VERO BEACH – The Original Mama Mia’s Kitchen in Vero Beach has been sharing their Italian culinary dishes on and off for over forty years in Indian River County. There is so much to know about this restaurant, formerly known as Mama Mia’s in Sebastian until 2010.
Last week, we visited their new location and had one of the best dining experiences. Located at 1920 14th Avenue in Downtown Vero Beach, the restaurant offers inside and outside seating. For colder nights, they have large heaters outside, making it a cozy environment. There is also a full bar as you walk through the front entrance.
Everything on the Original Mama Mia’s Kitchen menu looked delicious, and it was difficult for us to make up our minds. The atmosphere is elegant, upbeat, and very clean.
We started our dinner by ordering two appetizers: Mozzarella En Carozza and Fried Calamari. These were excellent, and it didn’t take long before the plates were empty. The Mozzarella En Carozza is one of their most popular appetizers for patrons who don’t do calamari. It’s two layers of sourdough bread with mozzarella cheese in the middle, lightly battered and fried, and topped with their homemade marinara sauce.
For the main course, I ordered the Lasagna which comes with a choice of salad or soup. The soups were Minestrone or Pasta Fagioli. I ordered the salad, that came with homemade dressing. Three others in my party ordered: Shrimp Scampi, Eggplant Rollatini, and Mama Mia’s Fiesta Platter which comes with Eggplant Rollatini, Ravioli Meatball, Sausage, and Penne.
The Lasagna came in a dish, and it was incredible. The Shrimp Scampi, Eggplant Rollatini, and the Fiesta Platter also met our expectations.
We usually have some constructive criticism when we conduct these restaurant reviews, but we honestly enjoyed everything. We couldn’t come up with anything they could have done differently. The table sure was quiet during the dinner as each of us savored every taste from our plates.
The desserts were delicious too! If you want good Italian, give the Original Mama Mia’s Kitchen a try. It’s in a great location in Downtown Vero Beach.
The restaurant is also taking reservations for their 2019 New Year’s Eve Dinner. Seating times are at 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm. It’s a 4-course menu for $79 per couple. Call 772-213-8888 to make your reservation.
About The Original Mama Mia’s Kitchen in Vero Beach
The first local Mama Mia’s opened in 1976 near Sebastian where the Chill & Grill is located on U.S. Highway 1. Lillian and her children ran the family business. Long lines were common to dine, and Mama Mia was the place where locals enjoyed their Italian.
Fast-forward to 2000, Lillian’s son Paul picked up the business and moved it to the Riverwalk Shopping Center in Roseland where it was a success for 10 years. Kristy, who started off as a busser and her husband have been the new owners at the Vero Beach location since 2017. Moving with them to the new site is Paul, as the head chef.
