Las Pinas’ Best Restaurant is…

Mama Lou's Italian Kitchen Las Pinas collage 1

Having a gastronomic adventure with friends at Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen. (Top L-R) Carlo Lorenzo, Ness Cruz-Carretas, Lex Carretas, Magdalena Cheng, John-Ben Rodriguez, Niko Bolante, Eliza Cruz / (Bottom L-R) Einj Santos, Joyce Cariaso-Bolante, Athena Imperial, Zach Carretas

Different reviews put this as the best restaurant in Las Pinas City. But I didn’t just take their word for it. I experienced it for myself, and believed.

Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen is the only Las Pinas restaurant identified in The Booky Report’s article entitled “Top 5 Most Loved Restaurants Down South for October 2014.” The other restaurants in the top 5 are from cities of Muntinlupa and Paranaque. The Pickiest Eater calls Mama Lou’s “A Gem in the South.” The two reviews refer to southern Metro Manila when they mention “south.” And when you visit this restaurant, you’ll find another proof of excellence displayed on their wall — The Philippine Tatler’s certification of Mama Lou’s as one of its best restaurants of 2014.

Mama Lous Italian Kitchen Philippine Tatler Recognition

With all that said, are you curious about the menu? Click here for my top 10 musts at Mama Lou’s. Their menu has been well thought of. Richard Tremblay, the restaurant owner, said that before dishes make it to the menu, they go through months of perfecting recipes.

Mama Lou's Italian Kitchen Las Pinas -055

Carlo Lorenzo (me) and Mama Lou’s owner, Richard Tremblay

So how did Mr. Tremblay get into the food business? He used to live in Canada but had an Italian influence from his mother’s side, a father who was French, and brothers who are chefs. He worked part time for banquets in order to support his studies focused on information technology. Though he didn’t have formal culinary training, he was received sufficient exposure to develop his palate.

Here in the Philippines, he and his late wife Malou, simplified different dishes through trial and error. His daughter Crystal and their food company’s president, David Sison, also help in creating masterpieces for the menu.

Mama Lou's Italian Kitchen Las Pinas -021

(L-R) Richard Tremblay, Carlo Lorenzo, Crystal Tremblay, David Sison

They started with a French restaurant, Cafe Francais, offering Italian and French cuisine along Aguirre Street of BF Homes. But they discovered that most Filipino guests love Italian food more.

They changed the restaurant into Mama Lou’s in 2010 with more Italian dishes and moved it to where it is now in BF International Village, Las Pinas. The location used to be their old house that they were trying to sell, but there were no buyers. Maybe that was a blessing in disguise.

Mama Lou's Italian Kitchen Las Pinas LogoMama Lou's Italian Kitchen -101

The facade of the restaurant still resembles a house. The signage and lights help guests differentiate this from the other houses along the street.

Mama Lou's Italian Kitchen Las Pinas -063 Mama Lou's Italian Kitchen Las Pinas -068

Once you enter, you get a different feel. The colors of orange and green are everywhere. It has a comforting effect on me. Richard explained that they try to have an old Italian ambiance by using simple furniture, vintage European posters and designs on the wall, and a play of warm colors to make the guests feel at ease. The air-conditioned area on the first floor has 130 seats, 50 seats on the second floor, and 40 seats outside the al fresco area. I also appreciate how clean and beautiful their comfort rooms are.

Mama Lou's Italian Kitchen Las Pinas -062 Mama Lou's Italian Kitchen Las Pinas -059 Mama Lou's Italian Kitchen Las Pinas -043 Mama Lou's Italian Kitchen Las Pinas -047 Mama Lou's Italian Kitchen Las Pinas -053

The servers are friendly and the restaurant owners are hospitable.

It’s best to go here as a group so you can order different items from the menu for sharing.

Mama Lou’s is our top pick and definitely the best restaurant in Las Pinas with its cozy ambiance, warm service, hospitality of owners, and of course, the delicious food.

Mama Lou's Italian Kitchen Las Pinas -011

Crystal Tremblay and Carlo Lorenzo

Mama Lou's Italian Kitchen Las Pinas -017

This photo was taken by the staff of travel show “I Love Pinas” when we featured Mama Lou’s for our Las Pinas special. Thank you to the staff for the photos.

Click here for more pictures of Mama Lou’s Italian Restaurant.

Click here for their menu and top 10 musts.

MAMA LOU’S ITALIAN KITCHEN
Address: Block 1 Lot 36 , Tropical Ave. cor. Palace St., BF International Village, Las Pinas
Tel. Nos.: (02) 519-1977 / 0917-5156262
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamalous
Twitter: @mama_lous
Instagram: #mamalous
Operating Hours: 11am-10pm Sunday-Thursday / 11am-12mn Friday-Saturday

Help keep this website free. Please share the article, like my Appetizing Adventure Facebook Page, and add me as @carloflorenzo on Instagram and Twitter. Thank you.

home

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *