Reviews Mama Carolla's Old Italian Restaurant

Zomato
Kailee Callaghan
+5
this place is amazing. Must be a little patient when crowded but the mussels, calamari, and bread is to die for (rip to the wise keep the mussel broth and dip your bread in it) - amazing.
if you haven’t you must try this place, do not listen to the negative reviews until you try it yourself
one month ago
Zomato
Bella North
+5
Great place they serve really good Italian food, I have gone there with my husband and we both really liked the food really delicious Italian food and i have tried the pasta here it's really good and they have good options in the drinks they serve good cocktails and beers. The staff is really nice and friendly they serve fresh food and Really good customer service. 5 stars!!
8 months ago
Zomato
Wesley Bush
+5
My mother-in-law makes lasagna once a year. It's a big deal. Everyone comes, and she makes a lot of it. After visiting Mama Carolla's on a work trip, it feels like I've got a secret mistress I can tell no one about. I went from being ruined for all other lasagnas to having a new secret favorite. The restaurant has such a genuine character to it also. Can't recommend it enough.
Mar 15, 2017
Zomato
Mic Love
+5
Could not of had better service at the bar. The two gentleman bartenders were on point and made a delicious Hendricks martini along with perfect service. Our entrees were so good and can't wait to go back.
Nov 19, 2016
Zomato
Cvec
+4
You can tell a lot of care and time goes into their dishes. Great quality dishes in a cozy, unique, atmosphere. If you like Italian food, this should definitely be a priority on your list to try. Their pasta is excellent, and their salmon is outstanding. Nothing bad on the menu!
Jul 15, 2016
Zomato
Kevin Harris
+5
Affordable, good service, great food. Best Italian in Indianapolis. The homey, modest setting is perfect for dates. Outdoor seating is nice too
Jun 07, 2016
Zomato
Noodlenut
+5
This is seriously one of the best Italian restaurants I have ever been to. Amazing. Everything. The artichoke fritters. Well, they are to die for. The veal saltimboca is perfect. The clams were rich and decadent. The tiramisu was sinful. Eat here. You're welcome.
Dec 05, 2015
Zomato
Angela Noble
+5
Hands down my favorite restaurant in the city. I've dined here many times since it opened and love everything about this place. Old school, traditional Italian food. My dad loves the carbonara here (not something many Italian restaurants make anymore). My sons love the goat cheese stuffed shrimp appetizer, which they always order for their dinners. My husband enjoys the lasagna (it is devine) and I think Mama makes the best marinara sauce I've ever had. My dish recommendations would be the linguini with clams (white or red), chicken piccata, bolognese, chicken involtine and the Alfredo. (Oh, and the Caesar salad!) It is a truly romantic place, perfect for an anniversary or special date. It is kid friendly, but no kids menu & if your kids are only into chicken fingers and fries this is not the place for you. Leave them with a babysitter and treat yourself to something special. Also this place is popular, fills up quickly and does not take reservations on Friday & Saturday nights (they don't need to silly!) so plan accordingly!
Jul 26, 2015
Zomato
Joe Seibert
+4.5
Our favorite Italian in Indy. Do I dare tell you our secret for an intimate evening dining experience? Okay, I will. Ask for the "side porch" when being seated. There are only a few two-top tables out there. It's usually just us out there and sometimes there might be one other couple. You'll be seated under the vines right next to the Monon. It's great!
Jul 23, 2015
Zomato
Steven Crawley
+4.5
An Orgasm In My Mouth (Not That Kind). This place is sooo good, it is the best Italian food I've ever had. The prices can be intimidating if you are you looking for a cheap meal don't look here, but of you want awesome food, a good portion, great ambiance and an all around d wonderful experience then head over to Mama Catolla's because it's worth the price.
