Always love the food, Mila is awesome. Service is fast but the taste is sooooo good. It is well worth the wait. ​

We made a specific side excursion to come here. GPS took us right to the gray building on the corner. There is a very small sign on the sidewalk but mostly you'll know you are in the right place because of the line out the door. Parking is along either side of the street on the side of the building. We were lucky enough to find a place close to the entrance, but it is possible you may need to walk about a block. I did not notice any specific handicapped parking spaces. The area can be very congested, so be aware as you walk. We arrived about 4:30 and the line was at the door but all inside. Ordering is done at the counter on the left. Once you order, you go find seats. All seating is tables. There is also a nice outside patio with umbrellas for the tables. You can also call in your order and then go directly to the pickup side of the counter so you don't need to wait in the long line. The kitchen is open so you can see everything being made fresh, as well as Mama Mila running everything. Menus are available as you are waiting in line, but you can also check out their menu online. Our waitress taking the orders was very friendly. She walked us through the process when we told her it was our first visit. We ordered the June special spicy Calabria rigatoni as well as the Gemma. We also had to try the cheese focaccia with crack sauce. We were able to find a two-top table available once we placed our order. All the drinks are self-serve. There are also "to go" containers next to drink station. The waitresses working the dining area are constantly cleaning or running food to the tables, but they remained very friendly. The food took about 20 minutes to arrive. A waitress brought it to our table and made sure we had everything we needed. The cheese focaccia is very good on its own, but dipping in the crack sauce took it to another level. It was hard to stop eating that and focus on the entrées. The June special was exceptional. The sausage had a bold flavor and held up well against the heavier cheese-filled rigatoni covered in spicy crack sauce. I was not able to finish my plate but can tell you it reheated very well. The Gemma was a surprise. It was definitely a lighter dish, but the flavors were explosive. The mushrooms stood out in the dish and made it one of the best Italian dishes I have eaten. I had a business trip to Italy several years ago and would put this dish against anything I had there. As we left about two hours after we arrived, the line was out the door and down to the corner. It's true the only reason I came here was because I started following Mama Mila on social media because she posted many of her recipes. We did need to make this a side quest on a longer trip, but I say with certainty the quest was well worth the extra time and distance. One thing to know is the desserts are generally not available on Wednesday, so now I have to plan another long trip arriving there later in the week. read more

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If restaurants had a last call, we apparently slid into Mama Mila's at the right moment. We arrived just before Mama Mila herself had to cut off the line because they had such a rush they almost sold out!!! I understand why....we managed to score one of the best meals we've had in Columbia. The pasta was absolutely incredible....fresh, flavorful, and the kind of food that makes you stop talking for a minute because everyone is too busy eating. Thinking we'd show some restraint, we ordered dessert to go. That plan lasted about as long as our leftovers. The peanut butter pie was spectacular, and the carrot cake may have ruined all future carrot cakes. The food was fantastic, but what really stood out was the atmosphere. At one point Mama Mila stood on a chair and announced instructions tot the whole restaurant and expressed her love and that every patron was "family". You can tell this place is loved by the community, and seeing Mama Mila personally managing the crowd only added to the charm. Pro tip: Get there early. We barely made the cutoff and almost missed out on a meal we'll be talking about for a long time. Five stars. We'd gladly race the clock again. read more

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Visiting Tennessee for the second time, my cousin insisted I try this Italian restaurant. Having eaten authentic Italian food in Southern Italy, I was a little skeptical at first even though the Yelp photos looked amazing. I came in hoping to like it, but I ended up loving it. I'm usually not a big fan of American Italian food because I can often taste that metallic flavor that sometimes comes from canned tomato sauce. The Nunzio, however, was absolutely incredible. The sauce was rich, fresh, and packed with flavor! honestly perfection! One of my favorite parts of the experience was getting to chat with the owner, Mila. She was so kind and welcoming, and you can immediately tell she's one of those genuinely good people who puts her heart into what she does. Great food, great atmosphere, and wonderful people. I'll definitely be back the next time I'm in Tennessee! read more

