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Mama D's Italian Kitchen (Rolling Hills)
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
Mama D's Italian Kitchen (Rolling Hills)
8.2
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Trendy Table Hotspots
The Rolling Hills Plaza outpost of Mama D’s brings the brand’s crowd-pleasing pastas and pink-sauce plates to a busy South Torrance shopping center. Expect energetic service, garlic-heavy appetizers, and big, shareable bowls that make it a popular choice for family dinners before or after errands.
Must-Try Dishes:
Penne with pink vodka sauce, Cheese ravioli with marinara, Garlic knots with marinara
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Lively, bigger-portion Italian with the brand’s signature pink-sauce pastas.
Who should go: Families and groups fueling up around shopping runs
When to visit: Peak evenings with a reservation or call-ahead list
What to order: Penne pink vodka, cheese ravioli, garlic knots
Insider tip: Share appetizers and one pasta per two people to keep costs down.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Ample free lot parking within Rolling Hills Plaza; spots near the entrance fill during peak dinner hours but overall availability remains strong.
Dress code: Casual and family-friendly; jeans, tees, and comfortable attire are completely appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate-to-loud during peak dinner periods with energetic service and families; manageable for group conversation but not ideal for quiet talks.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation or call-ahead, especially between 6–7:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait; typically seated immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Multiple vegetarian pastas, salads, and appetizers; easy to customize most dishes.
Vegan options: Limited—some salads and pasta-with-marinara configurations; confirm ingredients with staff.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free pasta available upon request, though cross-contact is possible due to a busy kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you're aiming for casual and lively—the room is high-energy and family-oriented, better suited for established couples or relaxed meetups than romantic first impressions.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common, but expect a 30–60 minute wait at prime dinner hours. Using the call-ahead list significantly reduces wait times.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—high chairs, booster seats, and space for strollers. The menu is approachable for all ages and staff is used to accommodating families.
Best For
Better for: Large portions, friendly service, and crowd-pleasing pastas make it stronger than competitors for family dinners and group outings.
Skip if: Skip if you're seeking a quiet meal, elevated regional Italian cooking, or a special-occasion ambiance—other South Bay Italian spots offer more refined experiences.
Mama D's Italian Kitchen (Rolling Hills)
8.0
Mama D's at Rolling Hills Plaza is a warmly lit Italian restaurant known for generous portions, friendly service, and a menu that runs from pizzas and calzones to classic red-sauce pastas. Diners often start with garlic bread or salad and split a pie, making it a natural fit for family dinners and casual date nights. The room feels more like a busy neighborhood trattoria than a formal dining room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita pizza, House special sausage and pepperoni pizza, Cheese calzone with marinara
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Family-style Italian spot where pizzas, pastas, and warm service dominate.
Who should go: Families and couples craving classic Italian-American comfort.
When to visit: Early evening to avoid waits and enjoy a relaxed pace.
What to order: Margherita pizza, a sausage-pepperoni pie, and a calzone.
Insider tip: Share a pizza alongside a pasta entrée to sample more of the menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Ample free parking in the Rolling Hills Plaza lot, usually easy even during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual to casual-nice; jeans, tees, and sweaters are all common.
Noise level: Moderate—busy family energy but still workable for conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: 25–45 minutes during peak hours, especially between 6–7:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; immediate seating is common.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several pizzas, pastas, salads, and starters are naturally vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—salads can be modified, and some pizzas can be ordered without cheese.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free pasta is available; gluten-free pizza options vary by day so ask when seated.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a warm, relaxed trattoria vibe with shareable dishes. It’s more cozy and casual than upscale, making it ideal for a low-pressure, comfortable first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes. Walk-ins are common, especially earlier in the evening or later after the main rush. Weekends may require a short wait but the turnover is steady.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—high chairs, friendly service, and big booths fit families well. Ideal for kids 3+ who can enjoy pasta and pizza, though toddlers are welcome too.
Best For
Better for: Generous portions, warm service, and a cozy neighborhood feel—ideal for families, comfort-food cravings, and casual dates.
Skip if: You’re looking for ultra-authentic regional Italian, fine dining, or a quieter, upscale ambiance.
Mama D's Italian Kitchen (Rolling Hills)
8.3
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Birthday & Celebration Central
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Mama D's Rolling Hills brings the brand's crowd-pleasing pastas and warm hospitality to Rolling Hills Plaza, with lasagna and ravioli leading a hearty, family-style menu. The space is upbeat and casual, balancing celebratory energy with service that feels personal and welcoming.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tony's Lasagna, Gerson's Short Rib Ravioli, Chicken Parmigiana
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Big-portion lasagna and pastas served with highly engaging, friendly service.
Who should go: Families and groups craving lively, hearty Italian dinners.
