Café Mamo

Restaurant · Grand Rapids

Café Mamo

Restaurant · Grand Rapids

1

1601 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505

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Café Mamo by null
Café Mamo by null
Café Mamo by null
Café Mamo by null
Café Mamo by null
Café Mamo by null
Café Mamo by null
Café Mamo by null
Café Mamo by null
Café Mamo by null
Café Mamo by null
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Café Mamo by null
Café Mamo by null
Café Mamo by null
Café Mamo by null
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Highlights

Bison burgers, half chicken, pasta, and olive oil ice cream  

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1601 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 Get directions

cafemamo.com
@cafe_mamo_

$50–100 · Menu

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1601 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 Get directions

+1 616 350 3430
cafemamo.com
@cafe_mamo_

$50–100 · Menu

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Last updated

Aug 21, 2025

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A tiny, chef-led room in Creston serving seasonal, Michigan-forward plates with an excellent, sommelier-curated wine list. Eater Detroit praised its Tomato Week and produce-driven cooking; tables are limited, so timing matters.

https://detroit.eater.com/2024/9/11/24242047/best-dishes-eater-detroit-august
Best Restaurants in Grand Rapids (2025)
View Postcard for Café Mamo

Chuk N

Google
Great start to my GR visit, and it was easy to understand why my friends brought me here! Truly deserving to be their favorite restaurant in GR! Ugh, from the bread rolls to the lamb and the wonderful service, this was a great dinner. Excellent wine recommendation as well! Lots of bold flavors done well and subtle touches to coat your taste buds, blissfully! Can't wait to come back 😊

Kelly Olson

Google
Small place with cute atmosphere. Didn’t try the dinner but we got a few appetizers to share. We plan to come back again to try the dinner menu

Olivia Al-Eisa

Google
Absolutely outstanding meal. A true hidden gem in Grand Rapids. It’s so quaint, feels very European or like a small restaurant you’d find in New York, makes the meal more intimate. The food was better than I imagined. We got drinks, small plates to share and a few entrees, all delicious. The menu changes, so while I’d love to recommend a few dishes, you may be graced with something else. That being said, I’ve seen a few pictures of the half chicken in these reviews and it was by and far the favorite of the table. If you’re there and it’s on the menu, do not miss out. Service was great, wine was recommended for the meal and paired well. We were persuaded to end the meal with the ice cream and it was the perfect sweet (but also savory) ending. It was an early dinner but the meal was satisfying enough to last the evening. We will definitely be returning.

Michelle Kooi

Google
This place was so cute and the food was very delicious. I enjoyed the pasta and the half chicken. The olive oil ice cream was nice too. I do wish the portions were slightly bigger because of how good it all was. Parking can be a bit tight and so can seating depending on how busy it gets.

Art Deco

Google
The owner deleted my review. What a joke! when I went there with a group of 6 no was happy. I had a salad that was all Kale! nothing else to eat massively over priced and no food was available. Do not go to this dump, Denny's is better and one tenth the price. Lets see if the owner deletes this review also. From the most recent photos it seems they finally have food! Wish they had told us that they were out when we got there.

Nathan Ver Beek

Google
We had been excited to try Cafe Mamo for a couple months and finally were able to visit today. The venue itself is very quaint, the vibe is cozy and clean. The interior is super small, but fortunately we were among the only guests and so it didn't feel cramped. The food was mostly a disappointment, unfortunately. The Strip Steak was very tough, full of grizzle and overcooked (Ordered medium rare, see pictures). It was their last piece of meat however, so asking for another was not possible. For the price of $50, it might be the worst steak I've had per dollar. The half chicken looked beautiful coming out, and overall was the much better meal of the two. The sauce was delicious and the chicken skin was crispy and delightful. It was not without fault though, the baguette was burnt and simultaneously soggy. The chicken was a bit dry as well. Our best food experience were the rolls, those + the homemade butter were excellent. As for service, definitely expect a casual experience. Overall, Cafe Mamo feels like a place that gets a better rating most nights, but for our visit it was a definite miss.

Mark Haslem

Google
Dinner just this week. Food was, as always, delicious and very well presented! Service was attentive, efficient, and energetic. A really good wine list! Varied regions and countries with representatives of some of the best and best bargains from “old world” and “new world.” We can verify the wine mark-up is absolutely minimal! We had the walleye and shortribs. Both were really delicious! The kind of food one expects to find in NYC, Chicago, SF, etc. Hats off to this husband and wife team that know how to do it up so well, providing outstanding food, wine, and service!! We will keep coming back!

