What a delightful way to celebrate my birthday here! My good friend treated me to the most delicious dinner and I couldn't have been happier! We sat at the bar and got a fantastic view of the kitchen. Our server was super friendly and patient, and our water glasses were never empty. The food was top notch. I don't know how they make everything taste so comforting yet upscale. Every ingredient was fresh and thoughtfully paired with complimentary items. Honestly I have no notes. Every course was tasty and filling, and the dessert was the perfect ending. I can't wait to come back again! read more

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We had a 3 generation meal (grandpa, parents and 5 year old) at Mama recently and every single one of us left happy. The food was delicious, the service was friendly and efficient and the prix-fix menu made it simple to decide what to order. The wine list was also extensive and we all enjoyed our drinks - both wine and n/a beverages. We really appreciated the "young guest" option of buttered noodles covered in parmesan cheese - even though the young guest at our table finished mom's gazpacho and "adult" pasta. Will definitely be back again soon! read more

We went to MAMA for an impromptu date night as we've had it on our list to try for awhile since moving to the East Bay. We arrived for our outdoor reservation, which is situated on the sidewalk. There was a nice heat lamp set up but the traffic on the road was quite loud. The service members were really delightful. We informed them that we had to jump online to sign up for kids aftercare classes at 8pm to make sure they didn't think we were being pretentious d-bags at that time, which they all understood and encouraged us on. The menu is short and concise with three courses, each with a couple options. The wine list was very extensive and offered a ton of choices. We both decided to start with the Gazpacho and I ordered the Sugo pasta while my wife ordered the risotto. To finish I ordered the chocolate tart while my wife had the sorbet. First off, the gazpacho was amazing, easily a 10 out of 10! The flavor and texture was simply perfect. The Focaccia was also really good and an order must. The mains were good, but didn't quite hit the spot for us. The risotto lacked a bit in flavor, considering all the ingredients it consisted of. The Sugo sauce was good, but I found the pasta to be a bit undercooked; it was a thicker pasta that needed a little more time and didn't really adhere to the sauce that well. Overall I am giving it 4 stars, but this is mainly due to the mains that were served. The service staff were 5 stars as well as the gazpacho! read more

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Mama was recommended to me by a frugal foodie and it did not disappoint! Get there early to secure walk in spots! The Tuna carpaccio was delicious, well balanced, with a perfect portion size. I Could eat three but luckily you won't need to with the three course prix fixe menu. The Sugo is a hug in a bowl. No notes. For dessert, I tried the Cannoli. It was light and not too sweet. The fresh fruit was a treat. Again perfect portion size. Trevor was my server and we had a nice chat. But really, the whole team works together to make sure everyone is attended to. The team communication and collaboration seems strong, which I truly appreciated. read more

MAMA Oakland - Peach and almond cannoli - Italian Near Me - Oakland, California

This was my second time at MAMA, and it did not disappoint. We started with the tomato soup and little gem salad respectively, and were both very pleased with our choices. Then we both went for the signature sugo pasta - another excellent choice. I can be a little finicky about meat sauces, but this was phenomenal. Unfortunately, chocolate dessert was a little dry, though the plum was lovely. I also wasn't too keen on the recommended wine pairing, but that's more a matter of individual taste. The real standout was actually the focaccia. Order as much as you can possibly consume. Service was perfect, attentive without hovering. And we never wanted for anything for more than a moment. read more

