The story
Little Mama’s is the place you come with friends, family, coworkers—anyone you care about. The restaurant features heartwarming foods inspired by classic Italian-American recipes, drawn from the old home-style Italian restaurants of New England in the 1960s and 1970s. That’s the spirit chef Frank Scibelli grew up with, and the one he brought to life when he opened Little Mama’s in 2020 as a sister concept to Mama Ricotta’s, a Charlotte fixture since 1992. A second location arrived in Rea Farms in 2024.
The menu leans into the simple, elegant satisfaction of a proper bowl of fresh pasta, a stiff cocktail, and a knob of just-made mozzarella. The fresh mozz bar is a good place to start—Fior di Latte or Stracciatella made with cream and lemon zest. The scratch-made pastas include Amma’s Ravioli, Ziti al Telefono with Calabrian chili, and Penne alla Vodka with pancetta. The broiler menu, led by Tommasino’s Broiled Chicken, impresses with its directness. The dining room and sun room offer varied spaces for a leisurely meal, and the full bar keeps things comfortable.
Little Mama’s earned a Michelin Recommended designation in 2026, a nod to the quality and consistency of its Italian-American cooking. Whether you’re there for a weekday lunch, Sunday brunch, or a family dinner, the food is straightforward, warm, and well made. No pretense, just good food.
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