Authored by Kayleigh Walsh
The view from any table at Mama Mia’s restaurant, is only the cherry on top of their extensive menu, excellent service, and famous homemade pasta. Forty years ago the Viscariello opened the first Mama Mia’s, promising old world italian food, and impeccable service. The old world italian food refers to their dishes including their own homemade pasta, which can be found in everything from their chicken parmigiana, to the tortellini in the tortellini soup. Their all encompassing menu will no doubt make the mouth water with one glance.
One of my very first meals at the restaurant was their homemade pizza, which is enjoyed by those of all ages, not only those ordering from the kids’ menu. As my experience with various different kinds of pizza, from various locations, progressed I realized how Mama Mia’s pizza was superior to most, even those specializing specifically in pizza. The slice of pizza itself is larger than most, with just the right amount of cheese to sauce ratio. The crust is thick, and strong enough to support the toppings so one doesn’t end up with a floppy, soggy piece of pizza. Although I cannot speak with the experience of an old world italian, Mama Mia’s pizza, although seemingly simple, is undoubtedly one of their best dishes, and only $11.00 for a small, $12.00 for a large. The price may vary depending on toppings.
As time went on, I graduated from the pizza to trying some of the acclaimed homemade pasta dishes. I was recommended to try the tortellini soup, containing cheese tortellini served in a tomato broth. Ever since trying it, it has remained my go to, all time favorite at the restaurant. Served in a cup ($4.99) or bowl size ($6.99), one’s options are opened from having it accompany the meal, or serve as the meal itself. A good dish to pair it with, if opting for the cup size, could range from one of their underrated sandwiches, greek salad, or even their pizza. At $6.99 for a bowl size, the portion more than justifies the price. Any of their pasta dishes will exceed expectations, thanks to the key component of the restaurants homemade noodles. Even the spaghetti and meatballs seem more exciting because of the added homemade noodles, which differ from the normal angel hair pasta; as these noodles are thicker, and taste better.
As time has passed since the opening of the restaurant, the menu has expanded greatly; adding gluten free options, appetizers, new sandwiches, and most recently flatbreads. The seemingly overwhelming menu, can be easily simplified by a request for a recommendation from the waiter or waitress. Ever since my family has been coming to Mama Mia’s, anytime someone is craving something new, the staff has never disappointed in giving a recommendation that is pleasing to the palate. Dishes are fairly priced, a tad on the higher side, but depending on what a party orders it could still be reasonable. The prices are worth the dishes, as portions are big, and most customers end up taking home a good portion of their meal. In addition, everything is quality made, and always fresh.
The family attitude upheld by the staff, is not the only thing that makes one feel Mama Mia’s is like stepping into old world Italy. As you enter, the smell of anything from pizza to pasta will be apparent immediately. There is a window to the right of the entryway, into the kitchen where the pizza is made, which is most often where you can find families with young kids. On one’s left there is an abundance of light on a sunny day, due to the windows surrounding the whole left side of the restaurant. The bar is in the center, with grape vines hanging down from the ceiling of the bar, embodying the “old world italian” feel. They also have an upper deck for nicer summer days, that provides an all encompassing view of Plymouth Harbor, along with the Mayflower. The experience of Mama Mia’s as a whole is only ever at its best in the middle of summer, as the rainy days are fewer, and the nicer weather days are ideal for enjoying a good meal by a beautiful view.
Over all, from the food, to the atmosphere Mama Mia’s is a good place for any occasion. From family dinners, to date nights, larger parties, to group get togethers, Mama Mia’s can accommodate it all. The size of the menu encompasses almost every preference one may have. If you’re looking for good italian food, with a nice view, head to Mama Mia’s!