Mamma Roma is an Italian restaurant located at 4-7 Antigua Street, Edinburgh EH1 3NH, United Kingdom. Established in 1995 by Mennato Mastrocinque and his father Giovanni, the restaurant offers a variety of Italian dishes, including renowned lasagna and a range of pasta and pizza options. The main dining area is decorated in Tuscan farmhouse style, featuring paintings and medallions. The restaurant is situated near the Edinburgh Playhouse, making it a popular choice for pre-theatre dining. It is also within a 10-minute walk of Princes Street Gardens and a 5-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley train station.
What each source says
- Google Places 4.6 2,739
- Tripadvisor 4.5 2,099
- Open Table 4.8 2,097
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-21.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Authentic Italian Cuisine Mamma Roma offers a wide variety of authentic Italian dishes, from pasta and pizza to seafood, providing a genuine taste of Italy.
- Convenient Location Situated near the Playhouse theatre and Princes Street, Mamma Roma is easily accessible and ideal for pre-theatre dining or a meal during a shopping trip.
- Excellent Value for Money The restaurant provides generous portions at reasonable prices, making it an affordable option for a high-quality dining experience.
- Friendly and Attentive Staff Many reviewers highlight the warm and welcoming service, noting that the staff are friendly, helpful, and go the extra mile to ensure a pleasant meal.
- Welcoming Atmosphere The restaurant offers a cozy and relaxed ambiance, making it suitable for various occasions, from casual meals to special celebrations.
Criticised
- Bottom Restaurant lacks Ambiance Some reviewers indicate that the overflow seating area lacks the ambiance of the main dining room, making it less suitable for special occasions.
- Can Be Noisy and Cramped The restaurant, especially the upstairs dining area, can get quite loud and crowded, which may not be ideal for those seeking a quiet, intimate meal.
- Inconsistent Food Quality While most diners praise the food, some have noted dishes could use more seasoning or have experienced issues with meat quality.
- Inconsistent Thin Crust Pizza The thin crust pizza may not always meet expectations, occasionally being doughy or lacking desired flavor.
- Service Can Be Slow Due to its popularity and fresh food preparation, service can sometimes be slow, particularly during peak hours. Plan accordingly.
The longer read
Mamma Roma is a popular Italian restaurant in Edinburgh known for its authentic Italian cuisine, friendly service, and reasonable prices. Many reviewers highlight the exceptional food quality, noting that the pasta dishes are perfectly cooked and flavorful, rivaling those found in Italy. The menu is extensive, offering a wide variety of choices, including vegetarian options, with many dishes cooked from scratch and made to order. The restaurant is conveniently located near the Playhouse theatre and Princes Street, making it a great choice for pre-theatre dining or a casual meal. The staff is consistently praised for being welcoming, attentive, and friendly, contributing to a warm and enjoyable atmosphere. Many reviewers mention specific staff members by name, indicating a personalized and memorable service experience. The restaurant offers multiple dining areas, including a street-level cafe and a main dining room, with some reviewers recommending booking the main dining room for a more refined experience. Reservations are generally recommended, as the restaurant can get very busy, especially during peak hours. The prices are considered reasonable for Edinburgh, with some reviewers highlighting the value of the set lunch menu and the affordable wine selection. While the majority of reviews are positive, some reviewers mention that the service can be slow at times, especially when the restaurant is busy, but the friendly staff and delicious food usually compensate for the wait. A few reviewers have noted that the food could use more seasoning to their taste, but overall, the quality and taste of the food are highly praised. The restaurant is also commended for accommodating dietary restrictions and special requests, such as half portions or modifications to dishes. Mamma Roma is highly recommended for those seeking an authentic Italian dining experience in Edinburgh, with its delicious food, friendly service, and convenient location making it a popular choice for both locals and tourists.
A synthesis of third-party reviews supplied by Mindtrip travel index. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- 0131 558 1628
- Website
- mamma-roma.net
| Mon | 12:00 - 21:30 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 12:00 - 21:30 |
| Wed | 12:00 - 21:30 |
| Thu | 12:00 - 21:30 |
| Fri | 12:00 - 22:30 |
| Sat | 12:00 - 22:30 |
| Sun | 12:00 - 21:30 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.6 against a median of 4.5 across the 144 places to eat we hold for Edinburgh, where the most-reviewed is Dishoom Edinburgh.
Booking
Still deciding?
- Which menu items at Mamma Roma, such as the lasagna or pizza, are most recommended for first‑time diners?
- What is the best time to book a table at Mamma Roma before attending a performance at the nearby Edinburgh Playhouse?
- Does Mamma Roma require reservations for dinner service, and how far in advance should they be made?
- How does the Tuscan farmhouse style interior of Mamma Roma contribute to the overall dining experience?
- What is the typical price range for main courses at Mamma Roma, and does it offer good value for the quality of food?
Where this comes from
Venue records are drawn from the Mindtrip travel index, which aggregates place data and review signals from Google Places, Tripadvisor and booking providers. Ratings are reproduced per source rather than merged into a single number. Distances to nearby venues are computed here as great-circle distances between the published coordinates, not walking or driving routes. Comparison figures are medians computed across the venues we hold for the same neighbourhood or city.
Source: Mindtrip travel index, captured 2026-08-21.
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.