Mama Ricotta's

Italian restaurant · Cherry

Mama Ricotta's

Italian restaurant · Cherry

2

601 S Kings Dr AA, Charlotte, NC 28204

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Highlights

Traditional Italian cooking & New Haven-style pizza in a warm, roomy setting with a covered patio.  

Featured in Eater
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601 S Kings Dr AA, Charlotte, NC 28204 Get directions

mamaricottas.com
@mamaricottas

$20–30 · Menu

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601 S Kings Dr AA, Charlotte, NC 28204 Get directions

+1 704 343 0148
mamaricottas.com
@mamaricottas
𝕏
@MamaRicottasCLT

$20–30 · Menu

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Last updated

Jul 12, 2025

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@eater

"For many of the millennials born and raised in Charlotte, Mama Ricotta’s, circa 1992, may be the food of their childhood, reminding them of the lucky school nights that they got to eat out. It’s old-school Italian American here with thin-crust pizza and chicken parm, but the pasta is the main draw, particularly the penne alla vodka with crispy pancetta and the quadruple cheese ravioli. For the most part, Mama Ricotta’s remains loyal to carbs, but the house chopped salad is decked out in veggies. Situated on the corner of a shopping plaza, this timeless home-away-from-home is refreshingly unfancy." - Kayleigh Ruller

11 Classic Charlotte Restaurants That Have Stood the Test of Time
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@eater

"A staple in Charlotte for over 30 years, the original menu had 10 pizzas, 10 pastas, and not much else. Today, still known for its Italian fare, the New England-style pizza here is one of a kind. With its thin, crisp, bubbly crust cooked in a real wood-burning oven, “Joe’s Favorite” pizza is a perennial favorite with housemade pork sausage, pepperoni, and hand-pulled mozzarella. Personalize your own pie with a handful of traditional toppings or ramp up the flavor with anchovies, artichoke hearts, or prosciutto." - Nikki Miller-Ka

10 Outstanding Pizza Spots in Charlotte, North Carolina
View Postcard for Mama Ricotta's

R Ivy

Google
Reserve a table - you won’t be disappointed! Extra large portions with reasonable pricing and delicious food. Wish they had this where we lived! We came here while visiting Charlotte for the first time and it was better than expected. Our server was awesome, management was very involved throughout our meal (checking to make sure everyone was enjoying themselves) and the food was phenomenal! You can order individually or family style, but the individual portions are large enough to share. Bring a big appetite and you will still take home leftovers. A true gem - highly recommend!

Bill Tice

Google
This place gets busy! Get an earlier reservation if you want be seated on time. Homemade pasta, meatballs are huge and delicate, desserts and incredible! Plenty of wine and drink options and the service was super😀

Robert

Google
The food was amazing, 10 out of 10 no complaints. I will definitely go back. The service was great as it was my first time here. The place looked really clean. Definitely go for the food! You will not be disappointed. Everything was seasoned well, tasted amazing and that chicken parm, pizza makes me drool as I type. The garlic mash is very yummy. Flavor profile is on point. I can't wait to try it again.

Benjamin Helwa

Google
Mama Ricotta’s in Charlotte, NC, is the kind of place that feels like home the moment you walk in. With its warm, inviting atmosphere and commitment to scratch-made Italian cuisine, it’s no surprise that it’s been a local favorite for over two decades. The vibrant decor, open kitchen with a wood-burning oven, and cozy enclosed patio with a fireplace create the perfect setting for any occasion—whether it’s a romantic date, a family dinner, or a casual night out with friends. What sets Mama Ricotta’s apart is its dedication to quality. Everything is made in-house, from the fresh mozzarella—served less than 24 hours after being made—to their signature Penne Alla Vodka, which has a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and rich flavors. The menu offers a mix of comforting classics and bold flavors, making it easy to find something you’ll love. Consistently voted the Best Italian Restaurant in Charlotte, Mama Ricotta’s isn’t just a place to eat—it’s an experience. Whether you’re dining indoors, enjoying the cozy patio, or hosting a private event, you can expect great food, great service, and an atmosphere that keeps you coming back.