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Went here with my wife for our anniversary at the recommendation of a friend. Kudos to the staff & owner for running an exceptional operation here. Full disclosure, this is a fully prix fixe menu with optional add-ons available. I did not know this going in, however it had no bearing on my rating because the options were balanced & very good. It is a homey, 60's feeling Italian-American open kitchen vibe that is buzzing with activity. It is very plain as far as decor, but the staff is remarkable. They take pride in what they are doing & everything is handled with care from start to finish. My wife had an N/A rosé she enjoyed & I tried the busty lush N/A ale while we ordered, which was very good. For appetizers, we tried both the salad & red pepper soup. Both were great. The salad had apples & an amazing dressing that had touches of Dijon that was sublime & great; the pepper soup had a bed of veggies in the middle that they poured the soup over; the server came back with another pot to pour me more unsolicited. It had a nice kick that was balanced & gave just the right amount of heat. Very good. We elected to add on the focaccia at the recommendation of our waitress, which came with a peach butter that complimented the herb and oil that was on the bread. It was very crunchy, but a light crunch and was also very good. Moving on to the main entrées, I tried their Sugo, which is thin strips of a lasagna-style pasta with red sauce & short rib with a basil garnish that was very good. My wife opted for a peppered pasta dish with a cream sauce that she really enjoyed, as well. Now onto the star of the show: we chose to add on the chicken Parmesan, and oh boy, am I glad we did: this is the best chicken Parm I have ever had and that is not hyperbole, and I've tried a lot of of them. The chicken breast itself was incredibly juicy throughout, the breading was perfectly crispy, not soggy or overly crunchy and had an incredible subtle pepper kick in it. Plenty of cheese, and it came smothered and on a bed of a tomato sauce that was a little bit more on the pasty rather than watery saucy side. I cannot recommend this dish enough. We wrapped things up with the espresso cheesecake, which had an amazing Oreo cookie type crust, the coffee flavor was very subtle and it was seated on a drizzle of a sort of semi sweet cherry glaze that complimented all of the other flavors exceptionally with an Italian cherry on top in a bed of whipped cream. Also exceptional. I chased it down with a French press coffee that was high-quality as well. Definitely try this place out in a small group if you are looking for exceptional Italian food made with love in a retro-y setting. read more

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TLDR: Great date night spot or place to bring the fam! Highlights: the set menu made ordering easy. My mom doesn't usually eat a ton but she ate almost everything and enjoyed it all! My favorite was the gnocchi - it was the perfect texture. It was a little salty but I didn't mind. Service/ambiance: 10/10. Staff was very nice and accommodating. Notes: The focaccia was harder than I expected. The seasoning was great but it's not your typical soft focaccia so heads up! Parking was easy and so was snagging a reservation. We originally booked for outside but were able to switch to indoors since it was chilly out. read more

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Food quality: excellent! Love their seasonal menu set. Service: great Atmosphere: intimate and classy. Overall experience: awesome! Notes: I felt very squished and it was loud and hard to focus or hear your own table since we were sat so close to our neighbors read more

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Food was freshly well prepared quality from cooking to presentation fabulous choices every course was a wow. Team service was knowledgeable attentive and executed well. We sat out on sidewalk dining it was great foot traffic people watching ambiance covered by huge old trees. Highly recommend read more

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We've been coming here for years, and today, my thinking about the restaurant ticked over. I don't think of this as "scaled down fine dining" so much as "neighborhood Italian grown up." The distinction is a matter of ambition. Mama's sugo is a dependable companion, just as much as it is a well crafted pasta dish. In New Jersey (my ancestral homeland), every town or neighborhood has a place like this. When you need a place to unwind with a glass of wine or treat your family to a fancy pasta with red sauce, this is the place to come. If you happen to be around Lake Merritt, then by all means stop in. I strongly recommend the vegetarian sugo (made with mushrooms). But, if you are coming from elsewhere, it may be just as rewarding to spend time at your own neighborhood's "dependable companion." read more

Make reservations as weekends are busy! My fiancé and I came here on Saturday, and I was very pleasantly surprised by the entire experience. The staff are super friendly and attentive! It's a 3 course menu style, and very reasonably priced (~$42/person). We got one of each to try everything and it was delicious! The bean soup with tortellini was so smooth, comforting, and a great appetizer. I loved the citrus and beets salad--the greens were seasoned perfectly and paired amazing. The snap pea carbonara was flavorful, crunchy, and so creamy without feeling overly greasy or heavy. I loved the crunch for that extra texture. The beef and tomato pasta was also so flavorful and the pasta was perfectly al dente. Desserts were a dark chocolate tart and lemon olive oil cake. I do wish the tart had rice crisps or some element of crunch for a variety of texture. The olive oil cake was delicious and perfectly sweet. We also tried the lambrusca and blood orange spritz. Both were so refreshing and paired perfectly with our meal. The focaccia was very flavorful but a bit too crunchy where it poked the roof of my mouth multiple times. Nonetheless, everything else was so good. Thank you for such an amazing first experience. We will definitely be back!! read more

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Went a couple of years ago for restaurant week! Loved that the menu was simple but the fooood was delicious!!!! The inside was a little packed and we sat in the corner which was a little weird to be sitting at as customers but it was great!!! read more

