By Laura Smith-Keiter
Walking into Mama Mia’s Ristorante’s new Egg Harbor Township location as a first-time diner, I could tell immediately: this was going to be a tasty experience.
The space strikes that perfect balance between modern bistro and classic Italian comfort. Soft, flattering lighting glows off clean lines and warm finishes, and there’s generous spacing between tables — so conversation feels relaxed and unhurried. From our perfect corner table, the aromas drifting from the kitchen — garlic, wine, fresh herbs — wrapped around us like a welcome hug.
We were greeted right away with genuine smiles and that easy, confident hospitality that makes you feel like a regular, even on your first visit. Mama Mia’s has been a South Jersey institution for 40 years, and you can feel that legacy the moment you sit down. Joe Massaglia opened the original Mama Mia’s in Seaville in 1987, bringing with him recipes from Italy that are still going strong today — pleasing both eyes and palates. We’ve dined many times at the Seaville location and love the cozy spot in Marmora, so it was special to see that same heart and soul carried into this beautiful new space.
Before we even ordered, the table was filled with one of my favorite Mama Mia’s traditions — and something I’ve never experienced anywhere else: complimentary bruschetta, alongside lightly grilled fresh zucchini with roasted red peppers, finished with a balsamic glaze. Simple, generous and unmistakably made with love.
Though the menu is extensive — homemade pastas, seafood, veal, beef, chicken, steaks and salads — we leaned into the classics.
We started with a very generous Caesar salad, crisp and fresh, coated in their creamy homemade dressing that somehow manages to be rich without being heavy. Then came the Clams Julio — a deconstructed clams casino that was nothing short of inspired. Small, tender clams mingled with sautéed prosciutto, caramelized onions, roasted peppers, breadcrumbs and wine. Every bite was savory, briny and deeply satisfying. It’s impossible for me to visit a Mama Mia’s location and not have their home-made bruschetta pie. The combination of the creamy cheese and the hint of vinegar makes this pizza my absolute favorite.
The tortellini Pavarotti deserves its own standing ovation. Legend has it that Mama Bino made this dish for Pavarotti himself, and it shows — luxurious, perfectly cooked tortellini bathed in a sauce that’s indulgent yet balanced. Just outstanding.
The soft, pillowy gnocchi with Joe’s famous Mama sauce was pure comfort — light, tender and clearly handmade, with a sauce that tastes like it’s been perfected over decades.
For entrées, the Tuscan veal chop topped with fresh mozzarella was beautifully prepared — juicy, flavorful and elegant. The pork shank osso buco was rich and deeply savory, fall-off-the-bone tender, the kind of dish that makes the whole table go quiet for a moment out of pure appreciation.
And just when we thought we couldn’t eat another bite, we shared Mama Mia’s famous tiramisu cake — light, creamy and the perfect sweet ending to an unforgettable meal.
What truly elevated the experience was meeting the new owner, Gus Herrera. Friendly, kind and genuinely passionate, Gus is keeping Mama Mia’s proudly family-owned, with his family running both the Marmora and Egg Harbor Township locations. A 25-year New Jersey culinary veteran, Gus worked alongside Chef Joe for many years before taking the helm. He clearly respects the tradition while enjoying the creative side of the kitchen — experimenting with new dishes and fresh local ingredients. He made a point to come out and check on us personally, making sure we were enjoying every bite — and we absolutely were.
Mama Mia’s in Egg Harbor Township is a continuation of a legacy: food prepared with love, served with joy and rooted in decades of tradition. We left full, happy and already planning our next visit. We are also planning a party as they offer a full (and reasonable!) catering menu to serve any sized group. They will also have a special Valentine’s Day menu. Check their social media for details. Visit them for dinner, their weekly lunch specials and a special sunset dinner menu available Monday through Friday 11a.m. – 4 p.m.
Mama Mia’s in EHT is open daily 11a.m. – 8 p.m. They also offer ordering through Slice and delivery service through Uber eats and DoorDash.