Lauren Murray

Google
LOVED our experience at Mama Ricottas. In my opinion 1000% better than their sister restaurant Little Mamas. Pasta was fresh, ambiance was spectacular, waitress was so friendly and knowledgeable of the menu, AND they seemed to like us so much the manager gave us some desserts on the house since we were there for a special occasion with family visiting from out of town! The portion sizes were HUGE and everything just had so much intention and flavor. Will be back here for SURE!

Tracy Lindsay

Google
We have only been twice but the first time made us loyal fans. The menu is amazing and full of great options for any palate. We recently went on Mother's day . We had to go later than usual but it worked out beautifully because other diners were leaving and few new arrivals came so it was easy to hear each other. We had great service and the meals left no room for dessert. I hope to be back in a few months to try something new.

Nicole Adkins

Google
The food was AMAZING!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! This was our first time there. It definitely will NOT be our last time there!! At one point in our lives, we lived in NY. We have NOT had Homemade Italian food since NY!! I’m from the South originally. So that’s saying a LOT!! Loved the Lasagna, Chicken Parmesan and the salad!! Don’t even get me started on the desserts. Homemade cheesecake & Tiramisu were absolutely heavenly!! Unfortunately I didn’t take pictures of the HUGE servings of dessert.

Joe LaFerriere

Google
If I could give this place 6 Stars...I would!!! Sat at the bar and started with a Mama’s Italian Pilsner which was very good. Ordered a small mozzarella and tomato (small) and the House Radiatore with the meat sauce. Overall…exceptional food. The mozzarella is made in house and the heirloom tomatoes made for an incredible but simple appetizer. Loved the Radiatore…delicious sauce, and the house made pasta perfectly cooked. The service here was spot on…I watched the kitchen and bar work getting out to-go and dinner orders with great precision. It’s no wonder this place has over 3,000 great reviews…and I am proud to add mine to the list.

Julie P.

Yelp
Yes. Yes. And yes. Growing up in south Philly and NJ, this is about as close as you can get to the real deal (and little mamas), and it takes me back home every time. Their pasta primavera is my go-to - switching between Alfredo and oil/garlic (I can't do red sauce) and it is consistently amazing! It is loaded with veggies, and you can customize, which is even better. The kids portions are huge, and they come with a side. No kid is happier then when they can get pasta and fries (well, there are probably other happier moments). Don't sleep on the fries here either - they're delish! Crispy, seasoned. Everything that keeps you back for the "one more fry". All of their portions are easily save-able for lunch the next day - if you have that control. Everything about this Charlotte staple is delicious and you can't go w I want to go to Mama ricottas again now!

Samad R.

Yelp
Mama Ricotta's, located at 601 S Kings Dr in Charlotte, is by far the city's favorite Italian restaurant. Coming from Jersey where we have a large Italian population, I was looking for a place that served authentic fare that I could bring my parents to and not have them complain, as they are getting up in age and hate everything. I think I may have found it here. The atmosphere had a cozy sort of ambiance, although loud, set the stage for a delightful dining experience. On this, my first visit, the staff was friendly and attentive. I could see it being different during peak hours because I know this place gets slammed. With that said, I suggest making a reservation vs. just showing up to reduce your wait time. Now for the meal. I ordered the Penna Alla Vodka topped with a Chicken Parm cutlet. The penne pasta, cooked to perfection (al dente), is tossed in a creamy tomato vodka sauce. The flavors are rich, with a hint of spice from the vodka. The chicken parm cutlet was sizable, tender, and juicy. It's a comforting dish that leaves you wanting more. Well, not really. it's a hefty portion that will leave you stuffed. Mama Ricotta's offers a taste of Italy right here in Charlotte. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving what I think is authentic Italian fare, Mama Ricotta's won't disappoint

Pablo S.

Yelp
This place is our annual go to spot for a post dance recital meal. We have enjoyed this place many years but last night everything was average at best. The cocktails we ordered weren't garnished at all and the cups were maybe half full. We saw other customers with the same drinks that were filled more and had garnishes so we know it wasn't a shortage of s. The food was meh. Not enough sauce on my wife's vodka penne and my spaghetti was ok but not great. The things that were good was the family salad, arancini meatballs and the chicken parmesan. Disappointing but maybe next time things will be better.

Meagan L.

