Founded in 1996, the Mamma Roma restaurant was opened by Mennato Mastrocinque and his father, Giovanni. Mennato learned his skills at a young age, after watching his father and family cook. Whilst Giovanni is now retired, he is a very familiar face in the restaurant, and customers are made to feel like they are part of the family. You know where to go if you want an authentic Italian meal in Edinburgh.
The a la carte menu has been designed to include a variety of dishes, and the chefs are even happy to whip up something you love if it's not on the menu. Appetisers include the homemade bread topped with aubergines, cherry tomatoes and smoked mozzarella cheese, along with the marinated olives and sundried tomatoes, and bread selection with Italian cured meats, mozzarella, tomatoes, artichokes and olives. For a hot starter, try the deep fried squid and king prawns with salad, sweet chilli sauce and tartare sauce. Focacce is ideal to share, and includes an option topped with parmesan shavings and freshly chopped cherry tomatoes.
For your main, enjoy one of the many pasta options, such as spaghetti bolognese, penne arrabbiate, or linguine alle vongole. There are great pizza options, too, including pizza funghi, cotto e ricotta and salmone e gamberi. For filled pasta, try the homemade oven baked cannelloni with steak mince meat, vegetables and cheese, before being cooked in a tomato sauce, besciamella cheese and a touch of bolognese. Sirloin steak is on the menu, and served in slices with a salad, parmesan shavings and with a balsamic glaze. There are a section of Mamma's favourite pastas, including Florinda's favourite strigoli pasta cooked with capers, olives, aubergines, chilli, cherry tomatoes and basil.