MAMMA MIA REVIEW

Mamma Mia is Serpentine Green’s slice of Sicily - Kelly Jackson reviews this Italian gem...

How often have you ventured into Serpentine Green shopping centre in Hampton, only to head straight back to your car after getting groceries at Tesco or beauty essentials in Boots?

This is something I’m guilty of myself. Little did I know that, if I’d just wandered a bit further along the mall, I’d have encountered a wonderful hidden gem – Mamma Mia by Sub Express, an Italian restaurant serving up the most wonderful authentic Sicilian food.

When ESP was invited to sample the delicious menu, the first thing that jumped out at me (alongside the amazing aromas of pasta, pizza and all the Italian delicacies that get your taste buds watering) was the new colourful and snazzy décor.

With suede-style mustard yellow chairs set against feature tile pattern walls and fantastic eye-catching chandelier lights, you could be forgiven for thinking you were in Sicily – and the traditional music playing softly in the background adds to the effect.

On to the food – and what a treat it is! To start, we had arancini which was nestled in a tomato sauce cooked in white wine. I could immediately taste the fresh basil in the sauce. Arancini are Italian rice balls that are stuffed and coated in breadcrumbs – and the one at Mamma Mia was huge! It was almost a main meal by itself.

Next up was an amazing pasta dish – I had prawns bathed in a creamy pesto and pistachio sauce. The portion was very large, as were the size of the pasta shapes. I can say it was one of the best pasta dishes I’ve had outside of Italy. My colleague had a generous portion of mussels in a delicious tomato sauce, with a slight kick of chilli flavour, although nothing too spicy.

Finally, we managed to squeeze in cannoli for dessert. This is a traditional Sicilian sweet treat made with fresh ricotta cheese from sheep’s milk and pistachio and white chocolate sauce, glazed with cherries and candied fruits.

All the food is beautifully presented and served on the most beautiful colourful crockery and we couldn’t resist a glass of Limoncello to round off our meal.

All the food is fresh and home-made – you can see them cooking it right in front of you. And this isn’t your average Italian restaurant either. The menus change regularly to keep things interesting, and to reflect what delicacies can be imported directly from Sicily depending on the season. If you don’t see something on the menu, ask for it – chances are your wish will be fulfilled if they’ve got the ingredients to hand.

Peter, the owner is an amiable host and so enthusiastic about the quality of his food, its freshness and the ingredients he uses to create these wonderful dishes. This is food cooked with passion and pride!

Despite being cooked to order the food prices are typical of what you might pay in any decent restaurant, with the seafood pasta I enjoyed costing around £14.95. Carbonara or Bolognese dishes are around the £10 mark. Mamma Mia will soon be offering an expanded bar, so you can enjoy a range of alcoholic tipples with your pizza, pasta or sub sandwich. And keep your eyes peeled on their social media for a new signature menu launching in the near future!

With top quality, fresh, authentic food and a traditional atmosphere, there’s nothing not to like about Mamma Mia by Sub Express. I know one thing – I’ll certainly be going back to try some new things on the menu.

Mamma Mia by Sub Express is open every day.

For more details visit www.mammamiarestaurants.com

Kelly Jackson