Mamma Rosa Italian Restaurant — Restaurant in El Cajon

I HAVE BEEN A LOYAL CUSTOMER WITH MAMMA ROSA FOR MANY YEARS AND I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED THE FOOD, BUT ON JUNE 19, 2014 I WENT TO CELEBRATE MY DAUGHTERS GRADUATION WITH SOME LUNCH WITH THE FAMILY. WHEN I GOT THERE IT WAS BUSY SO WE SEATED OURSELVES NEXT TO THE WINDOW. THERE WAS TWO OTHER PARTIES THAT WERE THERE AND ONLY ONE WAITTRESS. WE WAITED ABOUT 20 MINUTES FOR OUR DRINK ORDER TO EVEN GO IN. WHEN THE MANAGER CAME TO TAKE THE ORDER WE WERE READY TO ORDER. SHE TOLD US THAT SHE DOESNT TAKE ORDERS SHE IS ONLY HELPING OUT WITH DRINKS. ANOTHER TABLE GOT THIER FOOD AND DRINKS BEFORE WE DID. SHE WAS SO RUDE AND DISRESPECTFUL. IN THE MIDDLE OF OUR LUNCH DATE WE NEEDED TO LEAVE. I KINDLY ASKED FOR OUR BILL WHICH WAS ONLY FOR DRINKS AND LUNCH SALADS. EACH WERE A 1.95 WE ORDER 4 OF EACH MAKING A TOTAL OF 15.60. ADD TAXES AND A TIP AND YOU GET 20 BUCKS BUT WE WERE CHARGED 30 DOLLARS. WE ASKED TO SPEAK WITH THE MANAGER. SHE WAS SO RUDE AND CALLED US LIARS AND SAID WE WERE THE ONES TO HAVE ATTITUDE. WE PAID AND LEFT. THE NEXT DAY WE CALL TO TALK SHE WAS NOT THE OWNER EVEN THOUGH SHE SAID SHE WAS SHE WAS JUST THE DAUGHTER. SHE COUNTINUE TO TELL US THAT WHAT HAPPENED DID NOT HAPPEN. WE LET IT GO FOR A FEW WEEKS SINCE WE TRIED TO TALK WITH THE OWNERS. WHEN I GOT A HOLD OF DORA THE ONWER SHE SAID THAT HER DAUGHTER TOLD HER OF THE SITUATION AND SAID THAT HER DUAGHTER DOES NOT LIE AND TOLD ME THAT I WAS LYING. SHE BEGAN TO TELL ME THAT SHE WOULD NOT BELIEVE ME OVER HER DAUGHTER AND THAT IF I CALLED AGAIN SHE WILL CALL THE POLICE. CLEARLY THESE PEOPLE SEEM TO NOT CARE ABOUT THIER LOYAL CUSTOMERS AND HAVE NO PROBLEM CALLING PEOPLE LIARS. I WILL NEVER GO THERE AGAIN AND I HAVE PLACED A REPORT WITH THE BETTER BUSSINESS BURROR.SHE SAID SHE DIDNT CARE AND ENDED THE CALL. I CANT BELIEVE HOW DISRESPECTFUL BOTH OF THESE...

Came in on a day that the restaurant internet was not working so it was cash only. The servers seemed frantic which I completely understand if they had to deal with that all day, but the way one of the girls talked to another server who happened to take care of us, especially in front of the whole restaurant was UNACCEPTABLE. I think I heard someone from the kitchen call her Kelli, she abruptly and loudly began talking poorly about her and it was just so unprofessional and honestly made us feel uncomfortable. Our servers name was Amanda and we heard her reply back that she was making a sign for the door letting customers know it was cash only… which I thought was a great idea. I can not believe the manager did not address the clearly uncomfortable customers or the obnoxiously rude server about the situation. We were right there in the front just flabbergasted waiting to be sat when this was all happening. Despite being berated in front of a room full of people, Amanda was very very nice. I told her how sorry I was that she had to deal with that. I could tell she was upset and embarrassed when I mentioned it but she handled the situation with grace and I wanted to let her know it was not okay to be talked to like that and I was sorry nothing was said to the other server. I sure hope management sees this and reevaluates their employees because that was something so off the wall to see in such a popular mom and pop shop. Food was delicious though and service was amazing! We almost left because we felt so uncomfortable but we are glad we stayed because she took such great care of us. So thank you Amanda for turning our experience around, we will be back, and...

Unfortunately, we were so hungry [breakfast is so important kids] we didn't even think to take photos 🤦🏼‍♀️ besides, we ordered our pasta dishes to-go anyways. We enjoyed unsweetened house-brewed iced tea, order of crunchy 🥖 w/ 🫒 oil & balsamic vinegar (for dipping) & large antipasto salad! Excellent simple items btw, salad was tasty & balanced properly w/ various amounts of "goodies" [deli meat, 🧀, 🫒, 🍅, red 🧅, pepperoncini] & by far the tastiest of items ordered. To-go pasta dishes were cheese ravioli w/ meat sauce & cheese tortellini w/ cream sauce; sadly both pretty bland 😒 which tbh was disappointing. I can't believe I'm saying this bcz I do not add salt to anything nor do I like anything that tastes overly salted.. but these dishes for sure tasted as if they lacked a pinch of salt which is understood at a very basic culinary 101 class. However, I am in no-way insinuating this cozy lil space does not deserve your visit ☺️ It has been quite hot in the city of El Cajon lately & who knows.. could have very well been an 'off' day for the cook(s) 😁 Now to close my commentary on Mamma Rosa Italian Restaurant: from the moment she introduced herself as our waitress we knew we were in great hands y'all which is why I truly offer a reviewer shout-out to the one&only Mercedes 🥳🎉 for Best in Class waitressing!! 👏🏼🙌🏼🙏🏼 Thanks gurl ya...