Mama Mila’s - Nunzio - Italian Near Me - Columbia, Tennessee

Simply wow! This is some of the best Italian food I've had outside of Italy. Absolutely fantastic. We ordered the Fat Tony's lasagne, stuffed rigatoni, and the Shari, which is a penne pasta. What makes this restaurant original is the fact that you stand in line, or at the counter, then sit down. They will bring your food to you at that point. You cannot sit at a table until after you place an order. During peak times, the lines can get very long. It IS worth the wait...and weight! Bottom line - absolutely magnificent authentic Italian food. A definite must try. Buon appétito, y'all. read more

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Third visit to Mama Mila's, and this time for dinner, and it absolutely did not disappoint. I ordered the spaghetti with meat sauce along with a meatball, which came with fresh focaccia, and it was all incredible. My sons went for the bacon cheese penne, lasagna, carrot cake, and the Limoncello "Fat Girl's Delight" (yes, it's as amazing as it sounds). Our visiting friends tried the lasagna and penne in the crack sauce; every single dish at the table was a hit. And Mila herself? An absolute gem. She stopped by to chat with us for a bit, and her warmth and passion shine through in everything she does. You can really feel the love in both her food and her restaurant. We just adore her and this place. Can't wait to come back again! read more

Mama Mila’s - Spaghetti with meat sauce - Italian Near Me - Columbia, Tennessee

Came across Mama Mila's reels a few weeks ago and she totally caught my attention. Took a drive out to Columbia with high expectations after watching her cook up some of these dishes. I knew to arrive early and there was a small line when the doors opened at 4:00pm. Order at the register and wait for your name to be called and food delivered to your table.  I pretty much knew what I was having when I walked in and ordered Cheesy Focaccia and the Shari. When Mila said the sauce was addicting...that was an understatement. The Augi "Crack" Sauce has to be experienced...it's that darn good. The Shari is perfect...Al dente rigatoni pasta, plenty of "crack" sauce, and two HEAVY meatballs. The sauce has a slight sweetness to it and really sticks to the pasta and the meatballs. I normally have leftovers to take home, but in this case the pasta and meatballs vanished! I do have some of the bread though, the cheese bread is wonderful dipped in the sauce.  The food here is incredible, service fast, and if your still hungry after the pasta, they have a bakery case that will blow you away. read more

Mama Mila’s - Italian Near Me - Columbia, Tennessee

Food is amazing and service is good, be ready to wait in a line but let me tell you it is worth it!

During a haircut one day, I asked my barber for a good recommendation for a solid Columbia dinner spot for a special occasion. The conversation to the best of my recollection went something like this. "Have you ever heard of Mama Mila's?" I responded, "no I haven't. What is it?" He excitedly responds, "Oh it's fantastic. It's an awesome Italian spot in the Arts District. It can get a tad pricey, but totally worth it. The food is outstanding especially if you order anything on the menu with extra' crack sauce'. "Crack sauce? I laughed. "I'm intrigued." "Oh yeah, it's so good." He continued. "It's also BYOB so you can bring your own special wine to pair with the meal. You self-order up front and then go find a spot to go hang out. It's a vibe for sure. It's definitely worth checking out. " Thanks for the recommend! I will definitely have to check them out." I responded. He added a word of caution, "I will warn you that when they run out of something they're done for the night, so make sure you get there before they sell out of their specialties." "Good to know." I said. "Thank you!" And so, my barber's recommendation did not let me or the others in our party down when we visited. My wife's birthday was a success. The food was 10 out of 10 Italian. Our friends enjoyed it and we have taken other friends here on our personal recommendation since. Mama Milas represents Italian food well. But, I will say it also represents some of the best of Columbia. read more

Mama Mila’s - Get in line to experience "crack sauce" - Italian Near Me - Columbia, Tennessee

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Great customer service and always busy but that's because the food is great. They work toward satisfaction. Cute little warehouse set up. Nice!! read more