Great service, pretty good food, a bit limited selection (by design, it's a Prix Fixe food menu), and a decent ambiance too. Everything definitely felt very fresh and all the ingredients were high quality, but it's very dependent on the day to day food menu and what you may like/not like. Overall, it's definitely a spot to check out, but maybe see if you can view the menu ahead of time. read more

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Had a wonderful time at MAMA! Came here to celebrate a friend's birthday and they had custom menus for us. Their menu is pre-fixe and I chose the red pepper soup, saffron cavatelli, and the chocolate pistachio cake. We added on the bread and meatballs which was a good accompaniment to the soup. Everything was flavorful and well cooked. The cavatelli dish was my favorite with the pork sausage and broccolini. The cake was delicious and a great way to finish. Service was friendly the entire night and we got a table outside which was perfect for the summertime. read more

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This is an excellent neighborhood place in a bustling area of Grand in Oakland. The menu is seasonal and for summer the theme is corn. I had a lovely corn soup with a dollop of crab. The astringency of the crab was a perfect juxtaposition to the sweetness of the corn. My daughter had the meatballs and pappardelle and was very happy with it. We also had the ricotta gnudi, one of my favorite things in the world. We added an order of perfectly roasted scallops with roasted Jimmy Nardelle (I think?) peppers, fava beans and corn kernels. Dessert was chocolate cake, which was the only slight disappointment (a bit on the dry, dense side). The corn pannacotta was exquisite. Staff is friendly, professional, efficient. We will be back for the Autumn menu. read more

MAMA Oakland - Roasted scallops with corn peppers and favas - Italian Near Me - Oakland, California

MAMA will always have a special place in our hearts. While shopping for engagement rings in Oakland, we pulled up Yelp and decided to give this spot a try. We're so glad we did. We enjoyed our experience so much we decided to come here after the engagement to commemorate the occasion! MAMA's service was top notch both times, but they made our experience even more special to celebrate the engagement. The food here is priced at an incredible value for the quality you receive and we both love the rotating menu. It felt fresh visiting even just a month apart. Would highly recommend the house focaccia bread (and the jam / butter they serve with it). The volume isn't too loud and it was a perfect intimate setting with just the right amount of lighting to keep the vibe immaculate. We'll be checking MAMA out again in 2026 and can't wait! read more

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I recently went to Mama in Oakland and it was superb. What's wild is that I live down the street from this place and it has been on my to do list to come here for quite some time. I had booked a reservation at the chefs counter because I wanted to be next to all the action and excitement in the kitchen. I can say that everyone was kind attentive and made us feel taken care of without hovering. The food was amazing. The soup was comforting and full of flavor and the focaccia bread was unreal. Easy 10 out of 10. I finished it and immediately wished I had ordered another one. The whole place just feels good. Nothing felt forced or overdone just really solid food and great service. It is one of those spots you leave happy and already thinking about your next visit. I cannot wait to go back and try their next menu! read more

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Upscale Italian, however wish the food was less salty Focaccia bread - great olive oil, good texture, and generous herbs. The marscapone and jam were a nice touch Citrus buratta salad - so good! Great balance of clean olive oil, creamy buratta, crunchy fresh salad and fresh citrus fruits. Well balanced and tasty Cauliflower soup - smelled amazing with fresh cream and truffle oil however was extremely salty Meatballs - good tomato sauce, decent juiciness and seasonings, however not much different than other restaurants Carbonara - beautifully presented, however the cheese sauce was extremely salty Pesto gnocchi- also a beautiful , however the ground meat sauce was super salty and the gnocchi was slightly gritty and not as smooth as I'm used to, though I appreciate the home made feel Panna cotta - also slightly grainey, feels quickly made. I liked the grapefruit notes Devils food cake - my favorite, moist, super yummy cream and I love the strong espresso presence and richness of the cocoa Service was friendly, there was a nice sommelier serving us at the bar and in general the staff worked as a team and nobody brushed us off or passed us on, everyone was helpful Unfortunately the food just had so much excess sodium that me and my husband left with a burning sensation on our tongues and the roof of our mouths. And that's really saying something, especially as I can eat spicy and acidic. I'm not sure I'd return but I'm glad I tried it read more

