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Mamma Zu's

501 S Pine St
Richmond, VA 23220-6242
Phone: (804) 788-4205
BEST ITALIAN...PERIOD. (Spoiler Alert)
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

07/11/2007 Posted by declan5

Apologies to my sainted grandmother, but given the choice of a last meal as a condemned man, I would without hesitation, demand a final taste of Mamma 'Zu. I should say that I am a former employee (years removed) and before that a regular patron (I've never had better tiramisu...which I had to boycott upon my hiring, otherwise I'd easily weigh 400 lb.s) I read reviews damning them for bad service and granted it can be downright rude at times...SHAME on the woman who implied that perhaps her race was the reason for her wait/ treatment at Mamma 'zu...(In fact, that is what urged me to write this review.) Let's be honest, service can be curt...only because it has to be (I'll happily leave the "hostess" to be be your punching bag...as we all know, at times he deserves it! ) You see that line outside the door, starting at times 30 minutes before service, you need to streamline things (imagine you're that person waiting for a table and there appears to be a party "lounging" after service...courtesy has got to enter in somewhere) It's a very small space (16 tables at most...an earlier poster said 30...not true) Logistics aside, most people come here for the FOOD. I've never had better Italian. (It pains me to say that having grown up in Boston...ANTHONY!) (Aside from my list of favorites the menu is changed DAILY.)Mozzerella & Peppers, Rapini, Sardines, Fried Oysters, Vitello Tonnato, White Pizza, Penne Gorgonzola, Zuppa de Pesce, Veal Sweetbreads, Eggplant Parmesan, Grilled Branzino, Bucatinni Alla Matriciana, Tiramisu...ETC. So, If you're willing to let go of the thought of being pampered and want to taste True Italian Food, (with, if you're lucky, a live action soap opera) ENJOY!

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Editor's Review

Don't discount authentic Italian in a distressed dive--one dinner is all it takes to delight.  See the full editorial review.

Insider Tips

The Service

Legendary for being lax and inattentive. Some Southerners loudly declare "I'll nevah come back." Others consider it a trade-off. Be forewarned!

More Insider Tips

Restaurant Information for Mamma Zu's

Smoking

  • Yes

Parking

  • Lot
  • Street

Hours

  • Mon-Sat 5:30pm-11pm

Dress Code

  • Casual to dressy

Cuisines

  • Italian
  • Californian

Payment Types

  • Check
  • Cash
  • American Express

Meal Price

  • $$$

Amenities

  • People Watching
  • Local Favorites
  • Notable Wine List
  • Business Dining
  • Quiet

Recognition for Mamma Zu's

2006 Audience Winner - Italian Food

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