Food was excellent! I forgot to take photos ;) Friday evening, there was, of course, a bit of a wait. Guests stand in line to order at the counter prior to selecting there seats. It actually moves quite efficiently. The staff is all very friendly, and the restaurant has cool, industrial vibes. The portions were large and very filling. We all had leftovers to take home! read more

Mama Mila’s - lasagna - Italian Near Me - Columbia, Tennessee

Simply AMAZING! We had the stuffed Rigatoni and the Gemma! My husband saw her on Tv a few years ago and we were passing through and decided to stop! Best decision all day! Mila came by and talked to us as well! Family owned and ran! All things fresh and just scrumptious Italian food! The bread was delicious!!!!! Don't come in here expecting a skinny food menu.... Wrong place! All things fat in here! And we are sooo happy about it! Ohhh the lemon cream cheesecake was amazing too! We will be back!!!! Ate the cake so fast - missed that pic! go you will not be disappointed!!!! read more

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If you're looking for some authentic Italian in middle Tennessee without the frills, look no further. While the entree menu is entirely pasta-centric (no chicken parm here), it does offer some variety of different options. My only feedback was that our food wasn't served hot. It was warm at best, but the flavors were fantastic and the staff was very nice. We got the stuffed rigatoni, the red sauce lasagna, the spaghetti bolognese and the Shari. Oh-- and the amazing chocolate cake. Insanely good. Last note, we got there right when doors opened at 4 and there was already a line out the door (this means it's very good, not a complaint here). Definitely come here at least 20-30 minutes ahead of when you're actually hoping to eat. read more

Mama Mila’s - Shari - Italian Near Me - Columbia, Tennessee

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This is easily in my top three favorite Italian restaurants in the greater Nashville area. Mama Mila's is such a cool spot with an amazing vibe, the friendliest staff, and hands-down some of the best Italian food I've had. You can truly feel that it's family-owned and operated, everyone is so welcoming and kind. I always order the Augi, and the crack sauce is absolutely to die for. Like... Everything is fresh, flavorful, and made with so much care. If you're looking for authentic Italian food with heart, this place is a must. Do not try calling them, they don't answer. read more

Mama Mila's lived up to the hype! Delicious Italian food, a fun vibe, and food made from scratch without seed oils! I've been following them on Instagram and was so excited to try them. I knew that they get very busy. I planned to arrive at opening for lunch on a Saturday. We arrived around 11:15 and there was already a line and the restaurant was almost full. Fortunately, we were able to snag a table inside! The restaurant interior is very unique. It looked like a former auto shop. They made it warm and cozy considering the space's former life. They have an outdoor patio with seating plus a large indoor dining room. I liked the open concept kitchen where we could see all of the food being prepared. The Shari and Nunzio were both delicious. Both came with a generous portion of pasta and a large piece of delicious house made focaccia. Both pastas had their crack sauce which is a blend of marinara and Alfredo. The meatballs in the Shari were meaty and tasty. We really enjoyed both of these dishes. We took home a piece of Peanut Butter Pie. This was very good. It was not overly rich which I liked. The pasta pricing was reasonable for the quality and portion sizes. I love that a delicious bread comes with each dish. All of the pasta dishes can come in a kid portion instead of limiting kids to marinara or butter pasta. Since we were there early the grab and go case wasn't filled yet. I would love to return and catch it full for goodies to bring home! Overall, Mama Mila's is a truly mom and pop shop with delicious food. This is a favorite of mine in that area. read more

Mama Mila’s - Nunzio - Italian Near Me - Columbia, Tennessee

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Miss Elizabeth Bennet and I, having lately attended a most curious mule festival in the town of Columbia, found ourselves in want of refreshment of a more refined nature. It was thus that we discovered a charming Italian establishment, modest in appearance yet abundant in excellence. The dishes were prepared with remarkable skill, each portion most judiciously served sufficient to satisfy, yet never to excess. Indeed, I cannot speak too highly of the fare, which afforded us both the greatest pleasure. So agreeable was the experience that I find myself quite resolved that we shall return again without hesitation. As an additional delight, the establishment boasts an adjoining ice cream shop, a circumstance which, I must confess, further elevates its appeal. I would most heartily recommend it to any who possess a taste for fine dining and pleasing company. Yours most sincerely, Fitzwilliam Darcy read more

