The best soul food in San Diego!! We've attended their Low Tide Market popups twice now and every time we've been blown away. We've had their lobster mac and cheese, peach cobbler, shrimp and grits, and banana pudding. My favorites have been the shrimp and grits and peach cobbler, so rich and full of flavor in every bite! They're trying to open up a restaurant and I'm excited to try them when they do. read more

Mama Green's - shrimp and grits - Southern Near Me

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I was so excited to see that Mama Green's was going to be popping up at the Low Tide market in Pacific Beach. I was afraid they would sell out before I got there but I was able to get their shrimp and grits and the strawberry pound cake slice. The shrimp and grits were so flavorful! Perfect. And the pound cake was delicious as well. Highly recommend that you stop by their next pop up or when the restaurant reopens! read more

Mama Green's - Shrimp and grits - Southern Near Me

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Words alone cannot express how truly delightful of an experience dining at Mama Green's was. The owners are truly the kindest and most passionate people I have ever met and their restaurant's backstory is touching and heartfelt. Food: there's going to be a lot of it, don't even think about eating before hand. They'll give you a heads up about pacing throughout the meal. We had enough left overs for an another delicious dinner. Ambiance: eating outdoors is such a treat and we got seated with a nice view where we could see the sun setting in the background. We had our baby with us and they were the most accommodating. I'm so exited that their menu changes seasonally as this means I have an excuse to keep coming back. Authentic southern style food, amazing people, and an amazing story. Thank you!!! Tip: follow them on instagram to join their newsletter for the next reservation availability read more

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The food and customer service was not good. Workers appeared unclean at the pop up Event, not adequately washing their hands. I guess okay if you want food poisoning. Food is low quality. Catfish nuggets are fatty and over priced. read more

I was able to finally get a reservation and they didn't disappoint! From the greeting at the gate to the tour if was definitely an EXPERIENCE! D and Lawrence are the sweetest couple. The food is amazing..everything homemade. 4 course meal...we had leftovers. They only take a certain amount of people a night and I see why. The flavors to the presentation of the food is just amazing. read more

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Ordered some of Mama Green's catering trays for a brunch and it was nothing short of amazing! Got a tray of chicken wings, Skene Mississippi Mac & Cheese and biscuits. I was worried about wings not being fresh by the time I served but per instruction, I kept them in a low oven the whole time and they were still crispy and warm when we ate (an hour after I picked up). They also have a little kick that makes them so flavorful but not overpowering. Mac & Cheese is usually a side that is solid but not a standout but Mama Green's mac is nothing like I've tasted before. It's so hearty and delicious (could be a main dish). Can't wait until they open up the restaurant again! read more

My girls and I took a 2-hr drive to San Diego just to visit this beautiful restaurant. I was so estatic to try it. The back in the day ambiance was wonderfully exquisite. I knew I was in for a treat and a treat is what I received. This establishment is a licensed MEHKO (Micro Enterprise Home Kitchen Operation) and seating is outdoors. The lighting was perfect, the quaint seating for 2 was beautifully decorated, I love the music and service was the best, ever! Now the food! Out of this world! Made me think of my Granny's cooking with a new school twist. SMH, throwing my hands in the air, falling back in my chair kind of good. The servings are large, so pace yourself. I did not. But, that was ok, because they boxed it up. This food was sooo good that I will NOT ruin it by reheating it in the microwave. I am going to show it the same love I received and reheat it properly, and enjoy it again and again. I will be back in a couple of weeks. I know my sister/friend will love it! I also learned that the menu changes each month. I am excited to book November for a Thanksgiving treat. read more

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AMAZING!!!!! This place is so good that I had to add their business to Yelp!!! This is a homebased restaurant, by reservations only! My favorite dish is the MaMa'a Country Fried Chicken and Potatoes! The homemade biscuits with honey butter basil are also out of this world! The owner and her husband provide excellent service and food-made from scratch! Head on over to mamagreenssandiego.com to make reservations (they ONLY take reservations)!!!! I love supporting military families, especially when they make delicious GREAT food! read more

