Mamma 'Zu

In this year's SAVEUR 100, we take stock of our favorite things: recipes, people, places. We consider every last one a new classic.

By The Editors

Credit: Todd Coleman

We didn't expect to find honest-to-god Italian food in Richmond, Virginia. But among the low-slung buildings in the Oregon Hill neighborhood, we discovered Mamma 'Zu. Ed Vasaio's candlelit restaurant is part trattoria, part neighborhood clubhouse. And the food! Penne all'amatriciana. Garlicky dandelion greens. Bold, bright antipasti like roasted red peppers with anchovies served in huge family-style portions. A hit when it opened in 1993, it's now a legend.

See the recipe for Roasted Red Peppers with Anchovies »

Mamma 'Zu
(804/788-4205)
501 South Pine Street
Richmond, Virginia 23220