When I think of Mamma Mia, two things come to mind: the musical based on the songs of ABBA; and, the delicious Italian restaurant in the heart of Hua Hin.
Mamma Mia was founded in 1996 by Claudio Ceriani. Located on Naresdamri Road a short stroll from the Hilton, the restaurant has amassed quite a following over the past 20 years with both locals and visitors alike. Be sure to check out the upstairs terrace with a grand view to the Gulf of Thailand. This is a perfect location for a sundowner, before enjoying an Italian feast. The name of the game at Mamma Mia’s is their authentic and traditional home-style Italian cuisine. Many of the core ingredients are imported from Italy.
When it comes to their wood-fired pizzas, all I can think of is gimme, gimme, gimme! The Margherita is the standard pizza I order at an Italian restaurant as it really showcases the pizza chef’s talents – and it is always top notch at Mamma Mia. Fun fact: the Margherita was created to honour Italy’s Queen Margherita, and is made with red tomatoes, white mozzarella cheese and green basil – all the colours of the Italian flag. At Mamma Mia, the breads and pastas are all made fresh daily, with locally sourced as well as imported ingredients.
The restaurant prides itself not only on the pizza and pastas, but also on an abundance of fresh seafood and fine cuts of meat. On a recent visit we were enticed by a grain-fed tomahawk steak that weighed in around a kilo! So on a Friday night when the lights are low, and you’re looking out for a place to go, I suggest Mamma Mia. In fact, any night of the week is a great time to visit, because when all is said and done, a meal at Mamma Mia is a meal to savour. Location: 8/4 Naresdamri Rd. Hua Hin Hours: Open daily 11.30am-2pm; and 5.30pm-10pm Contact: 032 512 250
