Mamma Zu

The customer service is awful. Let me just get that out of the way right now. We were going with a large party (7 people) and called to make reservations. The fellow taking our reservation was curt (bordering on rude). The wait staff, while knowledgeable, was rushed and somewhat disinterested. Because of the time of day that we came and the size of our party, we were told we could only order ""family style"" meals and therefore could only order 4 dishes. They don't take credit cards except Amex, which was also a pain. We knew that going in but the wait staff didn't mention it until the end. Had we not known, that could've been really bad. All in all, the customer service made it feel as though we were catering to their needs. In a restaurant, I expect it to be the other way around.\r \r All that said, the food was fantastic. Almost worth putting up with the rest. I had some of the best Eggplant Parmesan there that I've ever had in my entire life. All the other dishes were excellent as well. The atmosphere was cool in my opinion. I see others have griped about it so be prepared: it's a dive. It looks run down outside and inside.\r \r Tips: Skip large parties here, it's a pain. Avoid the dinner rush, you'll never get a seat. Don't go there when you want to be pampered or when you're in a rush. This is a city dive and you'll be treated as such. I do recommend going though -- the food was outstanding. more

I'm a picky Italian, from the northeast, and this place offers great Italian food! The atmosphere, wait, and service are all part of the experience...but if a ""hole in the wall"", long wait, slow service aren't part of what you want with your excellent food, then try the sister restaurant Edo's Squid, which offers a similar menu but ""fancier"" digs. My favorites: scungilli, broccoletti, orecchietti, rockfish, and the ny strip steak... Pros: Food, wine, atmosphere Cons: Location, service more

I have been in Richmond for several years and have heard good reviews about this place. I finally got an opportunity to go for a friends final day at work party. OMG.... this place was a total dump. But I didn't let that turn me off because usually the run down places have good cooks.... however I was thoroughly disappointed. We had to be served large portions because of the size of the party and all the dishes seemed alike to me. They all had the same type of noodles (rigatoni) with some vegetable or maybe a meat thrown in. I assume my party wasn't aware of other maybe better choices from the menu...or maybe they just aren't available if u come with a crowd. I do know that the food was terrible...how do u mess up a simple pasta dish is beyond me. Also it cost me at least $15 and I was still hungry because I didn't eat much. Least to say I will not be returning... more

I've been to Mamma Zu's about twenty times, and sure, the service can be curt and the wait long, but let me tell you - it's worth it. This place rocks with a wonderful selection of fabulous dishes. A couple of my favs are the gorgonzola pasta, sauteed calamari, brocoletti, and the white pizza they make at the bar. Don't let the location, the exterior, the interior or the staff scare you away, this place is fantastic. OR actually do let them scare you away so I don't have to wait as long. Pros: Incredible food, nice and not-fancy ambience Cons: Curt service, wait more

Apologies to my sainted grandmother, but given the choice of a last meal as a condemned man, I would without hesitation, demand a final taste of Mamma 'Zu. \r I should say that I am a former employee (years removed) and before that a regular patron (I've never had better tiramisu...which I had to boycott upon my hiring, otherwise I'd easily weigh 400 lb.s) I read reviews damning them for bad service and granted it can be downright rude at times...SHAME on the woman who implied that perhaps her race was the reason for her wait/ treatment at Mamma 'zu...(In fact, that is what urged me to write this review.) Let's be honest, service can be curt...only because it has to be (I'll happily leave the ""hostess"" to be be your punching bag...as we all know, at times he deserves it! ) You see that line outside the door, starting at times 30 minutes before service, you need to streamline things (imagine you're that person waiting for a table and there appears to be a party ""lounging"" after service...courtesy has got to enter in somewhere) It's a very small space (16 tables at most...an earlier poster said 30...not true) Logistics aside, most people come here for the FOOD. I've never had better Italian. (It pains me to say that having grown up in Boston...ANTHONY!) \r (Aside from my list of favorites the menu is changed DAILY.)Mozzerella & Peppers, Rapini, Sardines, Fried Oysters, Vitello Tonnato, White Pizza, Penne Gorgonzola, Zuppa de Pesce, Veal Sweetbreads, Eggplant Parmesan, Grilled Branzino, Bucatinni Alla Matriciana, Tiramisu...ETC. \r So, If you're willing to let go of the thought of being pampered and want to taste True Italian Food, (with, if you're lucky, a live action soap opera) ENJOY! more

