Taste Test
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Mamma's old favourtite
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| Sea views |
If you know Southend, then you'll know Mamma Mia's. The Italian restaurant overlooking the sea has been a local's favourite for numerous years, so I wanted to know what all the fuss was about.
My mum and I had seats at the theatre, so booked an early mid-week table to settle our stomachs before the show at the nearby Cliffs Pavilion.
My first impression wasn't fantastic. Walking into the restaurant I thought the decor was a little shabby and wondered what sort of a meal we were letting ourselves in for.
However, we were promptly served and as we gazed out at the amazing view, I realised that the tired interior made for a relaxing and old fashioned experience and with the view to focus its easy to understand why the decor may be neglected.
Our starters of deep fried brie and stuffed mushrooms couldn't have been better and the portions were plentiful, which I thought they should be at over £5 each.
My main course was a little disappointing - homemade lasagne is one of my favourite dishes and I thought a traditional Italian version would be perfection.
Although not altogether unpleasant it wasn't particularly flavoursome and was a little runny for my taste.
My mum's choice carbonara, the traditional spaghetti entwined with bacon, eggs and parmesan cheese was, in contrast, delicious.
Ice cream desserts went down a treat for us both and the friendly, Italian staff helped to ensure we had an enjoyable meal.
As the menu is full of pizzas and pastas and the atmosphere is very relaxed, I could see how Mamma Mia's would make the perfect family or party venue.
Mamma Mia
7/9 Shorefield Road, Westcliff
01702 345891
What we ate
Two soft drinks £3
Garlic pizza bread £2.75
Deep Fried Brie £5.45
Stuffed mushrooms £5.25
Spaghetti carbonara £6.95
Homemade lasagne £6.95
Menta Bianca (mint ice cream dessert) £3.50
Selection of ice cream sorbets £2.95
TOTAL: £36.80
Our verdict
Food - 3
Atmosphere - 4
Decor - 2
Value - 3
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CommentPosted by: Kirsty, Rayleigh on 10:37pm Sun 30 Dec 07
I would like to comment on the above review, as my partner and I attended this restaurant on Saturday night.
In contrast with the previous review the service was appauling, the food was flavourless and badly presented. One waiter even argued when we returned their soup! The tables had paper covers, the menus were similar to a cafe and over all we were very very upset with the entire experience of the restaurant.
I would like to comment on the above review, as my partner and I attended this restaurant on Saturday night.
In contrast with the previous review the service was appauling, the food was flavourless and badly presented. One waiter even argued when we returned their soup! The tables had paper covers, the menus were similar to a cafe and over all we were very very upset with the entire experience of the restaurant.
Posted by: lu, essex on 6:26pm Wed 5 Mar 08
the food made me ill partly frozen dont know how their microwave works absolute tasteless junk would not feed a dog this food
the food made me ill partly frozen dont know how their microwave works absolute tasteless junk would not feed a dog this food
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