Mama Maria's Pizza — Restaurant in Illinois

Grew up eating this pizza and lived a couple blocks away my whole life. It was always top-notch, but after a recent visit (been about 3-years since I'd been in town) I'll be ordering Roberto's from now on.

The crust: a pre-made, perfect circle, reminiscent of a frozen crust. Zero flavor, zero flake, just a cost-cutting measure that has ruined one of the best parts of Mama's pizza.

The cheese: what was once THE best part of their pizza, is now a cheap version of mozzarella. Another cost-cutting measure...oh...and the mounds of cheese you're used to are now a simple dusting.

Maybe it's an off-day for the toppings guy, but the crust and cheese quality is the biggest letdown. A few months ago, another local chain switched to this 'stamped cardboard type crust' (it's called pre-sheeted in the restaurant world) and it's just horrible.

Maybe the OG Mama's patrons are long gone and the newcomers just expect this. However, I miss the hand rolled dough and hope Mama's can find their roots, or I fear they become a distant memory in Elmhurst.

Oh, the phone and pickup...

I attended a Ham Radio Club meeting last evening in Elmhurst. Pizza was served from this establishment but being lactose intolerant, the Club President Todd Benson ordered me an Italian beef sandwich. Unfortunately, they forgot to give my sandwich to the delivery driver and he had to return to the restaurant and had a newly made sandwich delivered back to our party in a jiffy. The flavor of the beef was outstanding with just the right amount of spice, excellent French bread, au jus on the side, and giardiniere included. It was hot in a round aluminum container. I have to say this is one of the finest Italian beef sandwiches I’ve had in a long time. Except for the delay because whoever packed the order forgot my beef, when the driver returned, it was worth the wait. Right now I’d put it on my top ten favorite Italian beef sandwiches as I’m a connoisseur and have had many sandwiches. Very few compare to the taste and quality of...

We came in as a party of 10 and had the most amazing meal! Bruschetta, lasagna, pappardella, gnocci, caprese salad, pizza, Caesar salad and more! Service was prompt, attentive and the food was authentic! We are fat and happy. The prices were a bargain, proportions big enough for everyone to bring home leftovers. We were in town from Michigan for the Pat Roche and Windy City Feis, picked, Mama Maria's off of a Google list. We're so happy we found this local mom and pop treasure! We'll be back! They do most their business as take away. But have a small dining room that I'm sure will expand!!!! You must give this...