We walked past this colourful, vibrant looking restaurant on our first brief afternoon in Looe and earmarked it for a potential visit during our week in the area. Glad to say we got involved early doors on the second night.
As you'd expect on a mid-September Wednesday early evening in a tourist hotspot in Cornwall, it wasn't exactly heaving. Nowhere is at 5.30. Too early for the ravers, too late for the biddies, perfect for the young-parent crowd, which we are firmly in the camp of. Speaking of, there was another young family there (who incidentally we'd seen wandering the cobbled streets of Polperro earlier in the day) and a middle aged, childless couple in situ. Regardless, the service was exceptional. The very clearly authentically Italian server was attentive and helpful throughout and happy to chat and give recommendations. In addition to this, he went above and beyond for aforementioned Baby G - he was grizzling, as is his way at the moment, which was obvious for all in the restaurant to see. I was walking him around when he offered some free breadsticks to keep him occupied. It worked! He also engaged with Asa in a card swapping game - coincidentally (?) handing over a 'rate us on Tripadvisor' card in exchange for one Asa had just picked up. Cynical, moi?! Couple more little, but noticeable, things - he washed up ALL of the dude's paraphernalia, plate, bib and spoon. Really appreciated that. And also the food came at the perfect temperature - not too hot as it always is in every other restaurant we go to, thereby incurring a tentative wait while it cools. They clearly know how to deal with kids, and are truly a 'family friendly' place.
Onto the food - Em had a Bianco pizza (garlic butter, pulled pork, mushrooms and rosemary) which was genuinely delicious. Creamy and packed with flavour, with a crispy thin base, and cooked to perfection. To the point where I wish I'd had the same. Honestly one of the best pizzas I've tried for a long time.
My beef ragu was very nice, beef shin and pork ragu making the difference between it and a spag bol. Big chunks of meat, spaghetti with the right amount of bite and bounce, and seasoned to perfection.
Asa's penne pomodoro was very well received - he essentially inhaled it. Which is about as good as you can expect from a bebe.
Dessert was 2x affogato's, which I haven't had for a while. The gelato was gorge - creamy af, and the espresso was lovely but would have preferred it hot.
Drinks-wise, Em had her standard prosecco, I had a next level G&T- Malfy Rosa with pink grapefruit. Apparently it's a Sicilian pink grapefruit gin with a hint of rhubarb. I've already got a bottle on order.
The overall experience at Mama J's was of sheer joy and blissful happiness. Get here. Now. read more
