Trendsetta D.
Yelp
Exceptional Dining at Mamma Mia - Riverside's Top Italian Spot!
As a food lover exploring the Inland Empire, Mamma Mia Restaurant and Bar in Riverside (10971 Magnolia Ave) has become my absolute favorite after one unforgettable visit. This cozy Italian gem offers authentic dishes, a family-friendly vibe, and service that's truly outstanding - everyone from servers to managers is incredibly nice and attentive.
We arrived for a casual family dinner, and the warm atmosphere with booths and subtle bar lighting made us feel right at home. Our kids, picky eaters, were excited for pizza. We ordered two: one cheese and one pepperoni. When it arrived as a half-and-half split, we pointed out the mix-up. Without hesitation, our server apologized, and the manager stepped in, insisting on remaking it correctly - on the house! The first pizza came out fresh and hot, and the second followed soon after, turning a small error into a delightful treat with two super-fresh pies.
The food was out of this world. The cheese pizza featured a crispy-yet-chewy crust, tangy house-made sauce, and gooey mozzarella - simple perfection. The pepperoni added savory, curled slices that elevated every bite. Portions were generous (plenty of leftovers), and prices fair (~$18-22 per pie).
Our sons tried the lasagna and fettuccine. The lasagna was layered with rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and cheese - hearty and flavorful, no complaints from our critic! The fettuccine was creamy, al dente, and perfectly seasoned. We started with the house salad drizzled in creamy Italian dressing - crisp greens, tomatoes, olives, and Parmesan made it amazing and refreshing.
Mamma Mia excels at family dining: shareable portions, versatile menu (pizzas, pastas, appetizers like calamari), and great value (entrees $18-28). No kids' menu needed - everything works. We skipped dessert (too full!) but will try the chocolate temptation next time.
This place is now our #1 in Riverside - we'll definitely be back for more of that outstanding service and delicious food. Highly recommend for anyone seeking "real good" Italian! Five stars.