Absolutely worth the 2-hour drive and, it exceeded every expectation. From the moment we walked in, you could feel the warmth and passion behind the restaurant. It didn't feel like just another place to eat; it felt like a place built with heart, and that showed in every part of the experience. The food was absolutely outstanding. The stuffed rigatoni with sausage was rich, flavorful, and perfectly cooked, served in their homemade "crack sauce" which an absolute flavor BOMB. The bolognese tasted authentic and homemade, with incredible depth of flavor that you can only get from food made with patience and care. The Alfredo pasta was easily one of the best we've had in a while, it was creamy, balanced, and not overly heavy like so many places tend to make it. And the tiramisu completely topped the night off. Fresh, light, and packed with flavor, it was the perfect ending to an already amazing meal. Every single dish tasted intentional, homemade, and crafted with pride. What truly made the experience stand out, though, was the atmosphere and service. The staff was incredibly welcoming, attentive, and genuine from beginning to end. You could tell everyone cared about creating a great experience, not just turning tables. But the highlight was seeing the owner personally walking around from table to table, checking on guests, asking how everything was, laughing with customers, and making people feel valued. That kind of involvement is rare these days, and it says everything about the heart behind the restaurant. You can clearly see how much she loves what she's built, and that passion carries over into the food, the environment, and the overall experience. There's something special about a restaurant where you leave feeling like people truly care not only about the food they serve, but about the people sitting in front of them. That's exactly what Mama Mila's feels like. It's the kind of place that reminds you why locally owned restaurants matter so much. Without question, we'll absolutely be making the drive again. Easily one of the best dining experiences we've had in a while. read more

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What's perfection on a plate? Mama Mila's Italian is just that. We've been eating here since 2022 and it never gets old. The service...impeccable. Mama...delightful (and now mostly famous). The food....fantastical. Always fresh, always delicious. Yes, our little corner restaurant now requires a bit longer of a wait, but that's okay, there's no place else like it. Not here, not there, not anywhere. Now, with the gelato and the amazing girls running that shop, it's impossible not to love the entire experience. Don't complain about the lines, don't be upset when they run out of what you wanted (try something new every time), don't expect fancy, just expect the best Italian food in the Nashville area. read more

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Hands down best Italian food in TN. From pasta, to pizza, lasagna, and the fresh focaccia bread I'd cut my arm off for! Carrot cakes is incedible & Mila (the owner/operator) makes you want to give her every $ you have. We are blessed to have her in Columbia, TN. read more

The chef's kiss of Columbia, Tennessee! The food not only tastes like authentic Italian but also like it's made with love! ‍ The vibe of the restaurant is friendly and happy and the family that owns it is gracious and kind! What a blessing this restaurant is to all who enter and enjoy breaking bread here w family and friends! The line is usually out the door but hot tip they do have a separate to go line if you are in a hurry but just need your Mama Mila fix! They also have a grab and go coolers with pizzas! Let's talk food: The Fat Tony is a must and you have to get there early before they run out bc they do sell out! It's got the crack sauce on it and it's delicious! There is only so much lasagna made a day so hurry! I love anything with their fresh handmade meatballs and heck I'll just order the meatballs and a salad sometimes bc it's so good if I'm watching carbs! If you don't get the cheesy focaccia bread then you are just missing out my friends! It's 2 huge squares and it's so good dunked in the crack sauce it comes with! Plus you get a smaller regular focaccia slice on each entree plate! The desserts are just icing on the cake and I can't wait for the Gems Gelatos opening this week! You will leave fat and happy knowing you had a homemade meal made the highest quality ingredients and a sprinkle of love on top! Columbia is super blessed to have this amazing establishment! Dining here with be life changing I promise! read more

