Homey and warm — that’s how I would describe Mama Lou’s Restaurant in 30th Mall the moment I stepped into the dining area. Its green-painted French windows and brick walls immediately hinted at the restaurant’s Italian cuisine, even before I peeked at the menu.
As the name suggests, Mama Lou’s is a family business founded by a woman passionate about sharing her craft through delicious food. Interestingly, the restaurant originally served French-Italian cuisine but eventually leaned more toward Italian dishes, which Filipinos seemed to enjoy more.
Appetizer
We started with Bacon Poutine (₱230) — a plate of French fries topped with brown gravy. Unlike the fast-food variety, this gravy had an authentic flavor that left a memorable impression.
Next was the Carpaccio di Manzo (₱375) — thinly sliced beef drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. This one tapped into our healthier cravings and was a refreshing starter.
Mama Lou’s Pizza
Their pizzas are thin-crust, clearly cooked in a brick oven.
We tried the Quattro Formaggi Large (₱425), a vibrant pizza topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, cheddar, blue cheese, and brie — perfect for cheese lovers!
The Bianca Large (₱395) was less intense but still delightful, made with cream, mozzarella, mushrooms, and bacon.
People who read this also liked: Uncle Cheffy, McKinley
Mama Lou’s Pasta
The standout dish for me was the Vesuvio (₱495). This beautiful creation featured rigatoni pasta, carefully arranged in a circular shape with ricotta cheese dripping over it. It was visually stunning — and tasted just as amazing!
The Truffle Mac & Cheese (₱325) wowed us all. Just lifting the spoon teased us with its gooey, melted mozzarella — a true comfort dish.
Lastly, the Spaghetti con Tuyo Filleto (₱295) impressed me with its balance. Despite being an oil-based pasta, it wasn’t greasy at all. The combination of tuyo, tomatoes, and arugula made it both flavorful and refreshing.
Honestly, all three pasta dishes were fantastic — each with its own unique charm.
Meat
The Chicken Marsala (₱390) came with a marsala wine sauce, but the added caper sauce made it noticeably saltier. It also included ham, mozzarella, and mashed potatoes on the side.
The Rosemary Lamb Rack (₱695) caught my eye with its intriguing green sauce (don’t worry, it’s not wasabi!). The sauce had a hint of mint, which paired beautifully with the grilled New Zealand lamb seasoned with rosemary.
Risotto
The Risotto Tartufo Funghi (₱325) was packed with wild mushrooms and truffle cream, closely resembling the taste of the Vesuvio pasta — rich, creamy, and indulgent.
Seafood
For our seafood fix, we tried the Prawns Thermidor (₱695). The prawn’s head was used for plating, while the flesh was cubed and bathed in a creamy sauce with a hint of coconut milk — a delightful surprise!
People who read this also liked: Fish & Co
Dessert
To end our feast, we had the Italian Tiramisu (₱160). While it wasn’t particularly memorable, the second dessert — Take the Cannoli — stole the show. This beautifully plated treat featured a homemade cocoa-marsala shell filled with Italian mascarpone cheese, blending crunchy and creamy textures in every bite. I highly recommend this!
The Mama Lou’s Iced Tea (₱75) was a standout for me. With its refreshing mint aftertaste, it felt like a mini detox drink — though it may have just been me because I kept running to the restroom. LOL!
Mama Lou’s is a fantastic spot for a cozy dining experience. Despite the restaurant being full-house, the staff remained accommodating and efficient. The dishes were well worth their price, and the portions were satisfying.
With its inviting ambiance, delicious food, and friendly service, I’m excited to bring my parents here for a taste of authentic Italian cuisine — and you should visit too!
What are you waiting for? Check out their fourth branch at Ayala Malls The 30th! 😊
Ambiance: 4/5
Price: 5/5
Serving: 4/5
Service: 5/5
Taste: 4.5/5
Mama Lou’sAddress: 1605, 30 Meralco Ave, San Antonio, Pasig, Metro Manila
Facebook
Disclaimer: This review was sponsored but not swayed to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
