Mama Mia's

02/24/2008 Posted by anastasia08

My husband and I go out to eat a lot and I am also a server. So when I say the service is bad, I mean it is really BAD! I always give the server the benefit of the doubt, saying they must just be having a bad night. But this was a whole new kind of bad service. First of all we arrived at 7:40, there was four of us. It took 20 minutes for the hostess to even come up and take our name! The only reason we stayed that long was because there were five open tables and not that many people waiting. We thought it can't be that long of a wait, plus everyone waiting told us it was their favorite restaurant and that it was worth the wait. Finally, once they took our name they said 10-15 min. Another 30 minutes goes by (still with open tables everywhere) and they finally took us to a table. That's fine, I don't mind waiting. They seemed short staffed, in the entire place we only noticed three servers and one hostess/busser. We saw one lady that maybe could have been a manager, but later after waiting 40 minutes for our salads the same lady just said well what kind of dressings do you want (even though our server had that info), no apology or anything. The server came by a few times, we had to ask to borrow his wine key to open our wine after waiting for him not to do it. (It's BYOB) He finally did, but never refilled waters, removed old salad plates (which food came 5 minutes after receiving our salads). The reason I still gave Mama Mia's a three star was because the food was amazing! I would just go back during lunch or right when they open. Hopefully there was just a miscommunication with a server or two and they were understaffed. I would hate to think that is how they always staff the restaurant, with the servers running around like chickens with their heads cut off. The lobster ravioli is wonderful!!

Pros: Food

Cons: Service

01/27/2008 Posted by gingers1573

This is one of the most fantastic spots in Nashville. It is such a unique place. Very cozy. The italian food is excellent and the staff is friendly. Love that it's BYOB too. Located right next to a liquor and wine store! This is a spot that I take out of town guests to. Great date spot as well!

Pros: Excellent food and staff. Cozy, Unique.

Cons: Out of the way, parking

01/26/2008 Posted by allie424

I'm originally from New York City and the 1.5yrs I've lived in Nashville, my biggest qualm was not being able to find really great Italian food. Being Italian, one of my favorite dishes to eat and cook is chicken fettucine alfredo. I was disappointed when I saw on the menu at Mama Mia's that chicken alfredo was not an offered dish. I asked our waitress if it was possible to prepare the dish and she happily obliged. My friend had the lasagna which she also raved about. The chicken alfredo was phenomenal. I can't wait to go back and order this dish again. The only problem I had with the restaurant was the location. I drove right by it at first because I didn't see it and it looks a little sketchy from the outside, but alas it was deceiving. Go!

Pros: Great staff, cozy, quiet, amazing food

Cons: Location

01/25/2008 Posted by papie

I am a regular at Mama Mias and I have never been disappointed. The fod, service, and atmosphere are always outstanding. The garlic bread melts in your mouth and their menu is second to none. Definitely the best kept secret in Nashville.

Pros: Romantic and unique

12/10/2007 Posted by herrida

This place is phenominal. It is the best Italian restaurant in Nashville due to its expansive menu, BYOB policy, cozy atmosphere, and delicious food. Parking and seating are at a premium, and the place looks like a dive from the outside, but the food more than makes up for it!

10/25/2007 Posted by aruggiero

The food here is fabulous! My husband is Italian and grew up in New York and he thinks the food is wonderful , too. It isn't the fanciest restaurant in Nashville but it is by far the BEST Italian food I have ever had. It is very small and there isn't a great deal of parking but the food and service makes up for it. I love the BYOB part about it, too.

Pros: Wonderful food and service

Cons: No waiting area - parking

02/06/2007 Posted by mel28

Wow, I love this place. I took 4 girlfriends from out of town and we had the best time. We purchased a nice bottle of wine from the store a few doors over which was wonderful. The service was excellent and our waiter was very informative and as cute as he could be. We all loved our entrees and made room for dessert which was very tasty as well. I loved Mama Mia's so much, I'm going back thisFriday night with my boyfriend. Mama Mia's is the perfect atmoshphere for a romantic evening with your man or a fun night out with the girls!

Pros: B.Y.O.B., atmosphere, service, price

Cons: small for large group,

01/15/2007 Posted by mumsy6

My husband and I decided to go to Momma Mia's today for lunch expecting a wonderful Italian eating experience after reading the reviews here. We were disappointed. First thing we noticed when we walked in the door was the music. It was Latin American, not Italian. The hostess/server was not very warm or welcoming - also not an Italian trait. Bread sticks were brought to the table in red plastic baskets that would be found in a hamburger joint and they were nothing exceptional. In fact, they were dry tasting. My husband ordered manacotti and I ordered linguine with caramelized onions and pancetta. We both searched the table for salt to add to the under seasoned entrees. No salt available. Both entrees were disappointments. Mine was greasy, oily - perhaps with too much butter. Flavor just wasn't happening. There was no attempt at presentation other than some roughly chopped Italian parsley thrown on top. We shared an order of Tiramisu. It was good but not exceptional. Our check was $30.49 which was way too much for the quality we received. It was definitely not the Italian experience we were expecting.

Cons: Service, flavor, background music

11/29/2006 Posted by honey2155

I went on a weeknight and parked at the front door, was seated quickly and food didn't take long at all. I love the atmosphere and the food was perfect. We had great service and the prices were very reasonable. This would make a great date spot or to celebrate a special day. There is a package store within 20 car lengths which makes picking out your own beverage very convenient and much less expensive than buying by the glass at other restaurants. I loved it.

Pros: real Italian dishes, ambience

Cons: I can see how it could easily get crowded on a weekend night....it's very small. Reservations only for parties of 8+

10/28/2006 Posted by pinkstaronguitar

The food was outstanding, very fresh and hot. Was not served right away, so they kept the bread and refills coming. Some of the best Italian I have ever eaten.

Pros: Price, Service.

Cons: Parking.