Mama Mila’s - Cheesy bread + crack sauce - Italian Near Me - Columbia, Tennessee

we were visiting from Bay area in california which is known for Italian food . We ate dinner here with our family and it did not disappoint. They know Italian food ! Desserts were great too. I had the lasagna which is a top menu item and it was delicious. It gets busy but worth the wait. read more

SO GOOD. You can bring your own wine too which is niCE . I don't love the stand in line and order deal. But it is what it is. Inside could be more of a vibe but the food is great. read more

Wow !! This place is truly amazing - the food and the service. Yes, 15 friends had to stand in line for 35 minutes but it was worth the wait. The employees made sure we had adjoining tables once we ordered our food. It was nice we could bring our own wine and not be charged a cork fee. We all agreed it was the best Italian food ! read more

Delicious start to finish. The hype is so true, it's literally the best Italian food. Pasta is amazing, staff is fantastic, desserts are delicious. Well Worth every penny. Will rave to everyone and be back as soon as possible. Home cooked, family friendly atmosphere. read more

Awesome food. Great staff. The owners seem like kind, compassionate, down to earth people and deserve nothing but success.

Mama Mila's was fantastic! I had the Nunzio and it was wonderful! Unctuous, savory and full of flavor!

The authentic Italian food is outstanding. Can't wait to get back and visit their new gelato bar. Prices are reasonable. Plenty of parking. One of Columbia's best restaurants. read more

Where do I even begin putting this beautiful experience into words!? 1000/10 It absolutely lived up to what my hopes were for visiting the first time. Mama Mila's embodies community, passion, and grace. The whole team puts in love and effort. This is not a place to rush to and get in and out (unless you take advantage of their beautifully marketed grab and go meals and you better get there early bc they fly off the shelf.) Put your order in, go pick a table and get cozy (not too cozy bc it is a smaller venue and many people clearly adore this establishment as they should! So there is a line typically) We went for my Birthday sans kids. It is a very family friendly restaurant though. I ordered the chicken parm that comes with the noddles sautéed in crack sauce. There is reason it's called crack sauce, they aren't lying! My mans ordered the Shari meatballs with penne also with crack sauce. We both also ordered the side salad with garlic ranch. Oh! Mmm! Gee! It was all so delicious, no doubt it's all made with love. The homemade focaccia bread is so fluffy with the perfect balance of chewiness. Absolutely perfect to mop up all the crack sauce. I can guarantee you can order anything and it's going to be bomb.com! read more

Mama Mila’s - Shari - Italian Near Me - Columbia, Tennessee

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The hype is real! Had a line out the door but Mila made a point to come and chat with everyone personally in line. Food is increadible. Sure it's pricey, but it's hand made - every bit. You can feel the heart and soul they pour into this place when you walk in the building! Carrot cake, also awesome! Gelato! Awesome! Her daughter is a sweetheart! The pizzelle? Just like my nona makes! Love love love. We will be regulars! Thank you Mila! read more

If I died and turned into pasta to be eaten, this is the restaurant I'd want to be my pasta heaven. I mean come on. The Auggie, The Fat Tony. A Columbia staple. Maybe even a universal staple. The cheese cake is so good, I heard God gave it 5 stars on yelp. Mila is a top tier host and treats guests like family. Just go. Do it. read more

What a charming find! This place was packed when I visited, so I had to stand a while before my food came out. Counter service was efficient, and the food delicious. I took the chocolate cake and carrot cake home. They were pricey slices at over $12 a piece, but very delicious. Decor is cute and the energy is great. Stop on in. read more

Mama Mila’s - Out front - Italian Near Me - Columbia, Tennessee

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I SO wanted to love this restaurant, I really did, after it being recommended by so many people, but it fell flat. The bolognese is not traditional bolognese, it's just red sauce with ground beef. It lacked depth and was pretty watery. The cream sauce also needed a bit more flavor, the scallops in the special were really good though! Focaccia was a huge slice which is super nice, but it was so dry and dense. And if you want parmesan you have to track it down from someone else's table because they won't bring you any if you ask and only place out a few communal shakers of it...which of course no one remembers to return to the cart. I will say I'm sure quite a bit of it has to do with how many people have been going, which makes the experience a little less pleasant; from waiting in a long line, limited tables, not being able to just order more things if you want to try, lack of tables, etc. And perhaps the inconsistency in food is due to being unable to keep up with this insane rush. If it wasn't such a hectic environment due to so many people wanting to try, I'm sure it wouldn't be as bad and I'd give it another try. Until the lines die down I probably wouldn't return. read more

