NORWALK, CT – Mama Bella Cucina & Pizzeria, a family restaurant offering pizza and classic Italian dishes, recently opened in South Norwalk.
Located on N Water Street near the Maritime Aquarium, the new restaurant officially opened in early May in a space previously occupied by RHK Seafood Boil and Bar.
Co-owner Joe Giuliano said South Norwalk is a perfect fit for Mamma Bella because of its welcoming community, as well as the building’s proximity to the aquarium and nearby towns.
“During the day, we offer pizza by the slice,” Giuliano said in an email to Patch, “and encourage families to come by for a quick, casual bite after a visit to the aquarium.”
According to Giuliano, the new restaurant aims to offer customers a modern take on a classic Italian restaurant.
“The name and the cuisine were inspired by the feelings that came with eating in the kitchens of our Italian mothers and grandmothers growing up,” Giuliano said. “Our menu features recipes that have been in our families for decades, as well as dishes that are modern twists on classic dishes.”
One such dish is the restaurant’s chicken scarpriello, which Giuliano says is quickly becoming a fan favorite and is also offered as a pizza.
Other popular options on the small plate menu include bruschetta, eggplant rollatinis, calamari fritti and polenta Bolognese, as well as fried tartufo for dessert. To top it all off, all the breads served at Mamma Bella are baked on site.
“We’re a family-run establishment,” Giuliano said, “and guests can come for casual dining or even just for specialty cocktails and a quick bite. We have a great bar scene and outdoor seating perfect for those who want to come get out, relax and have a nice evening.”
Mamma Bella also offers Sunday brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a variety of breakfast offerings and bottomless mimosas, bellinis, and more.
“Our goal is to have something for everyone,” Giuliano said.
