Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen: An Unpopular Opinion

As one of BF Homes’ popular mainstays, Mama Lou’s seem to have earned a local following for diners that yearn for a filling Italian meal down in the South. Due to its popularity, it eventually expanded up North by opening a branch in U.P. Town Center, which consistently draws big crowds and commands long waiting queues.

I was pretty excited to try it for the first time, that I didn’t mind the 30+ minute wait for seating. In fact, it even reinforced my excitement to try this popular restaurant.

There were too many choices to choose from; however, as a party of four, we had to narrow it down. We ended with three appetizers (to share), a pizza, and a risotto dish.

GAMBAS (P300)

I’m still a bit confused how this famous Spanish tapas wound up in an Italian restaurant; but since it’s a family favorite, we ordered it. It came with the usual slices of green chili, and slivers of garlic; however, what was distinct was the smell of Knorr seasoning used generously in the sauce. No one can deny the delicious flavor brought about by Knorr (I’m sure most of us are guilty of pairing it up with rice every now and then); however, I felt a bit short-changed by this.

We also ordered a Canadian staple, Poutine fries (P160), and paired it up with bacon (+P35). Rest assured, the bacon add-on option gives you value for money as it is not your usual honeycured bacon. Instead, it features chunks of a pretty tasty bacon slab. If you’re looking for something extra to fill up your meal, the Clam Chowder is a tasty choice, which comes in solo and sharing options (P185/P325).

RISOTTO TARTUFO FUNGHI (P325)

I’ve learned to love risottos thanks to Buon Giorno’s hearty risotto dishes that never fail to please. Seeing as Mama Lou’s has risottos of its own, we opted for the Tartufo Funghi. Disappointingly, it was not only visually unappetizing, I found the dish too bland. I could barely make out the mushroom flavor of the dish. The texture of the riso was also a bit off; as it felt more like a pasta dish than a risotto dish.

MAMA LOU’S SPECIAL (P350/P450)

The highlight of the meal (and the only dish that was a bit enjoyable) would be the Mama Lou’s Special. This dish was served panizza style as it came with fresh arugula and alfafa sprouts to stuff your rolled pizza slices with. On the outside, you’d expect a typical pizza with the tomato-mozzarella-prosciutto combination as toppings; however, the sweet kick of fresh ripe mango was definitely a pleasing surprise. It’s glazed with some balsamic reduction to add that little zing to each slice.

I was definitely underwhelmed by my first visit in Mama Lou’s. Perhaps I expected too much from it owing to the good things and reviews I keep hearing about it. It may be an unpopular opinion but I really had some issues about its lack of focus in its menu as seen in its non-Italian selections; and the food quality was just okay. On the flipside, it gives you value for money when dining family-style as its portions are good for sharing, and come with budget-friendly price tags.

Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen

UP Town Center, Katipunan Ave, Quezon City

Date of Visit: August 8, 2015 with Lily Chua, Jem Chua, and Jared Chua