On our way from the northeast to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and stopped in Salem for the night. Read the reviews for restaurants in the area and Mamma Maria's came up multiple times with great reviews so we tried it! We were not disappointed! The wine was reasonably priced as were the entrees. The lasagna was delicious and the special Arugula salad with pesto and jumbo shrimp was fantastic! We were so enjoying our entrees we forgot to leave room for the gelato. Our wonderful waitress (I think her name was Amanda ?) went and got us a sample spoon to test all the different flavors! What a wonderful dining experience! read more

Great service, quick service and the food was fantastic. Crab bisque soup was amazing!

Stopped by on a trip from NC to MD, and was pleasantly surprised by the food. We had the buffet, and the meatballs were voted great by one son and the pizza was voted excellent by the other son. The salad bar portion of the buffet left something to be desired, IMHO, but that may be because I've become a salad snob. They also have an espresso machine and gelato (!!). read more

Love their garlic knots, pizza, clam chowder and wings. Great buffet with quality ingredients at a good value. I would have given them 5 stars, but the salad bar was in need of attention this time around. Still very pleased. read more

For an Italian experience in the middle of western Virginia, I'd say you can't go wrong with dining at this restaurant. The staff were hospitable and efficient. The food was good for the area we were in. I would definitely return to this restaurant if I have an Italian food craving. The menu selections were diverse so you could definitely entertain more picky eaters in your party. The food portions are large and you'll get your fair share. read more

Absolutely delicious food - very authentic. Waitresses are fantastic. The only reason I am giving it 3 stars is because after a long family trip, passing through Salem, we stopped to get some dinner. It was about 45 minutes until closing and we just wanted a quick bite to eat. Unfortunately, an employee taking a smoke break outside told us they were close to closing. We said we wanted a quick bite and 45 minutes was plenty of time. In response, he told us we could go in but it didn't mean they'd serve us. We were shocked, especially due to pleasant experiences in the past, but this has kept us away. read more

Finally!! An awesome pizza in the Roanoke/Salem area! Very friendly wait staff, food was great! Will definitely be back

Place used to be good, now overpriced and food is not edible. The manager is rude and very much in denial about the declining state of this restaurant. read more

My husband and I are both seniors so we asked for the senior discount. The waitress smiled and said that the senior discount has smaller portions so We would not have to worry about taking any home with us. Is it really a a Discount if the portions are smaller? The food was also not very good. read more

Went there last night with a $20 for $10 coupon. Got a loaded pizza, an extra cheese pizza, and a Caesar salad. They were all excellent, especially the crust on the pizzas. As good as Cork & Crust and one step below Mellow Mushroom, but until the one in Blacksburg opens later this year, that's a moot point anyway. I will definitely be back for their pizza.... read more

We had a good meal here on our way home from Blacksburg. My husband accidently left his credit card and the owners promptly mailed it back to us. read more

I would like to start off by saying that my wife and I have been eating here once a month or so for the last year and it has been about 3 stars. It was never good enough to write about, and never bad enough either. The waitstaff has been the same the whole time we've been coming and has always done nothing more than clear plates from our table. We never tip anything other than $4 since the service is terrible and the total of our bill is always $17 and change. Well today we went again and had the same *blah* meal and everything was as normal. We walked in and were told to pick a seat since almost every table was open. Sat down and told the agitated teen that was taking our order what we wanted to drink, I set my phone on the table next to the wall and then went to the buffet. Service was terrible with no communication from the server as par for the course. Him bringing the check while we were only halfway through our first plate of food and the soup not even cooled enough to eat was a nice touch however. Once we got to the point where you're not as hungry as you were and the food stops tasting as good as it did we decided it was time to go. I went to pay, wife left the tip and to wash her hands and then out to our truck. It's "Black Friday" today so we weren't sure what we wanted to do next so we sat in the parking lot for about 10 minutes talking it over and ultimately decided to go home. So after the time it took me to check out (the same time the server went straight to the table to get his tip) to the time we sat in the parking lot they could have come out to try and catch us before we left. We were parked right at the door so had anyone come out we would have been right there. When we got home I realized I had left my phone on the table and told my wife. She called it several times and there was no answer. We called up to the restaurant and were told no phone had been turned in. The woman I was speaking to said she asked the bus boy and he said he didn't have it but would ask again if I wanted. I of course said I did because phones are expensive. This time I heard 2 guys in the background talking about my phone and saying "Is he on the phone right now" and "was it him calling it earlier" before one of them said "yeah, we found it." I told the woman we were leaving to come get it right away. We drove straight back there (about 3 miles) and my wife went inside to get the phone. The man standing at the counter greeted her and she informed him of the reason for her visit and he asked her to describe the phone. I have quite a unique case on my phone and she of course knew exactly what it looked like but wouldn't hand her the phone. He stood there holding it in his hands as if there was still some way he might be able to keep it. At this point everything had just rolled along and I hadn't really noticed how fishy everything had been but once my wife handed my phone to me the first thing I did was open it to see my messages and things out of force of habit. I had no new emails, but when I opened up my email there were 15 or so that I had never read but someone had opened. I had no new text messages but things had been texted to me that I hadn't responded to. The worst part is the ringer on the phone was turned all the way down, something I NEVER touch on my phone. **********They had taken my phone, gone through it, and then turned the sound off and tried to keep it.******** I will NEVER go back again and hope people will see this and not think that just because it's a local business that they are trustworthy. We did and learned our lesson. At least we won't be missing out on any good food by skipping this dive. read more