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Thank you for the meal that was as heartwarming as everyone's hospitality last night. Every dish looked so beautiful and yummy and had a story of your unique homemade southern flavor. Your cooking felt like a genuine warm hug. I especially want to express my gratitude for recognizing me as your "Annual Earlene Green Caregivers Apreciation 2024 Dinner." I am touched and grateful. I'm still dreaming about that amazing dining experience. Thanks for feeding my body and soul and for such an amazing evening. Love, Virginia read more

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Food 100/10 every time! Always met with a smile and take care of like family! From the physical location to the pop up shops it's ALWAYS a very cute vibe, setup and the products match! The branding at Mama Greens is amazing! read more

A visit to this place was definitely just an experience. The food was delicious. The service is extremely well and the decoration of the house was very cute. A little on the pricey side for soul food. But I enjoyed the complete experience. The only thing I didn't care for was a sweet peach tea. Too sweet and it killed my appetite. read more

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This the best southern food in San Diego and maybe the best food in San Diego period. It takes like what you dream food would taste like but it never lives up to it, this somehow does. Even the peach tea somehow tasted like a 3D experience. I want to send my parents here for their anniversary so my dad can relive some of his old favorites. The country fried chicken is a must. The service was so kind and passionate. It is in a residential neighborhood so don't be surprised when you pull up to a house. If you find yourself able to go you really should. It's crazy crazy food. Home cooked to another level. read more

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Fair warning this will be a long review. Last week I got onto Yelp for some reason and a restaurant called Mama Greens was in my notifications asking if i had tried it. I thought this was weird cause I had never heard of it and Yelp normally asks that whenever you've searched or landed on the page before. Needless to say I scoped it out and the food looked AHMAZINGGG! I immediately went to the website to make reservations to find out they were booked until December! I set a calendar notification to make reservations when they opened back up and decided to check out the 'our story' section of the website. At this point of reading I was convinced this restaurant was placed on my heart by God. Mama Greens is named after Chef D'ona's grandma who lost her battle with Alzheimers in 2018. Yesterday making a year since my mama passed from this horrible disease I knew I had to reach out in hopes there was a cancellation so we could celebrate both my mama and Mama Green. D'ona is an absolute sweetheart and after emailing we decided we would connect at the Alzheimers walk that was this past Saturday and she was even more of a ray of sunshine in person! She let us know there was actually a cancellation and we got to go last night If that wasn't God putting us in the right moments together I don't know what is Now, let's talk about this food, the atmosphere, the service and how warm and hospitable D'ona and her husband are! That food was *chefs kiss*. If you're from the south or you love some good southern food THIS IS THE PLACE! From the delicious tea that tastes like you took the juices from a peach cobbler (no lie, I don't know what's in it but this tastes EXACTLY like a peach cobbler, unmatched peach tea ever), that lemonade oh my goshhhh, to the warm and soft homemade biscuits with the honey basil butter, those tea cakes, those candied yamsssss lawwddddd, my fave was those Willie O'Greens, oh my goodnesssss, talk about crunchy, flavor and that sauceee!!! Then the main dishes, Kimberly had the chicken pot pie, I had the Main Catch which had cheesy cajun grits, fried catfish, sausage and some shrimp with cheddar jalapenos hush puppies and lets not forget the creamy and cheesy mac and cheeseee, goodness gracious so gooodddd, then for Dessert was the sweet potato praline caramel cheesecake which in my wife's Kimberly's words "God swiped right on that cheesecake, made another profile just so he could come and swipe right again" it was just a downright enjoyable experience and one that I know my mama would have loved! D'ona made all of the special touches and it truly touched my heart. Shes not just your chef in the experience but her and her husband truly make you feel like family! We will be back for another food coma and amazing food and company. I hope Mama Green and my mama are friends in Heaven and smiling down on us read more

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Shrimp and grits are amazing The desserts were to die for. Can't wait for their next pop up shop. read more

