Mamma Mia - Rochester

I booked a table having read in reviews about Rochester restaurants that it's wise to do so. The three of us went on a Friday evening. The place did get pretty crowded so I was glad I'd booked. The restaurant is nice inside, didn't notice any smells as another recent reviewer said. I liked the mural on the wall. All the waiting staff were friendly. The manager even offered to take a couple of photos for us. The atmosphere was convivial. The manager asked everyone to join in when he brought out a birthday cake and the whole restaurant sang Happy Birthday. Service was a little slow but we didn't mind as we were chatting and could see the restaurant was busy. And we did appreciate not being chivvied along to finish. We shared an appetiser of Garlic Bread pizza dough which was nice. Our first courses were delicious. My friends had Salmone ai Porcini. They especially liked that the salmon wasn't swamped in sauce. I had a special homemade ravioli with mushroom and sausage. Our first courses were so good we were really looking forward to our desserts. One friend had Banoffi Pie which was served in a glass dish. My sister and I had cheesecake with a fruit coulis. Sadly, we were all a little disappointed with the desserts. They were okay but we were expecting something outstanding after the first course. While chatting to the waitress, we discovered that they normally have 2 sittings, 6:30 and 8:30. However, due to one of the chefs having just had an operation, they were only doing one sitting. So, that explained the relaxed attitude. I'd definitely be happy to go back there again. I think another time, I'd have a starter rather than a dessert. And definitely remember to book a table!

Very friendly great service , had to wait for food to be prepared but was worth it , definitely recommend and would use again

This has been our favourite Italian restaurant for a long time and we have enjoyed many occasions and celebrations here. However, on this occasion we were surprised on arrival to see that the restaurant was not as busy as usual. We ordered 4 starters including whitebait at £7.00. Rather than the tasty, generous and well cooked dish we are used to, we got 7 small, overcooked pieces of fish. The small bottles of Italian lager were overpriced at £4.50. The restaurant looked tired and smelled rather fusty and damp. We missed our usual Maitre’d who was not there. Is this the decline of what was once a lovely dining experience?

This was a lesson in good service. If I was to open a restaurant i would send my staff here for a meal so they can see how to greet people, make young children feel comfortable and how to create a good atmosphere. I cant rate them highly enough, they set the scene for a great Sunday lunch well needed after a morning of viewing tourist attractions. Pizza was tasty and the garlic bread very very tasty. Great value.

Had a wonder meal with friends to celebrate my husbands birthday. Service food was really good. Will definitely be returning .