Mamma Mia Pontefract — Restaurant in Wakefield

Being a native to Pontefract & Castleford I grew up eating at Mamma Mia for special occasions or just a random night out. I have fond memories of my parents best friends and their kids all sat around big tables, usually adults on one and kids on another. Their menu is full of typical Italian food with a few English dishes thrown in their for kids who prefer their chicken nuggets etc. I had made a reservation for 10 of us as we were celebrating my mums birthday and we hadn’t been to Mamma Mia for so long that we thought we would give it a try again. The building itself hasn’t changed at all. When you walk in you are in a lounge area and there’s the bar in the corner. Then two archways lead to the large dining room. The mural walls in the dining room were always my favorite memory and they still look the same as they did 20yrs ago. It makes you feel like you’re actually in Italy. I love how the ceiling makes you feel like you’re eating in outside restaurant under the stars. I think some of the decor is a bit dated and could do with a spruce but that’s not something that would necessarily put me off going there again. The toilets definitely need some tlc but like I say, I’m hopefully not going to be spending all night in there! Covid has caused a lot of independent businesses to suffer and I think people need to remember this when making their reservation. It’s nice to just be able to eat out again!

The staff at Mamma Mia are all really friendly and welcoming and make you feel like family. They are really accommodating and make sure you’re taken care of at all times. They bring bread and olives to the table as you’re waiting for your food to arrive which is always a nice gesture. The food came and it was all really hot and perfectly cooked. I had the seafood carbonara and it was really good. Creamy and tasty. The other dishes at our table were all well presented and came at the same time too so the kitchen staff obviously know what they’re doing. We didn’t order desserts because we were stuffed but I did have a coffee and the waiter also brought us complimentary lemoncello shots to enjoy! I gave four stars because I believe for 5 stars a restaurant needs to be top notch and Mamma Mia is almost top notch. If they could just have a remodel inside. Still keep the Italian outdoor dining vibe but redecorate it and maybe do the bar area and toilets too, it would be just as good as going to an Italian in Leeds. Overall we had a great evening and family meal. Mum enjoyed her birthday which was all that mattered! We...

I recently visited Mama Mia's with the family (a group of 6) and, unfortunately, my experience left much to be desired. The food seemed more like pub grub pretending to be Italian cuisine, and it lacked the authenticity I expected. While the service was passable, the busy staff appeared rushed, and it impacted the overall dining experience. While the food was Ok and our plates were left empty, I’ve had similar quality food at my local pub.

Firstly, the speedy delivery of our food was impressive, given how busy the restaurant was. However, a mix-up with the orders left one of our group waiting while the rest of us ate, which was disappointing.

I ordered the Fillet Steak Pizza and, as someone that loves spicy food, I asked for some added spice on my pizza. Regrettably, the pizza lacked any spice whatsoever therefore I didn’t enjoy it as much as I had hoped. It was decent but far from outstanding. Similarly, my wife's Pollo Aversa (creamy chicken and prawns) did not live up to our expectations of authentic Italian cuisine. On a positive note, the portions were generous, and we left with full bellies!

The service was adequate, given how busy it was, but the staff were clearly overwhelmed. When the waitress brought parmesan to our table, it was only offered to one person before she hurried off, taking the parmesan with her. It would have been nice to have some parmesan on both our meals. Additionally, I asked for some spicy sauce to add a bit of zing to my pizza, which they failed to do as originally requested. The only option available was chilli oil. What sort of restaurant kitchen doesn’t have Tabasco sauce or chilli flakes?

To add to the disappointment, our bill included a meal none of us had ordered, which they didn’t dispute and quickly corrected. Although they did offer us a complimentary shot during our post-meal drinks, and the staff were all super friendly, it didn’t make up for the overall average experience.

While the prices were reasonable, I cannot say that I will be enthusiastically recommending Mama Mia's to my friends. It's an okay choice if you're looking for simple, unremarkable pub-style Italian food. However, I would advise looking elsewhere for those seeking an authentic Italian...

Mama Mia’s in Pontefract is hands down one of the best restaurants around. From the moment you arrive you are greeted with such warm and attentive service that makes you feel right at home. The food is always outstanding and super fresh, every dish tastes like it has been made with real care and quality ingredients. Even when visiting on a weekday the place is buzzing with atmosphere, which speaks volumes about just how loved it is in the community. It is no wonder that Mama Mia’s has been open for over 30 years, the consistency and dedication really shine through every single time.

I really like that there is a lovely little area at the front where you can sit down, enjoy a drink or just relax while your table is being prepared, it makes the whole dining experience feel even more special. The décor inside is beautiful and instantly transports you to Italy, giving you that authentic feel that pairs perfectly with the food. I have been many times over the years and I can honestly say it never disappoints. The atmosphere, the staff, the food and the overall experience are always spot on. If you are looking for somewhere to enjoy a fantastic meal in Pontefract, Mama Mia’s should absolutely be at the top...