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This was the best meal that we have ever had for our anniversary! EVER!! Thank you Mama Greens for an unforgettable experience. Make your reservations before this place blows up and you can't. The food is unbelievable! The flavors, the textures, the portions. EXCELLENT customer service. D'ona (the chef) and her husband Laurence (sorry if mispelled) were very kind to us. We had a wonderful time and will be back. read more

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The best. Food, service, ambiance. All amazing. Try it for yourself, don't take my word for it. You WILL leave with leftovers. read more

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This place is incredible. Great service and even better food. Everything tasted amazing. Even the lemonade (regular and strawberry) were an experience of their own. I highly recommend this place. Make a reservation and go ASAP. Won't find better tasting food or such a cool experience anywhere else. read more

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The food was super rich and the portions are a decent size. I loved the service and the delicious foods definitely trying it again

First off, the ambiance sets the mood, cute and welcoming country patio vibe with blues and jazz music making you feel relaxed and home. The food was beyond unbelievable. You can taste the love and soul in each dish Chef D'ona makes. Be prepared for filling portions and come hungry!!! read more

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This spot is sooooooo good y'all. Like my boyfriend almost cried, he had a religious experience. Great atmosphere, super sweet couple running it, and most importantly: delicious food! Best thing: Cajun shrimp & grits. Hands down one of the top things I put in my mouth in 2023 Runner up is the willie o greens with the delicious mama's sauce. However, next time I would just get the side of collard greens instead of them fried! Can't speak to the fried chicken entree but I assume it was amazing because my boyfriend CLEANED that plate Banana pudding was sooo good, definitely reccomend getting it (had to get it to go there was no way we could have eaten another bite) 10/10 experience and 10/10 food! (And 10/10 owners) Oh I should also mention cost! With the deposit factored in and tip I only spent $150, so reasonable for someone like me who doesn't go out to nice places that often read more

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The food was wonderful. Perfectly fried catfish and chicken. I loved the collard green egg roll appetizer and the hushpuppies. The drinks were special and delicious. They offered warm hospitality, great service, and a super cute atmosphere with many special details. read more

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Simply the best. The food is perfectly complemented by the people, the feelings, the fine and thoughtful touches on everything from the environment to the ice- yes, even the ice is lovely. Nothing compares. read more

My favorite spot in San Diego for a home cooked meal. The food is always fresh & well seasoned. The atmosphere/ambiance is perfect for a date night. The service was impeccable. Anytime I'm back in San Diego this is a MUST! read more

Some of the best food I've had here in San Diego came from this new restaurant, gives off a speakeasy type vibe. The staff was very welcoming and attentive. It is a nice place to dine if you are looking for an intimate location. It is by reservation only. They give you a cute complementary Polaroid photo at the end; such a cute memory! read more

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This restaurant in a small home has absolutely no competition! The food is amazing and some of the best southern cooking I've ever had. Chef D'ona cooks everything with love and great skill. It's hard to believe that she hasn't been scooped up by a fine dining establishment but that is good for us. She and her husband welcome you into their home with open arms and make you never want to leave. read more

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What a culinary pleasure, and delight, our daughter took us here for our 47 year anniversary. What a enchanting place, the food was absolutely amazing. We started out with the peach tea and homemade Biscuits with butter.and the wonton stuffed with smoke turkey and collard green. For my entree I had the grits with shrimp and catfish with sausage. Oh my. And the customer service is awesome. The chef came out to greet us. She's is an amazing chef. Best food and venue ever! Oh! The red velvet cheese cake,put all cheese cakes to shame! 10 stars read more

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Mama Greens is a class act! This was by far one of the best experiences my wife and I have had eating out together. The service was top-tier and extremely personable. The food, from the drinks to the appetizers, main entree, to the dessert, was perfect. We have been twice and will go back. It's well worth it, and I highly suggest you give it a try. read more