Meredith Lawson

Google
Excellent! The wild rice…special!!! And then that fish is amazingly buttery and yum! Our waitress is exactly what you look for: attentive but not overbearing but most importantly knows her stuff. When i ask for recommendation,it’s because you’re the expert and I want your opinion., She did not hesitate to give hers l, had confidence in the menu and it showed. Will definitely return.
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DorothySay B.

Yelp
Select, careful and inspiring menu made by people with real chef skills. Our walleye was exceptional, as were the starters and cocktails. Delicious homemade Parker house rolls with lashings of yummy butter, simple and tasteful. I loved my pasta dish ...there wasn't a scratch left on the plate. Cozy neighborhood ambiance, chic Midwestern upscale. Just a lovely addition to the Grand Rapids culinary scene.
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Aaron K.

Yelp
I really wanted to love Café Mamo. The space is adorable, our server was kind and attentive, and it feels like the kind of hidden gem you want to root for. But unfortunately, the food just didn't live up to expectations. Out of our party of six, only one person was satisfied with their meal. I ordered the whitefish, and it was so overwhelmingly fishy that I couldn't finish it. Two people at our table ordered the gnocchi, and while they said it was okay, it was also just bland and unmemorable--definitely not worth the price. The presentation across all dishes was underwhelming, as you can see in the pictures. Another person ordered the spaghetti, which was literally just noodles with olive oil, and at $25, it felt like a major letdown. He was still hungry afterward, and we ended up going out for more food. The cocktails were decent, but nothing remarkable enough to bring me back. I know Café Mamo has great reviews, which is why I was so excited to try it. But after our experience, I honestly don't understand the hype. Maybe it was an off night, but for the price and quality, I don't think I'd give it another shot.

Jeff S.

Yelp
The food here is so good, I've been here every day since the first day I've been here. So good, I bought the house across the street so I can save the gas money for food. It's so good. The chocolate icecream (when available) is the best thing I've ever eaten. So good.
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Emily J.

Yelp
So glad to have finally tried Cafe Mamo! It's a small, intimate place with cozy vibes and a perfect date night spot! I started with an Aperol Spritz, which was adorable. The heart sunglasses skewer really brings the vibes We also got the rolls with "good butter" (per the menu) and it truly was good butter (might I venture to say, great butter? ) Along with the flaky sea salt, the rolls were certainly a hit with all of us. I got the ricotta gnocchi with braised pork cheek, and I lost all self control from the second I took the first bite I kept telling myself to slow down and savor it but I swear, something primal took over in me! This space is so cute, and the whole experience had so many cute touches, including the post card they give you when you get your bill! I'm already planning on all the friends and family I want to take here!
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Laurel S.

Yelp
We have been waiting to try Cafe Mamo and it was the perfect place to choose for a birthday dinner. We were told that there are two things that are always on the menu - the half chicken and the rolls with butter. If you are questioning two items on the menu, we were told you can always come back for those. We did not listen as they both sounded amazing, and they were. The waitress wonderfully paced our meal for us. We started with the rolls, which the menu states good butter- they are not wrong. Whipped butter with sea salt a must have. Next we had the white fish dip and sweet potatoes. There is something about potatoes that they are always better when someone else makes them for you, these do not disappoint. Perfectly cooked potato and sautéed onion, but the real star was the pecorino shavings, which elevated the dish. The white fish dip, unfortunately I only had one piece of bread with it, as my husband devoured this so quickly. He comes from a yooper family, so if he likes the whitefish, you know it is amazing. It was super light and airy, which I don't think I've had before. Next, our three entrees (so hard to choose). The gnocchi and spaghetti are both house made. Gnocchi was super pillowy and light. The blue cheese added such a good funk to the dish. This was definitely my favorite of the night. The half chicken- you also know why it is always on the menu. Perfectly cooked, delicious sauce and sitting on a baguette- YUM. you can't go wrong. The spaghetti my husband had so I only am judging based on one bite- the noodles were cooked perfectly and definitely the flavor of homemade. It was a very simple dish, which is not a bad thing, but always makes me question if I could've just made it at home and tried something else (we were eyeing the whole trout). We were so intrigued by the dessert, we had to try. Fresh picked buckthorn (google it) ice cream- the waitress described it as similar to the flinstones orange push pop. If you loved that, you'll love this too. Definitely let your curiosity get the best of you and order it. We can't wait to come back for happy hour and sitting on the patio in the summertime.
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Jayson D.