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Food! OMG! Service! OMG! Ambient and warm and a total hole in the wall with a punch of classy! I recommend making a reservation as this place is packed! Even before doors open! I highly recommend! read more

I've been to MAMA's a couple of times now and it always wows me. I love a pre fixe and a rotating menu and this spot delivers on both with a reasonable price and delicious options. The first time we stopped by, they had to seat our reservation late and gave us a glass of wine each to sip on while we waited, it was unexpected but appreciated. Our waiters have all been fantastic, they really know how to read whether folks are down to chat or prefer to be left alone. It gives the experience a very friendly upscale feeling. Of course the good has always been fantastic, the soups are some of my favorite dishes, they're so creative and rich but not too filling, I'm also always surprised by the size of the desserts because I usually so full by the time I get to them! I want to take all of my friends here when they come to visit and I don't think that feeling will be going away any time soon! read more

This is such a charming little spot in Oakland. They serve a three course menu with add-ons for a very reasonable price (42.95). I came to celebrate my anniversary and had a great experience both food-wise and service-wise. We ended up adding on foccacia bread (amazing) and meatballs (great addition to the pasta) I really enjoyed the roasted chicken soup. I went in expecting it to taste like a typical chicken noodle soup, but was blown away by how the roasted chicken flavor came through. It tasted so...natural (not sure that's the best way to describe it). Anyways, highly recommend this place if you're ever in the area! read more

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I've been eager to try MAMA in Oakland, and I'm thrilled I finally had the chance. Although I didn't have a reservation, the staff graciously seated me at a cozy outdoor table next to a heat lamp, which was a nice touch! Their three-course prix fixe menu offers some tempting add-ons, and I couldn't help but notice how appetizing the focaccia and fried chicken looked. Starting off, I chose the white bean soup. Its almost smoky flavor gave it a delightful depth and complexity, making each spoonful both comforting and rich. The prosciutto and sun-dried tomato ragù gave a lovely contrast. For my main course, I went with the ricotta lasagna. A perfect balance of acidity that really brightened the flavors. The layers of cheese, tomato-braised beef, and pork melded together beautifully, easily one of the best lasagnas I've ever tasted. To wrap up my meal, I indulged in the tiramisu. This dessert was an absolute dream! Light and fluffy, it practically melted in my mouth, with perfectly balanced layers of espresso-soaked sponge cake and mascarpone cream. The atmosphere was warm and inviting. This meal was a perfect blend of flavors and comfort, and I highly recommend MAMA to anyone in the area! read more

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MAMA is such a gem in Oakland! I love that their 3-course menu changes weekly -- it keeps things fresh and exciting every time. The setup is simple and straightforward: choose an appetizer (soup or salad), a main (usually pasta or another seasonal dish), and then finish with one of their two amazing desserts. Everything we had was delicious and beautifully presented. The portions felt just right, and the price point for a full 3-course meal is such a steal for the quality. We also tried a couple of the add-ons, and they were absolutely worth it! The space itself is cozy and full of good energy -- definitely "the vibes." Perfect for a date night or dinner with friends. Pro tip: make your reservation through Resy and don't forget to use your Amex Platinum for that extra perks :) Can't wait to come back! read more