Mama Milas was everything you could want in to experience at the North End in Boston or Little Italy in New York, but you are actually just in a quaint perfect town of Columbia Tennessee. Mama Mila was so nice and accommodating! The day we went they also launched their Gelato! All the food was so delicious! The focaccia I still dream about, as it was like the softest edible pillow! I can't wait to go back this fall when we are in town! Make sure you get there early as it's not a secret how good this place truly is! read more

Mama Mila’s - Homemade Desserts for Dayzzz - Italian Near Me - Columbia, Tennessee

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This is the best Italian food I've ever had. When we have friend in town we always take them there. Get the fat tony. It is enough to share! Just make sure you grab an extra slice of focaccia. It is extremely busy at all times so just make sure to be aware read more

Mama Mila’s - This is their fat girls delight! It's on the pricey side for dessert but my husband and I shared this and had leftovers for the next day! - Italian Near Me - Columbia, Tennessee

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We won't be back. We went in with our 3 year old grandson and our close friends for a good meal on June 19 at 4:10PM. We were inside the building with a few parties ahead of us in line. You have to order at the counter, they don't wait tables. Me and one of our friends went to sit down at a table with our 3 Year old grandson and left our spouses to place our orders. Then from nowhere a plus sized purple haired lady came at us literally screaming for us to move if we had not ordered. We were in the process of getting the 3 year olds little trucks off the table and she just kept screaming about a sign we should have seen and the fact that us taking a table kept them from taking additional orders at the counter. She was crazy and finally I said, abruptly, that we understood. Doing so just set her off screaming at everyone in the line. You can't make this stuff up. So much disrespect this day and time. I would have said more to her if not for our 3 year old grandson who looked as if he was in trouble. We got back in line and ordered our food, from Miss Purple hair. That table along with many others were still open when we sat down. I hate to be screamed at as if I were a child. Other customers were equally concerned about the way we were treated. The food was just OK, prices were high, nothing great We all agreed to take this place off our list for places to meet and eat on Friday nights. read more

The Nona and Augi were excellent and the side salad was fresh and tasty with the pesto dressing. Service was friendly and quick. The ambiance was repurposed industrial (looked like it had been an auto service garage in a former life. If all their dishes are as on point as the above, then you can't go wrong. read more

Mama Mila’s - The Nona and side salad with sweet tea - Italian Near Me - Columbia, Tennessee

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Wow! This is the best, and I mean BEST, Italian food I have ever had!!! I got the Shari pasta. The sauce, amazing! Meatballs, delicious! The bread, so good! I will be back again! But be prepared, we had to wait for quite a while. But it's worth it!!!! read more

First off, Mila is a gem and has the best attitude and demeanor ever! The food is beyond excellent, and literally tastes heavenly. Highly recommend any food, but my absolute favorite is anything that has the crack sauce on it. The vibe inside is like a 50s diner mixed with a mom & pop Italian restaurant. read more

Outstanding Italian unexpected in Tennessee. Thank you I need a taste of home. I now know where to eat lunch on way to and from Alabama. read more

Mama Mila’s - Nunzio with an added meatball. Yummy - Italian Near Me - Columbia, Tennessee

Really enjoyed everything! Came for the second time bringing friends who had never been. We drove 45 min to come back we enjoyed it so much our first visit. Food is hot, fresh, and super flavorful. Salad was great with unique and flavorful garlic ranch, pesto ranch dressings. So good. Love that we can bring our own wine and they provide the glasses with no corking fee. Pastas were all amazing and staff was friendly and helpful. read more

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