First off the bat - if you want authentic, truly authentic, Italian food go elsewhere, like Italy, for example. This place is the epitome of British-based Italian food that will probably disappoint the majority of today's youth, most whom have neither been to Italy nor...have another reference point than Jamie's Italian or TV cooks.
This restaurant performs and delivers consistent food that is nourishingly Britalian and the menu harks back to an era where spaghetti grew on trees (well before my time I might add).
I visited perhaps 15 times or more during my sojourn in Sheffield and have tried many dishes on the menu. It is an eclectic affair, Jacket Potatoes, Cheese Salads, Hamburgers, who even calls them hamburgers anymore nevermind dedicates a Section Name!
The Extravaganzas amaze me – you can have such exquisite delights such as Gammon Steak, Scampi, a Sirloin or even Chicken Tikka! This possibly remains as a comfort barrier to those who were too scared to try 'foreign' foods back in the day and were scared to say so in front of their hosts or guests.
I admit to trying the Scampi which is, as accordingly priced, the same as any other scampi you’ll find in most places in the UK – frozen from a packet and deep-fried in a portion of ten – let’s face it if you expected fresh, deep-fried scampi you’ll be paying more than four times the menu price – so if you’re the person that ever complained about the scampi get your wallet out and take a walk.
I never tried anything in the Extravaganza section since the Al Forno pastas were where I tended to wander. Unlike the scampi these are clearly prepared on site and taste, absolutely British authentic – just like Mamas should. The hardest part is waiting for the bubbling cheese or tomato sauce to calm down to the point you don’t burn the roof of your mouth – epicurean torture.
The pizzas – what can I say – they’ve never seen Italy in their life! But then again, having spent a half lifetime in Africa, it’s amazing how few places in the UK have wood-burning ovens - electric all the way, so you can stick your Napoletana right up your Pomodoro – Mama’s Pizzas are true and authentic Britalian and taste the same way.
I’ve not been there near on a year now and have a hankering to go back – to my childhood of Early Learning Italian. And for the sake of nostalgia and homely tasting food.
Too many places these days order pre-made foods either from their central production kitchens or from Brake Bros. or Bidfood so if you want a chain such as Bill's or that other fancy one round the corner in St.Pauls that seats more than the Vatican then go ahead and eat uour UPF. But for mostly fresh stuff eat here and celebrate Britalia.More