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The prognosis was good: my housemates, on being casually asked if either would like to come with me, could not be separated after several closely fought rounds, so both were allowed to attend. It was fortunate that it occurred to us to call and check whether we needed to book. We did. Arriving at 8.30 on a weekday night, we found the place full, but by some sleight of table, not crowded. The atmosphere is warmly neutral, if that is possible : there were families with children, pensioners celebrating a birthday, young sophisticates, and people too busy eating to be categorised. All looked at home. We studied the menu with the help of a crisp Italian lager. For starters we chose baked goats cheese, antipasto mesto and spaghetti putanesca. (All pasta main courses can be sampled in half-portion as starters, childrens dishes, or out of simple curiosity.) All (and this is where it starts to get repetitive and descriptiveness falters before truth) were excellent, the antipasto mesto looking and tasting (we rotated) particularly sumptuous. Our main courses, a roast vegetable pizza, a calzone, and a rigatoni molisari, were all very fine. Companion A, who knows pizza through diligent study from infancy, found no fault whatsoever. Companion B could not be induced to opine until every last molecule was consumed. And I, who had taken a non-pizza option the better to be representative of the whole menu, had the last laugh as they both expressed jealousy at the absurd creaminess of the rigatoni. As befits persons concentrating seriously on food, we washed it all down with a carafe of house red, which was suitably but not excessively sharp. Dessert: apple rustica (pie and ice cream), tartufo (crunchy ice cream and cocoa) and tiramisu (a lush combination of coffee, brandy, chocolate and cream) were all decidedly worthy, if not spectacular. Coffee (we were thorough) likewise. The waiters were friendly, relaxed, very capable and efficient, and no more Italian than ourselves, though this did not detract from the Mediterranean feel. Pizzas are prepared from scratch under the diners scrutiny and nowhere is authenticity lacking. And at a little over twenty pounds per head, there is no doubting value for money either. The secret of Mama Mia's popularity is a simple one: people working very hard to make sure that they cannot be faulted and then some. They succeed. Ian Threadgill, 15/02/01 Fantastic restaurant, great for families, relaxed atmosphere and exceptional pizzas, perfect for an informal meal out. Especially good in the summer when you can eat outside - Love It Love It Love It !!!!!!!!! :) Summertown regular, 19/10/08 I have visited Mama Mia many times with both friends and colleagues and have always enjoyed the experience. I haven't been able to visit for a while, but was fortunate to be taken on Monday for lunch. I am delighted to say that it is everything I remember and more. The food was always excellent, but now the service is much improved. It was never bad, but many times it appeared rushed, things were occasionally forgotten, and there weren't many smiles. I'm not sure what has changed but there was definitely a more friendly and welcoming feeling, and our waiter was charming, efficient and entertaining - we never had to ask for a thing. The food was yummy as ever - Parma ham and rocket pizza was, in a word, divine. Keep it up Mama, you never cease to amaze me. A very satisfied customer, Mrs S Draiton, 28/11/07 I have to say that I seem to have had a different type of dining experience to other recent diners at Mamma Mia. The pizza I had was lovely (parma ham and dressed rocket) and my dining companions pasta amatricianna was also very good. The waiter who served us was very friendly and courteous. We had a very nice chianti to drink and enjoyed the atmosphere emmensely. I will definitely be going back newbie, 09/11/07 We've been going to Mama Mia's over the years, but disapointingly, the quality of the food seems to be going down while prices are going up. There seems to be an epidemic of restaurants that are hiking their prices up, while the quality goes down. Do I see you hiding at the back of the class, Gee's, Brown's, Xian's? The pizza at Mama Mia's was too greasy, even though there was virtually no cheese on the pizza. The tomato base tasted bland and overall, eating the pizza was like eating a piece of cardboard. What is wrong with all of these restaurants in Oxford? Too many cost-cutting consultants? I've had much better pizza from a takeaway! I strongly believe that restaurants here in Oxford get a bit too complacent once they've established a 'good' reputation. Someone needs to put these restaurants in their place! foodie fan, 06/10/07 The pizza is not autentic italian-why the cheese produce oil on top of the pizza? Because not good quality! The Pizza is better than english pizza, the dow too heavy. Pasta not like my mamma make! Ricardo from Roma. Good for English, but not Italians! Ricardo, 05/09/07 I had a very different experience than everybody else it seems. I finally decided to try Mama Mia last week after reading all the glowing reviews and will never go again. The first waitress who served us was rude and had a face like thunder ( I will admit the second was very friendly). However the food was really disappointing. Our Half dozen New Zealand Mussels with Parmesan and garlic were really bland and chewy in a salty sort of way and could have been anything as there was no flavour of Mussels at all. MY pasta Carbonara was quite sickly and tasted as thoguh sugar had been added to the sauce and I could not even finish it as it made me feel really quite unwell. The Brunette's pizza was over salty and had no distinct flavours. It bore no resemblance to the real Italian Pizza we had been led to expect from other reviewers and was a real disappointment. Pamplemousse, 01/07/07 Mama Mia Pizzeria is the most amazing Restaurant. My friends and I go there at every chance we get! Garlic Bread pizza for a starter is so delicious,and I've never tasted pizza anywhere as good! The servers are all lovely, and you get sweets with your bill as well! You aren't rushed to finish and leave, even though it is busy every night! Perfect meal! Frasey, 28/01/07 A long-time stalwart of South Parade, Summertown’s ‘main drag’ for bars, cafes and restaurants, Pizzeria Mamma Mia is just about everything you could want in a casual Italian eaterie. Spot-on pizzas, friendly, fast service and a buzzy atmosphere make this a must for anyone who’s after an enjoyable evening out at not too great a cost. On the (week)night we arrived, unbooked, it was full, but we were directed to the next-door Portabello (under the same ownership) for a drink, and told we’d be called when a table became available. We just had time for an aperitif, before a Mamma Mia alumnus dashed in to tell us our table was ready, and our order was taken almost immediately. Applause all round – these people really know what they’re doing. Nosher, 24/12/06 Quick review - went there with 4 youngish children (not always a good combination with restaurants). The staff were fabulous and managed to find us 2 tables outside, service was always with a smile, food was brilliant, we will definitely be returning. Thoroughly recommended - go there! Theresa, 12/07/06 Mama mia is a very good traditional italian pizzaria. I went in and the atmosphere was great. The food was lovely and the staff were helpful. 10 out of 10. Great all round fun. Jazzy and Mikey, 05/06/06
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