Jun 14, 2014
Zomato
Eat At Mo's
+4.5
I'd never been to Mama C's despite hearing good things abt them for years. We had dinner there on a recent Friday and everything I'd heard was true. Beautiful old converted house with a large outdoor patio in the back. We were seated in the bar to wait for a table. We got a carafe of the house pinot grigio which was crisp and delicious. We were seated promptly and greeted by server Kevin. He was very professional, attentive and knew about the food. The calimari appitizer was delicious, the fresh, hot bread was off the charts and the pasta dishes were really, really good. This was an A+ experience in regards to food, service and ambiance from start to finish. Mama C's is one of my new Indy favorites!
Jun 08, 2014
Zomato
Faye
+4.5
Pasta!. Very good service, and a lot of food! It was really too filling for me, but it is really good!
Jan 09, 2014
Zomato
Causher1
+4.5
Great food!. Mama Carolla's is our standby for carryout on Friday nights. The food is always good and we love the Tiramisu dessert -- it is so good. The pasta dishes are outstanding - we are partial to the Bolognese dish and their Italian Wedding soup is the best! Great atmosphere - very quaint and the service has always been good. We have never been disappointed when dining here and it is fairly frequently we enjoy their authentic Italian food!
Nov 12, 2013
Zomato
Melaniechull1
+4.5
Family Treat. This place is always a go to when I want a homey, warm, inviting meal with my family. The dishes are full and complex. The atmosphere is cozy and the service is accommodating. When I want to treat myself, this is my destination. (The puttanesca is spicy and savory and sooo yummy!)
Bonus, this is the one place I can go with my picky daughters and actually get them to eat all of their food.
Oct 28, 2013
Zomato
Tiffnay Kay McIntire
+4.5
Always Amazing. This is my favorite Italian restaurant! Miguel's "Pasta Too Good" is my absolute favorite. I also enjoy ordering an old fashion or two when I come here!
Sep 30, 2013
Zomato
Kari
+4.5
Loved everything about it!. The food here is fantastic! The ambiance is also great. If you go when its warm out, they have a beautiful outdoor seating area. Very busy on weekends, so show up early. Definitely try the manicotti and the chicken alfredo! Delish!
Sep 16, 2013
Zomato
Hugh
+4.5
Great experience. My wife and I had dinner here. We both loved this place! I had the gorgonzola stuffed filet and my wife had the chicken alfredo. Both were excellent. The only thing that was not impressive was the "stuffed" shrimp appetizer. It was far from stuffed shrimp and more like shrimp with cheese in the middle. However, that did not detract from our experience. Also, our bill was only $85 including tip.
Aug 31, 2013
Zomato
Snax
+4.5
Always a special night out. A friend and I plan our visit to Mama's a few months ahead of time, like little school girls we look forward to it & get gigglier as it gets closer.

The location is nice - rather centrally located in South Broad Ripple - and the building, as many others have noted, is beautiful. Dining inside or outside (as we did on our last visit) can be a treat.

The menu is expansive if conventional, service is prompt & treats you like you're important. Chicken Involtine, Rosemary Chicken, and the Alfredos are marvelous. If you enjoy any kind of Italian food, you will find something at Mama's to love.

Prices are fair considering portion size and ingredients.

The only negative I have about the experience is the garbage dumpster near the garden entrance from the parking lot. The aroma was overwhelming on a June evening. Is it possible to have it emptied before service starts or relocate it?
Jul 25, 2013
Zomato
Tori
+4.5
Best Italian In Indy. We've been here 10 times in the last year & are never disappointed. The food is great from the olive oil to the dessert. Wine selection is good & the atmosphere is the best!!! If you haven't been, GO!
Apr 07, 2013
Zomato
BCD
+4.5
Can't make it any better. It's a perfect place. Just enjoy it. Very special .
Dec 09, 2012
Zomato
Sarah G
+4.5
I like Mama Carollas and have been there many times to dine in and for carry out. I like the atmosphere and food but sometimes I'm
Not thrilled with the staff.
