I tend to be one who when visiting another country will eat exclusively food that the country is known for. That always means the local or historical specialties and cuisine and much less occasionally the food that the immigrants brought over. Italian food also happens to have a big comfort and familiar side and although I wouldn't get it in Asia, Argentina with its excellent icecream seems to be doing something right in that aspect.
This coupled with Puerto Iguazu not having much exciting dining choice and the feirinha market also looking rather disappointing drove me to La Mamma - conveniently around the corner from the Airbnb and also well rated as cheap and filling on Tripadvisor (#3).
It's pretty rare I'll eat at the same place on any one trip (other than takeaway from a bakery). The last time I can remember was the exceptional Cervejaria Ramiro in Lisbon. Whilst not on the same level, La Mamma is very good.
There's a choice of fresh pasta lined up and sauces (tomato, bolognese, four cheeses) priced by the pasta and sauce weight. There's also a few fixed priced specials like mushrooms, carbonara, seafood etc.
The first night was an extravaganza. After some free basic bread with a red pepper and oil emulsion, the enormous serves of curly pasta with hongos & shitake (ARS170) and red fettucine (made with paprika) bolognese was served. The bolognese sauce was lovely and beefy (unsurprising for Argentina) with rich flavour and no acidity. The mushroom sauce had parsley, cheese and cream but not as heavy as it sounds. For a total of ARS345 (which means mushroom pasta 170, 75 for two drinks, empanada for 15 then 85 for the bolognese) was outstanding value.
For ease dinner was served there the next night. Smaller portions were requested and 3 giant ravioli (with walnuts, jamon & cheese) bolognese and spinach gnocchi with tomato sauce were served. The tomato sauce was much lighter and obviously stronger tomato flavour than the bolognese but still no acidity. They've cooked out those tomatoes long and well. Those two half serves with a salad turned out to be ARS240. It seemed disproportionately expensive compared to the previous night but still extraordinarily cheap by any standard (especially Argentina).
Thanks Mamma.