Mama Rao's Kitchen — Restaurant in East Hanover

Adorable but expensive spot, however I can’t lie I was very disappointed with the rice balls. They weren’t good and tasted like they used cheap ingredients, like the melted cheese on it, which is ironic considering I purchased their fresh mozzarella based on others reviews which was indeed fabulous!

I also waited awhile, probably close to ten minutes for my food to get heated and when I received it, I’m telling you it was barely warm.

I thought damn they could’ve popped this in the microwave for a minute and 20 seconds, and it would’ve actually been heated. Instead it was essentially like barely Luke warm. Like what did I wait 10 minutes on? Strange…

Oh but I do recommend the Mac n cheese balls! Those were really good!

I hope the owners consider doing breakfast later, I was really hoping to try their bacon egg and cheese, which was displayed on the board when I went in, but apparently they told me 12pm was too late, so no go.

Next time I go there, I will try their bread and buy another Mac ball and more mozzarella. But yea don’t bother with the rice balls, they don’t know how...

Words cannot tell you just how awesome this place is. You MUST go and get something to eat here and let your mouth decide! This gem was recommended to me by a colleague and oh my, was I pleasantly surprised. Owners and staff treated you like family and couldn't be nicer. The place is small but well organized and very clean. Everything I tried was incredible. Their fresh bread and fresh mozzarella take the first price trophy. The bread is lightly crunchy with beautiful texture and taste. The mozzarella was warm, just made, and so very creamy. If you have just those two items, you'll be back. However, had their fresh sausage which had wonderful flavor. Eggplant cutlet was thin, flavorful, not greasy. Excellent sandwiches... bought about 5 different ones for a luncheon at work and they were incredible. If you like spicy, the stuffed hot peppers will delight you. Also had the almond cookies and fudge brownies... better than you could hope for. Only bummed because it's close and I really don't need food this good in my diet!! Lolol... well done, Mana...

I've been here for a year, and just now do I discovered this most amazing Italian Deli. (Only 2.5 miles from my hotel) The owner SAl was Incredibly cordial and extremely hospitable apon my entering the store, he could pretty much tell I wasn't sure about what I wanted and offered me some samples and answered all my questions, so helpful.

( I say customer service is not dead. You just need to go to the right joints )

Everything looked so amazing. I decided on trying three sandwiches. Chicken parm. ( Incredible Delicious) Meatball Parm. ( Super Delicious as well) Pastrami on Rye. ( For tomorrow ) 4 Tiramisu. ( Dessert ) Vanilla Cream Soda Everything was perfect!!! Hands down the best deli I've found in New Jersey since I've been here.

All in all, I had an incredible experience at this Italian Deli! From Sal's hospitality to the delicious sandwiches and desserts, it seems like I've found a gem. It's great to know that customer service is alive and well at this spot...