Ober Mamma, Paris
The Venue
If you’ve ever been to one of the “(…) Mamma"s of Paris—or now London too!—(they’re a chain in the best possible sense of the word) you know the vibe, but the good thing is you don’t know the exact atmosphere of a specific Mamma until you’ve been there. Ober Mamma in Oberkampf is one of the hippest Mammas out there with the provocative frescoes on the wall and the high ceiling, and the food is extremely good value for the price (focused on pastas and pizzas, but with lots more to offer in terms of appetizers and desserts). The only caveat is that you’ll likely have to wait in line, but for very good reason.
There are multiple dining rooms in the restaurant, we sat by the windows at the front of the restaurant, right across the bar area. It’s very lively because it’s so over-subscribed, but you’re sure to get great service in a lovely setting. Most importantly, a lot (all?) of the produce comes from Italy and pretty much everything tastes insanely good.
The full spread
Focus on that great pasta now
The Food
Starters
We forewent starters this time around in favor of cocktails, but they have a giant plate of beef carpaccio which we highly recommend.
Main Courses
The Famous Pasta with Truffles
It is what the title suggests—and it turns heads while coming your way because of the trail of sumptuous fumes it leaves in its wake. If you like pasta the least bit, and if you like truffles the least bit, just get this. You won’t be disappointed. Creamy and intensely flavorful.
The Burrata Neymar Pizza
Hearts of burrata cheese, briny green olives, fresh basil, on top of a San Marzano tomato sauce, all on top of one of the best Neapolitan pizza doughs you’ll find anywhere any side of Naples, finished in a wood-burning oven. Heaven.
The Drinks
Cocktails
Mangoo Mule
Essentially a mango-y Moscow mule that switches the vodka for bourbon—I’d get it again just for the bird-shaped drinking glass. Tastes good too.
Big Mamma
If I’m not mistaken, this is what Meriç got—it’s essentially the Moscow mule on the menu. Well executed, as with anything else at this restaurant.
