Mamma Zu

Whitney: This past Wednesday a bride to be, her closest friend, and the future mother- and sister-in-law all went to Mamma Zu. Quite possibly one of the more romantically lit restaurants in Richmond (they must save a ton on their electric bill). Mamma Zu was first introduced to me by that future mother-in-law. And it seems no matter how many people are or are not dinning in our party we always order the same thing and leave feeling the same way (over-stuffed and happy).

First on the agenda is always the Brocolini- light and fresh greens, heavy on the garlic and oil, sprinkled with pine nuts and finely chopped garlic-What more can you ask for?

Then: White Pizza-perfectly thin and light, this pizza makes a great appetizer.

Fried Oysters- The future mother-in-law swears this is the place in Richmond to get the best fried oysters! They are lovely.


We also added to the order (courtesy of the closest friend) the Caprese- which is so light and lovely; this dish really goes well with anything you order. The tomatoes and fresh mozzarella were truly the freshest I've had all season long.

Let's not forget the Beans and Squid- this is a true surprise! I was always weary about trying this dish, but it has been on the table for over three years now, so one day I figured what the hell. It's amazing!!! Light, not too oily and it kicks with lime (one of my favorite ingredients to cook with).

Now onto the entrees: We ordered the Duck and the Red Snapper. I have recently acquired a taste for duck (thanks to Acacia-Mid Town) and I have to say that the Duck (medium rare (a choice made by the future mother-in-law)) at Mamma Zu is really something worth falling in love with all over again (order it anyway you like it, though).

The Red Snapper is a new fish for me at Mamma Zu (normally we order the Branzino or the Rockfish (all whole fish)). I felt that the Red Snapper really lived up to the Mama Zu reputation of delicious, full flavored, amazing fish! This fish was a great choice and I am glad we tried something new.

We finished the evening with coffee and the ever so decadent Tiramisu. Let's just say one slice of heaven, four spoons, equals perfect amount of sweet treat after a garlic induced onset of deliciousness.

Overall: If this is first time as a Richmonder or if you're from out of town, disregard aesthetics momentarily. From the outside Mamma Zu doesn't look like much, and the interior isn't that much better. But stop complaining long enough to eat, and I promise you'll never have another bad thing to say about it. As a warning, there is always a wait. Have all your party ready and be prepared to camp: it's worth it.

Kate: Just to add on to what Whitney's already written so eloquently, Mamma Zu was a fantastic surprise. This was my first visit, and, taking one look at the almost decredpit exterior, I wasn't sure what to think. Was it the dull-on-the-outside-but-brilliant-diamond-in-the-rough, or was it overrated?

My experience tells me that the food is stellar, and, as Whitney wrote, worth the wait for a seat. Every dish, and there were many, was packed with flavor. So many Italian restaurants serve food that is warm and covered in cheese with absolutely no flavor whatsover. This was a complete rebuttal; Mamma Zu reaffirmed my love of Italian cuisine.

This sounds dramatic, but lately my experience has been the standardized mediocrity of both nationwide chains (Magianno's, for example) and corner ma-and-pop's alike (None of these I'll name, because, despite the lackluster food, the atmosphere and local tradition make these places worthwhile.).

I ordered the caprese, and it was mouth watering. It's a simple dish (tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil with some additional herbs and oil) done well with fresh ingredients.

I, also skeptical of squid and beans, enjoyed every bite of the immense table full of food.

Comment on Whitney's explanation of romantic lighting: I arrived a little late and could barely see Whitney and her soon to be family-in-law in the back corner table. Even the shapes of the plates on the table, once I was seated, were difficult to make out in the utter absence of light. In a way, though, it added to the culinary experience, taking away any sight sensation and focusing all energy on taste.

While the staff were not the friendliest group, I wasn't planning on adding them to my Christmas card list anyway. The food arrived quickly, and it was good.

Overall: good stuff that I'd highly recommend to anyone I respect or want to impress with my culinary acumen

Note: Mamma Zu has no website, but online reviews of the restaurant are abundant.