Mama Fanti is relatively new to the restaurant scene in Hillsboro, occupying the space that was formally Culinary Creations. They have both indoor and outdoor seating (if you want to overlook the parking lot), but I didn't see any heaters outside during our visit in January. We were able to snag a same day table reservation at 7pm on a Saturday. The dining room was about 75% full when we got there but was completely full about 30 minutes later. Dress was casual with many families dining. Noise is an issue here. It is nearly impossible to hear your tablemate over the din. Also keep in mind that there is only a single door to the space, so sitting near it will subject you to the elements. We were seated promptly, our wine was opened, and water poured. The bread provided was warm and tasty, but there was no separate plate for the herb infused oil... which was quite good. We started with the meat arancini and the zucchini rollantini. Service was quick, and the plating was excellent. I do wish the sauce was hotter, but the waiter informed me that was the correct temperature. In any case, the three balls were a good portion, and the filling was excellent. The rollantini was also quite good with a nice filling and tender but not mushy zucchini. Our main course consisted of chicken parm and chicken piccata. These dishes were well portioned with plenty of spaghetti and red sauce for the parm and a flavorfull sauce and mashed potatoes for the piccata. While nothing to write home about, they were certainly adequate. We shared a tiramisu for dessert. The waiter didn't answer when asked if the desserts were made in house, so I would say they are not. The flavor was good with plenty on liquor. Coffee and capacino (decafe too) are available. Parking is right outside, but spots may be hard to come by later in the evening as Mama Fanti shares it was a number of other businesses. Mama Fanti does not charge a fee for credit card use... which is a big plus in my book. Enjoy a meal with family at Mama Fanti. You will be...
   Read moreMy husband and I had lunch at Mama Fanti Restaurant. The Restaurant is very cozy, well kept and clean. The seating is comfortable and well spaced. Bread was served nicely warmed. I had the Mama Fanti salad with grilled shrimp and my husband had the Cesar salad with grilled shrimp. Both salads were delicious! The shrimp were fresh, perfectly grilled and seasoned. The salad was nicely and lightly dressed, keeping the greens fresh. Portions for both salads were generous and appealing in presentation. We truly enjoyed them. We followed that with the spaghetti and meatballs, and the parppadelle fresh made pasta in Arrabbiata sauce, with a side of meatballs. The pastas were perfectly cooked - al dente. The sauce for the spaghetti was well seasoned and flavorful. The meatballs were nicely sized and seasoned. I enjoyed this dish. My husband had the parppadelle with the Arrabiata sauce. This pasta dish is delicious! If you like spicy sauce with a good kick, this is the dish to have on your first visit. Again, servings were generous but not overdone. Plating was appealing and appetizing. We finished our meal with a cappuccino for me and a double espresso for my husband. Good quality coffee served in appealing and appropriate sized cup and saucer. We shared a homemade tiramisu. The tiramisu is a must! Delicious coffee flavor, lightly sweet, and a wonderful mouth feel. It. Is. Delicious! Nice and curated menu options in all categories. It is nice to see a menu that is not pages and pages long. The focus is on doing the dishes WELL . It is evident there is pride in the food they serve. Good quality ingredients and care in plating and presentation. If this is what is the usual for lunch, I can't wait to experience...
   Read moreIf you're looking for an authentic Italian dining experience in Hillsborough, New Jersey, look no further than this hidden gem of a restaurant. From the moment you step inside, you'll be transported to the heart of Italy with the warm and inviting atmosphere and the mouth-watering aromas wafting from the kitchen.
The menu is extensive, with a wide variety of classic Italian dishes to choose from. However, the standout dishes for me were the linguini carbonara and the linguine vongole. The linguini carbonara was cooked to perfection, with just the right amount of creaminess and smokiness from the pancetta. The linguine vongole was equally impressive, with plump and juicy clams in a light and flavorful white wine sauce.
But it's not just the food that makes this restaurant exceptional. The service is top-notch, with friendly and attentive staff who go out of their way to make you feel welcome and ensure that your dining experience is nothing short of perfect.
Overall, I highly recommend this Italian restaurant to anyone looking for a delicious and authentic dining experience in Hillsborough. Whether you're in the mood for classic pasta dishes or something a little more adventurous, you won't be disappointed. And don't forget to try...
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