See what your friends are saying about Mamma Zu.
By creating an account you are able to follow friends and experts you trust and see the places they’ve recommended.
orSign up with email
39 Tips and reviews
Sort:
- Popular
- Recent
Aristea VlavianosJune 27, 2018Once we saw the exterior, then the interior, we almost left. Add a less than attentive server and we were even more skeptical. But thank goodness we decided to stay. GREAT, authentic Italian food!
UpvoteDownvote
Andrew NovakDecember 18, 2017Both ret Italian at its best. Squid beans and arugula as an app is a must. You can’t miss on entrees but favorites are pork chops, osso bucco, orichettiUpvoteDownvote
Christine ShepherdJanuary 11, 2013I was skeptical of trying Italian in Richmond, but am so glad I did. No frills atmosphere, the food takes the main stage. Eggplant Parm, mussels red sauce, sausage and peppers all highly recommended!UpvoteDownvote
Anoop RanganathJune 24, 2012I had my first pork chop when I was a senior in high school. I chased that pork chop for 10 years. This pork chop is better and is stuffed with rosemary and garlic and served with white beans.UpvoteDownvote
Carbonara and orecchiette are amazing. Best cannolis ever. Favorite place to have dinner on the planet.
UpvoteDownvote
RVA BadgeJanuary 31, 2012Well known for their Italian offering, Mama 'Zu is an Oregon Hill staple and theres always a line to prove just how much Richmonders love the food. Remember, they only accept cash or American Express!Upvote5Downvote- All you need to know: White pizza, Orecchiette, penne carbonara- then finish with cannoli and dessert. Heaven!UpvoteDownvote
Jane FriedmanJune 23, 2017There is no standard menu and no cocktail menu. (Order from chalkboard.) Get your own wine off the shelf. No credit cards accepted unless you have AmEx. Worth it.UpvoteDownvote
Josh BrownAugust 4, 2011This is serious Italian food so don't just go for the pasta. Best duck breast I've ever had. Pork chops are amazing too. Easily my favorite place in RVA.UpvoteDownvote
Jason HumphreysNovember 5, 2013Amazing food. Not sure about the rumored bad service, I got a smile! Definitely a very busy spot on a Monday night as well.UpvoteDownvote
The food is legendary, have a cup of Mamma Zu's Blend coffee roasted by Blanchard's Coffee Co. after dinner; it's Fair Trade Organic!
Upvote1Downvote
LCMay 15, 2010It is one of the best places in town for Italian food. It is a great place for a date or a gathering with company. Atmosphere is great and the food is out of this world!Upvote2Downvote
Michael CarterNovember 13, 2014Awesome food and atmosphere just a pain to jump through hoops to figure out their hours and finding a tableUpvoteDownvote
Michael ChapmanJuly 30, 2010Order a side of sausage with the gorganzola penne. You will not be sorry. And the pork chop is a nice change from the veal marsalla. Don't forget squid and beans.UpvoteDownvote
Joe TalaiverMay 10, 2010Don't come for friendly servers or smiling faces. This is a serious eatery. Try the orechiette or eggplant parmigiana. Don't ask the waiters, you got foursquare so you must have a smartphone so wikipeUpvote1Downvote
Robert BratneySeptember 16, 2013Food was great, but the service really isn't great. Only menu is on the wall, so be sure to check it out while you're waiting for a seat in case you get seated far away from it.Upvote1Downvote
Carlos PeraltaDecember 10, 2013Excellent food.. Gorgonzola and garlic cheese pizza are the bestUpvoteDownvote
Barry BruneAugust 18, 2017If you are an affectionado of great Italian food and enjoy a "down-home" no pretenses local restaurant, then Mamma Zu's deserves a 10!! The tattered decor must account for the 8.7 overall ratingUpvote1Downvote1
Christina NataleNovember 30, 2011Who cares that the staff is rude, the amazing food makes it worth it. Get the ricotta gnocchi!UpvoteDownvote- ChristineNovember 9, 2009The menu's on a chalkboard behind the counter. The far less than friendly wait staff will treat you like an idiot if you don't already know that. Also, meat eaters will love the eggplant parmesan, bUpvoteDownvote
Slumlord MillionaireJanuary 9, 2010Best place ever, hands down! Great jukebox. Pizza as an app. Penne Carl is bang'n. Awesome bathroom graffiti. Bring cash...the only card they take is Amex.UpvoteDownvote
- Alton MurphyJuly 24, 2010Bring lots of cash! They only accept cash and personal checks. The food is amazing! Well worth the inconvenience.UpvoteDownvote
Forget the wait, you are here for the long hull! Get some turbodog, a white pie and hang out. Order the sweetbreadsUpvoteDownvote
It's like taking a garlic shower, but in the best way possible.Upvote2Downvote
Saveur MagazineApril 9, 2012A hit when it opened in 1993, it's now a legend. Read moreUpvoteDownvote
Gail AilorApril 27, 2012Such good food - and not the historically bad service rumored.Upvote1Downvote
42 Photos
Foursquare © 2025 Lovingly made in NYC, CHI, SEA & LA
(804) 788-4205
Features
Reservations
No
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. American Express)
Outdoor Seating
No
Food & Drink
Menus
Dinner
Drinks
Wine, Full Bar
See More
You might also like
Places people like to go after Mamma Zu
- 9.1
"Great place! Love to sit by the big open windows and people watch. Food and service are excellent. :)"
Janelle Moorefield - 8.4
"Get the brisket sandwich or the fish and chips. Both fantastic."
Emily Lawrence - 8.5
"Parmeggiano e burro is the best. Simple Italian favorite. Love the staff here...Hip attentive but not overbearing. Best Italian in Richmond."
Brittanie Height
Appears on 104 lists
The one thing I must eat in _________
Created by Anoop Ranganath
10 items • 28 followers
Your City Guide to RVA #VisitUS (Richmond, VA)
Created by RVA Badge
46 items • 3,302 followers
Created by Chad Williams
50 items • 43 followers
