Mamma Lena Pizza - Germantown

I'm not a huge fan of this place; it's really a hit or miss experience. You never know if it will be good or bad.

We were invited to a catered dinner party at Mamma Lena, and the meal was served family style. The charcuterie board and cannoli were of exceptional quality. The service was friendly and attentive. You really can’t go wrong with this restaurant!

Everything the four of us had this afternoon was absolutely delicious—from the bruschetta appetizer to the Caesar salad, to the entrées and rich desserts! This restaurant has quickly become one of our favorite spots for Italian food in Montgomery County. For vegetarians, the dishes are made to order and can easily accommodate various dietary preferences. As a vegetarian myself, I was pleased to find several options available! Also, gluten-free options are offered. Parking is available for free at the strip mall.

The antipasto dishes we ordered—three in total—were outstanding, and the desserts were equally delightful. This restaurant is definitely worth a visit. That said, I am quite disappointed with the Eggplant Parmesan. It had two main issues: it was too salty, and it lacked the flavor of eggplant. While salt is important in traditional preparation, it should be adequately drawn out. I believe that the quality of the eggplants provided by suppliers plays a huge role. This is why chefs often build relationships with markets to source the best ingredients. I fully understand how challenging it is to prepare this dish; it involves much more than just seasoning and cooking. It borders on a science in how the eggplant is handled. The last time I enjoyed a great version of this dish was at Italian Pines back in the '90s, and when their chef relocated, it felt like a personal loss! Interestingly, she wasn’t even Italian, but looking back, I realize just how well my mother made this dish—something I didn’t appreciate as a child. I truly think Eggplant Parmesan is one of the most complex Italian dishes, not in terms of presentation, but in achieving the right balance of flavor and texture.

I recently enjoyed a takeout dinner that was truly fantastic! The food was outstanding, earning a perfect score of 5 for its deliciousness. The service was equally impressive, also deserving of a 5-star rating for efficiency and friendliness. The atmosphere, although I experienced it only through takeout, suggested a warm and inviting space, reflecting a 5-star ambiance. I highly recommend trying the Bruschetta All'Italiana; it's a must-have! Overall, a remarkable dining experience that I would gladly repeat.