When people think of casual Italian restaurants, most will likely think of Saizeriya. After all, it offers affordable and family-friendly meals. However, Mamma Mia is another casual Italian restaurant that serves delicious Italian dishes—albeit at a higher price point. At my friend’s recommendation, I decided to give Mamma Mia a try to see if it really is better than Saizeriya, as he claimed.
I visited the Mamma Mia outlet at Plaza Singapura and was immediately struck by its casual, cosy vibe. As I browsed through the menu, I was impressed by the wide variety of options available. From risotto to pasta, and mains like chicken and steak—I was truly spoiled for choice! I was tempted to order the recommended Sea Bass Fillet Lemon Risotto, but after some contemplation, I chose the regular Sea Bass Fillet with Salad ($19.90) instead, as I’m not the biggest fan of cheese. I also ordered a cup of hot Earl Grey Tea ($4).
When my Sea Bass arrived, it was topped with a generous serving of salad and Mexican grains. As I moved them aside to get a better look at the fish, I was slightly disappointed—the portion of sea bass seemed a bit small for the price. Still, taste matters most, and in that regard, the fish truly impressed me. The sea bass was cooked almost to perfection: tender, flaky, and juicy—it caught me off guard with how good it was. The grilling added a wonderful contrast in texture, with the parts near the skin having a crispy finish and a satisfying grilled flavor, while the rest remained moist and succulent.
The salad was coated with a light vinegar dressing that complemented the fresh, juicy greens. The cherry tomatoes were also pleasantly sweet and bursting with flavor. The Mexican grains had a unique, slightly poppy texture. At first, I found them a bit confusing—they seemed tasteless but revealed a subtle sweetness upon further bites. I’m still unsure if I liked them or not; perhaps I’m just not used to their flavor.
In conclusion, Mamma Mia’s Sea Bass Fillet was a truly delicious dish. The fish was beautifully cooked and well-seasoned, the salad served as a refreshing palate cleanser, and while the Mexican grains weren’t quite to my taste, they added an interesting element to the dish. The total price I paid ($28.66, by my calculation) was definitely on the higher side, but given the quality of the food, I’d say it was justifiable. The restaurant’s atmosphere was cosy, quiet, and brightly lit—perfect for a relaxed meal. I’d definitely return to Mamma Mia to try out their other mains!
Rating:
Food: 8.5/10
Atmosphere: 9/10
Value for money: 7.5/10
Mamma Mia Trattoria E Caffè
68 Orchard Rd, #03-79/83, Singapore 238839
Plaza Singapura
Opening hours: Daily from 11.30am – 10pm
Other Outlets Include Suntec City, Waterway Point, and Vivocity