We were aware that Mama Zu's had horrible service. We wanted patiently for 1 1/2 hours even after being told it was only 45 minute wait. After confronting the hostess/manager we were told he called our name with no response. If you have been to Mama Zu's you will know the restaurant is very small and it is extremely hard to not hear you name being called. I confronted the hostess and he threw us out after I was very stern with him but told him I understood he was very busy. . I have never been kicked out of a restaurant before. On lookers were shocked and could not believe we were escorted out. Granted I am Indian and my husband is very Caucasian. Whether this contributed to our departure I do not know. But I will never go back to the restaurant again. I cannot comment on the food but only the service. Just be forewarned the even in Richmond rudeness awaits all. Cons: poor service more

If you show up when everyone else shows up to eat, YOU WILL WAIT. If you are there while everyone else is eating, there are 3 servers and 30 tables, DONT EXPECT TOP NOTCH SERVICE. Other times, its great service and no wait and you get right to the charm.\r \r Its a grand combination of authentic itallian food (I just got back from Rome 2 weeks ago) that you might find in a trattoria located in a blue collar neighborhood. Yes, alot of the restaurants over there will have you squinting at a chalkboard. But if your a regular, you know what you want (Rockfish or Voglio). No doubt Mama Zu does go overboard with adding alot of garlic and giving you a large portion. But who said that is a bad thing??? Now you take this great authentic food from a blue collar Itallian neighborhood and you combine it with the atmosphere and service you expect as it is located in an authentic Richmond blue collar neighborhood (Oregon Hill - Its actually a great neighborhood if you stick around, I lived 1 block away for 4 years), and its Mama Zu. \r \r The white pizza is amazing. The white clam sauce is amazing. Yes the Tiramisu is amazing (though I can tell you where to find better about 1/4 mile from the Vatican). But the Rockfish will leave you speechless. Pros: Food, beer, wine, dessert, price, wine glasses, price, food, price, rockfish....... Cons: Yah they dont take credit, otherwise you cant beat it. more

Had my first and last meal at Mamma Zu's for lunch in mid-Jan of 07. Due to the size of our party (6) we had to order family style meals rather than individual. The hostess was female, rude and appearred to have just gotten out of bed. The food was average. Nothing more, nothing less. The lunch came out to around $15 per person and it wasn't worth it. So for all you Richmonders who love Mamma Zu's PLEASE keep on lovin it because then you'll be one less person in the restaurant I'm in. If you are from out of town visiting Richmond and feel Richmond is a sh1thole then visit Mamma Zu's. It will only endorse that opinion. Enjoy!!\r Pros: Water is free more

Aw, come on! Mamma Zu's is by far the best Italian food in the Richmond area! Consider the neighborhood...a funky mix of professionals, students and what's left of the one-time blue collar neighborhood. The decor is extremely casual, e.g., juice glasses for the wine (you want printed menus? go to a chain.), the music, a mix ranging from Elvis to Pavarotti. The service, well, is reminiscent of Seinfeld's ""Soup N...,"" but so what? That's part of the experience! (I'm just kidding about the Soup N...) Get there early or late (before 6 or after 9). If you've never tried the rockfish, it's the best thing you'll ever put in your mouth and the tiramisu is to die for! Mamma Zu's is not just a restaurant, it is an Italian experience at it's best. Pros: You feel like part of a large Italian family! Cons: None. more

No waiting if your there early. The food was delicious and the wait staff was cordial. I enjoyed everything.. and the wine selection was great. Pros: Food prep, value, waiting time Cons: no MC/Visa more

I chuckled as I read some of the reviews. For those that know good food and want to step into an atmosphere where you are an active participant, Mamma Zu's is the only place in town! Love the place, love the food, it's great for groups, we'll keep going and if we ever move from Richmond we'll come back just for Mamma Zu's. Keep up the good work Eddie! Pros: Great food, Great prices, Superb quality Cons: Other people know more