Yelp
Quaint and cozy casual on a Creston corner. It's a small menu, but that's fine; it covers the basics (pasta, fish, white meat, red meat) and changes weekly. Lamb shank was a total winner! Fall-off-the-bone meat you could pull apart with a fork and served on a bed of grits. The Mamo chicken wasn't having a good night, though. The lemon garlic sauce works, but the chicken itself was tough tonight. And I don't get why it's served on a half baguette. You don't really want to eat the soggy baguette, which leaves you with a plate of just chicken. I could understand a side of gourmet mashed potatoes or something similar, but this setup didn't justify its $33 price. It's a small space with a handful of tables. Full bar with cocktails that also change weekly. Some tables are really close to each other--be prepared to cozy up with other parties. Limited bar seating for walk ins. Reservations definitely recommended.

Camryn P.

Yelp
Gnocchi was delicious, along with the mock. Their buns are incredible and must get. Lasagna was also light for a normally heavy dish.
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Mary P.

Yelp
Just ate dinner. If you want to eat here, you really should make a reservation because it's such a small spot. They were able to seat me at the bar since I was by myself but did ask if I could be out by a certain time. I really enjoy that they switch up the menu throughout the year but I do wish they had more vegetable options. The only vegetable option was a sweet potato dish. I wish I took a pic of the menu! I ended up getting the ravioli with spicy sauce. I can handle a lot of spice so maybe that's why it didn't seem spicy at all. It was very good and fresh. For dessert they offered a grape ice cream and an olive oil cake with sesame seeds on top? To me it seemed like they were pumpkin seeds on top but maybe I heard her incorrectly. I ended up ordering the olive oil cake and it was okay. On the side was salted whip, which really threw me off and I did not like it at all. I'm usually all about trying new flavors, but the salted whipped cream on the side of the cake did not hit right. I found the olive oil cake quite delicious and interesting and I do highly recommend it actually. I love that when I go to this restaurant, it just feels like someone's cooking me a home-cooked meal. I would say that the staff is professional, but not necessarily friendly. The ambience is very cute and cozy. Parking is not great since you have to park on the street and there are some sketchy vibes at some points but I've never felt afraid or anything like that. Come check this place out and make sure you make a reservation!!
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Kristen D.

Yelp
Unassuming building, but excellent flavors in their food! Totally renovated inside and clean. Staff is very kind. A must try!
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Kerrie B.

Yelp
Delicious! One of my favorite meals I've ever had in GR. I love that the menu changes, so I can't wait to go back. I got the chicken and my boyfriend got the pork chop which was SO GOOD. The chicken was also delicious, but I wish I would have gotten the pork chop. Service was also great!

Koko C.

Yelp
Curated seasonal menu, highly individualized service, & the best flavors from local farms. Outdoor dining in summer.I can't say enough good things about this place.
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Balsam E.

Yelp
Enjoyed our dinner at Cafe Mamo! We got the half chicken and the spaghetti. Both so simple and delicious. Service was lovely and attentive and the interior and exterior are charming.
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Adam B.

Yelp
What an experience. My wife and I tried Cafe Mamo for a date night and it was exquisite! We loved every minute of it from the home-feel of the dining area, to the exceptional service, the delicious wine pairing, and the delicious, seasonally-inspired menu. It's tomato season so every dish had some form of tomato. We ordered 3 small plates, the lake trout entree, and two desserts as well as a fantastic Chardonnay pairing - it is something for you just have to experience! I had learned a little about Mamo from a talk I attended there and knew I'd be impressed. And impressed I was. Wow! Summer and Mike really have something special here and I'm glad to see their place thriving! I hope to visit again soon and see what the chefs are making from whatever is in season. Delicious food, served unpretentiously, from farmers we know locally. Get there and help put money in farmer's hands!
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Victoria S.

