Mamma Zu
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RestaurantsItalian
Customer Reviews (41 reviews)
mandtwise
on Citysearch Jul 18, 2009My husband and I decided to give this Richmond known restaurant a shot. Not knowing ANYTHING about the restaurant we parked and saw a crowd of about 15 people outside of a very shabby building. Dont judge yet, I said. We... (more)
LMMNorfolk
on Citysearch Jun 06, 2009Everyone raves about Mamma Zu. I admit the food is good, but is it really worth the wait? To me, no it is not. The owners obviously have played the shabby decor, aging building and rude staff cards to their advantage.... (more)
CSMobileUser
on Citysearch May 03, 2009The food incredible!,quality and taste, mouth watering.for a memorable dining experiance this is the place...brings little italy to richmond.picture perfect. (more)
cecilibogardus
on Citysearch Apr 11, 2009Nice! The wine selection is great and the food is delicious. I enjoyed the pasta, since I am a pasta lover! The food is excellent, but you must remember they dont take cards, so bring cash.... (more)
DoublePisces
on Citysearch Mar 28, 2009I left Richmond 4 years ago and still dream about the food at Mamma Zu's. Get there early, go on a weeknight, take cash or an Amex card (although they may still take checks), and if you like fish, order whatever fish you... (more)
PiperValentine
on Citysearch Feb 15, 2009I'm surprised to see reviews by people who claim that the food at Mama Zu's is pricey and that you'd better bring cash. Mama Zu's offers HUGE plates of food at reasonable prices and some really excellent wines at only a... (more)
aligib14
on Citysearch Jan 07, 2009The food is amazing! However last time we were there we ordered a bottle of wine, 2 apps, 2 entrees, 1 desert and coffee. We had been there for about 1.5 hours and the server asked us to hurry up!! I asked to speak to the... (more)
krushhoo32
on Citysearch Jan 02, 2009Other reviewers have discussed service. The few times I've been, I haven't had problems with the service. I've actually had very good service. GET THERE EARLY!!! It's only open on weekends starting at 5:30pm. Get... (more)
nkane11
on Citysearch Dec 19, 2008It may not be in the best part of town but it has a very cool atmosphere. Yes they staff doesn't kiss your butt but they get the job done. On the other hand, this is the !best! Most Authentic italian restaurant in VA. The... (more)
j556546
on Citysearch Nov 28, 2008I never got to taste the food. We got there and signed up since all the tables (about 15 - 20 total) were full. I Swear nobody would leave. We waited about 30 minutes and people kept coming in and signing up to wait but... (more)
dickm8
on Citysearch Nov 18, 2008First, let it be said that, yes, the food is good. I don't care that it is kind of a dump. The location is inconvenient. All of this doesn't really matter. What matters is that the staff (especially the "host") seemingly... (more)
JonMeyers
on Citysearch Oct 23, 2008Took my inlaws there and my mother-in-law said it best. "I went to an area I would never go to, through a door I would never enter, walked on a floor and sat at a table that I would never sit at, ......and proceeded to have... (more)
jayceelei
on Citysearch Sep 20, 2008Yes, there can be a long wait; yes, the staff don't kiss your butt and pretend to like you; and yes, the food is incredible and authentic. The rockfish and eggplant Parmesan are to die for. The food is definitely worth... (more)
mamazussucks
on Citysearch Aug 17, 2008All I can say is that the guys that seats people is just plain old, mean, hateful and nasty. God forbid you live across the street and be a neighbor and you mistakenly take a cup full of cold water in the door. Geez, I did... (more)
vafirecracker
on Citysearch Aug 16, 2008Rude Staff! Ed, your food isnt really all that. Your bus boy who was taking a list of names at the door is lucky I didnt sock him in his emenim looking head when he started mouthing off to me and my girlfriend., It's all... (more)
kimhahn
on Citysearch Jul 07, 2008Amazing authentic Italian food... as if it slid off a hill in a little town like La Spezia... you won't find linen table cloths or sunshine up yours service, but it's authentic. No chain lovers! A locals only kind of... (more)
jaydrubin
on Citysearch Jun 13, 2008I'm from Brooklyn and raised in Long Island, NY where there are amazing Italian restaurants on every corner. Take it from me, YOU NEED TO EAT HERE IF YOU LOVE GOOD ITALIAN FOOD. If cheerleader service and Sbarros... (more)
EdMaple
on Citysearch Apr 08, 2008I can sympathize with the reviewers that had a bad experience with the service, but that has not been the case in any of my visits. The place is what it is. It's not TGI McTuesdaygans. It's not Chez FooFoo. It is a dive. It... (more)
misterdub
on Citysearch Jan 27, 2008The 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).... (more)
nyer99
on Citysearch Jan 11, 2008I'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... (more)
sobored
on Citysearch Oct 17, 2007I 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... (more)
julesagogo
on Citysearch Oct 08, 2007I'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... (more)
declan5
on Citysearch Jul 10, 2007Apologies 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. I should say that I am a former employee (years removed) and... (more)
chubz19
on Citysearch May 18, 2007We 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... (more)
longestjd
on Citysearch Mar 28, 2007If 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... (more)
hschooly1950
on Citysearch Jan 17, 2007Had 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... (more)
southsidepoolgirl
on Citysearch Aug 24, 2006Aw, 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... (more)
Contributor
on Citysearch Jul 16, 2006<b>The Scene</b><br>Those in the know line up around the building at 5pm. Once inside, the scuffed floors, chipped china and rickety tables don't deter diners. Real food lovers recognize each other as they stand... (more)
kataluchi
on Citysearch May 22, 2006No waiting if your there early. The food was delicious and the wait staff was cordial. I enjoyed everything.. and the wine selection was great. (more)
hanema
on Citysearch Aug 20, 2005I 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... (more)
nnwwhh
on Citysearch Jun 14, 2005You 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... (more)
cptsternn
on Citysearch May 30, 2004Not 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... (more)
rhkirwan
on Citysearch Jul 01, 2003our 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... (more)
jsca1
on Citysearch May 05, 2003Come 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... (more)
zenawolf
on Citysearch Dec 04, 2002Mamma 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... (more)
tgmhoo
on Citysearch Nov 29, 2002Terrific 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,... (more)
gloriad
on Citysearch Nov 26, 2002Thought the food was excellent. Atmosphere not much to look at. Crowded. (more)
jonnymack
on Citysearch Oct 11, 2002had 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.... (more)
hopkid
on Citysearch Sep 29, 2002When 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... (more)
sunshine91307
on Citysearch Aug 26, 2002There are many types of restaurants...locals only types, chains, overpriced & stuffy... this is one of the best CASUAL restaurants in Richmond... I have to eat there and the North Pole EVERYTIME I'm in town from... (more)
baldy1881
on Citysearch Aug 20, 2002I had heard that you go to Mamma Zu's for the food and not the service. We went late on a Thursday evening and had no problem getting a table. The service was very attentive and the food out of this world. I would definately... (more)