Yelp
I visited Charlotte overnight recently and had the opportunity to take a walk In the much needed sunshine and warm air. I searched Yelp for places and decided to try Mama Ricotta's based on the stellar reviews. The hostess greeted me and sat me in Tom's section for lunch. Tom was attentive, kind and engaging. I settled on the chopped salad and my all time favorite toppings of mushrooms, onions, and pepperoni on the fire roasted pizzas they have. The food arrived promptly and it was excellent. Highly recommend a visit to this locally owned Italian eatery!

Emma E.

Yelp
Yep. Every part of our experience was fabulous from start to finish. The food was great and I would absolutely be back. The service was 10/10 and they did a fantastic job waiting on us. The host was friendly and attentive and our server was the same. The manager also came by to check on us and every person we interacted with was friendly and super helpful. The ambiance really felt like an italian grandmas kitchen it was very homey inside and cozy but still felt intimate and classy enough to be a good date spot. Family dinner or dates would be great here. The food was excellent. The penne allá vodka was delicious and the chicken and polenta dish I had was AMAZING. The food was so so good I wish I could come back all the time. Too bad we live out of town! If you're in the area and can stop by, you should. You won't be disappointed!

LaToya M.

Yelp
I love this place. The pasta with vodka sauce is amazing. The pizza is amazing. I'm not sure why but the salad came out really wet. I was not a fan. The cheesecake is amazing.

Billy D.

Yelp
We visited for the first time on Saturday. There is plenty of parking in their lot. We ordered the PEI mussels which were amazing! That broth is so delicious we could've just eaten that. The pastas were a bit underwhelming but the service was nice. Unfortunately, I forgot the servers name but he was a professional and was attentive throughout our experience. The only reason this isn't a 5 star review is because I had notated on our reservation that we just got married a few days prior and if they could bring us a Prosecco or limoncello shot to toast. While I did not expect it to be on the house I did expect some sort of recognition? Maybe a candle on the dessert, a congrats? a visit from the manager or owner? Maybe the guests expectations are high but it's the little things that managers/staff/owners can do that create memories and raving fans. I will be back for the mussels and to try the pizza next time.

Chelsea D.

Yelp
I rave about this place! They renovated the inside so it's very nice and spacious when you walk in! Their chicken Parmesan is sooo good! And worth the price! Our server was excellent and very attentive. This is a Charlotte hot spot as they never fail me.

Heather V.

Yelp
Service was EXCELLENT! My friend & I had a great time for my birthday. Mozz & tomato was a huge portion for $8! The bread for the table was hot & well seasoned. The pastas we got were decent, but I would not recommend the brown butter sage -there's not much flavor. Overall good but didn't have the wow factor I was expecting. Very busy on the weekends, be sure to make a reso!

Sofia H.

Yelp
The ambience is nice and sets the mood in. I went for diner and it the vibe is a family Italian restaurant to the T. The tables, the decorations and wall arts. The lights are dimmed and the vide is romantic ish. It's a nice place for a diner date and or family friends fun, for delicious expensive wine and authentic fresh pasta. The service is very friendly and knowledgeable the ins and outs of the menu and what to recommend. Parking is tight since it's located in a small strip mall but it wasn't hard to find parking neither took to long. They take reservations. I got the radiatore w ricotta and it hit the SPOT. Delicious for those who appreciate Al dente pasta like I do. Their pizza is also so tasty my daughter loved it and their famous lasagna it's a household classic and most ordered. If you haven't been here before you must.

Anthony H.

Yelp
I went to Mama Ricotta's for dinner with my wife last week on the recommendation of several friends who've been here before. I have to say that the service was good and the ambiance was great for a regular night out. As others have said, they do have a good menu selection of all things Italian. I ordered the Spaghetti with Meatballs (American Waygu) and it was decent but lacked the flavor I was expecting. I'm not saying some people wouldn't find this dish delicious, however for me it was decent. I also had the Cannoli which was very good and it was a good end to the evening. I would recommend Mama Ricottas as a whole for those who want to experience a real Italian meal.

Keith W.

Yelp
I had chicken Parmesan at Mama Ricottas. This was my 1st time trying it, it was delicious, cheesy, tangy from the sauce very satisfying. I haven't had anything that I didn't like. My goal now is to try something different every time I go. Do yourself a favor and try everything.

Gloria M.

