Tucked inside one of the oldest standing homes in downtown Huntersville, Mama Mia feels less like a restaurant and more like being invited into a family dining room. The charming 1865 house on Maxwell Avenue sets the tone: intimate rooms, white tablecloths, and the kind of old-school Italian atmosphere that makes you want to linger over one more course. This family-owned fixture ever since. With more than 40 years in the industry, Ralph has built a reputation for cooking that is deeply rooted in traditional techniques, fresh ingredients, and generous portions.
A Menu of Classic Italian Dishes
Guests start with appetizers, soups, and salads usually tomato and onion salad dressed simply with olive oil, hearty pasta fagioli, fresh mozzarella with tomato and basil, and Caesar salad with house-made dressing. From there, the entrées read like a greatest-hits list: ziti vodka in a creamy pink sauce, pappardelle Bolognese, eggplant parmesan, chicken parmesan, veal piccata, mushroom ravioli, linguine calamari marinara, shrimp vodka fettuccine, and more. Seafood and veal dishes sit comfortably beside pasta favorites, and the meal usually ends with a classic Italian dessert such as homemade tiramisu, cannoli, cheesecake, chocolate cake, or trinity cream.
Hospitality Refined
Regulars rave not just about the food, but about the service and atmosphere. Reviews consistently highlight warm hospitality, an attentive staff, and a relaxed, unhurried pace that makes the restaurant ideal for date nights, anniversaries, and family gatherings. Guests describe Mama Mia as cozy and romantic, with a “hidden gem” feel where the staff remembers your face, your favorite dish, and often your name.
Rooted in the Community
Mama Mia originally opened in Cornelius in 1993, then moved to its current Huntersville location in 1997. The restaurant is also firmly rooted in the Huntersville community. The restaurant’s social media proudly notes that it has been “serving Huntersville the best Italian food since 1993,” and it frequently showcases dishes in partnership with downtown Huntersville and the historic Holbrook district helping draw diners into the town center.
Mama Mia is more than just an Italian restaurant; it’s a long-standing neighborhood institution. With a chef-owner who treats cooking as both craft and heritage, a menu full of comforting classics, gracious service, and deep ties to the Huntersville community, it offers the kind of dining experience that keeps people coming back for years.
If you haven’t yet experienced Mama Mia, make plans to stop by soon.
📍 Location: 101 N. Maxwell Ave, Huntersville, NC 28078
🕓 Hours: Sunday and Tuesday – Saturday: 5 – 9 PM (Closed Sundays)
Click HERE to check out their website then go have some dinner at the fantastic restaurant!
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