The Oxford institution that is Mamma Mia Pizzeria on South Parade Street, celebrated its 40th birthday in September. We were invited to celebrate with them and how could we refuse!?
A lovely waitress greeted us and led us to a table in the corner. Warm mood lighting and double doors thrown open to the night air – you can always count on Mamma Mia to make you feel at home. Or even better, like you’re in a piazza in Italy. It’s also the perfect place for a first date if you’re looking!
The menu at Mamma Mia Pizzeria is simple and uncomplicated, boasting authentic tastes of Italy – which means we were spoilt for choice.
To start, we chose the sharing plate ‘antipasto vegetali e formaggi’ (£13.95). The marinated artichoke hearts and grilled zucchini were the stars of the show, charred to perfection and bathed in oil.
Not that the rest of the plate wasn’t delicious. I mean, who can refuse cheese, bread and oil? The provolone cheese being especially impressive – not something you see very often in the UK.
The pizzas were, as ever, outstanding.
Next, onto the main event. My partner ordered the ‘Mamma Mia’, we were celebrating 40 years of Mamma Mia Pizzeria after all! However, I went traditional and ordered the ‘margherita di bufala cruda’.
The ‘Mamma Mia’ has the longest list of toppings available, and they are by no means stingy! From the spicy pepperoni and Beechwood smoked ham to the olives and capers, every mouthful was perfectly balanced and bursting with flavour.
In stark contrast, the ‘margherita di bufala cruda’ was stripped back and simple – here lies the genius of this pizza. This deceptively simple pizza allows each ingredient to sing. The top-secret tomato sauce, the buffalo mozzarella, the fresh basil and oregano – all working together in perfect harmony.
Pizzas range in price from £8.45 to £12.95 – very reasonable in this eater’s opinion.
The pizzas are prepared fresh every day using traditional methods and authentic ingredients. You can even watch your pizza come to life thanks to their open kitchen design. Additionally, they also offer gluten-free bases!
Fantastic food and atmosphere aside, Mamma Mia also give you the option of ordering a carafe of wine which is the perfect amount for two people. We ordered the ‘Primitivo-Villa dei Fiori’ from Puglia (£17.75 for a carafe). A fantastic full-bodied red, great with pizza – highly recommend trying when you go.
Despite ALL the food, we couldn’t resist sharing a tiramisu (£5.95) when the waiter suggested it! Coffee, chocolate and mascarpone – the queen of desserts in my opinion. Crunchy and soft all at once – the perfect way to end a brilliant meal.
To conclude, if you like great food, lovely wine, a lively atmosphere and friendly staff – get down to Mamma Mia Pizzeria!
However, even if you don’t like a lively atmosphere, don’t worry. Mamma Mia Pizzeria also offers takeaway and delivery. Delivery is through the Mamma Mia app only. And don’t forget Mamma Mia Pizzeria also have a second spot in Jericho!
Mamma Mia Pizzeria
Summertown – 8 South Parade, OX2 7JL / 01865 514141
Jericho – 102 Walton Street, OX2 6EB / 01865 311211
mammamiapizzeria.co.uk
We dined as guests of Mamma Mia, all views remain our own.
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