Dec 01, 2012
Zomato
Bre
+4.5
I love mamas! If you are trying to impress someone this is the place to go! You'll most likely have a wait if it's the wknd but trust me it's worth the wait. Just grab a glass of wine in the bar and take it all in. When it's time to order get the chicken lasagna if it's not already sold out you won't be sorry!! Enjoy :)
Nov 30, 2012
Zomato
April_keaton
+4.5
Absolutely Delicious. I ordered the Fried Calamari & Chicken Rigatoni, one of Mama's specialties. The flavor & seasonings were perfect. I had to take part of my dinner home and it was just as delicious as leftovers the next day.

I will recommend Mama Carolla's to anyone that wants delicious Italian food.
Oct 05, 2012
Zomato
Lori H
+4.5
Great Italian Food. This is a very unique and wonderful setting with excellent food. It's always very busy, so I would be prepared to wait. They don't accept reservations except Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, but even then you have to have a party of 6 or more.
Sep 17, 2012
Zomato
AlexJones
+4.5
Great meal out!. I had the Rosemary 1/2 chicken and it was delicious. Everything was cooked and prepped really well. Beautiful setting, great food, good service and I was not waiting long for my food- the deserts looked pretty amazing too!
May 26, 2012
Zomato
Erick Cavalcanti
+4.5
Yes!. Mama Carolla's hits the bulls eye when it comes to authentic Italian cuisine. The atmosphere is pleasant with excellent service. I highly recommend if you're looking for great Italian food and a glass of wine.

Food: Veal Marsala & angel hair pasta
Mar 10, 2012
Zomato
Breelee
+4.5
Delicious and authentic Italian cusine in a comfortable and romantic atmosphere.
Feb 13, 2012
Zomato
DnP
+4.5
Outstanding. We visit often and enjoy our experience each time. Rizzo and Ben hold down the bar and make the entire experience absolutely peerlless. Regardless of what we order it is always wonderful (and Riz knows us well enough to make necessary alternations). Comfortable, delicious, happy.... we can't ask for better.
Jan 15, 2012
Zomato
Garrett Doan
+4.5
Best Italian in Indy!. Absolute favorite Italian restaurant especially for taking that special someone. Staff is always great!
Dec 05, 2011
Zomato
John Dorton
+4.5
Great place for romance and food. Went to Mama Carolla's for my birthday last year and it was outstanding. My date and I were seated in a little nook that was very private. My veal parmigiana was perfectly cooked, and her linguini and clams were excellent! Will definitely go back!
Nov 17, 2011
Zomato
Local Foodie
+4.5
Good date night place. I read some reviews that the noodles were too watery, and mine were a little more than the al dente that I prefer, but it was still delicious. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our meals and the staff was very attentive and friendly. We were seated in a private section with dim lighting, which made for a romantic evening. We chose it as a last minute place while visiting, but we would definitely go back.
Aug 29, 2011
Zomato
SAndi
+4.5
Love It!. I am from Ohio. Several years ago, a group of guys from Indy told me that I had to try this place. I have to say that I was impressed! This is the best Italian food I have EVER had, and I love Italian! Loved the ambience, have always had great waitstaff. We love it so much that twice or more every year when we are in Indy, we make sure we stop in on Friday night. We've taken many of our friends from out of town there, and no one has ever been disappointed. Love this place! Wish Columbus, Ohio had something as good :))
Aug 18, 2011
Zomato
Jensmailbox
+4.5
Wonderful...except the waitress. I visited this restaurant at 5pm on Thursday evening. Here's my thoughts: 1) beautiful setting, charming, authentic 2) pleasant enough person greeted/seated us 3) the outdoor seating area is like a little slice of heaven 4) waitress could use some 'nice' lessons. Didn't make me feel at home, no warmth in her attitude. Her attitude made me feel like I was at a restaurant that wanted me to sit down, order quickly, eat quickly, leave. That's not a nice feeling. 5) Awesome food. Arrived quickly. I ordered the salmon w/ creamy dill sauce and broccoli. 6) Will definitely go back but will also speak to the waitress about her attitude when I do.