When to visit: Early evening before peak waits build at dinner.
What to order: Tony's Lasagna, short rib ravioli, garlic bread.
Insider tip: First-time guests are often treated to complimentary tastes, so mention you are new.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Ample free parking in the Rolling Hills Plaza lot; fills up during peak weekend dinner hours but turnover is steady.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; most guests arrive in jeans or relaxed dinner attire suitable for family outings and celebrations.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak hours; conversation is doable at most tables but the celebratory energy raises volume on weekends.
Weekend wait: 35–60 minutes without a reservation, especially after 6:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, with quick seating for both small and large parties.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Multiple options including lasagna, ravioli, salads, and customizable pasta plates.
Vegan options: Very limited; pasta sauces skew cream- and cheese-heavy, but marinara-based combinations may work with modifications.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free pasta is available on request, though not all dishes can be adapted; cross-contact precautions are limited due to a busy kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works for a casual, upbeat first date if you want comfort food and warm service, though the lively atmosphere isn’t ideal for a quiet, intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a wait during prime dinner hours. Arriving early or joining the waitlist ahead of time helps minimize delays.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. Highchairs, large booths, kid-approved pastas, and friendly staff make it easy for families with children of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Warm, personal service and big-portion, crowd-pleasing pastas that suit celebrations, family gatherings, and groups wanting a lively Italian dinner.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet, date-night Italian spot or refined, region-specific Italian cooking; the experience here leans hearty, casual, and energetic.
Mama D's Italian Kitchen (Rolling Hills)
8.1
Vibes:
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Birthday & Celebration Central
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
The Torrance outpost of Mama D’s Italian Kitchen brings the brand’s friendly, family-style energy to a Skypark-adjacent patio with twinkle lights and big plates of pasta. It’s where groups gather for garlic knots, baked pastas, and celebratory carb-loading before or after neighborhood events.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic Knots, Famous Homemade Ravioli, Chicken Parmigiana
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 6.3
What makes it special: Lively Italian kitchen with a spacious, twinkle-lit patio near Torrance Airport.
Who should go: Families and celebration groups wanting energetic, carb-heavy dinners.
When to visit: Prime-time evenings when the patio is full but still manageable.
What to order: Garlic knots, homemade ravioli, chicken parmigiana.
Insider tip: Plan for a wait and enjoy a drink outside; patio tables are highly requested.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Large shared lot in the Skypark complex with plentiful spaces; fills during peak dinner hours but usually manageable.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; families and groups come dressed comfortably, but nicer tops are common for celebrations.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially on the patio during prime hours; conversation is doable but can require raised voices during peaks.
Weekend wait: 35–55 minutes without a reservation, especially for patio seating.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait; groups may wait briefly for larger tables.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection including pastas, appetizers, and salads; many sauces and dishes can be customized.
Vegan options: Limited; a few modifiable pasta and salad options but expect to request adjustments.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free pasta is available upon request, though no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual or second-date energy than a first impression; the lively patio and hearty portions set a fun tone, but it isn’t quiet or intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common—but expect waits during peak evenings. Arrive early or be open to indoor seating to reduce delays.
Is it kid-friendly? Very; the menu appeals to younger diners, staff is accommodating, and the patio works well for families with strollers or energetic kids.
Best For
Better for: Large-group celebrations, kid-friendly pasta nights, and upbeat patio meals with generous portions.
Skip if: You want a quiet date-night atmosphere, elevated regional Italian cooking, or strict vegan and gluten-free accommodations.
Mama D's Italian Kitchen (Rolling Hills)
8.3
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
Trendy Table Hotspots
The Rolling Hills–area outpost of Mama D’s brings the brand’s high-energy service and carb-heavy Italian to a Skypark-adjacent dining room that’s already drawing long waits. Twinkle lights, loud tables, and endless garlic knots make it feel like a party spot that still fits into the local South Bay dinner rotation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic knots, Homemade ravioli, Chicken Parmigiana
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Loud, friendly Italian house where service, garlic knots, and celebrations drive the night.
Who should go: Families and big groups wanting upbeat, carb-forward dinners.
When to visit: Prime evenings with a reservation; early weeknights for shorter waits.
What to order: Garlic knots, homemade ravioli, Chicken Parmigiana.
Insider tip: Mention birthdays when you book; staff leans into celebrations and photos.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared surface-lot parking at Skypark is generally available, but fills during peak dinner hours; overflow street parking on adjacent roads is typically easy.
Dress code: Casual to slightly dressy-casual; most guests wear jeans, nice tops, or relaxed dinner wear suitable for family celebrations.