Yelp
Small, quaint restaurant that serves DELICIOUS food. This place is really unassuming from the outside, but it has the cutest aesthetic on the inside. Their menu is also one page (Apps, Entrees, and Dessert all on one), which works really well for them! Husband took me here for Valentine's day, and we ordered the following: Gribiche ($12) - Roasted cellar vegetables Winter Salad ($10) - Mizuna, pistaschio, bread crumb Bison Bolognese ($25) - Fettucine, pecorino Walleye ($32) - Cornmeal, greens, meyer lemon We weren't sure what vegetables were in the Gribiche, but we really enjoyed the crunchiness of the dish. The mizuna in the Winter Salad has a similar 'bitterness' to arugula, which paired really well with the pistachio. We liked the fact that the bread crumbs were literal crumbs. It added a nice crunch with each bite of salad. The Bison Bolognese is a dish that I crave. The fettucine was al dente, the bolognese sauce was hearty but not salty, and the bison meat was delicious. If you haven't had bison before, I recommend that you try this dish! The Walleye was, as I always say for great fish dishes, fresh and clean. I look forward to coming back here again in the future!
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Stephanie C.

Yelp
Cafe Mamo is seriously one of my favorite restaurants downtown. I've gone a couple of times now and they continue to change their menu depending on the season (maybe even month??) but it is extremely quaint. It's a very small, intimate feel which is perfect for a date night. Just don't let the size of the parking lot, the location or the size of the building fool you. It is a wonderful dining experience and the bartender did a fantastic job! This espresso martini was one of the best I've ever had and so excited to find somewhere that can do one justice. We got recommendations from the server on what to try and got an appetizer, and two mains to taste. I would definitely come back some day and want to try everything on the menu with more people (though I think the biggest table seats 6?) and just do small bites of everything. I did enjoy the pork cheek pasta more than the chicken, but I think it's just because it's something unique to their menu. Absolutely wonderful experience and I'd come back again!
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Joseph H.

Yelp
SERVICE: 5 FOOD QUALITY: 5 DRINK QUALITY: 5 ORDER TIME: 5 AESTHETICS: 4 NOISE LEVEL: 5 MENU SELECTION: 4 OVERALL EXPERIENCE: 4.71 This place is a small, unsuspecting surprise. From the outside it doesn't look like much, but when you enter you have the feel of a warm, quaint European village home. This place is unique because you would think that being so small they would have a small menu. They have a mid size menu, and also have a wine menu that specializes in old world wines. The service is amazing. Very polite, and really on top of making sure everything is to your liking. The food menu is very classy. From fish to steak to vegetables, you can find something that you will enjoy. I wanted to go with the roasted chicken, but we went for lunch, and I wanted something a little smaller. I decided on the bison burger which was amazing. The bison was cooked perfect. My only suggestion is the choice of bun. It definitely would of been a master piece with grilled brioche. The rolls were buttery, and fluffy with a perfect amount of salt. I also ordered a wonderful glass of rose from Slovenia. Overall, this place is a true hidden treasure. If you're into wine then this place is perfect for you. You can purchase by the glass, or by the bottle. The food, and service are quality so if you're looking for something more personal then look no further. Just call ahead of time to make sure they have a table because they have very limited seating.
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Stephanie R.

Yelp
Subjective: We took our early valentine's celebration to Cafe Mamo, which we had been meaning to try for a while, and chanced upon the opportunity to try them out for brunch which is a rare experience from what we gathered. Overall, we thought the flavors were good but the execution was a little lacking and it all seem expensive for what we got, especially for breakfast items. The breakfast burrito was served open faced with a good ratio of egg, potato, and pork, but the tortilla was too stiff to roll so I had to continue to eat it open faced. The biscuit and gravy was solid, but not standout and had no other content besides the biscuit and gravy. The latte tasted a little burnt. The cinnamon roll was quite good- moist throughout without being cloyingly sweet. Service was fine, though we did feel somewhat rushed and there was only one high chair available which had already been reserved for another party. Objective: Date of visit: 2/12/23 Previous visits: None Takes reservations/call aheads? yes Parking: street Perceived capacity: small Perceived atmosphere: casual Wait time to seating: none (we had a reservation) What I/we got: breakfast burrito, biscuit and gravy, mimosa, latte, cinnamon bun cost: ~$75 Assessment: 4 stars- Cute restaurant with an intimate feel and straightforward seasonal menu, but overall unimpressed with their brunch fares. Plan: May give it another chance for a future date night since dinner seems to be their focus
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Katy C.