We love the lunch buffet at MM. There's soup, salad bar, garlic knots, chicken wings, meatballs, pasta options and pizza. They're heavy on the garlic, but I love garlic so I'm good with it! Just plan on plenty of breath mints for the rest of the day..... read more

This place is amazing. We went there on a road trip to philly. I would honestly go there from Philly again. We got lasagna and a greek salad. Both were amazing. If you're going through Salem you got to eat here. read more

Not sure what has happened to this place, but had a very disappointing experience this past week. 3 of our party got sick, my chicken was over cooked to the point of burnt the waiter picked up the floor mat then without washing his hands continued to distribute drinks. The wrong entree was brought to two of our party, one went ahead and ate what was served. The replacement for the other was so undercooked it was inedible. When management was contacted he was less than empathetic. Giving the impression he really couldn't have cared less. Subsequently, a report was made to the Salem health authorities. I would be hard pressed to recommend Mama Marias read more

Real surprise. We're from north NJ where there are excellent Italian restaurants. Mama Mia was as good! A little bit of Italy in Salem, Va. Mangia Benne. read more

Delicious pizza. Better than Mellow Mushroom, in my opinion. We ordered a carry out, and it was still hot and perfect when we got it back to the hotel room! read more

On par with anything I ever ate in beautiful Napoli on the bay, and I was there for three years with U.S. Navy!!!! Great food, excellent service, great decor, great people but we miss Alfredo!!!! Love it, Bobby and Suzanne... read more

Great place to stop right off of 81 for our traveling family! The buffet was quick and offered a great selection (soup, salad, pasta, wings, meatballs, ravioli and pizza)! My son proclaimed the pizza to be "Dee-licious!" Very friendly service too! read more

I wish I took a picture of my plate but I was too hungry!!! I traveled from Charlotte, NC for a track meet that is being held in town. The receptionist recommended a couple of restaurants. My son needed pasta to load up on carbs before competition. He ordered the pasta with sauce and I ordered the steak Stromboli. Everything was delicious. The service was awesome!!! If I come back this way, I'm be back!!! read more

Stopped by late yesterday to get a pizza after a softball tournament. The pizza was great. While we waited we had to try the homemade gelato and it rocked. Got to talk to the owner while we waited and super nice. Highly recommend and will return for the buffet at the next tourney. read more

Great pizza but you will pay more than the national brands. I do order it when we want a great tasting New York style pizza.

This is one of our favorite restaurants in Salem. Especially, the lunch buffet. My son adores the pzza and gelato. We have always been vvery happy with the food and service. read more

We were traveling Route 81 and stopped in Salem for the night. Mamma Maria's was near our hotel so we dropped in for dinner. We were pleasantly surprised to be treated to an excellent meal accompanied by attentive service. We were so satisfied with our initial experience that we planned our return trip to enjoy a lunch on the way home, again with excellent food and service. read more

Everything was eh, average at best. The meat sauce very sweet, almost tasted like a sloppy joe. Chicken over cooked and dry. Service was good and everyone was nice. But very old building and decor and average food. Huge servings though. read more

Surprisingly authentic Italian, but some country favorites as well (chicken wings and cornbread). Cheap buffet daily with pizza, pasta, salad, and soup for only $9 read more

I ate here on local recommendations, it was very good. Very authentic Italian place. Great antipasta, i will try to go back in my week in salem read more

Went for the first time last Thursday for dinner. Party of 6 and everybody was thoroughly pleased. The chicken parm was delicious and large enough that two adults could share it and be satisfied. I sampled several of the gelato flavors and all was excellent. I went with the tiramisu which was AMAZING. The owner, Dominick, introduced himself and was very personable. This place will be on my regular list from now on. read more

Caesar salad with blackened salmon was excellent. My wife had the lasagna. Also excellent

