If you are looking for great Italian food in an inviting atmosphere, a great place is just a short distance away.

You can catch the streetcar to Hampson Street and head to Padrino Cafe.

With their new three-course lunch special ($7.95), the owners of Padrino, the Mastascuso family, are looking to attract students to their small Italian cafe.

It is an atmosphere suitable for a quick lunch, a coffee in the afternoon, or a fancy dinner (all at very affordable prices).

Appetizer favorites include the fried calamari, fried eggplant, the spinach salad, delicious soups, and the tomato and cheese salad.

Entrees such as the Chicken Parmesan, different selection of wraps, and the delicious pastas may make first-time customers loyal diners.

The food is so good that it seems the family pays close attention to the details on every plate to ensure that customers’ favorites, such as the Fettuccini Alfredo and the Fish Amore, are always delightful.

The succulent desserts are made from Mastascuso family recipes.

These treats include delicious traditional desserts such as tiramisu as well as new creations, such as a decadent chocolate cake.

These desserts are a great way to finish a meal.

Padrino Cafe is one of my favorite New Orleans restaurants. I recieve individual attention each time I go there.

The owner and his father may chat with customers or customers may receive menu advice from the head chef.

The Mastascuso family’s eagerness to have the customer enjoy the experience at their restaurant makes Padrino Cafe a lovely, intimate place to dine and share with friends.