Aug 12, 2011
Zomato
Marie F.
+4.5
Rosemary Chicken. I was really impressed with this dish. The chicken was tender and delicious. The grilled veggies were well seasoned, fresh, and very flavorful.
Aug 01, 2011
Zomato
Jeff
+4.5
Best restaurant in Indy!. After leaving the Portland, Oregon area 14 years ago, I've been searching for a restaurant in Indiana that has all the qualities I like, namely, consistently great food, superb ambiance (outdoor seating in a cafe like setting), upscale but not pretentious, reasonable prices... and wow, I finally found it this week in Mama Carolla's! My wife and I liked it so much we went two nights in a row, and it was superb both times. I had the best steak I've ever had in my life the first night and one of the best lasagnas ever the second night (the chicken lasagna dish is great!). The atmosphere in the outdoor garden reminds me of being in Italy, where I've had many meals. This would compete with most restaurants in Italy IMO. I can't say enough good about this restaurant. The service was great both times, the martinis were especially good and also the impressive wine list, the bread was so good I stuffed myself. The appetizers and desserts are equally as good as the entrees. It's the best restaurant I've experienced by far in Indiana and perhaps the best one I've ever experienced in my 40+ years. We'll go back and back and back!
Jul 10, 2011
Zomato
Vincent
+4.5
AMAZING FROM START TO FINISH!. Used to live a block away from the place for 5 years, a few years ago. Was almost a weekly thing to walk over and eat dinner. Recently moved back to area and was craving their calamari. I ordered that for appetizer and got a stuffed chicken breast with mashed potatoes and asparagus as sides. The meal was AMAZING! I dont know how they did it but i think the place is better now, than when i lived close. DO NOT PASS THIS PLACE UP!! It will b in my weekly routine again...starting today!!
Jun 15, 2011
Zomato
Gdubya
+4.5
Divine. I could go on and on about the great atmosphere, service, bar, and FOOD, but let me be concise and just say that Mama Carolla's is the best Italian place in Indy without a doubt.
May 31, 2011
Zomato
Mari
+4.5
Very good. Bin there four times in 5 years- always good. Super good!
Apr 16, 2011
Zomato
Michelle
+4.5
Romance and Best Linguine and Clams. If you want romance think surrounded by twinkling lights and candles in a garden. Enough said! Everyone raves about lasagna but the Linguine and Clam Sauce is one of best I've ever tasted. A splash of Crown Royal, garlic, perfectly creamy and spicy. If you visit in the winter be sure to sit by the fireplace. Staff is amazing, location is perfect along Monon.
Mar 26, 2011
Zomato
DL
+4.5
Mamas. Always delicious.....you need time on your hands to wait for a table though as they don't accept reservations.
Jan 28, 2011
Zomato
Ness
+4.5
Delicious.. The food here is fantastic. Would definitely recommend the steak and chicken rigatoni (my personal favorite). Because they don't take reservations, you're pretty much always going to have to wait for a table. The wait is well worth the food and at least they have a bar in the waiting area. Inside can get a bit cramped but i would recommend sitting outside. The outdoor atmosphere is relaxing. It can get expensive but again, well worth the food. And NO, it is nothing like Olive Graden, that's just ridiculous.
Jan 23, 2011
Zomato
Storytime
+4.5
Simply amazing! It has the best, most romantic atmosphere, probably in all of Indy. The food is excellent, and surprisingly affordable! Highly recommended!
