12301 Mayfield Rd
Cleveland, OH 44106
*Disclaimer: We were not paid for this review. All opinions are our own and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
Cleveland's Little Italy neighborhood is well known for the many local Italian establishments with dot the district. Mamma Santas is the best choice for families and anyone else seeking an affordable meal in a low-key setting. From checkered tablecloths, to old family recipes, this Italian eatery is a decent choice for anyone seeking something casual and old school.
Mamma Santa's serves homemade Sicilian style Italian food. They have won many awards over the years for being the best Italian restaurant in Cleveland.
The most popular menu item here is the build-your-own pizza. I recommend the plain cheese with is delicious in and of itself, although lots of toppings are available. With a large plain cheese running just 14 bucks, it is quite affordable!
Other menu items include sandwiches, pasta dishes, and a number of specialty plates including Homemade sausage, Chicken Parmesan, and Chicken Cacciatore.
While we did enjoy our pizza, the garlic bread was just so-so. A fresh salad or bowl of minestrone soup is a great alternative, not to mention the perfect way to add more veggies into a carb and fat loaded meal!
Service was just okay. Our waitress was not friendly and not very attentive. Unfortunately, it appeared that she was providing better service to the larger tables. Update: On our next visit, the service was much friendlier. Really, it is a hit or miss.
The vibe is very casual and family friendly. This restaurant is better suited for a family gathering or casual date night rather than an upscale date destination. The old school checkered tablecloths add a nice old-world touch.
Mamma Santa's is the best casual Italian dining choice in Little Italy. If you are seeking traditional Italian entrees, good pizza, affordable pricing, and a laid-back family style vibe, definitely give this local gem a chance.