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Mama's lives on that wild stretch of Grand Ave by Lake Merritt--wedged between the cathedral that looks like an alien spaceship and the kind of Oakland street-theatre that features joggers weaving past turbo-revving Hondas, couples strolling with $9 lattes, and a dude shouting at traffic while balancing a Slim Jim. That's the Oakland Grand Ave vibe: a permanent tug-of-war between grace and grime, joggers and jaywalkers, gelato and graffiti. Mama's planted itself here in 2020 and somehow rode out the pandemic years like a war-scarred Italian galleon that refused to sink. Inside? Dim, buzzy, slick-modern, borderline sexy, and humming with that "we're too cool to whisper" energy. It's not a zen dining temple; it's a classy ruckus--think Upper West Side on espresso shots. The staff? Confident with Brooklyn-ish swagger, a little hurried but genuine--like they might roll their eyes at your question but still make sure your wine glass isn't lonely. We went full pre-fixe gladiator style: * Starters: * Fennel-chard-pecan-apple-granola salad--bright citrusy dressing, crunchy, sweet, perfectly tuned. 5/5. * Roast-chicken-butternut-gnocchi-dill soup--comforting, creamy, just a shade too salty, like a Nonna with attitude. 4/5. * Second wave: * Foraged-mushroom risotto with truffle butter & parmesan--earthy, silky, lights-out good. 5/5. * Pesto-glazed Paccheri & Mama's sugo--beefy, rich, tomato braised, hearty enough to restore faith in Oakland Italian. 5/5. * Main event: * Mediterranean grilled octopus with beluga lentils--shockingly tender, zero rubber, zero regrets. 5/5. * Dessert skirmish: * Toasted-almond cake with saffron-pear & orange-ricotta gelato--summer-dream level. 5/5. * Espresso budino with salted caramel & brownie--bold but salty enough to make a sailor cough. 3.5/5. Flavors hit bull's-eyes about 90% of the time--if you're salt-sensitive, bring a life-jacket. Expect roughly $100 per person all-in; worth it for the ride. This isn't your slow-lunch-in-Tuscany place. It's a kinetic Oakland night out: eat, laugh over the din, dodge motorcycles on the way back to your car. (True story: we stepped over a sidewalk drifter, three motorcycles wheelied by like a stunt show, and in the five-minute drive home I dodged five red-light-runners--classic Oakland obstacle course.) Mama's is young, brash, optimistic, and occasionally over-salty--basically Oakland in a bowl of risotto. Come ready for noise, energy, and a little street-level theater outside. I'll be back--next time with lower sodium expectations and higher-octane reflexes for the crosswalk. read more

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I really wanted to like this very popular (and Chronicle-adored) Italian spot on the edge of Lake Merritt. But while some dishes were great (the meatballs were wonderful) others felt a little lacking, particularly the over-crisped focaccia. And while the meal was filling, the add-ons drive the price up, and if we'd stuck to the menu without add-ons, we'd have felt a little ripped off. Service is lovely though. read more

MAMA Oakland - Spring garlic and potato soup - Italian Near Me - Oakland, California

Came for Oakland Restaurant Week. Nice smallish restaurant with a fantastic staff. They are entirely pre-fixe with really good offerings and looks like the menu rotates often. The absolute must haves are the house baked focaccia and the gnudi sugo. Those were the best things I have eaten in a LONG time. I am telling you, you will want to roll in that sugo. Now I'm annoyed that I just tried them. It is not too expensive and would be fine for a celebratory dinner too. Checked all my boxes! read more

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TL;DR: Great anniversary spot with warm service, a rotating 3-course menu at a fair price, and standout dishes like the focaccia with tomato spread, pumpkin risotto, and apple brown butter cake. Sit indoors for the best atmosphere. --------------- I came here to celebrate an anniversary with my partner, and the restaurant surprised us with complimentary sparkling drinks. They offered champagne for me and a nonalcoholic option for my partner, which was such a thoughtful gesture. The 3-course menu for $42.95 per person felt like a great deal. The options change every couple of weeks, which keeps things exciting and makes you want to come back. Since each course has two options, it worked perfectly for two people to try everything. We also added the focaccia bread, which was worth it. The service was excellent from start to finish. The host was friendly and welcoming, and the servers were attentive, checking in often and refilling our water without being intrusive. The focaccia bread was one of my favorites. It had a nice crisp texture, and the tomato-cream spread that came with it was incredibly flavorful. I could have easily eaten that spread on its own. For the first course, I preferred the sweet onion soup over the brussel sprout salad. The soup was rich and savory, while the salad had a bright, tangy flavor. It really comes down to taste, but I usually prefer something warm and substantial. For the main course, the Pesto Gnocchi and MAMA's Sugo had great flavor with the mix of tomato and pesto, and the crunch added a nice contrast to the soft gnocchi. The portion was on the smaller side though. The pumpkin risotto had a bigger serving and a more balanced flavor, so I would choose that one next time. For dessert, both the dark chocolate tart and the apple brown butter cake were great, but the cake stood out more. It had a cozy, fall-inspired flavor that was warm, sweet, and comforting. Overall, this was a wonderful dining experience. I would recommend making a reservation and sitting indoors since the interior feels much cozier and more romantic. The rotating menu keeps things fresh, and I'm looking forward to coming back to see what they offer next. read more