Yelp
This place is a must, we stopped by after our swim meet to have dinner and take a dessert home. Our waiter was very pleasant and attentive.

Liliana U.

Yelp
Celebrated our anniversary here this past weekend. Drinks: we both got a couple cocktails and were thoroughly disappointed. I was excited for their thyme gin one but you literally tasted no rhyme. Food: while the pizza had good flavor but the crust was extremely soft, to the point that you couldn't even hold it. Not what I'm use to from brick oven pizzas. The lasagna was barely warm when it came out and the meat in it was dry. How is that possible? It was very crumbly. Also the tiramisu was lacking in coffee flavor, which is unusual for a literal coffee dessert. Service: service was friendly and quick.

Lindsay H.

Yelp
Mama Ricotta's was absolutely phenomenal. From the service, to the atmosphere, and the star of the show... the delicious food. They are doing everything right here. Our server was Meredith and she was fun, informative and knowledgeable, and just an absolute pleasure. She had great descriptions of all the different dishes and let us in on some of her faves and special substitutions she likes to do. 10/10 highly recommend requesting her as your server if possible. The starter bread was to die for. So soft and delicious. The short rib arancini and French onion soup were some of the best we've ever had. The chicken parm... PHENOMENAL. Juicy chicken cutlets and delicious spaghetti cooked perfectly. The penne alla vodka with meatball. My fiancé and I couldn't stop drooling over this meatball. It was the juiciest meatball ever and had the best flavor. The only thing that sucks... the fact that we don't live in Charlotte and don't know when we will be back again. But trust me, we will be back!!!

Mitch K.

Yelp
It has been a long time between visits as we have been enjoying Little Mama's in Charlotte, which is closer to our home. Mama ricotta's is, in our opinion, the best Italian Restaurant in the western Carolina's. We were there for lunch as soon as they opened. Yipppeeee! No waiting in line and we were seated in one of the large 4 - 6 people curved booths at the end of the dining area. A commanding view of the operation. Excellent menu gaining you very large portions that are as big in flavor as they are in size. Wine list is perfect and, yes, we did have a very fine red blend ($15 each) served by our attentive server, Kaylie B. Lasagna at $13 and a massive bowl of house Radiatore pasta with meat sauce at $10 with shrimp added for another $9. I was the consumer of this which I failed to eat at one setting, so the rest came home with me for lunch the following day. Parking is always a problem here, but the strip mall of which Mama's is a part is not as crowded at night, lessening the parking issue. Great way to spend a rainy day.

Christina H.

Yelp
Our waiter was amazing and took great care of our table! The food was plentiful for the price! If you get the house Radiatore, get it without the ricotta to taste the true flavors of delicious Scibelli sauce! We tried it both ways and preferred without!

Celeste D.

Yelp
I had yet another great night here! My twin siblings turned 24 so we celebrated with dinner here and per usual the food did not disappoint! It was the perfect setting for a small intimate dinner! This time I got the chicken Alfredo with fried chicken and added broccoli, Perfection!! Our server was great and very knowledgeable about the menu items. We also tried the short rib appetizer.

Andrea Y.

Yelp
I'll start with the great service and hospitality. Servings are huge & very easily shareable. I ordered the goat/ricotta cheese appetizer. It was ok, but lacked flavor. If I had known the bread choice, I would have asked for baguette instead of the toast that was served. For entree I had the chicken parmesan sandwich. The chicken was crispy, I liked the red sauce as it was richer than the sauce with the appetizer. Nice side salad along side. Don't want to forget the bread and oil- the rolls were tasty! Obviously a popular place- good value for amount of food received. After getting recommendations from Yelp and a hotel employee, I was looking forward to my meal. Unfortunately, it fell short on flavor.

Matthew C.

Yelp
Don't come here if you're on a diet. Mama knows what she's doing in the kitchen. The French onion is some of the best I've had in Charlotte. The chicken parm was cooked to perfection over a delicious bed of noodles. The restaurant is tucked into a busy shopping complex that surprised me. The interior of the restaurant had a great vibe to it. Our server was top notch with the recommendations and service. I'll be coming back soon. Yum!

Quaniqua M.

