Mama Lina's - Newport News, VA

Date: October 3, 2008
Time: Approx 7:30pm

I had great expectations for Mama Linas since I read a review of someone on the southside traveling to the peninsula just to eat there.  I was craving Italian so I thought – perfect time to try them out.  BIG MISTAKE.

We came in and ordered without much trouble.  The problems started AFTER ordering.  First, they only serve garlic knots with certain meal choices which was disappointing to me since most Italian places serve bread first (and to everyone) regardless of what you order.  Regardless, he garlic knots were pretty good though.

After waiting about 15 mins and sipping on drinks, I decided to go wash my hands in the bathroom (since I ordered pizza).  There was no soap – bummer.

I went back to my seat and waited.  Finally after another 10 minutes, my party’s food came out.  Well, most of our food came out.  They didn’t have my pizza.  They apologized and said it was coming right up.

10 mins later… still no pizza.  Waitress came by and apologized again and said it was in the oven.

Another 5-10 mins later… The rest of my party is done with their meal and we’re still waiting.  The waitress comes by again and apologizes and asks if I’d like to take it to go.  I said yes and asked for the check. 

Finally, about 10 mins after that, they bring out my pizza and the check.  It smells good but I’m too angry to even try a piece.  I am not angry at the waitress since it may not have been her fault but waiting almost an hour for my order is ridiculous.  The manager should have at least come out and apologized.  The pizza wasn’t even very good (when I did end up eating it).  Maybe it would’ve been better fresh but I can’t say since it wasn’t hot anymore by the time I ate it (at home).

My fiancé did say that his eggplant parmesan was good (not the best but good).  Okay food but if service (and your time) is of any value to you, stay away from Mama Lina’s.