Little Mama’s, the newest concept from Charlotte restaurant group FS Foods (Mama Ricotta’s, Yafo Kitchen, Paco’s Taco’s, Midwood Smokehouse), will open to the public on Friday, June 19 for takeout service. Once the restaurant receives an ABC permit, the dining room will open to the public.

The restaurant is inspired by the style of Italian food in the northeastern U.S. that was popular when owner Frank Scibelli was a kid. Chef and partner Tom Dyrness will oversee the menu, which includes pastas, salads, chicken and eggplant parm, and broiled chicken and salmon. There is also a mozzarella bar, where diners can select their own toppings for the house-made cheese. Scibelli calls it ’70s-style Italian food. “That’s what I grew up on,” he told us in an earlier interview.

Even the menu design harkens back to those old-school Italian comfort spots, with bright red headers and generous italics. The cocktail program is heavy on amari, with options including a classic spritz and boulevardier made with amaro.

The restaurant opens in the former Living Kitchen space, which closed last year after replacing longtime fine dining spot Zebra. It will first open for dinner service only, adding lunch later on. —Kristen Wile

Unpretentious People Say...

Other Articles You Might Enjoy