Yelp
I was hoping with this restaurant being a bit more expensive, it would be better than your typical Olive garden. I got the goat cheese and mascarpone dip and the chicken parmesan. We got nice sizes, but they're still a bit expensive. I liked the dip and chicken, but the spaghetti that came with the chicken, was literally just pasta and sauce, no flavor or anything. I wanted something vegan but didn't see anything on the menu, and looking at the menu I felt I would've been charged too much extra for it. Speaking of that, I bought in cupcakes and the server told me I would be charged $3 per person as a cutting fee! There was nothing to cut! I think places that charge like that are just money hungry and want you to purchase their expensive desserts. I can say that everyone I came in contact with was nice and friendly. It could just be my taste, but I just feel like a lot of places like this are just for the experience to say you've been.

Edna L.

Yelp
My go-to Italian restaurant in Charlotte!! Every time I've gone, the service has been incredible, and the waiters always make you feel special and like the only person at the restaurant. The atmosphere is also lovely. A perfect place for a date night or a special occasion. I HIGHLY recommend the goat cheese and mascarpone dip as an appetizer. I can't even describe how incredible that dip and the bread that comes with are. One of my favorite appetizers HANDS DOWN. I can't go here without ordering it!! Their vodka pasta is also my favorite thing on their main menu, so creamy, well-seasoned, and just divine. I am a sucker for vodka pasta; this one is one of the best in Charlotte. Their meatballs are okay, I'll be honest. They are huge, so that is a plus, and the sauce is delicious. I just wasn't a big fan of the flavor of the actual meatballs, and don't think I'll order them again.

Victor D.

Yelp
Well to start, my wife and I were having pasta for lunch, we were looking for a nearby Italian restaurant and this one, it appeared good, we went in. It has a nice, very friendly hostess. She found us a table for 2 and the waitress (Grace) very kindly explained the entire menu to us. She has tremendous customer service, we asked her about the most popular dishes and she suggested the risotto arancini and the lasagna which was an excellent suggestion, delicious, the atmosphere was very nice thanks to Grace, we want to come back for the pizzas I would like to try it because They looked delicious

Melinda B.

Yelp
The wood-fired pizza was very good! They have a thin NY style crust coupled with the taste of wood fired pizza so you cannot go wrong with it. It will be delicious no matter the toppings. The salads were ok. I was expecting a lot more artichoke in it for the price aside from a single garnish. Ten dollars for a small house salad is pretty strong in my opinion. I did not dine in because they refused my reservation of one, but it felt like the atmosphere was hectic but good. The staff was getting completely killed with online orders, door dash, and eat in customers and handled it incredibly well. Overall it was decent, and I'd probably try it again at an off time to dine in.

Tera C.

Yelp
The atmosphere was inviting. My server Isiah was amazing! Everything from the appetizer to dessert was out of this world ! Best bread pudding I've had in years. Very warm and welcoming.

Danielle L.

Yelp
I just love it here. I'm originally from New Jersey and live off of old school Italian food. I've been very apprehensive of Italian food in the south, but I was so happy to find Mama Ricottas (and their sister restaurant little mamas!). I came here with my mom on a Sunday night, there was a short wait but the hosts were very nice. We were seated in 15 minutes in the enclosed, kind of porch like, area. We loved this because it was more quiet than the main dining room. We ordered chicken Parmesan and pollo alla griglia and both were delicious! Huge portions with plenty to take home. We also got the carrot cake which was outstanding!! This is definitely my go to old school Italian spot!!

Mary C.

Yelp
My daughter and I went here after a Yelp! search. Despite people lined up out the door, we were seated immediately in the coziest little corner 2 top. Kareem took the best care of us. The bread was warm and soft. The salad was fresh and crispy! The ravioli was my favorite - a delicious sauce!! I ordered a medium pizza with pepperoni, sausage, artichoke hearts & mushrooms. A little pricey to get the topping you want but worth it for the amount of food. The only thing I noticed is that I thought the menu said a reduced price for the house salad with a pizza but I was still charged a full $10. Either way, we enjoyed the experience and enjoyed our meal. Would recommend a visit when downtown Charlotte.

Briann R.

Yelp
Yes. Everything about this place is a yes. The food is delicious and fresh, the staff is kind, and it's very laid back and casual. This isn't a dress up occasion, but when you want good food that feels like a hug, come here. We had a large party And our waitress was so kind and answered our many questions. The manager came by to introduce himself which is a nice touch. I highly suggest the vodka pasta and asparagus!!

