This Soho Eatery Is A Beyonce & Jay Z Fave, But Even You Can Afford The Lunch Menu!

By Delaina Dixon | May 11, 2016 | Lifestyle, Travel

As winter melts away, we NY-ers are ready to go pass the watering holes within a two block radius of home and try something new. That’s how we found ourselves at Mamo in Soho, and boy were we glad to take the subway ride downtown.

This bright, white airy institution, a favorite of Beyonce and Jay Z‘s, has a long history. The owner’s ancestors are Italian descendants who migrated to France before making their way to the states. That explains the restaurants fusion menu of Italian (think pasta) and French (think truffle) cooking.

We hit Mamo at lunchtime, and discovered that the restaurant has one of the best lunch deals around. The three-course lunch prix-fixe includes per inziziare — to start, followed by ..a seguire — to continue, and a yummy dessert.

Seated at the bar, we started our meal with a Nicoise salad, full of tuna, argula, frisse, eggs and anchovies, among other things. And we dug into tartare di pescato su panzanella, fish tartare on panzanella. It was delicious.

Now we have to warn you, like a good Italian mama, Mamo does not skimp on portions. We could have wrapped up our meal right there, but there were still two courses to go. So we tightened our bibs and carried on.

On the waitress’ recommendation, I ordered the wild salmon with cauliflower puree and broccoli, and it was delicious. My male companion dove into a heartier dish, the risotto “milanese” with ossobuco. With a bowl big enough to serve three, he made it through one serving.

No meal would be complete with some sweet cocktails. Resident mixologist Enik made time to make TV DivaGal a Fragola, the strawberry margarita that will be available on Mamo’s spring/summer. We also tried the Timal, made with rum, apricot liqour and ginger beer. Enik uses only the finest and freshest ingredients in his concoctions.

Ready for dessert? You can’t go wrong with any of Mamo’s choices, which includes cheesecake and tiramisu.

With an inventive cocktail list, tasty filling dishes and forget-my-diet desserts, Mamo’s is a great place to spend the entire afternoon right into evening (Happy Hour, anyone?). Say hello to owner Steven when you go, and tell him The DivaGals sent you!

Mamo is located at 323 West Broadway in New York City.