Mamma's American Pizza Company

This review appears in the The List's Eating & Drinking Guide 2008 – in the shops now or buy online.

The Grassmarket may have a reputation as a focal point for stags and hens, but Mamma's is firmly family-friendly and pointedly opposed to such rowdiness. Inside, it is buzzing with parents and kids alike having a good time. The cartoon murals of various personified pizza ingredients will either captivate the kids or give them nightmares, but the jolly staff should keep everyone smiling. Mamma's offers standard issue starters, such as nachos, buffalo wings and somewhat lacklustre potato wedges with indeterminate ranch sauce. There are also a few Italian-American mains – pasta, or the calzone-alike panzerotti – but the main attraction is the pizza, measured by the inch. Diners are encouraged to share with friends and customise with an array of toppings – with a different choice on each half if desired. Commendably, this makes for better value (especially as you can take home your leftovers) and is potentially amusing if you plump for say, cactus (yes, really), haggis and baked beans. Desserts, some home-made, some not, do more than just satisfy sugar cravings. For example, the 'choco woco whako', aptly described as a 'serious chocolate situation', is brilliant for bambinos and big 'uns both.

• High point: Customising your pizza
• Low point: Poor potato skins

The LIST Card F46

Mamma's American Pizza Company

The following text has been provided by Mamma's American Pizza Company.

Mamma's Pizza was established in 1985 and is still going strong. We specialise in fresh stone baked and more recently gluten free pizzas. Variety is the spice of life and you won't be stuck, with over 40 toppings to choose from, including: cactus, marshmallow & chocolate alongside classics such as pepperoni & ham, with a spicy or non-spicy tomato sauce. It’s cheaper to share, so why not have different toppings on each half. Pizza’s are designed for one to four people with 9”, 12”, 14” and 16” sizes avalible.

This warm & welcoming upbeat restaurant is family friendly and hen & stag free. Colouring competitions and a treasure chest entertain the children while you relax. The desserts here will banish diets forever !! (chocolate & more chocolate). During the summer months why not enjoy your meal outside with a chilled glass of wine while watching the world go by. For those who don’t like pizza ( if there is such a person) there is a large range of starters, garlic bread, spicy wings, nachos, potato wedges, salads and mushrooms and other main courses including meatballs, texas fire chilli and lasagne.

With an ever changing beer menu this is a sure destination for great pizza.

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