There are many Italian Restaurants in San Luis Obispo, but if you're looking for a truly authentic Italian dining experience, then you should consider Mama's Meatball Restaurant. Rated among the best San Luis Obispo restaurants, Mama's Meatball uses the freshest, quality ingredients grown locally to create some of the most outstanding dishes you could find in San Luis Obispo eateries. For your convenience, Mama's Meatball offers dine-in, takeout and delivery service. Mama's Meatball is one of the few restaurants near Mission San Luis Obispo, and a block away from hotels in downtown San Luis Obispo to offer private dining options and banquet accommodations for corporate parties and family celebrations. Click here to request a quote for your next private event.
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Customers frequently praised the food, particularly the meatballs, pasta dishes, and garlic knots, noting them as delicious and well-prepared.
Service Experience
While many reviews highlighted excellent service from specific staff members like Kursat and Damien, there were also complaints about poor service and inattentiveness from some waitstaff.
Atmosphere
The restaurant's ambiance was generally described as cozy and inviting, contributing positively to the dining experience.
Customer Care
Several customers appreciated the attentiveness and friendliness of the staff, although some reported negative experiences with certain employees.
Pricing Concerns
Some reviews mentioned high prices relative to portion sizes and quality, with a few customers expressing dissatisfaction with value for money.
TT
Tony Tolar
1 day ago
5.0
Fabulous meatballs. The risotto was Devine, and damn good pizza too
MM
Marisol Mora
5 days ago
5.0
My organization order take out.
Food was delightful, warm and plentiful.
As tasty as it looked!
The last was nicely cooked, less Alfredo could of being perfect.
JK
Jason Kochan
Nov 8, 2025
5.0
The salmon piccata is amazing! Our server Grady is very polite and friendly. Had a wonderful afternoon celebrating my wife’s bday
WT
Will Tyson
Nov 8, 2025
5.0
Wow, what a find! If you find yourself in SLO...your trip won't be complete unless to hit Mama's Meatball. Amazingly satisfied with this place. Grady was welcoming and did an outstanding job of making us feel at home. We drove up from San Diego famished from the road. I thoroughly enjoyed the Carbonara...refraining from licking my bowl->too many people were watching. Grady made my tiramasu table-side; it was delicious and entertaining. Then he astounded us with cremé brulee. If there's one SLO establishment on your schedule, Mama's is a must, period.
ED
Emma The Dilemma
Oct 19, 2025
5.0
100 out of 10. This place was amazing from the delicious food to the amazing service from our waiter Jamie. His recommendation of the linguini seafood dish (I've forgotten its name in my food coma) was perfectly on point for myself.
The garlic bread was delicious, food excellently paired with wine, cozy atmosphere, and amazing service was a perfect recipe to have us excited for our next visit! Side note, while parking is a fun time here in SLO, a walk after a delicious and filling meal is a great way of having a moment to talk about such an amazing pasta dish (or pizza or entree etc etc)