MAMASAMAS
If you're craving fresh, bold Italian flavors tucked away just blocks from the ocean, Mamasamas in Atlantic Beach is your next must-visit.
I finally made it in for dinner after hearing the hype, and let me just say—this spot lives up to it. It’s one of those places where every dish feels like it was made with care and intention, but without being overly fussy. The kind of meal that feels both indulgent and comforting.
We started with the Pane Fresco—warm, fluffy fresh bread served with olive oil and balsamic. Simple, classic, and exactly what you want to snack on while sipping a glass of wine and settling into the evening.
Next up, the Beef Carpaccio—paper-thin filet mignon topped with candied walnuts, gorgonzola, and a honey-dijon drizzle. The flavors were bold, and the lemon was definitely the standout note here. If you love a bright, citrus-forward bite, this one delivers.
The Gnocchi Arrabbiatta was pure cozy comfort—pillowy gnocchi swimming in a spicy Calabrian chili tomato cream sauce with parm, garlic, and onion. It had just the right amount of kick and richness. A solid pasta pick if you're into something with heat and heart.
The Pistachio Pesto had a lot going for it—creamy stracciatella, fresh basil, parm—but the pistachio flavor itself was pretty subtle. I was hoping for a little more of that nutty depth to come through, but it was still fresh and well-balanced overall. I added some red pepper chili flakes to mine and it added the perfect kick!
And of course, we couldn’t skip dessert—the Tiramisu was light, creamy, and not overly sweet or boozy. Just a soft, dreamy end to the night. BONUS: it was in a cute little coffee mug!
Overall Vibe:
Great for a date night or when you want something elevated but still relaxed. The staff was sweet, the space felt intimate but was a little cramped, and the food had some really fun flavor moments.
Rating: A strong 8.5/10—just a few small tweaks and this would’ve been a perfect ten 🍝
Tip: Make a reservation ahead of time—it’s a small spot and fills up fast.
