Mama Rosa Grill Express — Restaurant in Middle River

Mama Rosa Express in Middle River has undergone a fascinating evolution. What started as a humble burger and burrito joint on Route 40, morphed into a Filipino bodega, and has now blossomed into a full-fledged restaurant, complete with a Saturday morning breakfast buffet that's an absolute steal. I recently had the pleasure of attending the inaugural Saturday of their new buffet, and I left thoroughly impressed. For a mere $20, you're treated to a veritable feast of authentic Filipino breakfast delights. The spread was a mouthwatering showcase of classic dishes: creamy Ginataang Bilobilo, rich karekare, savory dinakdakan, tangy lechon paksiw, flavorful Adobo sa Gata, tender Bistek, comforting Ginataang Calabash at Beans, classic chicken adobo, and crispy, delectable lechon kawali. Each dish was executed with evident care and expertise, demonstrating a commitment to genuine Filipino flavors. What truly stood out was the freshness of the food. The buffet was diligently refreshed throughout the morning, ensuring that every plate was filled with hot, vibrant dishes. This attention to detail is a testament to Mama Rosa Express's dedication to quality. The restaurant itself is cozy, seating roughly 40-50 people. While the space is intimate, the atmosphere is warm and inviting. The buffet runs from 9 am to 1 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, and it's clear that word has spread quickly. The restaurant fills up fast, but tables turn over efficiently, so even if there's a wait, it's typically short. Adding to the value, hot tea and coffee are included with the buffet, providing the perfect accompaniment to the hearty meal. Mama Rosa Express's transformation is a testament to their adaptability and passion for sharing Filipino cuisine. They've created a hidden gem in Middle River, offering one of the best cheap eats experiences in the area. If you're craving authentic Filipino breakfast and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, look no further. This...

I have gone here when they first opened as an express grill with burritos and honestly I wasn’t a huge fan. HOWEVER, recently they started doing a weekend buffet with sole classic Filipino dishes.

With this recent change, for only $20 I would highly recommend! The options are great for the cost and they were very good about keeping fresh food on the buffet line. My favorite was the lechon and the milkfish.

The owner was also super friendly! Welcoming all his guests as they walked in and some who looked like regulars. The space isn’t large and filled up fast so not sure if large groups can be accommodated.

Plenty of parking outside as well so no need to...

Updating my review because they closed and reopened under a new business model. Stopped in with some coworkers for dine-in lunch on a weekday, and while they seemed a bit confused by that (I guess they primarily do takeout here?) they took our order and we ate outside. I got the pork sisig rice and shared some lumpiang, everything was tasty and I would get food...