Jan 03, 2011
Zomato
Amuse Bouche
+4.5
The Italian American standard in Indy. Fritters, lasagna, & cannoli... oh my! This really is *the* dining destination in Indianapolis, and has been for several years. It's a rather basic, classic Italian American menu, executed wonderfully in an atmosphere that slays the competition. Where else do you get the flavors of an Italian home while feeling like you are actually dining in one, with antique sconces, lace tablecloths, and a fireplace? The meat lasagna is kissed with chianti, and quite possibly my favorite lasagna anywhere (the rosemary chicken version is delicious, as well, though the meat sauce is unbeatable). Cannoli are stuffed to-order, maintaining a perfectly crisp pastry shell, a sweet and creamy ricotta filling, all dipped in crushed pistachios... a superb rendition. Ricotta cheesecake is spongy, sweet, and moist, and crowned with tart blackberries... these are two desserts you must force yourself to try. Come with the expectation you may have to wait for a table, but trust that it's all worth it. Enjoy a glass of reasonably priced wine while you wait in a heated tent by the front gate, or in the main lounge. This is a must-try if dining in Indianapolis.
Jan 02, 2011
Zomato
Carollynncollins
+4.5
My favorite!. This is my favorite restaurant because the food is wonderful, the atmosphere is unique and quaint, and it feels like we are doing more than just eating dinner.
Dec 30, 2010
Zomato
WCP
+4.5
Best overall restaurant in Indy but wait can be long and service can be weak. Love the stuffed shrimp and chicken rigatoni. Located in cool old house near the monon.
Dec 30, 2010
Zomato
Lunchlady
+4.5
Goodtimes (probably won't return though). We finally decided to try mama carolla's...it's difficult to want to go to a restaurant that doesn't take reservations. the food and atmosphere were impressive. infact, my date thought that the calamari was amazing and i really enjoyed the brushetta. having read the previous reviews about the staff and i can say that we were treated well. we waited about one hour for our table and we drank two bottles of wine during the wait. unfortunately this brought the check down considerably for our waiter. but hey that's what happens when you can't make reservations.
Dec 21, 2010
Zomato
Erin_elliott
+4.5
Great atmosphere and food!. This place is so romantic and cute! We sat outside on a warm fall evening and had dinner by candlelight. The food tasted home cooked and the service was not too fast and too slow. We will definitely be going back!
Sep 25, 2010
Zomato
Chinanow
+4.5
WOWZA Mama. I had been to Mama Carolla several years ago and remembered it was good but needed to be reminded why...
First it was the ambiance. It is beautiful. Its a great place for romantic dates, catch up meet ups or informal dinner meetings for small business groups. The grounds takes you back to old Italy.
The first thing that caught the groups eye was the cheesy bread...WONDERFUL...Loaf of bread with garlic butter sliced then topped with lots of CHEESE!!! The cheesy garlic bread was follwed by fried raviloi (which was okay), calamari...very good, not the best but good and AMAZING crab cakes! I ordered the Miguels "Pasta TOO Good" which was very good. It states that it is spicey, but its not overbearing spicey, just a nice kick. My coworker got the salmon...and she was in love. She not a big seafood person and was pleasantly suprised. The Salmon flaked easily under her fork and was full of flavor. Another co-worker ordered the Rosemary Chicken Lasagna. ONE WORD CHEESE!!! No complaints from him!
Overall Mama Carollas was a hit and has put me as official food planner for my group...YES! Thanks Mama
Sep 23, 2010
Zomato
Smirkin_dirkin
+4.5
Great experience. I'm a big fan of authentic italian and i feel they got it right. i don't find my way to bripple often but when i'm back in the area, i'm definately going to eat there again.
May 25, 2010
Zomato
Justin
+4.5
People Amaze Me. I love reading the stuff that people put up about great restaurants. It's always apparent to me when people have eaten too much Fazoli's or Olive Garden. If you don't like flavor and you want your food to be bland then go to those places. Mama Carolla's in an Indianapolis favorite for a reason. I've never had a bad meal there and neither have any of the people I've taken there. If you've had a bad experience then it's obvious that you shouldn't be there anyway.
May 25, 2010
Zomato
Gessica A
+4.5
Great Italian!. Mama Carolla's is cute and authentic! I loved the chicken and parmesan, speghetti and meatballs, and for dessert the TIRAMISU is a must!!!! I also recommend the red sangria!
