Mamma Primi

After the resounding success of East Mamma and Ober Mamma, a third restaurant from the Big Mamma group recently opened in the Batignolles district. Never has this corner of the 17th, just steps from the Lycée Chaptal, been so hip. Since no reservations are taken, long queues of bobos and locals who adhere to this original concept can be seen at lunch and dinner. The carefully chosen design whisks you away to a chic flea market in Sicily: colorful Fima crockery, Carrara marble tables, and a botanical decor. But the setting is not the only thing that transports us over the Alps – the waiters and chef at Mamma Primi all speak Italian. Watching the constant flow of dishes out of the open kitchen and into the vast, bustling dining room is an endless source of entertainment. The restaurant’s menu gives pride of place to homemade pasta such as lamb and cocoa ravioli, seafood gnocchi, and truffle pasta. There are also the delicious, crispy-crust wood-fired pizzas that Ober Mamma is known for, as well as a selection of remarkably fresh antipasti served in a variety of portion sizes. All the products are imported directly from Italy, and it shows! The San Daniele ham, burrata, and wood-oven grilled eggplant are all marvelous. The desserts are equally delectable: tasty tiramisu, sublime lemon meringue pie, and mind-blowing chocolate cake. The prices are enough to make you scream “Mamma Mia” with joy they’re so unbelievably low: starters at €7, pasta at €12, and pizzas starting at €13. Mamma Primi is without a doubt the ‘people’s choice’ for 2016 in the Italian restaurant category.

12:15pm to 2:30pm. 4pm
Saturday and Sunday and 7pm to 10:45
Open daily
• No reservation •
Average price: €30