Plentiful pastas please palates

Meatballs ($15.50)

It’s National Noodle Month, and Mama’s Spaghetti House in the Ala Moana Center Makai Market Food Court has been making homestyle Italian pasta dishes for 30 years.

“Everything is made to order, and the portion is very large — enough to share,” says manager Ria Cortez, adding that the tomato sauce is sourced from Italy and the eatery’s chef has been cooking behind the scenes in the open kitchen for nearly 20 years.

Scampi Italiano ($17.95)

Italian food enthusiasts rave about the unassuming eatery’s pasta, saying it is comparable to Oahu’s top white-tablecloth, Italian restaurants.

One of the most popular plates is the Seafood Supreme ($18.95). Perfectly cooked al dente linguine is dosed in creamy Alfredo sauce and topped with heaps of shrimp, mussels, calamari, clams, capers and mushrooms.

Seafood Supreme ($18.95)

Another favorite is the Meatballs ($15.50), which are typically served with a special marinara sauce. However, for any pasta dish, guests have the option of choosing between Mama’s three sauces — Alfredo, marinara or garlic butter — or even combining the sauces.

The Scampi Italiano ($17.95) is a best-selling specialty dish. With shrimp, mushrooms and rich Alfredo sauce, it is sure to have mouths watering.

All pasta dishes come with a freshly made dinner roll, and three pieces of garlic bread can be purchased for an additional $2.99.

Mama’s also has a combo special that combines mini pasta plates and Caesar salad for a balanced bite. Stop by during a break from shopping or for a great grab-and-go option.