Yelp
Cafe Mamo is filling a bit of a void for this type of restaurant in the area. The menu is small but nicely curated, with a bit of fish, meat, and veg, as well as a neat and tidy cocktail list. Their focus on wine is a bit over my head, but I'm sure they would be happy to help you select a bottle or glass to accompany your meal. Reservations are highly recommended as this spot is pretty small. Nate and I had just eaten one of the best meals in awhile at Spencer in Ann Arbor, and Cafe Mamo gave me some similar vibes with beautifully plated, delicious and unpretentious food. Nate and I went for my late birthday dinner and had an enjoyable experience. I loved being able to see into the open kitchen, and the millennium pink shades worked well with the deep jewel blue tones. The bathroom is also beautiful. Seating is cozy and you're pretty close to other diners. I ordered a glass of wine and the glass it came in was smudgy. It was replaced quickly once I pointed it out, no real complaints there. For food, we chose the rolls and butter, whole trout, and the farmer's cut steak, which was a Denver steak that day. We enjoyed relaxing listening to some classic tunes on vinyl - very cool. The whole trout was delicious and perfectly cooked. The bits of crispy skin were my favorite, and the brown butter was decadent. The addition of seasonal vegetables was a great touch. I did have to wrangle quite a few bones as I ate because I was so excited I think I got overzealous. Just be careful! The steak was a bit of a disappointment for me. Nate enjoyed it, and it was seasoned well, but there were several chunks that were gristly and inedible. The rolls were fine but nothing super special. I appreciated the flaky sea salt and generous portion of butter. We were stuffed after dinner but the dessert options were intriguing, so we went with the house made buttermilk ice cream, topped with shaved frozen watermelon. It was refreshing and rich at the same time - definitely glad we tried it. Our server was kind and on top of service when we visited at the end of August 2021. I would love to go back soon and try their brunch, and they are starting large format dinners on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday!
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Tim W.

Yelp
A delightful, small restaurant with a lively, yet intimate atmosphere. The service was prompt and friendly. The menu was short, simple and creative. The food was delicious. The wine menu was full of choices, enough to satisfy any taste. We started with a delicious garden salad, country ham and freshly made dinner rolls. I had the homemade Spaghetti chitarra (pressed through wire giving it squared edges) with olives and olive oil. The walleye and coq au vin both looked perfect, and was told they tasted great. I hear the menu changes often, so I look forward to returning. Hats off to the owner and chef for keeping it all simple and delicious. Well done!
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Kendall M.

Yelp
This quaint restaurant is small in scale, but I found it to be quite an impressive little dining experience. Their menu is limited but they are open to requests and comments. I particularly enjoy their homemade pasta and seasonally chosen dishes. The squash was very unique, and felt light and healthy. The purée was smooth and flavorful, the ingredients shine in their simplicity. I once tried to be adventurous here and order the eggplant, this dish was a miss for me and I found the eggplant to be tough and bitter. Their ice cream is made in house, so be sure to save room! Cafe mamo is a fun and intimate choice if you are looking to vary your Grand Rapids restaurant selection. Parking is extremely limited, however finding street parking is typically easy in this area.
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Mark H.

Yelp
A brilliant place!! Fantastic food, as well as a lovely wine list, and cocktails. This is a gem and a must try! The service is brilliant!!
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Kathryn L.

Yelp
Upon entering, the hard work and dedication that went into the transformation of the space are evident. Our group of 4 was greeted and seated very close to our reservation time, and I'm assuming that reservations are a must on a weekend night given the seating capacity of ~30. Our server was lovely and efficient and we were able to pace our ordering, not made to feel rushed in any way. We started with drinks (my husband's Old Fashioned is pictured) from their very extensive drink menu and wine list and everyone enjoyed their selections throughout the evening. Onto the food - we ordered the Rolls & Butter ($6). I'm old school, so I definitely don't get having to pay extra for rolls (2) and butter, but for that reason I expected them to be spectacular. They were not. Rolls were nothing special, not warm, but butter was delicious and plentiful. We then ordered several Wedge Salads ($13) to share. They were good, not great. The Ranch dressing needed a little more zest, in my opinion, but my thanks to whomever plated my salad because the blue cheese was delicious and plentiful. The Roasted Half Chicken was said to be delicious ($27), the Walleye ($32) was deemed a bit bland, the Bison Bolognese. ($25) was very good, and the Farmer's Cut Steak ($50) - my apologies for not recalling what the cut was that evening - was said to be seasoned well and cooked as requested. I was disappointed that the only evidence of green on any of our plates was the little bit of spinach that sat under the walleye. Back to my old school expectations, but the fact that virtually the entire table (minus the lettuce in our wedge salads) was beige took away from the presentation for me. Here's my overall assessment, it was a lovely, relaxing dinner with friends. The ambiance is warm, the service was excellent, and the food was good, although the menu limited (4 entree offerings), and I found our dinner to be a bit pricey.
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Ryan K.

