Mama Cucima   

4028 Cox Rd
Glen Allen, VA 23060
804-346-3350

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Forget the Olive Garden -- this locally-owned eatery specializes in the real deal: stringy pastas, tasty sauces and a deep menu of Southern Italian delights served by a friendly, even overly-attentive waitstaff. The Cucina menu makes a big deal out of serving "nothing frozen" -- mozzarella cheeses are made on site -- and seems proud of anything featuring the house's specialty ingredient: succulent Italian sausages. The best part of the dining experience is how completely full you'll be after your meal here. Although entree prices are moderate to pricey, the portions are so generous you'll swear your own mama ran the place. The main drawback is the setting. Once indoors, you'll be completely comfortable in the intimate dining room, but entering the restaurant grounds makes you think twice about your dinner choice. Mama Cucina is located in a dreadfully corporate-looking shopping complex in Innsbrook, the land of ugly West End office parks. It's nestled next to a Dairy Queen and other restaurants, which all share a similar unattractive green awning. But don't be frightened by the plastic setting or concrete facades -- this Mama will do you right. -- Don Harrison