Mar 15, 2010
Zomato
Spencer James
+4.5
Mama Carolla should be proud of the establishments food and service.
Jan 28, 2010
Zomato
Mariposa
+4.5
Mama Carolla's. I'm so glad I finally tried this place. The decor is very pretty and romantic, and it's definitely a great date spot. We started with the bruschetta, which was topped with huge chunks of tomato and piles of fresh shredded mozzarella, but I was even more impressed with the shrimp cocktail. It was REALLY spicy... not quite St. Elmo's level, but almost. I had the chicken rigatoni, and I can still taste that crispy pancetta and spicy white wine sauce - highly recommended. Of course, I couldn't leave an Italian restaurant without ordering the tiramisu, and I'm glad I did. It wasn't the best I've had in Indy, but it was still quite good. All of the portions were large and came with soup or salad, and the super crunchy bread was hot and yummy. I was shocked to see the bill - it was extremely affordable, even including several glasses of wine. I will definitely return and am pleased to support a local restaurant instead of the dreaded Olive Garden.
Jan 20, 2010
Zomato
Rory
+4.5
One of my favorite Italian places. The portions were fantastic, the flavor was very good, and the food was well-made. I kind of like their concept- only open for a few hours, and when they are out of a certain entree, they are out. No mass-production here, and the proof is in the taste.

After the bread, appetizers, and entrees, we both left there feeling stuffed and carrying out our leftovers. I look forward to going back here!
Jan 13, 2010
Zomato
Bettie13
+4.5
Good Food but Overpriced. There food is tasty, and there is a nice atmosphere in the restaurant and on the patio. however, it is a little pricey. everything is a la carte, no salad or soup w/ your meal, but it is priced as though it should come w/ one. otherwise satisfactory
Dec 11, 2009
Zomato
Food For Thought
+4.5
Good Food. This place is about moving people. The setting is fantastic. Long waits possible as it is very popular with the locals but they move you quick. In fact, you do feel a bit rushed.

Food is bettter than average Itallian but not great. Ordered the special, veal parm and wife ordered the seafood pasta. Just OK. No fantastic flavors, better than Ragu. Would I wait in the lines I saw coming out? No. Get there early.
Dec 02, 2009
Zomato
Sherrel Harris
+4.5
Good Italian Dinner. My wife and I tried Mama Carolla's for the first time last night and had a good experience. We started off with the "Justin's Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail" and enjoyed it. The horseradish sauce is very nice if you like horseradish zing.

For the soup course, I had the Italian bread soup. This soup was very good. It was my pleasant surprise for the evening.

Next was the Misto Mare, an herbed linguine with shrimp, scallops, clams, squid, garlic, mushrooms and tomatoes. This was an enjoyable pasta dish.

Overall, I give my visit the following ratings:

Food: 3
Service: 2.5
Atmosphere: 3

****************
Explanation of rating scale:
1: Does Not Meet Expectations
2: Meets Expectations
3: Exceeds Expectations
4: Far Exceeds Expectations
So, on this scale, a 2 is not a bad score. It's a solid, middle-range score. 4s will be very rare. (And hopefully so will 1s).
Nov 20, 2009
Zomato
Genius
+4.5
Indiananapolis' best Italian getaway! Old school and cozy is this hidden gem with a charming outdoor garden area. Great food...always packed so come early and grab a cocktail at the bar while you wait for a table!
Nov 13, 2009
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Jeff
+4.5
Unforgettable. Wish I could bring this with me back home...Always have "Chef Mike's dish"...Sooooo good. Love this place
Sep 30, 2009
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Susan A
+4.5
Very charming environment. Love the atmosphere and the food.
Sep 26, 2009
Zomato
DeAnna
+4.5
Great food, sweet staff. I had a killer headache, and the hostess wanted to seat us in the middle of a million tables. When I told her I had a noise-sensitive headache, she was kind enough to put us in a small room all by ourselves. It was a little thing, but made my evening so much better. Also, the food was SPECTACULAR!!
