tarantella.
But it’s not just about the wine.
There are mushrooms in there too, adding an earthy umami flavor that balances out the sweetness of the wine.
And let’s not forget the herbs – a sprinkling of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness of the sauce.
The dish is usually served with a side of pasta, because apparently, the folks at Nonna’s believe that “too much of a good thing” is just a challenge to be accepted.
The pasta is always cooked to perfect al dente, with just enough bite to remind you that you’re eating real Italian food, not some overcooked mush.
Now, if you’re anything like me, you’re probably thinking, “This sounds amazing, but can I really justify heading to Florida just for chicken Marsala?”
And to that, I say: absolutely.
But if you need more convincing, let me assure you that Nonna’s has plenty more tricks up its culinary sleeve.
Nonna’s Trattoria truly shines in its selection of specialty pasta dishes.
Each pasta option is crafted to bring out the rich flavors of Italian cooking, using traditional recipes and fresh ingredients.
A standout among these is the Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca, a dish that blends salty and savory flavors with a touch of spice.
Featuring Kalamata olives, capers, anchovies, garlic, and tomatoes, the Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca is both bold and aromatic.
It offers the perfect combination of robust tastes that are unmistakably Italian.
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Another pasta dish that delights diners is the Chicken Carbonara, a creamy, rich creation that pairs fettuccine with a white wine cream sauce, tender chicken, and Parmesan cheese.
This dish is a decadent choice for anyone looking to indulge in the creamy, satisfying side of Italian cuisine.
For those who crave a classic, Spaghetti and Meat Balls offers a taste of home-cooked comfort.
The meatballs are seasoned to perfection, providing a tender, flavorful bite with every forkful.
This dish is served with marinara sauce, making it a hearty and timeless choice that is bound to satisfy.
The Chicken Alfredo is yet another beloved pasta dish, featuring creamy Alfredo sauce paired with tender chicken and fettuccine noodles.
The velvety sauce and savory chicken make for a delightful combination that’s both rich and satisfying.
Nonna’s Trattoria warmly welcomes families, with a Kids Menu that offers familiar Italian favorites in smaller portions.
For younger diners, the Chicken Strips and Fries provide a familiar, crowd-pleasing option. Lightly breaded and fried, these chicken strips are tender and flavorful, paired with a side of crispy fries.
For children who love pasta, the Spaghetti Marinara is an excellent choice.
This dish offers classic spaghetti with marinara sauce, giving young diners a taste of authentic Italian flavors in a simple, kid-friendly format.
The Toasted Ravioli with marinara is another popular option, providing a warm, comforting bite-sized treat that’s easy to enjoy.
To finish off a meal at Nonna’s Trattoria, the dessert options are simply irresistible.
The Limoncello Cake is a refreshing choice, offering a light, zesty flavor that’s both sweet and slightly tart.
Made with the classic Italian lemon liqueur, this cake is the perfect balance of flavors to cleanse the palate after a rich meal.
For those who prefer a more indulgent dessert, the Tiramisu is a classic choice.
This Italian favorite is layered with coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone cheese, topped with a dusting of cocoa powder.
The Tiramisu at Nonna’s is light yet satisfying, providing a delightful end to any meal.
And that, my friends, is the true magic of Nonna’s Trattoria.
It’s not just a place to eat – it’s a place to experience, to savor, to create memories.
It’s the kind of restaurant that becomes more than just a dining establishment – it becomes a part of your story.
So, next time you find yourself in St. Augustine, do yourself a favor and seek out this little slice of Italy.
Come hungry, bring friends (or don’t – more chicken Marsala for you), and prepare for a meal that’ll have you planning your next visit before the check arrives.
Just don’t blame me if you end up moving to Florida just to be closer to Nonna’s.
Nonna’s Trattoria is where the chicken Marsala is heavenly and the tiramisu is life-changing.
The only thing better than the food is the feeling that you’ve stumbled upon Florida’s best-kept secret.
Use this map and head on to their location for an amazing dining experience.
Where: 2 Aviles St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
Buon appetito!