Hannah C.

Yelp
We celebrated my friends birthday over at Mama Ricotta's this past weekend and I can't stop thinking about our amazing experience! Starting with the drinks - my Aperol Spritz was the perfect mix of tangy and sweet! It was so refreshing and a great way to start the night. Next we got a few "family-style" appetizers for the table including a Goat Cheese & Mascarpone Dip and the Mozzarella & Tomato spread. Everything was so gooey and cheesy, I loved it! It was more than enough to fill up everyone at the table. For my entree, my friend and I split the large White Pizza. It was a bit too much on the oily side for my preference but the crunchy crust and pesto balanced the pizza out well. Finally, a few of us decided to get Espresso Martini's and I was SO excited to try Mama Ricotta's version of one of my favorite drinks. I'm happy to report that they knocked it out of the park, truly delicious! Considering we had a large party of 8, I was shocked with how quickly everything came out and how attentive our various servers were to the group. They even grabbed my friend a birthday candle for his Tres-Leches desert and sang happy birthday with us! An awesome atmosphere, I can't wait to go back!

Henry L.

Yelp
The food was incredible! Hands down my favorite Italian restaurant in Charlotte. I recommend the mussels appetizers they were so good! The lasagna was delicious just how I like it. Short rib was good too, very tender! Service was great the servers were very friendly! Ambiance feels nice but busy as everyone come here! Pro tip: make sure to come early if you do not have a reservation during dinner time because there's usually a long wait.

Kia R.

Yelp
Tight parking lot Server was very nice Food was fresh and hot Order mix up but manager came over right away and entree was corrected.

Meredith L.

Yelp
I had a great experience at Mama Riccotta's on Friday night. My friend and I went for a girls night and the food was great! Our server was fine but nothing to write home about. He didn't really recommend anything, he didn't really know if we should share the small or large Caesar salad, It was just off. With that being said the food was delicious! I would love to come back on a date night or with a group celebrating something. The space itself can accommodate groups, which is great. The tiramisu wasn't my favorite. Didn't have any coffee liquor flavor unfortunately. It just tasted like a semi sweet cream type dessert. I would recommend adding the chicken cutlet to the vodka penne though, that was a winner. I'll be back!

Zoe J.

Yelp
I really really enjoyed this place! We sat on the covered patio and it was such an cute vibe, quiet on a Saturday between lunch and dinner. Our server was great and friendly and recommended the Tuscan salad which was nothing short of amazing. The full size is plenty for one person and I had left overs, there was a generous portion of fresh mozzarella which was so yummy. The bread brought to the table is good with lots of herbs and spices. Will be coming again for sure!

Mike S.

Yelp
Delicious food and a lot of it! The chicken parm was very cheesy and sliced thin with homemade pasta. Tonight I ate more than I should have! Everything was perfect with this dinner! Highly recommend

Thomas C.

Yelp
My family and I had a wonderful time and experience at this restaurant. The food was amazing, the ambiance was exquisite, and Hakim was a wonderful server and made the entire experience smooth.

D M.

Yelp
Outstanding. Pollo alla griglia (sp), meatballs, service. Rest of the party had the chicken special. Loved it all. Ample portions.

Chandra J.

Yelp
The hotel where I am staying during my much-needed needed self care trip to Charlotte recommended Mama Ricotta's! And wow, such a great spot! For a Sunday night they were super busy. I am glad it was just me as I was sat down right away. I checked out their menu while I waited a while for a server. Finally Connor came over and he made me feel right at home. He got my water and wine and checked on me regularly. He recommended the Pieropan wine go with the penne and broccoli. I swapped out the chicken for shrimp and it was delicious. The lemon cream sauce was a little thick, but it has tons of flavor and was just so good! My stomach was unable to fit everything in, so thank God for to go boxes! As it was my birthday Connor surprised me with a cake! A thick piece of chocolate cake--and wow, super rich and yummy as well. I wish that I could've finished more of it, but again it went in a to go box. I see why you need a reservation at this restaurant as the food is very good and authentic as well as it is a very chill and cool atmosphere. I will be back when I am in the area!

Roxanne L.