Sep 15, 2009
5
Sam Sachs
+5
Absolutely delicious Italian food located in a really cool spot right along the Monon Trail. The restaurant is located in a really eclectic building with lots of different dining rooms both inside and out. The menu has all of the traditional Italian favorites and prices are actually quite reasonable considering how good the food and ambiance is. I really like the fact that a salad or soup is included with most meals. They don't do reservations on weekends so be prepared to wait or arrive early. We showed up at 5:30 and were able to walk right in with no wait, but it was much busier by the time we were leaving. Free parking is limited behind the building, but there are a decent amount of $5 parking spots.
5
Roci C
+5
We had our anniversary dinner here, and everything was perfect! The scenery, the service, the food. Our server (Eric) was super helpful with recommendations and you can just tell he loves what he does! Pictures do not do the places justice at all, you just have to go see it for yourselves. 10/10 experience.
5
Julysa Sosa (Huly)
+5
A Must-Try Italian Gem in Indianapolis: Mama Carolla’s Delivers Deliciousness! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This place has such a cozy vibe, giving off those cool 1920s Mediterranean-style villa feels. Super chill and welcoming! The staff is awesome, so friendly and on top of things. We went on a Friday night, and they seated us right away, no waiting around. Now, the food - it’s amazing! Real Italian flavors that left me speechless. The portions were just perfect, and the price points were spot-on for the quality and taste. I was so into the dishes that I totally forgot to snap pics of my entrée. Oops! But no worries, I’ll be back for sure to try more yumminess from their menu. If you’re in Indianapolis and craving some tasty Italian grub, you gotta hit up Mama Carolla’s. It’s totally worth it!
5
Prakash Patel
+5
Visiting from Jacksonville. This place was highly recommended by a family member and boy did it make an impression. The ambiance, staff and food were over the top. Rodney was our server and he was fantastic. I would highly recommend this restaurant if you visit Indianapolis.
5
Callie Main
+5
This is a super cute Italian place! I got the Chicken Alfredo, and it was awesome! We also got calamari and it was really good. It's a beautiful restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. They have charming background music playing and beautiful decorations. Our server talked quietly enough that he blended with the music, and it was very hard to hear him. He also rushed us through ordering and kept coming to our table rather than just letting us eat. The servers who refilled the waters were great. They were on top of it, and we never ran out. They do not take reservations and will only seat you when your entire party is there. It was very busy when we went and we had to wait about 30 minutes. All in all, if you like Italian food, I highly recommend Mama Carolla's!
5
Tony Hosea
+5
Tucked away in an old Mediterranean-style villa near the neighborhood of Broad Ripple, Mama Carolla's offers some of the best tasting Italian dishes Indianapolis has to offer!! While we waited for our table, I grabbed a yummy Espresso Martini from the bar. For appetizers, I ordered the flavorful Tomato Bruschetta & the crispy, golden Fried Ravioli. My main course was a Caesar side salad & Cheese Stuffed Manicotti. Sauce was plentiful, food was delicious & our server, Bre, was ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS!! She truly made my Mom's Birthday Dinner a special one & even gave us all hugs on our way out. I cannot recommend this place enough!! Stop whatever you're doing & get your tail over there to Mama Carolla's right now!!
5
Tiffany Castilleja
+5
This place has an amazing atmosphere /vibe and even better food. We had the fried motzerella to start with which was melted cheese over bruschetta. Then we had the Italian wedding soup which is now one of my top favorite soups. For the main course we had the beef Lasagna and the "pasta too good" both were amazing-the Lasagna was super cheesey. To finish we had the ricotta cake which was refreshing after so much food. We will definitely be back!! We didn't even have to wait for a table!
5
Jamey Armstrong
+5
The atmosphere made this experience something worth talking about! The service was good, but not the best I've had. I waited with an empty glass of water for about 10 minutes before it was filled, but the food was very memorable and I'd recommend for sure. I had the veal parm with a side of sausage.
