When patrons include Rihanna, Gigi Hadid, Beyonce and Jay Z, SoHo restaurateur Mike “Mamo” Mammoliti must be doing something right. Michelin-starred Executive Chef Massimo Sola probably has a lot to do with it as well.
Mammoliti’s Italian/French restaurant, Mamo, captures the look, feel and Provençal flavors of its Antibes, France, namesake restaurant, Mamo Le Michelangelo.
During the Cannes Film Festival, Mamo Le Michelangelo is packed with A-listers like Robert Pattinson, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie (before their split) and Diane Kruger.
That gave Mike Mammoliti had a head-start building a celebrity clientele in New York City to rival his father’s well-known Antibes restaurant.
The bi-level restaurant, which opened last May, is casual on the ground floor and more formal upstairs. Both spaces reflect the French Riviera’s “sense of home.” Original family photos and oversized vintage movie posters adorn the walls, according to the restaurant.
The decor also incorporates classic New York-inspired touches such as exposed brick walls.
Executive chef Sola worked previously at Eataly Roma in Rome, Italy, and at Ristorante Quattro Mori. He also won an award for best pasta at the 2016 Il Primo Manhattan competition, so he knows his stuff.
This fall, he introduced more than 30 new dishes featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients in a mix of classic family recipes and market specials.
The dinner menu is highlighted by Halibut Fresco Al Cartoccio Con Tartufo (fresh halibut baked in foil with truffle) and Spaghetti Al Burro Di Alici E Caviale (spaghetti with anchovies butter and black caviar).
It also boasts Rognoncino Di Vitello Trifolato Al Cognac, a pan-fried veal kidney with Cognac sauce. But the signature dishes don’t end there.
Mamo has prepared-to-order desserts like Sorbetto al Limone, Crème Caramel or the velvety Mousse al Cioccolato. Or you can opt for a homemade cake, such as the Torta di Meringa e Vaniglia and Torta al Cioccolato.
The cocktail menu features fall specials like the smooth whiskey-orange bitters cocktail Lo Spione; the seasonal apple-cinnamon flavored Cidre, or the one-of-a-kind Martini Al Tartufo (truffle martini).
Mamo’s signature drink, Negroni and Spritz, is a cocktail menu staple along with tart and sweet homemade Limoncello.
The wine list includes French and Italian wines to complement the cuisine.
The lunch specials include Carpaccio Di Pesce Spada Al Pompelmo E Pepe Rosa (swordfish carpaccio with grapefruit and pink peppercorn); Risotto Alle Fragole Su Zucca Al Forno (baked butternut squash and strawberry risotto) and Ossobuco Con Polenta Bianca Morbida (veal ossobuco with creamy white polenta).
Or you can go prix fixe. For $28, diners can get a three-course lunch, Monday through Friday noon to 3:30 pm.
Drop by and you just might bump into Magic Johnson, Alexander Wang, Diane Kruger, Samuel L. Jackson and other well-known faces.
The downstairs lounge is available for private bookings for gatherings and holiday parties.
For more information, please call (646) 964-4641 or visit mamonyc online.
Mamo
323 West Broadway
(between Grand & Canal St)
New York, NY 10013