Restaurant Reviews and Food Musings

Restaurant

Mamma Angela
90 High Street
Croydon
CR0 1ND

Phone:- 0208 781 0540

Overview

Mama Angela is a cosy family friendly Italian restaurant owned, and run, by Nicky and his wife.

Eva and I braved the bad weather, and visited it last Saturday; here is a précis of our evening.

Ambience

The restaurant is cosy, intimate and welcoming. All guests are warmly welcomed by Nicky, who also makes sure he says goodbye to them at the end of the evening.

The main part of the restaurant is situated on the ground floor. However, there is also a function suite and bar downstairs which is suitable for parties and larger private gatherings.

Placed in the front window of the restaurant is a large refrigerated display; where you can select your desserts from the tempting array of cream cakes, chocolate and fruit soaked in liqueur. At the other end of the restaurant is a small bar.

The tables are decently spaced, and are laid with pink linen tablecloths and white linen napkins.

Menu

The menu offers a very good selection of Tuscan food including; meatballs, pizza, veal, fish, poultry and a wide selection of pasta dishes. In addition to the a la carte menu there is a specials menu posted on the wall, which is changed daily.

Service

The service is very friendly, fast and efficient. As soon as we were seated we were offered our menus, and a couple of bruschetta.

Food

I started with meatballs in a tomato and basil sauce. The meatballs were veal based and were firm and tasty. The sauce was rich and well flavoured with basil.

I chose the braised lamb shank for my main course. This was an excellent choice. The shank had been braised to perfection, and the meat literally fell off the bone. The lamb was served in a dark, rich wine and mint sauce which added an excellent flavour. The lamb shank comes with boiled potatoes; feeling hungry I also ordered some sauté potatoes as well. Both the boiled and sauté potatoes were well cooked and flavoursome.

Eva started with smoked salmon served with a side salad. This was generous in portion and of a decent quality.

She chose Veal Milanese as a main course. This consisted of a flattened escalope of veal coated in bread crumbs and fried in butter; served with spaghetti in a tomato sauce. The veal was tender and moist; it was well complemented by the generous portion of spaghetti which was served in a rich, but not overpowering, tomato sauce.

We finished with liqueurs, and I indulged in a nibble of the Stilton. However, the Stilton was too cold and had not as much flavour as I would have wished for; Nicky did not charge me for this.

The total bill, which included a good bottle of Chianti Reserva and several liqueurs, came to £80 before service.

Overall Opinion

Good quality food, served in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. I am happy to recommend Mama Angela, we will go again.