Mama Mia 44SW

In 1971, the Schiattarella family opened a pizza shop at 44th & 9th, now known as Mamma Mia 44SW. That was the same year I first moved to NYC and even in those days I ventured from my apartment at 101st & Riverside down to 9th Avenue for the cheap meals and Mom & Pop food stores. In 2021, they celebrated their 50th year in NYC and so did I. Never had a bad meal there and the tiramisu is exceptional.

This restaurant has become a favorite pre-Broadway spot when my mom comes for a visit. The fresh garlic bread with mozzarella is a MUST and you can’t go wrong with any of their pasta dishes.

It’s been around forever, Chicken 44 is my favorite, great service, easy for pre-theatre.

I love the family that runs the restaurant. My family and I always go there for celebratory events. The food is delicious and affordable.

A perfect place for an outdoor party, especially since the restaurant's hostess-with-the-mostest, Connie, is so warm and engaging. Also delightful is when the fantastic entertainment duo of Nancy Slusser and Louie Tucci — Broadway musicians and actors who live in Manhattan Plaza — is performing. The neighborhood swoons listening to these songbirds sing the groovy standards of Karen Carpenter, Maureen McGovern and Cher, while sipping on Mama Mia's infamous cocktails. One of the most inspiring nights you can experience this summer!