Yelp
Definitely deserves rave reviews. Staff outstanding delicious! Our food was good but service was even better, my sister and couldn't eat everything, she packaged up so nicely. I was most impressed. Go eat lunch dinner is everything too! A must try The space was clean and fresh smelling and tidy

Alex H.

Yelp
First time, but won't be the last. Have been told about this Charlotte staple, and did not disappoint. Mama Ricotta's has your family style restaurant, loud yet cozy, warm and welcoming. Menu had your typical Italian dishes. I went with the classic chicken parmesan, but changed the spaghetti to penne a la vodka. Pretty good I must say. The chicken was cooked well, breading tasty, and had a nice cheesie skirt to match. Penne was al dente, and tiny bits of pancetta flavored the sauce. They give you garlic rolls with an EVOO infused with red pepper, so it has a kick. The rolls were fluffy and hot, though my chef's palate recommends a touch of sweetness in the dough, or maybe a drizzle of honey to offset the spice and garlic...again that's just me Dessert was Tiramisu... everyone makes it different, couldn't taste the lady fingers at all (I knew they were there) if you infuse the lady fingers and leave them a bit more crunchy, rather than grind them, in some cognac to balance the bitterness of chocolate, you'd be in business...it was good nonetheless. So instead of going to a chain, come to mama Ricotta's and really be 'like family" Support your local businesses!!!

Ari A.

Yelp
I had seen a video on IG that had recommended this place saying how phenomenal it was. We had made reservations in advance - spent all day in Charlotte and went to the restaurant. The vibe was nice. Not to loud, kinda dark and it was definitely busy and they had HOURS worth of wait times it was CRAZY. The service was perfectly fine, nothing wrong at all. They didn't have sangria which for an authentic Italian place I felt that was kinda weird? Maybe me expecting it is a NY thing? Not to sure I feel like EVERY Italian restaurant has sangria lol The penne vodka was really good tasting just wasn't sure if we didn't get enough sauce or cause we added chicken cutlet or friend chicken some would call it. It got dried up. I'm not someone who is going to ask for more sauce. I ate it but felt like it was a little on the dry side. Personally. Overall a fine experience.

Tanya O.

Yelp
Amazing experience from top to finish. Our server was really nice and cracked jokes. Great appetizers and meals. I would come again.

Eric S.

Yelp
It's my wife's birthday so we decided to go out for a lunch date. We were looking at this place for a while but never tried it. This was the day. We arrived around 14:00. The lunch crowd was gone so it was presently empty. We were seated right away with no wait. Our waitress (Micheala) greeted us very quickly. She was super nice and very informative on the menu. We started off with drinks. My wife ordered a half and half and I ordered sweet tea. Now it's time to really go over the menu. It took us a while because this was our first time. After the waitress checking in on us about 3-4 times and answering every question, we decided to order. My wife got spaghetti with meatballs (meatball, you get one and it's very big). She also ordered mamas side salad with barolo dressing. I ordered cheese ravioli with butter sauce. It had spinach on top, didn't realize it came with that, had to take that off. Now while your waiting on your food they bring out garlics cheese bread. Or rolls. Or something. They also give you a plate of oil to dip it in. We snacked on those while we waited. It didn't take too long for the food to come out. When it did it looked very good. Not as much on my plate as I was expecting but still good. Oh yeah I also ordered a side of "garlics Parmesan" fries. It was time for both of us to dig in. You can find ratings and prices below. Drinks: 8/10 ($3.00) - good tea Bread: 3/10 ($free) - a little hard and not fresh bread. Salad: 10/10 ($5.25) - her words "best salad ever" Fries: 6/10 ($3.00) - a little hard and not as advertised Spaghetti: 9/10 ($17.00) - very good, nice safe pick Ravioli: 7/10 ($12.00) - good but small Service: 9/10 Ambiance: 8/10 Speed: 9/10 Food quality: 9/10 Overall: 8/10 I Dont get the hype but it was good. I have no regrets but it might not be my first choice when I am looking for a good Italian place to eat. I'm sure I will be back but it might be awhile. Total price for two people (not counting tip): $46

Sharon C.

Yelp
Mama ricottas turned into my new fav go to italian spot. Everything was cooked to perfection the salad was so flavorful i honestly dream about it everyday

Hailey H.

