Location: 4 S. Liberty Ave., Endicott, NY 13760
Phone: (607) 748-7200
Cuisine: Italian/Pizza
Price: Likely $20-$30 per person
Review:
Mama Giuseppa's is yet another entry in the long line of Italian restaurants that dot the landscape of the Triple Cities. This one is located on North St. in Endicott (technically a Liberty Ave. address), not far from the Cider Mill, and they've just celebrated their 10-year anniversary of being in business. It's a restaurant that I truly had not heard much about before we went, but based on things I'd read, those who like the place are staunch defenders of its low-key charm and home-style Italian eats. A Facebook page with over 500 supporters certainly seems to support this notion.
The restaurant itself is a fairly small space with somewhere around six to eight booths along the right hand side and 15-20 tables toward the back. It's a clean space and the atmosphere gives off the vibe that you're eating in someone's kitchen; the decor is quaint and homey with all sorts of family photographs on the walls, and there was some 1940's big-band music piping through the speakers. On atmosphere alone, it is somewhat reminiscent of both Frank's out in Maine, and Johnson City's Cacciatore's.
We took a minute to look through the menu before placing our orders, and found it to be rather extensive. All the traditional Italian pasta favorites are accounted for, in addition to many different chicken, veal, and seafood dishes, and they double as a pizzeria as well. I opted to go with the lasagna ($10.99) and added both a meatball and a sausage ($1.25 each); on the recommendation of the waitress, Megan went with the Shrimp Scampi ($15.99) served over penne. Entrees come with a house salad (we added the bleu cheese crumbles for $1 each) and complimentary garlic knots.




All things considered, I thought Mama Giuseppa's was certainly worth visiting. It has a casual, neighborhood atmosphere, good service, and the home-style food is pretty solid. I am interested in trying the pizza, which I have heard good things about. Based on this visit, I don't think Mama Giuseppa's is exceptional in any way (aside from portion size), and I doubt we'll head there often because the similar and superior Cacciatore's is closer to where we live, but it's a solid entrant to the area's Italian scene. It's definitely a notch above the celebrated-yet-overrated Consol's.
Grade: B
Love Mama G's! Other than Oak's Inn, they have the best chicken marsala in the area. Mama makes hers in a cream style. It's enough for three meals, and it's fantastic. Also, the garlic knots are one of those things you wished you ate more of even as you're being rolled out of there on a cart. Great review!
ReplyDeleteMamas is the best in the binghamton area .
ReplyDeleteFantastic Calamari and a Huge Steaks too!
Mama G's has the best eggplant parm in the area hands down. I suggest you give it a try next time you stop in there.
ReplyDeleteMama ohh Mama - we ate here last Sat. night. The Stuffed(feta and spinach) Haddock special was spectacular! Chicken Marsala was also very very good. Portions-as always huge. They are now offering 1/2 orders of some dishes. I suggest get the full order and take the left overs home.
ReplyDeleteWe too love Mama"s! It:s food puts Cortese to shame,, Portions r huge! We drive the extra 20 minutes for the food for sure!
ReplyDelete