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Mama's is a lovely, intimate restaurant with a great fixed-price meal and a nice and not expensive wine list. The food is excellent, especially for the price, and the service is warm and unpretentious. Great for a date night or a special occasion. read more

Had been wanting to try MAMA for a long time and it did not disappoint. The food was fantastic. We had the gnudi with ragu and the house-made meatball -- both were outstanding. The focaccia was probably the best I have had in recent years, especially with the fava bean dip. Salad was okay but certainly did not distract from the rest of the menu. Our server did not really have the best attitude, but the food more than made up for it. read more

MAMA Oakland - Italian Near Me - Oakland, California

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Following five dinners at MAMA I can say this is a wonderful neighborhood restaurant that feels fun and festive and is also a good value. We've celebrated my husband's birthday and our anniversary here. I've been twice with friends. We've also taken our young daughter to Mama for dinner. I wasn't sure how their three course format would work with a kid but they're totally prepared for littles and my seven-year-old was a fan. We came to Mama last night to sample their corn menu and it was super summery. I especially enjoyed the corn and porcini carbonara. Service is always excellent at Mama and we're especially fond of SJ. She recognizes us on sight and is always so warm and welcoming to our little family. We'll be back in the months ahead to sample the seasonal stone fruit and tomato menus! read more

MAMA Oakland - Corn soup - Italian Near Me - Oakland, California

Cannot recommend this place enough. My husband and I have been several times, and any time we want a place to take friends, this is it! The food is incredible, and the fact that the menu is always changing makes for a different experience every time. The staff is incredible, and they never disappoint. And I love the intimate vibe. 10/10. No notes. read more

I love coming to Mama Oakland whenever I have something to celebrate. I love how you can pay $44 and get a three course meal with the freshest and most unique dishes around. This was our second time here and we celebrated my husbands birthday at our favorite seat- the two counter seats near the kitchen. It feels much more intimate for two since we enjoy sitting next to each other, plus it creates a whole experience watching the chefs whip up each dish. This week, every dish was centered around fresh and sweet tomato's. They were serving a warm cheese salad or shrimp dish to start, so of corse we did one for each of us so we could try both. For our entree we both chose the seafood risotto, mostly because the other option was a pasta with pork in it which we don't eat. For dessert (which was my favorite) we both chose the cheesecake with a peach and tomato sauce on top (so yum!) because their chocolate tart had a small amount of gelatin in it. They even sent it out with a candle for my husband's birthday which was a nice touch. The service here is always friendly and so informed. I appreciate how well they describe each dish and know exactly what allergies or dietary restrictions to watch out for. Mama Oakland is such a gem and one of the best deals in Oakland! read more

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Oh Mama! We love the $42.95 prix fixe dinner. The theme tonight was tomato! Starter: Tomato and Basil Crostata & House-Baked Herbed Focaccia Main: Tomato Campanelle & Pappardelle & Mama's Sugo Dessert: Ricotta Cheesecake & Chocolate Budino. All fresh and summery flavors! MAMA goes above & beyond for celebrations. They brought us some celebratory champagne & gelato. Our server Justin was great! read more

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Managed to get a table outside without a reservation on Sunday evening. This restaurant serves only a fixed price menu (three course dinner where you can choose one of two options of each course). That night we opted for each item from each course. 1. First course Tomato soup (so creamy and velvety, did not taste like a boring regular tomato soup). Paired well with the baked foccacio bread. Little gem Caesar Salad. So refreshing with a nice balance of dressing 2. Second course Fusilli and Mama's sugo. Red sauce pasta. Corn and Porchini Carbonara. We both agreed that the carbonara tasted a little bit better than the red sauce pasta. This pasta dish was our favorite dish of the night. The first bite really blew our minds away. 3. Third course Cheese cake and chocolate cake. Both were super delicious and really tasted like homemade desserts. Every bite was heavenly. We also added the meatballs and foccacio bread that came with some delicious spread. The service was impeccable and super friendly. The price was actually $42.95 which I believe still pretty reasonable for the quality of food. The 20% service charge was added automatically to the bill. All in all, our dining experience at Mama's was truly memorable and enjoyable throughout. This will be a repeat visit soon. I highly recommend. read more

