The Historic Restaurant In Cleveland Where You Can Still Experience Old Little Italy
By Nikki Rhoades|Updated on February 15, 2024(Originally published March 20, 2023)
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
Cleveland’s Little Italy has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. While it has always been a popular borough in The Land, the city’s rise in foodie culture has placed Little Italy atop a pedestal. Rightfully so, as its culinary style has garnered a passionate following. Little Italy has some true monuments, including a statue of Rocky Colavito and the oldest restaurant in Cleveland. The neighborhood is also home to one long-standing pizza shop in Cleveland that serves up a slice of old Little Italy in every pizza pie. Check out the best pizza in Cleveland:
POV: You just sat down to eat a delicious meal at one of the most iconic restaurants in Little Italy.
The restaurant was established by the Scaffidis in June of 1961. Guido and Nancy — who came to Ohio from Gioiosa Marea, Sicily — had previously worked in the auto repair and hairdressing industries, respectively. Also worth mentioning is Guido's veteran status... he served in World War II, and he was even a prisoner of war for a moment in time.
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When Guido and Nancy Scaffidi opened their restaurant, they leaned into authentic Sicilian recipes passed down by Nancy's mother.
This history explains the name! Mamma Santa's was named after Nancy's mother, Santa Ignazzito. While it all started with Santa's recipes, the restaurant has remained in the family. The founders' children and grandchildren now keep the legacy of flavor alive while honoring their own ancestry every day to create the best pizza in Cleveland Little Italy.
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As a result, visitors to this restaurant in Little Italy come for the coveted Sicilian menu.
If you're dining in, you have to experience a whole meal... starting with an appetizer! With delicious salads, antipasto, garlic toast, mozzarella sticks, and more, your whole table will adore these sharable meal starters.
When it comes to entrees, you'll find sandwiches, pasta, veal, chicken, shrimp, and even fish fry.
If you look closely, you'll see that the building in general has changed little over its century of existence. In its past life, the building hosted several other businesses, including a bank, clothing store, and even a cafe. Yesteryear's story is carved into the building's old bones if you know where to look!
And whether you're dining in or carrying out, you have to try their pizza.
Many would consider this to be the best pizza in Little Italy. This place is truly storied, with some locals having enjoyed their pizza for 62 long years. You'll find love at first bite... that's amore.
And whatever you do... save room for dessert. Seriously.
On busy days, Mamma Santa's is well worth the wait! Bring your appetite and an open mind, because you'll love diving into the family recipes served here.
You're in for a treat at this long-standing pizza shop in Cleveland!
Look for Mamma Santa's in Little Italy at 12301 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106.
This long-standing pizza shop in Cleveland is a fan favorite, and it’s no secret why. The secret is in the sauce, so to speak, and every dish is prepared with love. What’s your favorite meal at Mamma Santa’s? Tell us in the comments what you think is the best pizza in Cleveland!
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More to Explore
Pizza Places Near Cleveland
Chris Muras|February 15, 2024
What is the best pizza in Cleveland?
You'd better bet that the Cleveland area has some great pizza joints. Here are a few spots where you can get the best pizza in Cleveland:
Chatty's Pizzeria, Bay Village, OH: This favorite spot near Huntington Beach is a must-stop place for great pizza. The hand-tossed pizza crust with a soft but crisp texture is the perfect accompaniment to the hot gooey cheese and fresh toppings. Chatty's even has an incredibly fresh appetizer menu while you are waiting for your pizza. If you want to spruce up your pizza order, grab a specialty cocktail like an espresso martini or a spicy hibiscus.
Citizen Pie, East Fourth Street, Cleveland, OH: The Citizen Pie Roman Cafe is another iconic spot for great pizza. The unique rectangular pizza is baked in an Italian oven, creating a delicate crispy crust almost like focaccia bread. You can also order by the slice to try all of the unique flavors and toppings. Some of our favorites are the Spicy Salami, Margherita, and the Supreme with large Greek olives and big hunks of mozzarella. Citizen Pie also has a few vegan pizza options too.
Dewey's Pizza, Lakewood and Cedar Lee, OH: Order up the Dr. Dre for a beautiful blend of flavors including house-pickled jalapenos, tomatoes, and ranch dressing. At Dewey's your pizza is just as much a work of art as it is a delicious meal. Try the Southwest BBQ Chicken pizza with large slices of real chicken, red peppers, black beans, and a barbecue drizzle. A few other must-try pies are Edgar Allan Poe, Ryan’s Inferno, and the Porky Fig.
The Little Italy pizza fun doesn't end with only these three pizza places near Cleveland. Try these seven for even more choices in cheesy pizza goodness. Make it a road trip by picking up an RV from RVShare and hitting each and every one of these pizza cities around the Cleveland area.