Noise level: Loud during peak evenings with energetic tables and birthday shout-outs; expect raised voices for conversation.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially during prime hours.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable; this outpost is primarily dinner-focused, and early weekday evenings usually have little to no wait before 6pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid range of options, including salads, pastas, and customizable dishes.
Vegan options: Limited; most items require modifications, and sauces often contain dairy.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes can be made gluten-free upon request, but pasta substitutions are limited and cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want a lively, high-energy atmosphere; it’s more celebration-forward than intimate, making it better for casual or fun dates than quiet ones.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a wait on weekends. Walk-ins are common; arriving before 6pm or joining the waitlist early helps minimize delays.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. Portions are generous, service is upbeat, and the staff is used to families; best for children ages 4 and up who can handle louder dining rooms.
Best For
Better for: Celebrations, birthdays, and big-group Italian dinners with upbeat service and hearty portions.
Skip if: You want a quiet Italian date night, refined dishes, or a patio-forward experience with calmer ambiance.
Mama D's Italian Kitchen (Rolling Hills)
8.3
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Birthday & Celebration Central
Comfort Food Classics
Trendy Table Hotspots
The Rolling Hills Plaza outpost of the beloved Mama D's mini-chain brings its famously friendly, "dining with extended family" energy to South Torrance. Big bowls of pasta in pink sauce, garlic knots, and approachable kids’ options make it a natural fit for celebratory family dinners where hospitality matters as much as the food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ravioli with Meat in Pink Sauce, Lasagna, Garlic Knots
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: High-energy, hospitality-first Italian where staff treats families like regulars.
Who should go: Families wanting big portions and warm, playful service.
When to visit: Early dinners; later evenings get busy and loud.
What to order: Ravioli in pink sauce, Lasagna, Garlic Knots.
Insider tip: Mention it’s a birthday; staff often leans into the celebration.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Large surface lot at Rolling Hills Plaza; generally easy except during peak dinner hours and weekends.
Dress code: Casual to slightly dressy casual; families come relaxed, but celebrations often lean a bit nicer.
Noise level: Loud during peak dinner rush—high energy, lots of birthdays; quieter at early dinner.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially after 6pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; walk-ins seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage—several pastas, salads, and customizable dishes.
Vegan options: Limited—sauces and pastas skew dairy-heavy; salads are the safest bet.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free pasta available upon request; cross-contact possible due to busy kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Probably not ideal—energy is loud, playful, and family-focused. Better for casual dates comfortable with noise.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a significant wait on weekends or peak dinner hours. Early arrival improves odds dramatically.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—highchair availability, kid-friendly menu, playful service, and a lively room where noise isn’t an issue for younger children.
Best For
Better for: Celebratory family dinners, warm service, big portions, and the classic Mama D’s hospitality experience.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, vegan variety, or a refined Italian experience with subdued ambiance.
Mama D's Italian Kitchen (Rolling Hills)
8.6
The Rolling Hills outpost of Mama D's brings the brand's famously over-the-top hospitality to a dinner-only dining room that feels like an energetic family party. Big bowls of pasta in pink sauce, garlic knots, and a playful staff make it a fun, high-energy option for couples who like their date nights loud and generous.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ravioli with Mama D's Original Pink Sauce, Little Jack's Chicken Marsala, Garlic Knots
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 9.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: High-energy Italian dinners with famously warm, playful service.
Who should go: Couples wanting loud, celebratory pasta nights together.
When to visit: Prime dinner hours; arrive early to avoid long waits.
What to order: Garlic Knots, Ravioli in Pink Sauce, Little Jack's Chicken Marsala.
Insider tip: Let the staff know it’s a special occasion; they lean into celebrations.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Ample free parking in the Rolling Hills Plaza lot; fills up during peak dinner hours but turnover is steady.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; most couples lean slightly dressy for date night but jeans and nice tops fit in comfortably.
Noise level: High-energy and lively; conversation is possible but expect raised voices during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially between 6:30–8:00pm.
Weekday lunch: N/A — this location is dinner-only, so no lunch service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — several pastas, pizzas, and appetizers can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a few salads and customizable pasta options, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Moderate — gluten-free pasta available upon request, though cross-contact is possible in a busy kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a lively, high-energy atmosphere where fun outweighs intimacy. It’s less suited for quiet, get-to-know-you conversations and more for couples who enjoy playful service and big, shareable plates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, but expect a wait during peak hours. Arriving before 6pm or joining the waitlist early greatly improves your odds of getting seated faster.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with older kids who handle lively rooms well. No dedicated play space, but the upbeat staff and generous portions make it comfortable for family groups.
Best For
Better for: Loud, celebratory Italian dinners with big portions, warm hospitality, and a fun date-night energy that feels like a party.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic dinner, minimalist cuisine, or a subdued environment — the room’s natural energy leans loud and social.