Review: Mama's Restaurant

There’s a new big Mama in the ‘hood, a few minutes away from the bustling hordes of Shekou Sea World. Relocated and expanded, Mama’s (formerly Mama Gelato’s) features outstanding Mediterranean cuisine and undoubtedly the best and most bountiful Doner Kebab this side of Beirut.

Unwind your torqued taste buds with 20 kinds of pizzas, a dozen pastas, half-pound burgers accompanied by mountains of chips (fries), crunchy fresh salads, the only richly textured homemade Gelato (ice cream) in town, plus a fully-stocked bar promising high test drinks and ice-cold brews from around the world.

Mediterranean food is a fusion of European and Arabic dishes, something Mama’s does exceptionally well. The owner, Matchouk (a.k.a. Chook) is Lebanese, born and bred in Australia and well versed in the delights of both cultures. The menu reflects this.

Fresh, authentic, and made with mostly imported ingredients. Portions are hearty, well presented, and range from pub grub like crispy deep-fried onion rings (30rmb) to haute cuisine such as Chicken Funghi, a boned chicken breast in a creamy wine and mushroom sauce (78rmb).

There are also meat and seafood dishes. The pastas include: Fettuccine Salmone, home style Lasagna, Spaghetti Marinara and the pizzas include: Americana, Vegetarian, Supreme, and even anchovy and olive.

Mama’s also has giant Middle Eastern hookahs that can be filled with flavored tobaccos (45rmb) and a pool table. The service is impeccable, the food superb, drinks generous, the ice cream silky smooth, and the people friendly. Mama’s - two thumbs up and well worth the detour.

Hours: 11 A.M. ‘til all the Mamas and Papas go home. Free local delivery.

Mama’s
108-109 Haichang Street, Shekou (near A-Best Supermarket, past the Ghost Bar)
深圳市南山区蛇口海昌街海尚国际裙楼108 – 109号铺
Phone: 0755 2685-0910

• Mike Bossick's blog