Mamma Zu's
Richmond, VA 23220-6242
Phone: (804) 788-4205
- Price:
- $$$
- Best of Citysearch:
- Italian Food 2006
- Hours:
- Mon-Sat 5:30pm-11pm
Editorial Review for Mamma Zu's – by Carter Trumbo
The Scene
Those in the know line up around the building at 5pm. Once inside, the scuffed floors, chipped china and rickety tables don't deter diners. Real food lovers recognize each other as they stand and squint before the nightly "chalkboard menu." It all culminates in a close quarters melange of tastes, smells and textures.
The Food
The owner has put every dime into dinner, not decor. You can get three kinds of pasta with 10 different sauces, or move on to more authentic peasant fare: veal sweetbreads, calamari genovese, spaghetti caruso (a rich chicken liver sauce), oxtail stew, osso bucco, lamb shanks, short rib stew, veal heart, eggplant parmigiana and zuppa di pesce. Servings are huge, and it's fun to watch plates passed around for sharing. The boozy, espresso-soaked tiramisu is something to save for yourself.
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Insider Tips
The ServiceLegendary for being lax and inattentive. Some Southerners loudly declare "I'll nevah come back." Others consider it a trade-off. Be forewarned!
What to DrinkWine, beer, highballs
User Reviews for Mamma Zu's
07/08/2008 Posted by kimhahn
Amazing authentic Italian food... as if it slid off a hill in a little town like La Spezia... you won't find linen table cloths or sunshine up yours service, but it's authentic. No chain lovers! A locals only kind of joint if you were in a tourist town...
Pros: best food in town, authentic atmosphere, vino
Cons: parking, waiting when hungary, anticipation!
06/14/2008 Posted by jaydrubin
I'm from Brooklyn and raised in Long Island, NY where there are amazing Italian restaurants on every corner. Take it from me, YOU NEED TO EAT HERE IF YOU LOVE GOOD ITALIAN FOOD. If cheerleader service and Sbarros quality food is what you like - DON'T BOTHER. This is a bare-bones, no-frills restauant that pumps out amazing authentic food.You'll feel like you found Richmond's best kept secret that all the locals know about. Top quality, knowledgable service, and fresh ingredients, no kidding. I had the meat lasagne and if you've ever had a traditional Lasagne (not with ricotta but rather with a bechemelle) you know you've struck gold. For an appetizer, the brocollette was killer! Garlicly, pie nut filled goodness. Do yourself a favor and go here!
Pros: Quality, Authenticity, Flavor, Freshness, Best in class italian food.
Cons: Atmosphere is rustic, wait can be long (but worth it)
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