It didn't take this native New Jerseyan more than two weeks to conclude that the pizza in the general vicinity of campus was mediocre, at best. Fortunately, upon receiving a recommendation from a friend, I finally uncovered the Holy Grail of pizzerias that I had spent my entire first semester searching for: Mama Palma's.
Nestled on the corner of 23rd and Spruce streets, Mama Palma's has been doing business in Philadelphia since February of 1997, and 43-year-old Renato Russo -- who co-owns and operates the restaurant with his sister, Brunella -- has much to be proud of. The walls are adorned with countless accolades from local area publications, many of which are for "Philadelphia's Best Pizza."
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Like an extended Italian family, his staff has been with him since day one, and there's absolutely "nothing to hide" when it comes to preparing their spectacular wood-fired brick oven pizzas.
Made entirely from fresh ingredients each day, Mama Palma's pizzas are hand-prepared to suit a broad spectrum of customer preferences. With choices as varied as Peking duck ($9.15 small, $16.55 medium, $19.25 large), veal sausage and brie ($8.15 small, $14.55 medium, $18 large) and Maryland crab and asparagus ($9.15 small, $16.55 medium, $19.25 large), there truly is a little something for everyone.
For customers with special dietary concerns, there are over a dozen vegetarian alternatives, such as grilled eggplant parmesan ($8.15 small, $14.65 medium, $18 large), as well as FDA-approved low-fat options, like grilled teriyaki chicken ($8.75 small, $14.55 medium, $18 large). Interestingly, Russo only employs two pizza-makers, so habitual diners can be guaranteed consistency in both the taste and texture of their pies.
If you're not in the mood for pizza, Mama Palma's also offers more traditional Italian fare with breads and salads, as well as gourmet panini, calzones and homemade pasta. A nice variety of bottled beers are available, as well as soda, cold juices, coffee, cappuccino, espresso and hot tea. Customers are welcome to bring their own wine.
I thought that my meal couldn't have been any better after sampling a small margherita pizza ($7.15) -- until I was presented with the dessert menu. Mama Palma's imported Italian desserts are too good for words and perfectly complement the superb quality and unbelievable taste that their main courses provide, leaving you full yet fully satisfied.
The bottom portion of the menu cover mentions "Mama Palma's Hospitality," and Russo and his family are nothing short of accommodating in all their endeavors; the restaurant is handicap-accessible, families are encouraged to bring younger children and Russo frequently thanks his regulars for their business with complimentary polenta bread ($6.25) or desserts.
Mama Palma's is a must-visit for anyone in the Philadelphia area who craves some hearty Italian cooking with a 21st century twist and a family-friendly ambiance.
