Mamma Mia — Restaurant in Bradford

A lastminute opportunity arose for the wife and I to go out somewhere, just the two of us for a birthday meal. Now this is a rare occurrence for us and often with any decision involving where to eat it ends up taking hours usually ending up in an argument and the whole thing being called of before it even begins.

This time however we had been given a recommendation from my sister-in-law who didn't know it at the time but by doing so also volunteered herself for babysitting duties!

Having no prior booking I rang optimistic at a little past 12 when it opened and managed to get table for two at a reasonable time which was good news.

With the kids dropped off we found ample on street parking just yards from the door, your luck may vary depending on time/day of course. The restaurant itself was cosy but not cramped, the atmosphere was good if not a little loud at times but all can be forgiven this close to Christmas.

The menu choice was as expected (we'd been able to look this up online beforehand anyway) and it was pleasing to see they had some "Specials" written on the large blackboard by the bar.

Service was excellent, food and drink came and was cleared promptly but nothing felt rushed. I think we had interactions with at least 4 different members of staff who we saw going to all corners of the restaurant. None of this 'designated section' stuff you get in some larger or chain restaurants - Ignored by all but your one and only server. Sure some might prefer the personal touch of the same person but for us it did not take anything away from the experience or service level we received. If anything it enhanced our evening to see a well oiled machine at work.

Speaking of the food, absolutely no complaints here. We picked from the a la carte menu and ended up going through 3 courses, each one well cooked and well presented with not much left on the plate afterwards.

Portions were good, whilst initially thinking I wouldn't have enough they clearly know their audience and having cleared the plates felt that actually any more would be over indulgence and not leave room for dessert.

Dessert included two 'daily' specials, one being a cheesecake and the other a more general dessert. Good too see variety is available, probably also driven by the availability of certain produce at a given time of year.

There was plenty more on the menu I would be keen to sample, so looking forward to that one day in the future when we might be fortunate enough to get another...

So we actually walked past here this morning and immediately backed up once spotting someones food through the window im so happy we did. Upon entering we were greeted by a lovely man who asked if we had a reservation we didnt but it wasnt a problem he directed us to a table a corner one perfect as we had my daughter with us and wanted to practice retaurant manners a lovely quiet corner no distractions . My girl was blown away buy the "very fancy restaurant" her words, the waiter was so good with her engaging polite and involved her with every conversation, she ordered her own drink then meal it was perfect she learned alot from the interaction with him thankyou so much she wouldnt have had the oportunity to learn as much as she did as shes not usually asked for her orders. The food was beautiful couldnt fault it my girl said it was the best bolognase she had ever had, the lasanga was stunning ! atmosphere very relaxed and calm it was lovely and clean and the menu had a great range to choose from. Right at the very last minute my girl accidently elbowed her glass off the table glass everywhere she was so upset as she had been perfect she thought she had ruined it, i tried to reasure her but it wasnt enough, the waiter came over told her not to worry and said he did it all the time, It worked massive smile on her face and totally forgotten about. You absolutely smashed it she has autism that accident could have ruined her whole day im so greatful to you. We absolutely will be back !....

I went to Mama Mia's last night, having not visited for a while. The service was terrible. Having been seated and given menus we then had to wait 20 minutes for someone to come and take a drink order. Later in the evening I wanted to order another drink. Looking around I saw three of the waiters drinking shots at the bar with what I guess were friends of theirs. I tried to raise the attention of one of the waiters in our area. Politely at first, with a look, then with a raised hand . Finally I had to wave like I was at the pantomime to attract his attention. At no point did anyone voluntarily come to our table to ask if we needed anything. The final straw came when we went to the bar to pay our bill. The person at the till was with a few mates - laughing, hand slaps - very blokey. He caught my eye and nodded as if to say he would be with me. He than carried on with his mates. After several more minutes I had to physically interrupt him to ask to pay. He did not seem happy but got someone to take my money finally. I will...