Places I Like: Mamma Zu'

In honor of WhineMeDineMe's post title old school eats, I have decided to start a series on the restuarants I love to frequest in Richmond.

So Mamma Zu'. Most of you have already formed your opinion on the matter. Overhyped. Rude. Grungy. Wonderful. And in many ways, everything I have heard about the place is correct. It's all about what is important to you. 

I personally am a fan of great food and consistency. And those are two qualities found at Mamma Zu'. The great food is rarely argued. Whether its the white pizza (we call it "crack"), eggplant parm, penne all'Amatriciana, penne with gorgonzola, orrechietti, spaghetti carbonara, soft shell crabs, sweet breads, broccoletti, ossobuco, or white beans, it all rocks. I love it. I crave it. The only time people are disappointed when they eat the food is when then settle for plain old stuff- sausage and marinara sauce. It's not that it tastes bad, it is that everyone else has amazing food around them. And then when you finish the amazing meal, you are obligated to order the best Tiramisu in VA. So yes, I love the food and I generally eat way too much.

Now, the consistency is also present at Mamma Zu’. Some argue that they are consistently rude and provide consistently poor service. Rudeness… I can see that. The service isn’t bad. It’s hurried and rushed, but it’s what I would expect in a place that is that busy. The rudeness is usually focused on the maître d’. I often wonder if he is one of the more infamous people in Richmond. He is tough, he is stubborn, and he instills fear in the hearts of those who want to eat. The thing is that he actually seems like a nice guy, but he has to run a tight ship to keep the restaurant humming. So the key to Mamma Zu' is knowing the rules. 

1) All members of the party must be present. Don't bother even asking if they aren't. 

2) Get on the list. Wait your turn. Don't ask again. You are on the list. Don’t worry. Relax. Resist the urge. Don’t do it.  

3) Reservations are kind of helpful but then it gets all confusing with "family style." Take the large groups to Edo's.

4) Try to get to Mamma Zu' by 6 PM or just resign yourself to a long wait.

Once you come to grip with the rules, you will have a much better experience because you can spend your time appreciating the food rather than trying to fight the man. 

One important note- they only take Amex, local checks and cash.