Mamma Maria Ristorante Italiano

"Went there for the Italian 7 fishes Christmas dinner 2017 and it was quite horrible. It cost us $65 per person. We sat there almost 2hrs b4 we were served ANYTHING! When the food did arrive it wasn't good. In fact quite bad. The people running the place didn't seem to really care either. All i can say is never again"

"Some of the best (if not the best) Italian food in Philly. Mama is extremely sweet and makes everything herself from scratch. The prices are very reasonable, and your meal will always exceed expectations. If you haven’t eaten her food yet, you absolutely are missing out."

"Great overall experience. Our waiter was attentive while also giving us time in between courses to just relax and enjoy our meals. The restaurant is small where you can have an intimate dinner with a loved one but still make friends/enjoy a conversation with fellow diners. The food is delicious and the wine is great. Cannot wait to go back. Thank you for an exceptional time."

"This was the first time we were at this restaurant. We went on New Year's Eve and the menu was a fixed menu. The place is so nice, relaxing and comfortable and the food and service very good. Our dinner started with Italian cheeses and meats, pasta with the most flavorful meatballs, lentil soup, surf and turf and a delicious, homemade Italian cream cake. There was also complimentary carafes of wine and after dinner cordials. We could not have asked for a nicer dinner. I felt like family. Thank you, Mamma Maria for a very memorable time!"

"We went here for the 7 Fishes Italian Dinner. They should be BANNED from ever doing it again. Before we even sat down, despite having registered in advance for a 9pm seating, we were kept waiting over an hour. - The seafood salad appetizer was underwhelming. The shrimp were limp, shells were empty for mussels and clams, and overall bland. (The bar down the street had a better one a few nights before) - Despite being promised chestnut soup, we instead received a tepid chickpea soup which even a lazy college student would have been embarrassed by. The broth was watery and over salted. The whole thing seemed like a hastily assembled disappointment or a attempt to stretch cans of store bought soup. Bowls were returned to the kitchen 95% full. - The Linguine with clam sauce was not much better. The sauce, while not bad, was skimpy on the actual clams. No fresh pepper or cheese was offered. This was served over linguine which was under-cooked anyway. -The actual 7 fishes entree was unfit for consumption and the meal ended voluntarily and abruptly there, leaving almost full plates and still hungry stomachs behind. Desserts, coffee or after dinner drinks were skipped entirely. A sitting which had been advertised to last 3 hours took only 1 after being delayed an hour already. Every dish was lukewarm or cold. The owner initially offered a complimentary bottle of prima pistachio liquor (which she claimed was worth $30), only to pull it from our hand when we payed a generous amount for what meager food we had received (at her price no less). The only saving grace was a waiter who was kind enough to leave a pitcher of water at our table, as what little taste there was needed to be washed out promptly and frequently. This restaurant was a disgrace to Passyunk Avenue, all of South Philadelphia's Italian heritage, and food as a whole. I would give it zero stars if I could."