Homey and warm, this is how I would describe Mama Lou’s Restaurant in 30th Mall as soon as I enter the dining area. Its French windows painted in green colors and the walls made of bricks already implies that the restaurant offers Italian cuisine even without looking at the menu yet.
As the name suggests, Mama Lou’s is a family business who’s behind is a woman sharing her craft in delivering scrumptious food. However, the restaurant did not start out purely as an Italian but French-Italian. It was then they discovered that Filipinos are closer to Italian and so they stick into it that makes Mama Lou’s what they are today.
Appetizer
Bacon Poutine (P230) was served to us, bloggers, to whet our appetite. It’s French fries topped with brown gravy. It’s not the gravy I certainly would not expect to the fast food chain because of its authentic flavor.
Thinly sliced beef is the meat of our Carpaccio di Manzo (P375) flavored with olive oil and balsamic vinegar that tap our healthy options.
Mama Lou’s Pizza
Their pizza is thin, surely the crust is cooked in a brick oven. We tried the Quattro Formaggi Large (P425) where the toppings are bursting in colors of orange and yellow made of tomato, mozzarella, cheddar, blue cheese, and brie. I would suggest ordering this if you are a fan of CHEEZZEEE! Meanwhile, the Bianca Large (P395) is less intense as it’s made of cream, mozzarella, mushroom, and bacon.
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Mama Lou’s Pasta
The drool-worthy Vesuvio (P495), was the first pasta served to us and so I think is the star of the night. The name itself would leave you clueless what it is but it’s a rigatoni positioned vertically arranged in round shape. The dripping ricotta adds to the beauty of this dish. The taste is also beautiful, I would say. It’s perfect – beautiful inside and out.
The Truffle Mac & Cheese (P325) left us all in awe as we spooned to try it. Just lifting the spoon already satisfied our hunger because of the sticky melted mozzarella.
The Spaghetti con Tuyo Filleto (P295) certainly has oil but surprisingly it is not oily. It is topped with our favorite tuyo, tomatoes, and arugula. Mama Lou’s observed to offer fresh ingredients!
All of the three plates of pasta served are recommended. I cannot choose which of the three is the best as they have their own charm.
Meat
The Chicken Marsala (P390) sauce is made up of marsala wine but the dish is saltier because of the caper sauce. It also has ham and mozzarella with mashed potatoes on the side.
The Rosemary Lamb Rack (P695) has an intriguing green sauce which would make you think it’s wasabi. By looking at the picture below, you would notice that I focused it less to the meat since I want you to see the green sauce that appealed to me on the dish. It has a hint of mint which makes me devour more of the grilled New Zealand lamb with rosemary.
Risotto
The Risotto Tarfuto Funghi (P325) has the wild mushroom and truffle cream. It has the same taste of Vesuvio pasta.
Seafood
They also let us try their seafood dish which is Prawns Thermidor (P695). The head of the prawns was made as to the plating then the flesh was chopped in cubes drowned in a creamy sauce. The dish has the taste of coconut milk.
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Dessert
To end our exploration of Mama Lou’s, they let us try the Italian Tiramisu (P160). The cake is not that much impressive as compared to the second dessert served to us which is the Take the Cannoli. The plating is very much presentable. The homemade cocoa-marsala shell is filled with Italian mascarpone cheese that plays the hard and soft texture in my mouth while savoring it. I definitely recommend this.
The Mama Lou’s Iced Tea (P75) is very unique. It has a mint after taste that cleanses our palate. I think it also detoxifies me since I kept on peeing. LOL. Or maybe it’s just me.
As I have mentioned, the place is well-ventilated and it was full-house when we got there and there are some diners who are patiently waiting at the reception area. The interior has a painting of Mona Lisa, a portrait of Marilou and a display of plates in the pastel color. The price is reasonable to the taste and serving of the food. The waitstaff accommodated us as fast as they can and were friendly. All of the dishes tasted great except for the Chicken Marsala and the Tiramisu. I would definitely want my parents to try this restaurant and so should you. What are you waiting for, try and visit their fourth branch here in Ayala 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
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Disclaimer: This review was sponsored but not swayed to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