We went to Mama Greens tonight for a date night dinner. D'ona and Lawrence knocked it out of the park! The coolest thing is it's at their house. One of the few startups that San Diego county has licensed to operate out of their house. Her southern food which is her Grandmothers recipes was absolutely amazing! We are so happy for their success!!! We will defiantly be back!!! read more

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OMG! First of all, going back again and again. The ambience is amazing in their patio. Home style cooking and hospitality. We got the hush puppies, shrimp/sausage grits, Po Saint Louie sandwich, peach butter cake, Mac and cheese, and the complementary biscuits. And to drink, the peach tea. You can tell immediately the importance of providing the best service to anyone served at the restaurant. Make your reservation now because down the road, you will need to book months in advance. Thank you again! *sorry for the photos, it does not do justice. read more

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Me and my girlfriend went here for our anniversary dinner @7:30pm. I'm from FL and love she knows my love for southern food. It's hard to find good southern food on the westcoast and Mama Green's delivered! Everything was a 10/10 no . The service, food, drinks, scenery, and vibes were unmatched. We'll definitely be coming back for round 2. read more

Mama Green's - Southern Near Me

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Most amazing southern style food Ive had in years, worth the price, hospitality asks kindness is beyond amazing, Lawrence was very kind, and checked on us regularly, but still allowed us to enjoy our read more

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They are an amazing couple with so much integrity in their food and purpose. Ambiance so warning and welcoming. So much respect for them. The food, experience and love can not be described. Much love to them and their mission read more

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Been waiting to to enjoy this restaurant since seeing it reviewed on YouTube. It is located in a house (well patio) very intimate, 2 customers at a time, there were two people finishing thier meal when we arrived and another couple came in as we were leaving. You are greated by the chef's husband, Lawrence and presented with the menu of a four course meal that starts with biscuits and cornbread, followed by 2 choices of appetizers, 3 entres and desert. You are seated on the patio outdoors with Louis Armstrong playing in the background. Your choice of appetizers was Jalpeno cornbread or collard green and turkey in crusted wrapper. The entree choices (that night) was (1) Fried Chicken, with potatoes, collards and carrots. (2) Chicken Pot Pie and Fried Catfish an 3 desserts I can't remember as we were so full we took it to go and actually carried home a large brown grocery bags I would say weighing in at at least 10 pounds. This was all complimented with Southern Peach Iced tea and water. It will remind you of going to grandma's house and her asking several times if you have had enough, even with portions that are meant to take home as leftovers. You can taste from first bite this is really homemade food, made with love! The best cornbread, fried chicken and chicken pot pie I have ever had in my life. My wife had the mac and cheese and I had shrimp and grits for sides. Everything that touched our lips or mouths was incredible, you can again, just taste the love cooked into the entire meal. This is a hidden gem that needs to be experienced over and over, as the menu changes often. The best way is to subscribe to their mailing list and book the next month coming up as first-come first-serve and they will let you know when the following months reservations are open for two only. EVERYTHING about this meal was EXCELLENT, the service and the food. The couple who own and run it are super nice. This restaurant could easily be on your regular list of places to enjoy incredible food. We can't wait to go back next month.They tell us they strive to make you feel like you are eating at Grandmas house and portions big enough to insure you will have food to take home, in fact Lawrence told us they have only had one couple (1) to EVER finish the entire meal with nothing to take home. True southern home cooking in East County, who would have thunk! Check out Mama Greens, you will never forget it! We can't wait to see what's on the menu next time! read more

Beautiful experience and lovely people. You can tell every dish is made with love and a passion for great food. Everything I bit into was absolutely scrumptious, definitely recommend read more

Amazing customer service. The food is THE BEST. The staff and head chef go above and beyond to ensure that you're satisfied. Do yourself a favor and check out this fantastic restaurant. read more

I loved my dining experience here! My husband and sons were out of town so I made an early reservation for myself after reading all of the great reviews. Outstanding food and generous portions! ( the best fried chicken that I have ever had!) Lovely couple and terrific service. Will be bringing my family back to enjoy the delicious food and charming patio atmosphere. read more

