MANILA -- Venturing further south from its first branch at the Newport Mall in Resorts World Manila, Parmigiano Ristorante Pizzeria has opened a second branch in Alabang.

Located at the Molito Commercial Complex, the new Parmigiano is inspired by close family ties, a trait shared by Filipinos and Italians.

“We would like to be the new dining destination of families here in the south,” quipped Giulius Iapino, CEO of Rigatoni Corp., the family outfit which owns Parmigiano.

The ambiance stays true to this family concept, as the interiors feature bright yellows and warm browns. A wall filled with sconces provides an interesting focal point, while a mezzanine creates an outdoor feel.

As for the food, Parmigiano’s menu has something for the whole family. For instance, it has 17 varieties of pizzas. Diners can find interesting flavors like Carbonara and Patate (potato), as well as more everyday flavors like Margherita or Funghi (mushroom), all baked in a brick oven to achieve those prized black flecked crusts.

For its opening, the restaurant offers a Pizza Party for the Family promo, where guests can enjoy their second pizza (of the same variant) for only P50.

“We make it with passion—family-style food. We are serving family-traditional dishes, not commercialized,” Iapino said of the menu.

Pasta is a big part of Italian cooking, and in Parmigiano, it takes up most of the menu from gnocchi to spaghetti to linguine to lasagna.

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During weekends, diners can look forward to a table-side treat, as pasta dishes like their Cacio e Pepe (Cheese and Pepper) and Pasta Del Parmigiano are tossed inside a flaming wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano before serving.

At the launch of the Molito branch, the restaurant also introduced two Tiella dishes. Tielle refers to being cooked or served in a cast iron skillet. The Tiella Di Carne (tomato based with mixed meats) and the Tiella Di Pesce (truffle cream based with seafood) come in servings made for family feasting. Think paella, done Italian-style.

Meal endings can include well-made Italian classics like Tiramisu and Panna Cotta, best enjoyed with a cup of Italian brew, which for a limited time can be enjoyed by the cup at 50% off.

When asked what makes Parmigiano different from other Italian restaurants, Iapino quickly replied, “I think Italians know best. Our family is Italian, so we know how to cook real Italian food and dishes. Authentic, as possible and meticulously prepared.”

With recipes coming straight from an Italian nonna (grandmother), the menu lists 92 dishes that run from Caprese to steak to Carmello ice cream, as well as an atmosphere ideally suited for familial events.

Parmigiano Ristorante builds a strong case to be your family’s next dinner destination in the south.