You have to be a gracious Southerner to fully enjoy Momma Zu's. I have friends that will no longer step foot inside any of Eddie's restaurants because they feel the service is too caustic. Their loss! I've ordered my favorites - eggplant parmigiana, broccoletti and tiramisu all over Italy and Eddie's is the best! All you all - get over yourselfs, lose YOUR attitude. Don't expect to be treated like you're spending $200. for dinner, you're not! Pros: Food, Prices, They'll take a check Cons: No M/C or Visa more

Not on the main road, back in the neighborhood of Oregon Hill. The location might not be the best, but the food is amazing. They are always packed, so plan on a wait, but the food is worth it. The staff is very friendly and the service is great. The kitchen staff is also very good - they can cook up some of the best food you will have in Richmond. Pros: Great food, Great service, Ample parking more

our FIRST choice 2 eat great food& spend precious time & food dollars together w/out the kids.(bring them sometimes,love glass soda bottles)we have consistently enjoyable""people/food watching""nights (the wait is 1/2 the fun) and excellent meals @affordable prices. plently of choices for all in pasta,eggplant,seafood,etc. for 2 to eat,share an appetizer & bottle of wine for $45-55 total ! interesting juke box helps make a fun evening w/all sights,smells,sounds (& even a manx !) Pay no attention to that reviewer behind the narrow minded curtain !! Pros: great food 4 prx, good atmosphere, affrdbl wine selectns Cons: no more valet prkng, need jazz club closer, can't go enough more

Come on guys, no visa or M/C, just cash, check or Amex. Notification of this by our waitress at the end of the meal was a major let down. She seemed to enjoy the inconvenience it caused our party. The seats were uncomfortable and in some cases broken. This reviewer categorizes the service as slow and nearly disinterested. The food was the main reason for coming. It was good. Not earth shattering tasteful, as one might have hoped. Maybe, because I tasted too much of the cigarette smoke from the table next to us. I am not a big smoker. Pros: casual attire, large group friendly Cons: service, payment methods, smoking more

Mamma Zu's has the best Italian food in Richmond. The service is less than desirable. The wait to be seated is unbearable. The service is even less desirable. If you can survive the initial presentation, you will enjoy the food. Pros: food Cons: ambience, service, location more

Terrific Italian food. Waited 2.5 (YES 2.5) hours to be seated...had been told 1.5--came expecting that having been here before. Seated others that came in later before us who'd been waiting...very frustrating, staff superefficient from owner's perspective....only go here once or twice a year b/c HATE THE WAIT.... Pros: terrific food, decent wine Cons: wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, don't take reserv. more

Thought the food was excellent. Atmosphere not much to look at. Crowded. Pros: Good Food, Reasonable prices Cons: no atmosphere, crowded, loud more

had heard alot of good things about mamma zu, sorry to say that my experience was not that great. our server recommended the tuna steak, we ordered it rare, it came out mid-well and was medallions of tuna, not a steak. also it was drenched in a soy-terriaki sauce that overpowered the fish. had an antipasto appetizer, which included and I kid you not canned tunafish! couldn't beleive it. service was very sub par. our waiter took a very arrogant & disbeleiving tone when we indicated we had a black pepper allergy. he questioned the truth of this 3 times and probably still didn't believe it. the portions were certainly ample and it wasn't crazy expensive, but richmond certainly has better restaurants. Pros: good size portions Cons: bad service, loud, crowded more

When I eat out the priority is on good food, not on service or appearance. Mamma Zu's has good food and for a very affordable price! Their dishes are unique in a town full of the same fusion-continental-cuisine offerings. Basically it is not boring. The key to avoiding the wait is to arrive before 6:30p. If you go after that and not expect to wait for an hour or more then you're nuts! This is my favorite restaurant in Richmond by far. Every out-of-town guest we've taken there has loved it as well. My only complaint would be that they could cut down some on the garlic. Get the sugar toads or scungilli appetizers. The eggplant parmesean is like butter and the lamb shank and lamb chops are heaven! Pros: Food quality, Unique dishes, Very affordable Cons: A bit heavy on garlic, Long waits on weekend more