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The food here is phenomenal--every dish hits. The pricing is surprisingly reasonable for the quality you're getting, which makes it even better. Service really stands out. The staff is friendly, attentive, and genuinely knowledgeable, especially when it comes to the wine list. It's extensive, thoughtfully curated, and they actually know how to guide you through it. The interior keeps things simple in the best way--warm, inviting, and comfortable without trying too hard. It's refreshing to find a place this good that doesn't feel pretentious. Definitely a spot worth coming back to. Can't for get the House Baked Focaccia Bread phenomenal read more

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MAMA Oakland is such a charming concept--built as an homage to the founder's Italian-American grandmother, Maria Germano Stacionis, who embodied warmth, hospitality, and the joy of feeding people. The restaurant carries that same spirit, with a rotating daily menu built around seasonal produce and a cozy, welcoming vibe. I came here with my sister on a Saturday night when the featured seasonal ingredient was summer corn. The $43-per-person prix fixe included three courses with a few choices for each. For my starter, I had a light salad with radish, arugula, and prosciutto over a corn sformato (an Italian savory custard). Interesting mix of textures--probably not my favorite, but I appreciate the creativity. 3.5/5. My sister's corn cream soup, on the other hand, was incredibly rich with layers of flavor. 4.5/5. My main was corn gnudi (similar to gnocchi) in a rich, meaty ragù. The sauce was deep and flavorful, and I enjoyed the gnudi's texture, though the corn flavor didn't stand out much. 4/5. Dessert was a creative cornbread topped with nutty jam, popcorn, and ice cream--a fun mix of flavors and textures that worked really well. 4/5. I love the creativity here and how they highlight in-season ingredients in different ways. It's the kind of place you can keep coming back to for a totally new experience each time. I'll definitely be back to see what's on the menu next. read more

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Food was good, I love the courses. I'm not a fan of having to ask for salt and pepper because it's not on the table so I didn't. Service was good they were nice about it being our first time there. It was packed so we sat at the bar. Ambiance was dark and romantic. Great date night. read more

My ev being broke into didn't help, I was Paranoid b4 going@dusk-we don't drive Bart nor fly over under around OAK period. The service menu and food was Mama's Italia for sure. A little expensive for Italian, e usually don't pay o ver 19.99 for home cooking that we grew up with....however, The palate cleanser was worth along with mama's meatballs add on had to be right up there w my Donna's AND Tony Giammanis Beach and Walnut Creek and only 7 w carry out, here not so much h $. But this place should move elsewhere, yes they rebt is gonna be more than Oakland. But the tagatalinwas fresh tasting and the Lambrusco kept coming. The owners were there that night and had it flowing, for a Th this place was packed so timing was okay. Missed the T I ramusu was sold out(?) And we liked the menus choices overall. Won't be back in darkness, maybe lunch if someone else drives. Inside giddy not luxe. read more

I walk by this place almost every day and I waited to try it! Recently came on a Saturday night and it was easy to make reservations prior. Remember it is a prefixed menu, so check it out before you dine in! The restaurant itself is so cute and cozy. Inside you can either have a nice dinner with a large group, intimate date night, or a small dinner with friends, or simply eat by yourself. There is a lot of space inside to accommodate a group or one person. The staff is also extremely nice and attentive. They have several recommendations but it's hard if you have a few dietary restrictions. The starters were okay, the corn soup was good and had a nice smooth taste to it. I wasn't amazed by the arugula salad. It lacked flavor and seasoning. The main dish I ordered was the tomato campanelle and it was okay. It tasted like fancy spaghetti and wasn't anything that i wanted to try again at a restaurant. The beef and pork meatballs and the chocolate tart saved the meal for me. I would definitely like to come back and try something different when the menu is changed. But would recommend this place again! read more

MAMA Oakland - Beef and pork meatballs, Tomato Campanelle - Italian Near Me - Oakland, California

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I went to MAMA's for our anniversary, and we had an okay experience. We had a reservation and had to wait a few minutes before our table was ready. The place is small and cozy, with lots of fine dining furniture. MAMA has a set menu, so we split our order to try each item. The food was fine. It was smaller and honestly, not to our liking. We felt all the dishes fell flat in some way. Whether it be in texture or lacking of umami, we realized that maybe fine dining just wasn't for us! But the servers were still all so great and attentive, so we appreciate our experience regardless. read more

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