Quick Bites: Mama Lisa, an Italian favorite that just keeps growing

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Mama Lisa‘s pizza has been a local favorite going back to 2000 when owners Mose and Nino Costigiola, who grew up in the pizza business with their father, Carlo, opened a small location in a Mastic strip mall.

The company, named after the matriarch of the Costigiola family, expanded in 2012 with a second location, this time a full-service Italian restaurant with a take-out area at 1226 Montauk Highway, also in Mastic.

Mama Lisa Restaurant general manager AC Resnick, left, and co-owner Mose Costigiola.

The local hot spot has a full-service bar and offers al fresco dining from spring through the fall.

A few months ago, the restaurant added a 57-space parking lot adjacent to the building to accommodate growing demand. Mose Costigiola said the parking addition has brought in more people to the restaurant who might have otherwise had to wait for parking.

When visiting Mama Lisa, a customer-favorite appetizer is the cold antipasto platter, which comes in small and large sizes, and includes ham, salami, prosciutto, pepperoni, provolone, fresh mozzarella, roasted pepper and olives arranged over a house salad. And don’t forget an order of garlic knots, says GreaterMoriches reader Kimberly Curran.

Even Suffolk Legis. Rudy Sunderman has a Mama Lisa favorite: the meatball hero.

In the mood for pasta? Mama Lisa has a full selection of favorites including their tortellini pesto, which comes highly recommended by Alicia Donnaruma.

Costigiola said the penne alla vodka is also very popular.

According to our poll, locals love pepperoni on their slices. Want more meat? Try the specialty “Pizza Ripiena” pie, which is stuffed with sausage, meatballs, pepperoni, ham, salami, ricotta and mozzarella.

Want a different specialty pie that’s on the healthier side? Check out the Mama Lisa “Rustica” which has sundried tomatoes, artichokes, black olives, prosciutto, fresh mozzarella and basil.

There about 175 items on the menu, including fish specialties, stromboli, panini and gluten-free options.

“Even though we’ve gotten large, we’ve kept the family-oriented roots,” Costigiola said, adding that the restaurant uses local ingredients and vendors, including Frank & Son Bakery, Mastic Seafood and Hank’s Farm.

Take out is possible through calling the restaurant, using the app, ordering through Slice, Chow Now or Door Dash and Mama Lisa’s website.

General Manager AC Resnick said whether customers come in for a slice, dinner with the family, or a fully catered event, “from the moment someone walks in the door and they are greeted by a smiling face, we try give them the full experience.”