Mamma Maria Restaurant
(617) 523-0077
3 North Sq
Boston,
MA
02113
42.364
-71.0533
Neighborhoods: Central, North End
What People Are Saying About Mamma Maria Restaurant
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
The parade of limousines that continually clog North Square's cobblestone streets is a testament to Mamma Maria's enduring high standards and staying power. Patrons at this romantic, converted brick townhouse (dating to the early 19th century) can choose one of five distinct dining areas (try to snag the snug second-floor enclave, which holds only a single table). Service in all corners is nothing short of outstanding.
The Food
Mamma's kitchen churns out noteworthy Italian and New American dishes featuring seasonal, local ingredients. In other words, stick to touristy Hanover Street if you're just looking for spaghetti and meatballs. Fava bean salad with roasted asparagus and watercress salsa verde is a light, refreshing starter. A succulent, slow-roasted veal shank (served osso bucco style) features a delicate saffron risotto. Leave room for the wonderfully intricate desserts, including a complex maple-mascarpone torta.
User Reviews
cdmnj
August 20, 2008
Dinner was great family experience for all of us. Mama Maria was a feast for the senses as we enjoyed our excellently prepared dinner. The waitstaff was very helpful and our teens had a truly enjoyable dinner. It was a great way to usher in a family vacation.
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matt355
July 18, 2008
We went to Mamma Maria as a group of 11. The waiter asked if we wanted to have a few appetizers to share among the table. We agreed and he brought out a few appetizers for each person. When we got the bill, we found out that he had chosen two expensive appetizers and charged us for 11 of each, plus 3 orders of 3 other appetizers. In the end, our appetizers cost more than $400. The waiter also tried multiple times to upsell us on more expensive wine. It ended up costing us $100 per person for the meal (after we battled them down from $120 per person). In addition, they charged us a mandatory tip (despite getting ripped off by the waiter). The menu said the tip was 18%, but they ended us charging us 20% (netting the waiter another $20) I would never go back here again. Maybe this was the case of a waiter gone bad, but it was enough to sour my opinion of the place.
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freewilly7
April 12, 2008
yes, pricey, and i personally enjoy slightly more casual (upbeat yet casual) dining environments than this. excellent food, though. love their lamb gnocchi--VERY filling, but oh... so good. this place is "unique" in a sense that the establishment is located in a house (or at least the place was a house previously): you have to walk up the stairs into different floors of dining areas. it's not like you go in on street-level and see everything there at once. great ambiance for dates (if anyone's worth a pricey date!). :)
read full reviewThe Details on Mamma Maria Restaurant
Save Money:
Consider sharing a heaping plate of Mamma's antipasto, possibly the city's best.
Know Before You Go:
Reservations are strongly recommended. If you don't reserve a table beforehand, expect a lengthy (albeit pleasurable) wait in the restaurant's inviting second-floor bar.
Parking:
Only those unfamiliar with the area's lack of parking spaces dare try to find a spot at night. Spring for the $12 valet service.
Category:
Payment Methods:
Gift Certificate, American Express, Diners Club, Discover, Visa, MasterCard, Travelers Check
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Romantic Dining, Quiet, Celeb Hangout, Private Rooms, Historic Setting, Business Dining, Group Dining, Notable Wine List
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
No
