Mama Stortini’s is an Italian restaurant with great atmosphere, music and big smiles and is worth the 25-minute drive to Puyallup.

Mama Stortini’s is a two-level restaurant specifically designed so that the top floor is the restaurant area, bar and kitchen, and the lower floor is solely for catering, banquets, weddings or just a private family dinner.

In their catering office they offer a variety of menus from their traditional Italian food to other types of cuisine. Mama Stortini’s also offers wedding planning services including putting the customer in contact with their list of vendors.

The restaurant has a welcoming environment with a menu of Italian food mixed with some American favorites. They have tables in the main dining room as well as some tables around the bar.

When customers are seated the staff get their drink order and bring them the complementary house bread with a side of tomato relish.

Mama Stortini’s has a wide selection of appetizers from Parmesan Crusted Mozzarella, Crispy Calamari and BBQ Pork Sliders, but my favorite by far is the Mama’s Toasted Garlic Cheese Bread.

Everything they make is fresh and hot when ordered. Their Crusted Mozzarella melts in your mouth with every bite and the cheese bread is crunchy but still maintains a gooey texture because of the cheese.

They also have a large selection of soups and salads but the most famous one, and Mama’s favorite, is the French Onion Soup. The soup is made with caramelized sweet onions, beef broth with a hint of brandy and sweet vermouth, topped with a garlic butter crouton and Swiss cheese.

When it comes to their entrees, Mama Stortini’s has a huge selection. They have everything from burgers, pizzas, seafood and meats, sandwiches and oven baked pastas. They also offer gluten free and vegetarian options.

They offer customizable pastas. The customer may choose one or two types of pasta and sauce, and can also add a number of toppings.

I have a favorite and always order the same thing every time I go, the Baked Chicken Parmesan. It is made with crispy chicken breast topped with marinara and mozzarella cheese with a side of spaghetti, but you exchange it for any type of pasta and sauce you like.

They also offer fresh salmon, petite filet mignon and lamb shank.

Mama Stortini’s offers reasonable prices, big portions and great atmosphere. Now they offer an email club, where customers can get coupons for free appetizers or even money off their meal.

So if you are looking for a great restaurant to have a family dinner or to take your significant other on a date, Mama Stortini’s is the place to go.

Mama Stortini’s has two restaurants located in Kent and Puyallup. For more information about prices or menus can call them at 253-845-7569 or go to their website www.mamastortinis.com