Mamma Luisa Ristorante Italiano
A charming, family-owned Italian eatery bringing the authentic taste of a village near Bologna to Newport. Cozy ambiance, classic dishes, and fine win...
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Mamma Luisa Ristorante Italiano
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, family-owned Italian eatery bringing the authentic taste of a village near Bologna to Newport. Cozy ambiance, classic dishes, and fine wines.
Reservations Recommended
Book ahead to secure a table, especially during peak hours, to avoid potential waits.
Explore the Wine List
Their extensive wine selection perfectly complements the authentic Italian dishes.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pasta Perfection
Indulge in uniquely rich pasta vongole and hand-cut tagliatelle with hearty ragu. Authentic Northern Italian flavors abound.
Cozy & Romantic Ambiance
Dine in a charming, old-world Italian house setting with intimate nooks and crannies, perfect for romantic evenings.
Heavenly Desserts
Savor delectable homemade tiramisu and rich pistachio cream, or a bright lemon cake, ending your meal on a sweet note.
Plans like a pro.
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Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reservations Recommended
Book ahead to secure a table, especially during peak hours, to avoid potential waits.
Explore the Wine List
Their extensive wine selection perfectly complements the authentic Italian dishes.
Pasta Specials
Don't miss the daily pasta specials for an authentic and flavorful experience.
Save Room for Dessert
The homemade desserts, especially tiramisu, are a must-try and a perfect end to your meal.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reservations Recommended
Book ahead to secure a table, especially during peak hours, to avoid potential waits.
Explore the Wine List
Their extensive wine selection perfectly complements the authentic Italian dishes.
Pasta Specials
Don't miss the daily pasta specials for an authentic and flavorful experience.
Save Room for Dessert
The homemade desserts, especially tiramisu, are a must-try and a perfect end to your meal.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mamma Luisa Ristorante Italiano is lauded for its authentic, flavorful Italian cuisine, particularly its outstanding pasta dishes and heavenly desserts. Diners appreciate the cozy, old-world ambiance and the impeccable service from knowledgeable staff. While parking can be a challenge, the overall dining experience is highly recommended for its warm hospitality and delicious food.
"Absolutely loved our time at Mamma Luisa! It was our first visit, and we fell in love with their pasta vongole. The sauce had a deep, rich flavor that cannot be replicated elsewhere. Prosciutto and cantaloupe dish was just so heavenly! Steak was great, but a little chewy (we requested medium rare). Last but certainly not the least, their desserts were so yummy! I had tiramisu, and my fiancé had a pistachio cream dessert. Of course, we loved both. Our server (Jessica, I think?) was so courteous and knowledgeable and took care of us so well! She’s the best. :)
On the other hand, one of the servers (an older Asian lady) was quite rude to this lovely older couple who sat near us. The way she talked to the couple didn’t sit quite right with us. Her speech was curt and did not seem professional. We heard her say that she has worked at the restaurant for 10 years, so I guess her attitude doesn’t come from her lack of experience. She wasn’t our server, but she made us feel quite uncomfortable whenever she was serving the tables next to us. Since she wasn’t our server, we are not taking a star off, though!"
Diane Lee
"Fabulous, authentic-feeling old school Italian restaurant at the edge of a neighborhood in Newport. Great wine selection, and order whatever pasta special they have for the day. Desserts (lemon tart and lemon sorbetto) are on the overly sweet side (common in Italian baking/cooking, alas - desserts are not often the standout items) and the spinach and onion contorni were nothing special, so stay focused on the pastas, excellent wine list, and whatever their specials of the day are."
Chelsea Kinsman
"I loved loved loved this place. I went for Easter with a group of friends. The food was amazing and they have an excellent wine list too. They also have an amazing assortment of desserts. My favorite was the lemon cake!!!"
Kailah O'Brien
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Parking can be challenging in the area. Some diners recommend using the Wellington Resort lot, which is a short walk away. The restaurant does have a few spots in the back.
It is recommended to make reservations in advance to avoid waiting, especially during peak dining hours.
Many guests rave about the pasta vongole, the tagliatelle al ragu bolognese, and their homemade tiramisu.
Yes, the restaurant is described as having a cozy, intimate, and romantic ambiance, making it ideal for couples.
Yes, the restaurant is noted to be vegetarian-friendly and also offers a gluten-free menu.
The atmosphere is warm, cozy, and intimate, set in an old house with a nostalgic, old-world Italian feel.
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Featured in these publications
20 Best Restaurants in Newport, Rhode Island (2022)
Mamma Luisa Restaurant is a family-owned and operated restaurant that brings the authentic taste and atmosphere of a little village near Bologna where the real Mamma Luisa to the heart of Newport. The longtime eatery has a warm and welcoming ambiance with a few quaint dining spaces for intimate and romantic dining. The restaurant serves a simple menu of traditional and authentic Northern Italian cuisine, ranging from freshly prepared salads and appetizers to hearty meat and fish entrées, hand-tossed, wood-fired pizzas with a variety of toppings, and decadent desserts.
All Restaurants in Newport, Rhode Island, United States
In the old world, in a little village near Bologna, lives the real Mamma Luisa who cooked for her own restaurant for over forty years. In 1992 the next generation of family and friends decided to recreate in Newport the same authentic taste and atmosphere of northern Italian cuisine.
Some of the best places to dine in Newport
Mamma Luisa, 673 Thames St., (401) 848-5257, mammaluisa.com, is on lower Thames, far from the maddening crowd. You visit here for excellent Italian food, fine wines and romantic dining in the nooks and crannies of a house. Is it perfect for a romantic dinner for two?
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For 40 years, a real-life “Mamma Luisa” served quality food at her restaurant near Bologna, Italy. Since 1992, her family has carried on that tradition in Newport. The restaurant is located in a house, and the ambiance tends toward the cozy-romantic.
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Tucked in Thames Street in the Fifth Ward, Mamma Luisa is a hidden gem of coziness. Enjoy a large menu of authentically Italian cuisine in a space that feels like a family home. This story was originally published on January 27, 2022.
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For a warm, welcoming atmosphere, delicious Italian food, and an extensive wine selection, check out Mamma Luisa. You can enjoy Northern Italian cuisine, luscious desserts, and a vegetarian and gluten-free menu, as well.
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Mamma Luisa - located down Thames Street past all of the hustle and bustle, Mamma Luisa has the best Italian food. It's also a restaurant built into an old home, giving you all the more homemade Italian feel.
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8:00pm – Enjoy a home cooked dinner at Thame’s Street authentic Italian restaurant, Mamma Luisa. Great food, classy service, and an elegant atmosphere await you at one of Newport’s finest restaurants.
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Mamma Luisa is one of my favorite old school restaurants in Newport. Serving up classic Italian dishes in a cozy atmosphere, Mamma Luisa has been a staple in town since the 90s. 673 Thames St, Newport
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This charming Italian restaurant serves authentic family recipes. The Bombette Pomodoro e Rucola, with homemade marinara sauce, is a culinary masterpiece that transports you straight to Italy.
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673 Thames St, Newport, RI 02840Phone: 401-848-5257 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Mamma Luisa Restaurant (@mammaluisarest)
Things to do and Places to Stay in Newport RI
Mamma Luisa is a cornerstone of the restaurant scene on Thames Street. The menu offers exactly what you want when you want Italian food.
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