Yelp
I actually made a reservation here on accident. I wanted some pasta for dinner and I mistook this place for Little Mama's. My friend was in town so I wanted to take her somewhere good. Unfortunately, I did not take her somewhere good. The place was popping so I was hopeful. We didn't wait too long to be sat, which was nice. About 5-12 minutes-- one can never be sure since time is a construct. Before I get into this, I'm going to go ahead and say the service was fine. Our server was pleasant and tended to us an appropriate amount. The food, though? Mid leaning terrible. I ordered the spaghetti with meatballs, my friend ordered the pasta primavera, and this guy I talk to ordered penne alla vodka. I'm saving the worst for last. The penne alla vodka had really delicious sauce, but the noodles were undercooked. The pasta primavera, as reported by my friend, was mid. The spaghetti with meatballs actually ruined my night. It came with two obnoxiously sized meatballs. They were gray and looked unappetizing. That guy I talk to? Told me it reminded him of a baby's head with "the soft spot included." I ended up eating around it because I have issues with confrontation and did not want to have to send it back. Not sure who gave the green flag on those massive balls of ground meat, but they need to be put in the timeout corner. Ambience was decent. Nothing to write home about. I have no plans of returning.

Sandy B.

Yelp
Well we went here to check out the food to consider them for my son's wedding. all I can say is WOW....what great food and the staff was wonderful too. The restaurant has the old Italian feel which is very welcoming. It was a Friday around 1:00 and they were packed... So YES they will be our caterers :)

Duncan M.

Yelp
I had lunch at Mama Ricotta's on Monday. The restaurant was busy so I sat at the bar. The bar tender was a lovely young lady that handled all of her drink orders smoothly, delivered take out orders, and took care of my food and drink order. I had a wonderful glass of a Malbec called Uno. This is a very smooth Argentine red wine that is perfect with pasta. For my meal, I had spaghetti with meatballs. There was a generous serving of their house spaghetti and it was served with a giant meat ball! Huge!! As tasty as it was large. I love Mama's spaghetti and meat ball!! I wasn't planning on dessert but the bar tender said their bread pudding was exceptional....and it is! Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Wowser! Recommend leaving room for dessert! The ambiance of this restaurant is ok; not exotic but the servers are so nice, they enhance going there. The only minor issue with this restaurant is occasionally the parking. Sometimes it's a challenge to find a place to park....but it is definitely worth driving around until you find one. There is parking out front and along the side of the restaurant.

Shayna M.

Yelp
Anytime someone is asking for an Italian recommendation in Charlotte, I proudly say Mama Ricotta's ! Their service is out of this world from the time you walk in to when you are exiting. The are many pros to dine here and I will proudly list my favorites. 1. Ample parking- As Charlotte is becoming more compact, this restaurant has ample parking that is FREE! That alone should make you want to book reservation since that is truly a hidden gem in itself. I know most people are tired of trying to find free parking when they are dining somewhere. 2. Decor - I have yet to see the new renovations in person but from the pictures it is very devine ! From my many previous stays, I always enjoyed the decor and admired how clean the place was. 3. The Food - first off the bread is complimentary and you dip it in oil. It's fresh every time and I loveeeeeee it soo much. My favorite dish to get is the penne alla vodka with chicken shrimp. It is beyond amazing and the portions are huge ! please check them out

Kristin K.

Yelp
Awesome!!! Very busy and our waitress was right on!!! I got the lasagna... delish!!!! Will be back next time visiting!!!

Lauren G.

Yelp
Pros: We had good service, tasty food and large portions Cons: We made a reservation and still waited 15 minutes past our time AND got seated at the coldest draftiest table. To put in perspective when the waiter grated cheese over our food it literally blew across the table missing our plates and he said "there's quite a draft here".... We originally requested a table change within 60 seconds of being seated however we're told we'd have to return to the wait list (despite multiple tables that just needed to be cleaned off quite close to our section). Overall decent food and unique wine list however I can't go around recommending it based on the wait even if you have a resy and our table situation. There are plenty of amazing restaurants in Charlotte where that won't happen- catch me at those how bout dat???

Muriel L.

Yelp
The most amazing Italian food I've had in like forever, and Grace our waitress was amazing. I will be coming back from Florida to come up here and eat my Italian food. It is the best. No doubt I give this restaurant a 10+10+10