Sometimes great things come from humble beginnings, and this is certainly true of Mamma Teresa Ristorante. In 1960, the Boselli family left the hills of Parma in Northern Italy and settled in Canada's capital. The family brought with them their lust for life, great wine, traditional homemade Italian cuisine and the warm hospitality of a traditional family dinner.
In 1970, Giuliano Boselli and his mother, Mamma Teresa, decided to share these passion with their new hometown, so they opened their arms and kitchen doors to the public with a small family business named in honour of the family matriarch: Mamma Teresa Ristorante.Â
Located in the heart of downtown Ottawa close to Parliament Hill, Mamma Teresa Ristorante has been the spot for politicians to dine and debate since the 1980s. "There's a lot of history in these walls," says co-owner Frank Schimizzi. "We are known as the unofficial 'Liberal headquarters' and the Trudeau's are regular diners. The constitution was signed here!" he exclaims, pointing to a wall covered in historic photos and autographed head shots.
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Best Italian food in Ottawa! Great service, homemade food, big portions, good prices. Will definitely be returning!!
Excellente restaurant italiem ! pas de pizza mais que de la bonne cuisine italienne. Le cadre est vraiment sympa ; c'est chic mais pas trop. Nos différentes pates etaient tout simplement délicieuses. Petite préférence pour la mamma teresa et la carbonara. Le tiramisu excellent, la mousse au chocolat, bof, trop de liqueur de café. Personnel bilingue et efficace.
This Italian restaurant used to be very good place, but it's in desparate need of renovations. The restrooms didn't seem clean. The food is bland and expensive, The spaghetti sauce tastes like it came from a bottle in the supermarket . Service was average. I used to go to this restaurant at least twice a month years ago. I have been back there this summer and was truly disappointed from looking for a parking place in the area. The menu was limited and expensive. The tables were too close to have a private conversation. Please renovate and find new chefs. There is a lot of competition for Italian food that have popped up over the past few years. I will not go back again.
Mamma Teresa's is something of a legend in Ottawa. I can only conclude that it's because a lot of politicians eat there (note the pictures on the wall). There is no way it's because of the food. This was by far the worst italian meal I have ever had. If you want good Italian go down to Preston St. and find something there. As far as I'm concerned this place is a waste of money. My veal and my husbands was absolutely tasteless and the sauce on my daughter's spaghetti and meatballs tasted canned.
I love this restaurant. I just discovered it not long ago and it is now my favourite place to eat. It's a perfect place if you want to go out as couples, a group or large parties. I sugest making a reservation as they are usually busy, especially on weekends. The food overall if very good, and the menu offers a wide selection of food. The service is what makes the night even better. They are always on top of everything, checking on us and making sure everything is perfect. I definatly recomend restaurant which has a beautiful italian heritage inside its walls
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Giuliano Boselli and his mother Teresa opened this restaurant in 1970 to showcase the tastes of Parma, Northern Italy, in the Canadian capital. The friendly, warm and welcoming Italian way of living comes to life through the homey atmosphere at Mamma Teresa’s. Enjoy al fresco dining on the relaxing outdoor patio during the summer months. Menu highlights include veal bocconcini stuffed with fine meat and cheese, as well as a hard-to-resist risotto Parma Rosa.
View this Smart ListEstablished in 1970 by Guilano Bosseli, many a Canadian politician and celebrity have dined here, enjoying his mother’s Parma-inspired comfort food. Legend has it, the Canada Act of 1982 materialized over plates of pasta prepared by Teresa herself. Her recipes are still served today and include family-favourite staples such as cannelloni al forno, linguini in clam sauce, fettuccine alfredo, and spaghetti aglio olio picante with porcini mushrooms. Rather than ordering individual plates, ask for a pasta sampler and share a few different dishes. Be sure to check out the autographed photos of famous diners adorning the walls.
View this Smart ListMamma Teresa Ristorante brings an authentic dining experience to Centretown with their traditional Italian cuisine. Pasta lunches are complemented with the soup of the day or a salad picked by the chef. Spaghetti Mamma Teresa comes with meat, mushrooms and cream sauce, while their linguine alla Tina is served with smoked salmon and shrimp.
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