MAMO has reopened in SOHO and thank goodness because it’s one of NYC’s leading Italian restaurants! I had the extreme pleasure of dining here recently, where I enjoyed some of the best dishes. MAMO is comprised of two different spaces, which include an intimate downstairs lounge as well as a comfortable 100-seated dining room upstairs. The multi-level space is rustic with Provencal décor. old family images, and movie posters that make guests feel instantly transported abroad. When I wasn’t staring at my food and devouring it, I caught myself constantly checking out these great posters on the walls! 

They have an impressive cocktail menu that easily pairs with the dishes here, as well as the wines. MAMO has an award-winning wine list and great by the glass, half bottle, and bottle prices. Since it’s NYC, it’s customary to begin a meal with a cocktail, and here they have a great selection. We started off with the Cute Cucumber made with vodka, Lillet Blanc, fresh cucumber, and lime juice. Alongside we also had the New York Press with muddled lemon, whiskey, ginger beer, and a maraschino cherry. Paired with these cocktails was the Stuffed Mozzarella with arugula pesto, as well as the Fried Artichokes. Both are out of this world! The pesto is absolute perfection, and I even found myself dipping my bread into it too, after all the mozzarella was eaten. As for the artichokes, they’re a must-have, especially since they top them with lots of parmesan cheese (plus they even taste great in the pesto!). 

I always love to share the pasta course when it comes to Italian. I find that sharing pasta makes it easier to enjoy the entrees, and here the Bolognese is one you should not miss. It’s meaty, comforting, and will warm you up on a cold winter evening! Once that was devoured, we moved onto the large plates. Two dishes really stood out on the menu, so we decided to get the Seared Cod with Italian Black Rice, roasted carrots, and lemon caper butter sauce. The cod was honestly one of the best fish dishes I have ever had. It is perfectly seared, flaky, and completely blew me away when combined with all of the other flavors on the plate. Alongside this incredible fish dish was the MAMO Meatball, which is perfect for truffle lovers! This meatball is absolute heaven and comes served on a creamy bed of four cheese polenta, and then is topped with fresh shaved black truffles. Paired with these dishes was a great glass of the Montepulciano, which complimented the truffle meatball flawlessly, as well as the cod, which was rich enough to stand up to the bold fruit flavors and wines spice.

If you can save room for dessert, please do so. The Strawberry Affogato is sweet and delicious, while the MAMO Mousse for two will win your heart. I enjoyed both and somehow found room to fit just enough of each into my stomach after such a big meal. It was worth it! The chocolate mousse is smooth and rich, which is perfect for chocolate lovers. Top it with some cookie crumbles and fresh whipped cream for extra flavors and fun.

MAMO is a SOHO spot to check out for Valentines Day as well as any other day. The ambiance, cuisine, and service are all top-notch, and I just know you will not be disappointed. MAMO is great for dates, families, groups, and more!