This is my go-to place for Italian food. The waitstaff are outstanding. The food is impeccable, and the prices are reasonable for the quality of food they provide. I love to top it all off with their truly authentic, homemade gelato. read more

The service was good here, but the pizza was extremely bland. I hate being negative, but I would not recommend this restaurant. Watery pizza - tasted like something you would take out of your freezer for the microwave. read more

Awesome authentic Italian located in the heart of Salem. Not only is the food delicious, but the atmosphere and friendliness of the staff is hard to match. Every time I go, I'm surprised by the quality and quantity of the food I get for such a good price. The clam chowder is amazing, and I suggest following any meal with some of their rich gelato. Hope they stay open forever. read more

Love the buffet here! The gelato is soooo good. Honestly never had anything bad here. Highly recommend if you're near west main.

So you're in Salem, VA and it's mealtime. A lot of fast food options but don't miss this place instead. It will be busy and that's because of a fast lunch buffet (also a menu if you want) and the food is terrific. Pizza that would be considered good up north so it's exceptional in this part of the country, great dishes and good variety. Reasonable prices. A gem that's easy to miss. read more

If you like your food with Italian attitude, this is your place. I was in town on business and unfamiliar with area. After perusing the restaurants close to my hotel online, I decided to order from Mama Maria's based on their menu online. I placed my order via phone and went to pick it up. When the cashier gave me the total nd it was much more thsn I had anticipated, I was a bit shocked. Iexpressed concern that check was not right. It didn't occur to me that the price online hadn't been adjusted to reflect increases in at least a couple of years. As the cashier and I pondered the difference from whati perceived as a mistake when ringing up, i realized I had not asked current pricing when I placed order. So there was approx. $3.00 difference for Lasagna online versus reality. I could handle that. That is not my real issue. My real issue is the reply I got from who I assume was the owner or manager when he overheard me questioning pricing. The Italian rocket scientist says " What are you gonna do ? It's like the gas- prices go up and down all the time.This is why is says at bottom of menu that prices are subject to change without notice." Well Mr. I'm too sexy for my shirt . I looked at your menu online again when I got back to the room. And guess what , no where on your menu posted online does it say anything about our prices may be subject to change without notice or they are 25 - 30 % higher than posted on website. If you were really an Italian genius, then you would realize that gas prices do rise and fall. But ,they change the fing signs. Doh ! I don't expect anyone who reads this to care about my opinion, but I don't care how good the food may be either (haven't eaten yet) I don't see myself paying high prices for the 'tude with my food. I can go anywhere to get that. They don't have the monopoly on that. Oh well, I doubt the goomba will ever see this because he's evidently not real computer saavy. LOL. Next time I'm in town I'll try one of the other Italian places mentioned in previous revues........ or just go to Denny's. At least I will get what I expect. read more

This place is awesome in every way! Food was incredible, staff was very friendly and fast, and the environment was perfect!

Didn't expect much from an Italian joint located in Southwest Virginia, but I was impressed.

If you are looking for good local Italian food, Mama Maria's hits the spot! The staff were friendly, attentive and prompt. The atmosphere needs some sprucing up but I didn't go there to look at walls, flooring or furniture. My favorite dish is the pasta a la vodka. The flavor and aroma's of the dish hits the senses every time. If you are left feeling hungry after dining here then I suggest you be seen for having a bottomless pit. The portion sizes are large and are guaranteed to be plenty for lunch the next day. Their gelato is fabulous and is a great ending to a delightful meal. Highly recommended! read more

Heard great things about this restaurant, but it was just ok. I asked for the Mediterranean salad with grilled scallops and shrimp, and they were very accommodating to combine the two menu items for me. The shrimp were delicious, but the scallops were a bit rubbery, and the salad was just the mix out of the bag with a slice of bell pepper on top. We also got the Stromboli, which was good, and tortellini with a red bacon sauce, which was flavorful but strong. Service was slow. Overall, this was decent, but not an Italian place that could hold its own in a bigger market. read more

This establishment provides close to the home cooked Italian meals my mother prepared. Nothing fancy but tasty and very fulfilling. The lunch buffet is limited in variety but full of flavors. The pasta can be covered with one of two sauces or eaten with oil and pepper. The pizza is, well, different than that found at your local "huts" in that the crispy thin crust is covered with very tasty tomato sauces and a variety of toppings. The home made garlic and oil covered bread-balls or knots are addictive. Be sure to follow this meal with breath mints. To top-off your lunch or dinner you must try the home-made gelato containing fresh fruits and natural flavorings-including balsamic vinegar, the secret of the "House special flavor." Try it. This is a surprising sweet and tangy flavor that you will talk about. It is akin to a caramel flavor. read more