Y'all...Mama Greens is a straight 10 out of 10! Look, D'ona and Lawrence are absolute masters of their craft. The food, service, and ambiance is a perfect reflection of themselves and the quality of service delivered. Mama Green's didn't disappoint at all. They gonna feed you well and make sure you get the full complete experience. We had a five course meal. Everything was delicious...the tea cakes, cornbread, peach jam (D'ona has a real gift with peaches!), strawberry lemonade, Georgia peach sweet tea, Willie O Greens appetizer, candied yams, remoulade sauce, shrimp and grits, fried fish, fried chicken, all of the sides, butter cake....I could go on and on . It was the real deal. This place is a hidden gem in San Diego and was one of the best highlights of my vacation. It was really special and memorable for my husband and I as we celebrated our wedding anniversary. D'ona and Lawrence went above and beyond everything we expected. The food was so good that I cried and said that I didn't want to leave them and San Diego. My husband and Lawrence just laughed at me which ended up making me laugh too! Anyhow, I loved how Lawrence took our picture too and D'ona came out to talk with us and give us hugs. They are down to earth people who are super friendly and fun to be around. They are a class act and work together so well to ensure their customers are happy and given a great experience. D'ona is an excellent chef and has a God given talent that really comes through in all of her wonderful dishes. Her story is heart warming and I feel like her grandparents are beaming with pride and joy from heaven at her growth and success with her business. We'll be back for sure! read more

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The ambiance and service is top notch but what sets the bar high for others is the quality and presentation of their food. You can tell it was made with love! read more

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I don't normally leave reviews, but this one's different. As soon as we walk in this little piece of heaven, the ambience takes you back. The light, the music, the decorations... it's a perfect little piece of old school country side that you already know the food is about to be bomb. Now the food, let's talk about the fooooodd! First of all, the biscuit muffins. The first bite was mouth watering, soft fluffy, warm, fresh from the oven. The second bite was even better because I put the honey butter that she made on there, you know it's warm when the butter just melted in the bread. Now the appetizers came, it's the deep fried collard greens wrapped in wonton. I was thinking that it's greens I'm gonna ask for hot sauce, but nope! It was amazing in its own... but she did give me this special sauce, I can't explain what it tasted like but it made the greens soooo much better. We ate the appetizer and I made sure I order a batch to go. the main course. I ordered the thanksgiving sandwich, granted I'm already full from the greens, but I have to taste the sandwich, and I am speechless, with the cranberry sauce dip, oh my gawdddd!!!! Just thinking about it is making my mouth water. And I ate some of my husband's catch of the day, which was shrimp and grits with sausage and fried fish, the grits were cooked to perfection! Not that grainy grits that you eat in the Saturday morning, it's perfectly cooked. Oh don't let me forget about the freshly squeezed lemonades, it was watermelon and strawberry. Oh they're fresh, no doubt about it. I was full, and he was satisfied. We went home and straight to sleep we went! The pictures do not do justice but I'll post them anyways. Mama Greens! You did your thing, lady!!! read more

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Imagine you have sweet friends who really, really know how to cook. Thats Mama Greens. This place is something special. I was intrigued by the idea it was an actual restaurant in a house, but won over by pictures of the food. We came on a Friday night and the weather was perfect (its outdoors), the ambiance was warm and inviting, the music light and perfect, and the owners were welcoming and so sweet. The food was incredible. We started off with warm biscuits and had the night ended there it still would have been just perfect! We then had the Willie O's Greens, which I had thought in advance I maybe wouldn't order, but they may have been my very favorite thing I ate! I had the peach tea and it was magical, like peach pie in a glass. Orders of the catch of the day and the fried chicken filled us up and then some, we probably didn't need that side of mac and cheese ...but then we would have missed that wonderful dish! We finished our evening sharing the best banana pudding I've ever had, made fresh and hot from the oven. It was just love in a dish. In fact you can feel the love and the pride in every dish. We enjoyed ourselves throughly, left with a big bag of happy leftovers and full hearts. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us. We will be back! read more