Mamma Rosa Osteria — Restaurant in Milan

Happy to find this place open before the normal “7pm opening time” found in many parts of Italy. Made a booking, it’s necessary as this place is popular. Nobody was at the entrance to greet us, there was a man busy doing something with the cash till, so busy he didn’t once look up and welcome us. Another member of staff came and took us to our seat

Majority of diners were not Italian, funny because an Italian colleague recommended this place

For some reason the waiters chose our table to be the corridor where they would pass through to reach other tables, twice kicking the girls chair without an apology and then one waiter knocked her bag hanging from the chair - this time an apology and they came back with a bag hook to fix to the table. Waiters were quite rude actually, if walking to bathroom for example then they would not let you pass first, out of courtesy. Also twice they tried to take plate before we’d finished eating

Food was hit and miss - muscles were too big a portion as a starter and came in a horrible tasting soup. Not sure what I was supposed to do with the bread that came with it, I tried to dip in the soup but the taste was awful. Pumpkin soup was delicious. Salmon with honey, almonds and pickle DID NOT work as a combination, and the salmon was VERY DRY. Black risotto was good. Desserts were good too - crème caramel and panna cotta

Prices were HIGH, way to high for the quality of food offered, and much higher than most restaurants in Milano

Decor was nice, recently refurbished if I’m not mistaken. Lovely wall paintings of Italian famous places. Outside is a building site with major reconstruction of the square happening until end of 2024

What was disappointing was waiter asking for a tip at the end of the meal. This is definitely NOT. normal for Italy. I was a little offended and I answered that we are living here, we are not tourists, that this is NEVER asked of diners

It’s clear that this restaurant is aimed at the tourist, with high prices, low quality food, low quality service….and expecting a tip!!

Won’t be back....

We had a family dinner at this restaurant on Saturday evening. The food was qualitative and well presented. Our server was kind and helpful.

However, the behind the scene broke the experience.

I came to the toilets and spotted one of the servers going as well. As I was washing my hands, he came out of the cabinet and went out without washing his hands.

I asked him about that and he told me that he was going to wash his hands in the kitchen, which I obviously understood as a lie.

As I was going back to my table, our dishes got ready and he brought our plates directly, clearly without washing his hands, which was disgusting.

I came to the restaurant manager to explain him what happened and he simply thanked me for reporting.

At the end of the dinner, the manager didn't show up to apologise or even offer us the coffee or something, or even greeted us while departing.

We paid and our server was there (not the one who didn't washing his hands). I asked him to tell me the name of the waiter who was at fault as he removed his name tag after our altercation. Our waiter became nervous and tried to lie to cover his peer. I insisted and he brought the manager again. He told me that this man was in trial period, which was clearly a lie, looking at the way they were all friendly and close to one another.

I therefore pointed out to the director that he didn't even came to apologise to our table and that this hygiene attitude is very disgusting and dangerous to customers (my mother has a weak health and was there).

He just apologised and didn't offer any solution or action and told us good evening.

Customers have to be careful about this, as this can result in serious illnesses. I hope that restaurant owner learn about this issue and fix it, because it is unfair to the food quality and general restaurant standards, and obviously...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Mamma Rosa Osteria in Milan, and I must say it was a delightful experience. This charming restaurant offers excellent service and serves up some of the most authentic Italian cuisine I've had outside of Italy.

One of the highlights of my visit was the crab pasta. It was simply divine! The pasta was cooked to perfection and had a strong and tantalizing crab flavor. Every bite was a burst of seafood goodness, and the dish was generously loaded with succulent crab meat. If you're a seafood pasta lover like me, this place is an absolute haven.

What sets Mamma Rosa Osteria apart from other restaurants in Milan is its lack of tourist crowds. It's a hidden gem that seems to be cherished mostly by locals, giving it an authentic and cozy atmosphere. The staff was attentive, friendly, and genuinely passionate about the food they serve.

Aside from the outstanding crab pasta, the menu offers a wide range of authentic Italian dishes that will satisfy even the most discerning palates. Whether you're craving traditional pasta, mouthwatering risotto, or delectable seafood, Mamma Rosa Osteria has something to please every taste.

The ambiance of the restaurant is warm and inviting, with cozy seating and a charming decor that adds to the overall experience. It's the perfect place to enjoy a romantic dinner or gather with friends and family.

From start to finish, my dining experience at Mamma Rosa Osteria was exceptional. The combination of great service, authentic Italian cuisine, and the focus on seafood pasta makes this restaurant a must-visit for anyone who appreciates fine dining and is looking for a true taste of Italy in Milan.

I highly recommend Mamma Rosa Osteria and can't wait to return to indulge in more of their delectable dishes. Trust me, you won't be...