Mama Lou's Al Fresco — Restaurant in Silang

It was our first time dining here. We were in high spirits because of all the positive reviews we’ve read in the past. Luckily, we were the only guests when we arrived (before dinner service).

We ordered their Roasted Pumpkin soup (P219). It was nice– hearty and warm, perfect for an appetizer. My only comment is that there were a few moments when it tasted more like a potato soup than a pumpkin soup. Oh, and it would’ve been aesthetically pleasing if it had just a tiny bit of garnish.

The Burrata Caprese (P555) looked so simple and plain, but it was delicious. I loved that they did not rely on just vinaigrette dressing, but they also made an effort to include pesto to complement the burrata. There were a few bites that felt a little saltier than the others due to the sea salt that they used, but hey, who am I to complain just because my food is well-seasoned, right? We enjoyed it even though there weren’t many components in the dish. I liked that it was put-together and well-thought-out.

We also tried one of their pizzas- Prosciutto Funghi (P410, 10”). Frankly, it was bland and quite underwhelming. Nothing special. The prosciutto, when eaten separately, is okay, but as a component of the pizza, it didn’t do much. I also didn’t like that they used processed mushrooms for this. Kasi hello, Italian restaurant na nga, why are we using canned mushrooms? It ruined the texture completely. Medyo malamig na rin nung sinerve sa amin, and the crust was a tad undercooked. Too soggy, in short.

I reheated our leftover pizza at home, at I was able to achieve the crunch we were looking for in a thin-crust pizza. Sana ganito ito nung sinerve sa amin. Sayang.

I ordered their Risotto Tartufo Funghi (P477). Again, I didn’t like the mushrooms because it was processed. It just ruins the meal, in my opinion. As a mushroom-lover, it’s too slimy for me. I am not much of a fan of the dish because the texture and consistency were more like a congee than a risotto. Also, it would’ve been great if there had been a hint of citrus in it– a dash of lemon juice or even lemon zest. The citrus would’ve balanced the saltiness and the creaminess of the entire dish. Just a dash could’ve lightened it up because it was quite thick and overwhelming. Portion-wise, I think their serving was generous. The server told us it was good for one, but I think it’s also good for two people.

Their Linguine Spinachi with Capers and Salmon (P555) was the best among the rest. The salmon was cooked perfectly, and you could taste the fish in the sauce. I even jokingly said the dish tasted like fried tilapia, but in a good way. The portion size looked small, but we were able to share it as well. It was a nice dish, but again, I would’ve loved it even more had there been a pop of acidity in it. The capers weren’t too salty, and they added a layer of flavor to the dish– almost similar to how breadcrumbs add texture to mac and cheese.

For drinks, we only tried the Mama Tea (P99). I am happy to report that while I am generally not a fan of iced tea, I liked this one very much. The sweetness was light and refreshing, and it does not get stuck in your throat. I appreciate that they did not have to put so many herbs at kung ano-ano pang arte, but it was decadent. It was better than most house-blend iced teas I’ve tried before that are more expensive.

All in all, it was a nice dining experience. I’m looking forward to going back and trying out other options soon, kasi, while there were a lot of points of criticism, parang hindi rin naging cohesive enough yung choices namin sa food. I would like to try other pizzas and pastas in the future.

Oh, and btw, we loved the free bread!

Next time, I wish there were more pop of flavor and less meh-factor. You know, something that would make the dishes stand out more, rather than the food feeling like more of an...

Mama Lou's Italian Kitchen - A Culinary Gem in Silang, Cavite

Nestled across Ponderosa Leisure Estate, Mama Lou's Italian Kitchen in Silang, Cavite, is an absolute delight for food lovers. From the moment you step in, you're greeted with a warm, inviting ambiance that feels like a cozy Italian home.

The menu is a testament to authentic Italian cuisine, with each dish crafted to perfection. The Truffle Mac & Cheese is a must-try, boasting a rich, creamy texture that's simply irresistible. The Pizza, with its perfectly baked crust and fresh toppings, transports you straight to Italy with every bite.

What truly sets Mama Lou's apart is their exceptional service. The staff are incredibly attentive and friendly, making sure every dining experience is memorable. They are also very accommodating to pets, ensuring that your furry friends feel just as welcome as you do. This pet-friendly approach makes it a perfect spot for pet owners who want to enjoy a great meal without leaving their companions behind.

A delightful surprise was the complimentary beer tasting from the brewery inside the restaurant. It was a fantastic experience to sample a variety of craft beers, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to our visit. Additionally, we were treated to complimentary iced tea, beautifully presented like a cocktail with natural ingredients, which was both refreshing and visually appealing.

We enjoyed our experience so much that we came back with our dog again and tried other items on the menu. Each visit was just as delightful, with new dishes like the Lasagna and onion soup exceeding our expectations.

The location is ideal, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of Cavite life. Dining here feels like a mini-vacation, with the beautiful surroundings.

In summary, Mama Lou's Italian Kitchen is a culinary gem that promises delicious food, excellent service, and a wonderful atmosphere. It's a place you'll want to return to again and again.

Bruce the...

What We Liked: • Quattro Formaggi (Four-Cheese Pizza): I still think Amici’s version is better, but Mama Lou’s comes pretty close. The cheese blend is rich and tasty. • Roasted Pumpkin Soup: Creamy, flavorful, and seasoned just right — really comforting. • Risotto Di Mare (Seafood Risotto): Good texture and a decent amount of seafood. Satisfying overall. • Unlimited Free Bread: Always a nice bonus! • Service: Staff were efficient and handled the busy crowd well. • Parking: Plenty of spaces available, which made things a lot easier.

What Could Be Better: • Fried Chicken: Too much coating — it was a bit overwhelming. Honestly, I’d rather go for Jollibee or KFC if I’m craving fried chicken. • The seats could be more comfortable.

Conclusion: Overall, Mama Lou’s is a solid choice if you’re looking for comforting Italian food at a reasonable price. While a few dishes could be improved, most of what we tried hit the mark. The efficient service and convenient parking definitely add to the positive experience. I’d gladly come back, especially for the pizza...