Mama's Italian restaurant expands to Carle Place

Mama’s of Copiague celebrated 50 years in business this month by opening a second location in Carle Place. Long owned by the Sala family, siblings Nora, Adam and Ahmy will be at the helm of this bigger new spot. 

Centrally located near Roosevelt Field mall, Mama’s is hoping for luck in the former Passione restaurant space, which has been gut renovated for Mama’s second venture. Beyond the takeout counter, the dining rooms are airy and open, clubby in decor, with dark wood tables and chairs, accented by brown banquettes of varying hues. A 60-seat patio complete with bar will offer seasonal live music as the weather warms.

The menu in Carle Place will replicate what Mama’s of Copiague has been doing for decades. If it’s pizza you’re craving, they have plain and novelty slices, from grandma ($5) to broccoli spinach Alfredo ($6.30) to shrimp pesto ($8.30). Pastas can be made with over 10 sauces, from vodka to clam to Bolognese. There are 'roni rolls and eggplant rolls, calzones and chicken cutlet heroes. Main dishes range from marsala to scarpariello, parmigiana to piccata, and seafood ranges from shrimp scampi ($29.25) to filet of sole Francese ($41) to a seafood risotto ($42). For dessert? Favorites such as tiramisu, cannoli, a variety of cheesecakes — but don’t miss the signature pistachio.

Weekly specials include pasta Mondays ($22.60), seafood Tuesdays — which feature 20+ dishes, including linguine with clam sauce, blackened salmon over pasta, flounder oreganata, and shrimp parmigiana with a side salad, pasta, cheesecake and coffee or tea for just under $32. On Wednesdays, choose from eight cuts of steak and a glass of wine for just under $57. Chicken Thursdays include over 25 of Mama's chicken specials — all served over pasta, for under $26 — and range from cacciatori, piccata and pizzaiola. 

Mama’s of Carle Place, 231 Old Country Rd., Carle Place, 631-240-4440 biggermamas.com 631-240-4440; Open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday from noon to 10 p.m.

By Marie Elena Martinez

marieelena.martinez@newsday.com@mariesworlds

A global freelancer who has checked her suitcase to raise her young daughter on her native Long Island, Marie Elena will always make time for good mezcal, even better tacos and killer conversation. Preferably, in a corner bar seat. She can be found on Instagram at @mariesworldeats.