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This
busy little Italian is a pre-theatre treat. Tucked round the back
of the Crucible, it pumps out the most delicious aromas of garlic
and pizza that bring the Shakespeare-hungry hordes clamouring for
a table.
However,
theyre generally turned away empty-handed, because those of
us in the know have booked all the tables. Youve little chance
of getting a seat for an early dinner, especially if there are more
than two of you.
So,
there the Bull and I were, sat at the bar feeling snug and smug
as people in expensive coats were turned away. Weve visited
Mamas before, when my canneloni were very VERY hot and pretty
good, and the Bulls Calzone was a bit disappointing.
But
this time we decided to go for the quick, healthy option - so we
went for the blue cheese hamburgers. Yum. Large home made burgers
with a generous cheesy topping that looked and tasted like the fast
lane to a cardiac arrest. Perfect.
The
buns were strangely small, though, and made the whole eating experience
a bit more like a Krypton Factor test than a manageable handheld
bite.
The
food wont win any prizes from this Greedy Cow, but if it were
a chain, itd be described as "wholesome and hearty Italian
fayre". The puddings look trashy and tempting - a young lady
next to us troughed into an enormous slice of very sticky chocolate
cake, and various cream-covered ice cream and banana concoctions
were whisked past us by the waitresses.
The
staff at Mamas are chatty - sometimes too busy chatting to
each other, to be honest - but it makes for a lovely atmosphere.
And its fun to watch the high-speed relay of plates, pizzas
and dishes going into the oven, onto the table and back into the
sink.
Its
very warm, so wear layers. And were not sure what happens
upstairs - there are signs to "seating" but weve
only ever seen people come DOWN the stairs, never up. But for a
city centre joint, its reasonable, friendly, quick, fun and
pleasantly individual.
nick
I eat at Mama's a lot (almost every week), it's cheap, simple, fresh food, in generous portions. Much better than anything else available in town for the same price.
Lassi
My friend and I ate there last night..... I agree whole heartedly with Andrew and Susan. The food, service and cleanliness was all terrible. I will certainly not be returning !!!
Pom Pom
I went and found it apalling. The table was actually sticky, my glass, plate and elbows stuck to it. The menu was uninspiring the food was revolting, all chucked on a too small plate so it all melded into one big mess. I barely touched it and the unfriendly waitress didn't even bother to ask why not. I shall not return, and I agree it's about time there was some decen competition.
H & H
We have been to Mamas a number of times, both in the evening and for lunch. We rate the food very highly but yes would agree that the service can be a bit poor at times. If you're looking for a nice place to go to for a fresh meal then def worth a try. Give the desserts a try if you have a sweet tooth.
Vikki and Mark
Didn't like this place at all. We booked a table on Valentines day for after a performance at the Crucible and it ruined our night. Three things we ordered were out of stock and all they had left was ribs and lasagna. When we complained to the staff that the lasagna was overcooked (Mark didn't actually eat it) they looked blankly at us and didn't do anything about it. Mrk told them he wanted it replacing but they said they couldn't and then still had the cheek to bill us for it.
Andrew
We visited Mamas in Sept 05 and were impressed. The service was very good, the atmosphere pleasant and the food was excellent. Our meal, 2 starters, 2 main courses and a bottle of wine came to just under £40, so I can't see why other reviewers consider it to be expensive. Overall, well worth a visit.
Nikki
They're still making rubbish pizzas with cheddar, it's about time this restaurant got some decent competition, wouldn't be so complacent then would they?
Foodfreak
I don't understand why people rave about this place. The muppet and I went three times (Just to make sure...) and every time we found the food overpriced, greasy and unpleasant....
Helen
You get the sort of food here that you'd expect for the price. It's quite basic and not a special occasion venue but I've always found it friendly and reasonable quality.
Dookie
me and the wife went in Dec and sat upstairs. we hadn't been for 20 odd years but it was worth the wait. the food was excellent and the staff very friendly. recommend!
Sarah, Michelle and Helen
We went to look for a Uni project and found the restaurant to be below the expected level - and the menu outside had old (lower) prices. We won't be returning!
Roddy
I agree with Susan and Andrew. The pizzas are made with greasy, indigestible cheddar which may be to the local taste but doesn't do it for me. The only plus point is that they can rattle the food out very quickly so if you're late for the theatre or cinema, this is the place to go.
ANDREW
I agree with susans comments, Mama's and Leonie's is nothing more than a cafe,the staff are rude and the food is overpriced and of no great quality.
Poppet
Chille con Carne and a bottle of beer, sitting at the bar.
Heaven!
Hairy Mary
A real fave of mine that I'm always drawn back to. Hampstead and Highgate it ain't, but Mama's is warm and welcoming and the service is speedy and friendly especially at lunchtimes.
susan
I've been to this restaurant twice and although the food was reasonable both times it was nothing to write home about. I'm surprised people think otherwise. We had to send dirty cutlery away and reject wine from a long-opened bottle. It's a few steps up from a greasy spoon and I was impressed with the amount of topping on my friend's pizza but with such appalling standards of cleanliness, I won't be going again!
Allie
have been several times to Mama & leonies and each time we have experienced great food and reliable service. They have special offers on wines sometimes, with quite a tasty Montepulciano coming in at under 9 quid which is rather good VFM! Extensive dessert list too, though we're usually too stuffed to even contemplate it !I'd give Mama's 3 moos.
Greedy
Cow writes:
Mama's and Leonie's have contacted me to clear up the upstairs business.
They
say, "First floor restaurant seats 40 and table reservations
are only taken for the first floor. Restaurant seating on the ground
floor is on a first come first served basis."
So
that sorts that. Thank you, Mama's! Another mystery solved!
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