Yelp
It was fine. After having driven past a few times I thought I'd invite some friends and we would give it a try. I take responsibility for not looking at menu and prices because this place is low-key fancy; which for me means pricey and small portions. We sat outside which was nice but the inside (at least on a July Friday) may require a reservation. I think the food is good (I ordered the trout and it had really nice presentation!) but, for me, isn't delicious enough to equate to the price and I was still hungry. And y'all I don't like leaving restaurants still hungry but having spent many dollars. My drink was pretty tasty, so that was a plus. The whole experience was fine, but I don't know if I will go back.

Meg L.

Yelp
Toggling between a 2/3 but I would never go back. We had a reservation for our anniversary and were seated side-by-side at the cook station because it didn't appear they had a table ready for us. Service was poor, could've used a drink much sooner. Food was ok, nothing special. My husband had the fish, super salty. I had some tomato medley that was fine. Pretty mediocre establishment and underwhelming. I was really excited to try this place.
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Maggie J.

Yelp
As a girls night out treat, my friend and I were excited for our first experience at Cafe Mamo. Here how it went: Arrival: We arrived at 4:30 before the bustling dinner crowd arrived. The ambiance was more spacious than expected with well thought out, cozy décor. I asked the wait staff for guidance on flavor profiles of a few wines on the menu which was met with "I like them all" and a very unwelcoming blank stare. I proceeded to ask for a sample of one particular wine before I made my final choice to which she returned to dump a full pour in my glass and walk away. Unfortunately the wine did not pair well on my palate and when the misunderstanding was explained I was rudely met with the silent treatment. Based on service alone I had a feeling this would be my first and last visit. Food: Underwhelming. Portion sizes were surprisingly small. Rolls and Butter: Roll was good enough, not my particular favorite, but that's a personal preference. Carrot Salad: Missing a burst of flavor. Not well balanced on salt, fat and acid. Little Green Pasta with Sausage: Pesto had bright fresh flavor. Pasta tasted homemade but was thicker and chewier than I would have preferred. Sausage was dry. Chicken: Good flavor profile. Chicken was dryer than I would like. Gravy and bread were tasty. Fettuccini: I would say my favorite dish of the selections. Good choice in greens to balance out the pasta. Cake: soft, moist, good flavor. Prices: $138 for two people. Prices felt high for the amount and craft put into the food we ordered. For having less than 10 full items available on the menu I would expect those dishes to be built out to absolute perfection. As my restaurant review standard: there was nothing they served that I couldn't do at home with a superior outcome, therefore Cafe Mamo will not be on my list of recommendations.
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Laura B.

Yelp
I tried this restaurant for the first time tonight. I ordered the trout which is not something I would typically order, but I was in the mood to try something new. The plate I received was very simple in presentation but complex in flavors. The trout was cooked perfectly and topped with a green salad. The salad had loads of fresh herbs and a very light but flavorful dressing. By themselves both the salad and the fish were good, but together they were magic. I finished my dinner over two hours ago and I am still thinking about the flavor combinations.

Don C.

Yelp
Amazing food, service and ambiance. Really fun to be in the kitchen! Good wine selection.

Claire B.

Yelp
Maybe because it's early spring; maybe our server just got some bad news; maybe the chef was uninspired or tired. Nevertheless we were disappointed with our meal and with the perfunctory service we received. Although the salad and spinach pie were delicious and hearty beginnings to our meal, two of our entrees were lackluster and the third was tasty but very, very tiny. The whole trout was bland and missing seasoning. The chicken leg stew was missing a starch. The pea shoot pesto over spaghetti was delicious! But the serving was much smaller than the photos of other pasta dishes I'm seeing here. There were maybe 5 bites total on the plate. (Price: $25). The server was efficient but lacked warmth and hospitality. Our drinks were tasty. Ambience was cozy and unique. We appreciated the record player spinning 70's tunes.
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Linda T.

