Mama Grattis — Restaurant in Halifax

MOLD!

I go every morning for a coffee and a sandwich. because the staff is nice and the food is good. But holy f**k are the owners/managers horrible. I went in one morning waiting to pay for my food while the staff had to stand there and get yelled at by the manager (man) because they checked their phone out the night before, around closing. How did they know they had the phone out? Because as he said “I checked the cameras from home and I was disappointed.” We’ll sit, I’m disappointed in how you treat staff.

Not only that but I got myself a little treat this morning for my usual, a garlic/cheese bun. As I ate through it I noticed a spec of MOLD. When I brought it back to the manager/owner (woman) I kindly let her know, expecting a simple “oh gosh! Sorry about that, get yourself another if there’s another issue let me know”. But no. Instead looked at me like I was crazy telling me I was wrong for thinking that it was mold, but that it was a herb instead. She even went out back and asked her staff if they knew why, then takes another bun out from the basket. Only to reveal that one also had mold on the outside. Then she asked another staff to see if that was a herb he took one look and said “that’s mold”. Yet after her own staff agrees with me she still sniffs it nose deep and says “it still smells amazing, it’s just a herb”. Confused I look at her and she says “ok, so what do you want to do?” In a tone suggesting ‘I’m not at fault here, why are you bothering me’. I wanted to tell her her that I wanted another but since there was mold on the 2nd bun I’m not sure I do anymore. But all she heard was “I wanted another bun” then cut me off and shoo’s me away to get another one.

For shame, if this is the quality food I’ve been eating all this time without knowing I am scared. As someone who is particular about where he eats I trusted you because it’s always clean. But I will never go back, which is a shame because it’s the best coffee...

I'll start off by saying the service is good and the breakfast sandwiches are great. The low rating isn't related to the staff who I've always had a positive experience with, but to the lady who runs/co-owns the place. I've been in there hundreds of times over the last 3 years and I don't think I've ever seen her have a conversation with her staff that wasn't rude and inappropriate to be having in front of customers. It's one thing to coach your employees and provide constructive criticism and that should never be done in front of customers or other employees, that's one of the basics of being a good and effective leader/manager, it's another thing all together to put an employee down for speaking poor English saying "I don't understand what you mean, you're not making any sense." in front of customers (none of the customers in there seemed to have an issue understanding that employee). The vast majority of people are unable to speak anything beyond their first language so those who can speak multiple languages, however limited, are skilled. Rather than rip on an employee who's first language isn't English, why not spend some time coaching or trying to understand? Honestly, it makes you look like a terrible person, both to your staff and your customers. Also, when your employees wash their hands and use 3 small sheets of paper towel to dry their hands, don't tell scold them from across the counter saying "1, 2, 3 you don't need 3 you only need 2" - that's just cheap, unnecessary and it sounds crazy. You should be happy that your employees are sanitary enough to wash their hands, many in the food industry do not. Management there needs to take a step back and consider the negative impact such a poor attitude has - Lighten up, be nicer, work with your staff, build them up and help them succeed...be a leader, don't...

An Unforgettable Experience at Mama Gratti’s – Scotia Square*

Mama Gratti’s is a hidden gem in the heart of Scotia Square! From the moment you step in, you're welcomed with warm smiles, cozy vibes, and the mouthwatering aroma of freshly made dishes. Whether you're in for a quick lunch or a relaxed meal, this place never disappoints.

The food is absolutely delicious—fresh, flavorful, and made with care. Their pasta salads are creamy and rich without being heavy, and the pizzas are perfectly crisp with generous toppings. I especially loved the tomato mozzarella grill panini and their cold pasta salads—both packed with flavor and comfort. You can tell everything is made with high-quality ingredients and attention to detail.

The staff are incredibly friendly and efficient. They go above and beyond to make you feel at home, even during the lunch rush. Service is quick, but they never make you feel rushed—just the right balance of hustle and hospitality.

It’s hard to find a place that combines taste, value, and great service so well, but Mama Gratti’s nails it every time. Highly recommend it if you're in downtown Halifax—this spot deserves...