5
Lauren Klinedinst
+5
I love this place. As someone who has to eat gluten free this is really a treat. The carbonara with GF pasta is what dreams are made of.
4
MARIA JESUS GARCIA A
+4
I liked the atmosphere, the service was excellent Ashley took great care of us, she is a very cheerful and professional girl. the food was good although it was not a Wuao! I think we had high expectations as this place had been highly recommended. but it's fine to spend some time with family or friends. PS: bread is the exception to Wuao!!! I might go back just for the bread service.
4
James Hall
+4
The food was good. Some dishes at the table were great while others were very average. The waitress, Olivia was extraordinary and you should hope she has your table when you visit. The seating/reservation situation on the weekend is a little silly but not a huge deal. Basically you get there and put your name in and wait. Reservations are not taken for the weekend. There’s a bar that is small and when it’s cold people are stuffed in there very tightly. During warm months people hang out around outside which is better.
5
Lena Nguyen
+5
The food is amazing every time I go. There can be a wait to be seated if you go on the weekend but this is my favorite date night dinner place to go! The service can also be kind of slow because it’s always so packed. Overall the food, atmosphere, and overall experience is definitely worth it if you want a sweet relaxing date night!
5
Leslie Dubs
+5
We went to Mama Carolla's during the Christmas season. The restaurant was decorated beautifully. I shared the manicotti with my 7-year-old and that was enough for us. We also ordered the cheesecake. I don't know how it tasted since my kid wolfed it down. Therefore, the cheesecake must have been good.
5
M
+5
This was a wonderful restaurant. The restaurant sat in an older house making you feel welcome as soon as you walk through the doors. We sat at a candlelit table surrounded by warm friendly faces and good food. The servers were nice and knowledgeable. The food was like taking a Time Machine back to my grandparents kitchen. The sauce was amazing and it was all reasonably priced with large portions( I’m happily eating my dinner for lunch today). For an appetizer we had the fried ravioli which I had never had before and it was honestly great! We were served warm bread with our Italian wedding soup. Then our entrees; sausage and peppers with spaghetti and meatballs with spaghetti. Next time we go I have to try the dessert but for now if you are thinking of an Italian meal that brings back memories, definitely try Mama Carolla’s .
5
Grant Beach
+5
An Italian gem in Indianapolis. Anytime we are going through Indianapolis and are able to stop at Mama Carolla’s we make an effort to go. The food is fantastic and the ambiance only amplifies the experience. The Italian wedding soup is phenomenal!
5
Kelleen Robertson
+5
Absolutely love this place. Never disappointed with any selection I have ever made. You will like it here. Definitely recommend
5
The Elevator and Airplane Finder
+5
Mama Carolla’s, one of the more high end Italian restaurants in the Broad Ripple area of Indianapolis. I came last night to celebrate a family member’s birthday and here’s our experience written out: Pros: Yes, when you first look at the menu, you would think the prices are a little expensive. But there’s a different reason for that. And the end result is for sure worth it. Their portions are very large. I ordered the Chicken Parmesan and honestly it’s one of the best I’ve ever had. It was so incredibly tasty and cooked to perfection. I also got some cheese bread and calamari for an appetizer and all that was amazing too. Our waiter was also super friendly and attentive to us and always kept us refilled on drinks. The dining area has a nice, antique looking vibe which is nice too. Cons: Definitely no cons right now. 5 out of 5 for Mama Carolla’s.
5
Barret Barlow
+5
Above and beyond customer service. One of the best service experiences we have had in a while. A few minor issues with the food that Keith eliminated in moments.
5
Ryan Sheridan
+5
Another fantastic example of a place exceeding expectations on your views from years prior, despite then being incredibly lofty. Great service and classic Italian fare done correctly. The Misto Mare had the perfect cook on the seafood and was served over perfect al dente pasta. One of the best patios as well and excited to be able to frequent here again!