Yelp
This place is so cute. I've only heard great things about Café Mamo and the overall experience did not disappoint. The staff was friendly and attentive, accommodating our little family. We ordered the bread & butter for our starter. It was so soft, warm, and fresh! The bison bolognese was a hit-- had great soft and chewy texture and seasonings. Our toddler was a big fan! The walleye had a nice, crispy breaded skin with flakes of salt that perfectly balanced the braised greens. Though we didn't have drinks aside from water, the wine menu looked very impressive. Will have to try something next time for sure!
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Josh M.

Yelp
I had the roasted half chicken, salad, and a chef made chocolate chip strawberry ice cream for dessert. They even rebooted on the espresso machine for a cappuccino. Would highly recommend this restaurant because of their open kitchen concept as well.
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Erin S.

Yelp
This place is the definition of quaint. A tiny little pink building with the world's most passionate chef tucked inside. Their dishes seem simple on paper, but there is so much obvious loveee and complexity put into them. Everything I've ever had here tasted like pure comfort. I feel like the entire staff here cares about their craft, and cares about the people they're feeding. I've worked in the industry for a decade and it's very obvious when a restaurant loves what they do. And Cafe Mamo, we love you too.

Susan F.

Yelp
Great hidden gem of a place! Atmosphere was great, food was fabulous! Make reservations as there are not a lot of tables. Will Go back!
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Brittany S.

Yelp
Amazing dinner at this new Creston gem. Cafe Mamo packs some great flavor and quality ingredients in a 10 table bungalow. The cuisine, inspired by Midwestern classics, is a elevation of the nostalgic flavors of my grandmas house. I loved every bite! I can't wait to go back for brunch.
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Paul N.

Yelp
Café Mamo is a happy new addition to the Creston Area. Comfortable, clean, relaxed, cozy vibe. The American food menu is shortish but excellent. High points for our band of four included: The "Wedge" salad (with a perfectly balanced bleu), the cheese curds on the summer sausage plate, bison burgers, the perfectly cooked trout, the house "spritz". The deserts and the cocktails displayed a creative sense of balance (very far from bland). Very nice. Not cheap.
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Danielle F.

Yelp
Short American menu focusing on high quality of food. I had a gin cocktail, the dinner rolls, a salad, an twice baked sweet potato and everything was impeccable which you could tell would be the case from the time the fresh rolls came out sparkling with a sprinkle of sea salt on a smooth roll top next to a mountain of fluffy whipped butter. Sometimes I think new American can stray too far into inventive but this was just enough and Delicious. I LOVED the potato. The atmosphere was cozy, and the service was great, my partners meat was cooked exactly as requested. I think this is an attentive and romantic local date night spot where you are sure to have a good meal. FYI... Because it is small, the tables are quite close together.
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Marie C.

Yelp
We've been twice - service, drinks, food and ambiance is amazing. Don't skip on dessert, we had a rose ice cream one night w/ a salted crumble and it was incredible. I'm so happy to see this spot in Creston Neighborhood. Just hoping they'll add more vegetarian options down the road!

Brian M.

Yelp
All in all incredibly underwhelming. I'm usually very hesitant to leave a small local place a not great review but I'm hoping the feedback is helpful. We started with the pasta appetizer (name escapes me). For $17 the plate came with about 8 mostaccioli sized noodles with light sauce and light greens. Taste wasn't bad, pasta was very al dente, but the portion for the price was very disappointing. For entrees, we ordered the spaghetti and the half chicken. The spaghetti, like the pasta app, had a very small portion, was al dente, and had light sauce which had okay taste. For $27, you'd expect a larger portion or a side or both. Like another review mentioned, with such a limited menu you'd expect the entrees to all be deserving of their spot on the menu. As for the chicken, again like another review mentioned, it was very overcooked/dry. There was some bread accompanying the chicken, but no sides on this one either. For nearly $30, you'd think there would be a bit more. As far as the ambiance, we chose to sit outside. The inside space looked nice and intimate but it was nice out so we chose to take advantage of the weather. The outside has a comfortable little patio. At no fault of Moma, the experience outside consisted of barking dogs, noisy cars, and people yelling/fighting, All of that said, I think if some time is spent to improve the food that Moma could be worth revisiting. The prices are high, but if the food justifies it then that's okay. Perhaps we caught them on an off day, but some reviews from months ago echo our experience.

Jeanne S.

