Mama 'n Papa's Pizza Grotto, Vista CA

The only other time I had food from here was takeout during the pandemic. We went to dine-in this time and were so happy we did. There were a few games for the kids, which was super helpful to keep them busy while we ordered and waited. The pizza was delicious and so was the chicken parmesan sandwich, sauteed mushrooms (oh yeah garlic!) and we liked the calamari too.

The pizza crust could be lighter and less bread like and the inside needs a remodel and brightening up (bathrooms too), but they made it through the pandemic slump and this place is a real treat! I would definitely go back.

What happened to the quality of their food? We just had 3 meals delivered and could not believe how bad it was. How do you possibly make a turkey sandwich that is so bad you throw it away? Spaghetti and manicotti should be pretty standard but, I didn’t expect minimal sauce with no flavor. I have been eating here for years, but this is the last time! Your food is an embarrassment.

We bring our big family here to celebrate fun occasions. We get great service and everyone loves the food from the little children, teenagers on up to the adults. We have been coming for YEARS and have good memories here. Thank you Mama ‘n Papa’s!

Owners and staff are always friendly and extremely accommodating even for large groups! Had a great experience with a group of 18 people at the last minute, the hostess Drea had our table ready and very made sure we had everything needed and the server Trevor was so efficient and very polite and kind! Always recommend Mama n Papas for great food and excellent service!

Food was good but the one thing I did not appreciate was the fact that a sur-charge was added to my bill without letting me know up front. I'm noticing more and more restaurants are doing this. I don't necessarily have a problem with this but why not let customers know up front and let them decide if they want to dine there or not.or it just may affect how they tip.

Spaghetti had good flavor and nice size proportion. Service was good as well. Yet, this is NOT my go-to for Italian, especially pizza. Only went for family event.

I'm very selective with pizza. I taste their pizza when the family selects this place to meet. However, I don't care for their pizza at all, which hasn't changed for several years.

The crust is NOT enjoyable (flavor and texture) and the toppings slide off everytime. Some of my family like it though, mainly for their toppings. But they did mention during our last visit the toppings are no longer as plentiful over their last several visits.

Suggest maybe they may want to scrap their crust recipe (even though im certain the may disagree) do some research or maybe chat with Two Bros or Uppercrust to join the ranks of great pizza (IMHO).

Please forgive me in the event this review sounds a little harsh. It's not my intent to be disrespectful. It's merely my opinion.

Dani is really awesome! The food is great too! I really like the sourdough garlic bread. Is too good with their Marinera sauce.

Consistently delicious! Fantastic service! We had a wild party of 12, and our server Tyranny was simply amazing, patient, and fun! Thanks for another great meal!

Great food no doubt.
I enjoy it with my wife and another couple. I been here before but from now on we will be regular biweekly customers

Nice meat lovers with small crust. I loved it but my husband is a fan of puffy crust, so he was a bit disappointed.

Horrible service. I’m here neatly 15 minutes past pick up time for door dash and not only s half the staff talking and standing around, the supposed cooks are looking at me as opposed to making sure this doordash is ready in an efficient amount of time. What a joke

I absolutely love this place! Such great authentic Italian food. Good family environment and service was excellent. Best Italian food in North County! Good job. Had family come up from San Diego to enjoy this fine restaurant. Highly recommended mama and papa!

ABSOLUTELY delicious. GREAT friendly service. Worth every penny spent. GIANT meatballs.
Sauce is perfect. Once you go there you'll return. Casual atmosphere

Been coming here for over 20+ years! The food is awesome but what really keeps us coming back is their incredible staff! Special love for Kristi! We can’t wait to see her radiant personality every time we come!

Definitely stuck in the 70's, which might not be a problem if that is what you are looking for

Stopped in for a solo lunch special. Always love the homestyle Italian cooking here! Entree with a small house salad and bread included; there's always a to go box for me!

It is hard to find great pizza, but here it is. From the dough and sauce to the pepperoni and real cheese, that justifies the $22.00 for a medium pie. It's way better than any chain store pizza.
Other than that, I have only had the spaghetti with meat sauce. Which comes in a generous portion and tasty as well.
It is an older building, with the same in furnishings. But, for good food, I would sit in lawn chairs.
Also, every interaction with the staff has been 5.