Yelp
I was so excited to try this newish restaurant and I'd love to give this place a stellar review...but I just can't. I find that although the service was fine (4), the wine list extensive (5), and the ambiance lovely (4) ... the food was just ok (3). We shared the morel mushroom ravioli appetizer and the morels were so puréed and diluted that there was no mushroom flavor whatsoever...we also ordered two main entrees which we shared. The chicken was delicious but was just brown colored chicken served over a brown mushy bread with a brownish sauce... and nothing else on the plate. The chicken was cooked well and was somewhat flavorful but the appearance was such a monotone that is was really unappealing. The walleye was a fairly large portion ... but again came as a white color with a white sauce served on a white plate with not one single colorful garnish or vegetable/etc. .... And seemed to be prepared by boiling. My opinion is that for the price they could downsize their entree meat portion size and add a colorful side... maybe tonight asparagus would have been available and delightful. Also .... Having garlic listed as the main spice for every dish is a poorly planned menu. Please try harder... we would love to come back!
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Genevieve R.

Yelp
Though this restaurant may not look like much from the outside, it offers an upscale, high quality, date-worthy bar and restaurant! The overall size of the restaurant is tiny, but offers a nice alternative to GR's many hectic and crowded restaurants. My partner and I have only stopped in for a glass of wine, but plan to be back for dinner and dessert since the food looked and smelt amazing. The prices are more on the expensive side, as this is not the place to grab some greasy bar food. Overall we enjoyed this new addition to the Creston area and think it offers a unique and intimate vibe to contrast the chaos of many other bars and restaurants.

Victoria W.

Yelp
Cozy vibes, good music and great food. We tried the gnocchi, focaccia, pot pie, half chicken, and spaghetti. Everything was delicious! Oh and we also had the desserts- chocolate ice cream and a cranberry tart, both were very good as well! So happy to have found this place! It's a little bit of a trek for us, but we will definitely be back!

Michael D.

Yelp
Great food, friendly staff, quaint relaxed feel. It's a tiny place so make reservations.
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Arielle N.

Yelp
Definitely have to get the rolls! Our group of six girls split the huge steak and two salads. Great portions and amazing selection.

Colleen W.

Yelp
We had a great meal and will definitely go back. The food is made meticulously and is representative of some very high end restaurants. Service was great. Its a little gem in a neighborhood that is seeing a resurgence in growth. Great to see the northend with dining options like this.

Jacline V.

Yelp
Absolutely loved the ambiance and atmosphere at Cafe Mamo. The place is small but very cozy and cute! I started off with a chamomile lemonade which was magically delicious. I also got the butter and buns to start with and the butter seemed freshly churned and the rolls, freshly baked! I can't give them a full five stars because the entree was not worth the price and it was pricey. I got the pulled pork shoulder with collard greens and cornbread. The pulled pork lacked a lot of flavor as well as the greens. The cornbread did not resemble traditional cornbread at all. It was very tasteless and a little too stiff for my taste. I would return for the cocktails and maybe to try something else. The service was great, no complaints there.

Maureen W.

Yelp
The food was okay. Small portions except the chicken. The drinks were expensive and we asked for decaf coffee and it was not decaf. We were one of three tables and the service was just mediocre. This restaurant came highly recommended and I will never return.

Lindsay M.

Yelp
The food, service and ambiance is excellent. This is a small, cozy restaurant with 5 star local food made with so much love and detail.
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Pam H.

Yelp
Delicious dinners with fresh, quality ingredients. Also loved the choice of drinks and the turntable music. A lot of ambience.
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Casey O.

Yelp
Fantasic place, very happy this place exists in Grand Rapids. Great food and drink options and just an overall lovely experience.

Amy G.

Yelp
If you blink you might miss this cute little cafe. The inside is very well decorated and cozy. I love that the kitchen is visible from the seating area, and you can smell the food as it's being cooked. Service is friendly and attentive. The wine selection is incredible! Portions are small for the price. However, you can tell the ingredients are well sourced. My husband and I split everything we ordered. The rolls & butter ($6) are the perfect starter, but if your party is larger than two you'll need an additional order. The Romano Beans ($12) were good, and our serving came with 11 beans. The Fazzoletti ($15) was the hero of the evening and incredibly memorable. I only wish I could've enjoyed more of it as there are only two ravioli-sized pieces. The Spaghetti Pomodoro ($25) can be skipped, and I regret not ordering one of the protein-focused dishes.