Relax in our restaurant, take your time and enjoy our fine gourmet Italian cuisine just as Mama Alfa intended. Made from the finest ingredients from all over the world. Weekly pasta specials for dine - in only.
Call us today for take out or come see us in Westfort tonight!
Restaurant type
Pizzeria,
Gourmet Italian Pizza,
Cuisine type
Italian,
Dishes
Gourmet Pizza,
Pasta,
Calzoni,
Panzerotti,
Features
Alcohol Served,
Group Reservation,
Take-out,
Wheelchair-accessible Restaurant,
Restaurant With Private Rooms,
Delivery,
Atmosphere
Family,
Products and Services
Gourmet Italian Cuisine In A Relaxed Family Atmosphere,
I went there and found u couldn't order any pasta without preordering but I understand I hear it's good so I got a panzerottti, it was ok. It wasn't the highlight of my eating experiences and found it was over priced.... Not something I would choose all the time but maybe if I'm ever in the neighborhood or if I have some time to kill. Not a favorite just an option if it's the closest is what I'm saying.
Great food! Alfa came to check on us repeatedly, made sure we knew to get the caesar salad as hers was "the best" - she was right, and we had an incredible meal.
IT was a bit strange to order in advance, but we'd heard great things, so we tried it, and the food was amazing... we'll definitely be back.
After hearing about Mama Alfa's for the last five years from my brother up in Thunder Bay, my family and I finally made the trip. It was our first night in town, and Alfa heard we were coming as well. Upon arrival, we were instantly treated like family. No pretentions, no niceties, but real, honest Italian hospitality and love.
From the incredible garlic bread to the mini calzone and the veal so tender you could use a spoon to cut it, every dish we ate was Italian food done right: simple, honest food using high-quality ingredients, cooked well and presented with amore. My two-year old wouldn't allow me to eat off my own plate, as he wanted to eat it all! (Thankfully, there was so much I was able to have a side plate all for myself.)
Alfa and Ralph are two of the loveliest people you'll ever have the pleasure of meeting. Every wonderful thing you've heard about them is true. We'd heard stories ourselves, but there was not one word of hyperbole in them. Theirs is a story in of itself that only adds to the depth of the restaurant.
The only problem with Alfa's is that she's in Thunder Bay and we are not. There's a real gem up there, a little piece of southern Italy transplanted into a corner of northern Ontario.
It doesn't matter your profession, background or nationality at Mama Alfa's. Everyone is family, and nobody leaves hungry.
Alfa and Ralph our hosts and the owners are two of the most generous people you will ever meet
We stopped by last week for a Greek pizza and was once again overwhelmed by not only this fantastic pizza but the warmth of the reception given.
I cannot believe that I am reading here on this site complaints that this generous lady is being faulted for making gifts of her food.
I tend to eat out quite often and its not uncommon for managment to send out a complimentry drink or dessert.
I personally think its a very nice touch to show apprreciation to regular customers or friends.
In Alfa's case many of her regulars are like family and if your there on special days like her birthday or Mothers Day. You will see how many of those customers stop in to bring cards,gifts or flowers.
She in turn will respond by sharing her special gift of the food she makes.
This is not only kind and generous but part of the Italian way that makes this place so special.
Oh and by the way many of those Doctors have become good friends during the times they have provided treatment to this couple during times of serious illness .
They are perhaps getting a "tip" for that excellent service they have provided.
As far as giving to the community. I know that Mama Alfa's has donated to many events including charity events for Northern Cancer , Healthy Hearts and several fundraisers for local children and families.
Even during the night I was last there 2 young couples were given donations towards their shags.
So not only do I give this place a big thumbs up for the excellent food and atmosphere but also to the warm caring hosts Alfa and Ralph
It is true, if you are a; doctor, dentist, judge, lawyer or even a police officer, the chances of getting your meal free is more than favorable. It is WELL known in West Fort and Fort William (and some in Port Arthur I know) there is clear favoritism based on educational background. I have been a patron of the restaurant on more than one occasion where food was given away free to doctors ect... I have been to the restaurant with a friend of mine who is a doctor. They were told their meal was free. My friend was more than embarrassed and humbled by the kind but unnecessary offer. Even when Alpha was told thank you, but we preferred to pay for our meal, the request was denied. Therefore, we left on the table more than the value of the meal including a handsome tip (apparently this has happened on more than one occasion with my friend). If you are to counter this review, it is clear in my opinion and experience, you are either someone who receives free food or are not aware of the facts. Personally, I feel the quality of the food is good. However, in good conscious, I have stopped going to Mamma Alpha’s because of the abhorrent favoritism!!
Based on the date, I think that I was at the same show as the last reviewer. I agree that the food was great and the show was a lot of fun. However, I did not feel any sort of neglect or favouritism towards other patrons. Alfa seemed to go around to each table and make sure that everyone was having a good time. Considering that the last reviewer said that they couldn't finish everything that they were served, it seems odd to complain that someone else got more food than they did.
As a suggestion to anyone that goes to a restaurant, if you have a concern about food, service, or any part of your dining experience, talk to the owner or manager. Especially in the case of a Thunder Bay institution like Mama Alfa's, why would you punish yourself for something that sounds like hurt feelings over something you didn't want?
Looking forward to going back for the food AND the service!
I went to one of the pizzerias dinner theaters the other night. It was wonderful, and my friends and I had a great time. However I was disgusted with the owner’s favouritism towards a group of doctors sitting in the room. She proceeded to give all the extra food to them and even set a whole plate of extra garlic toast on their table. If we all paid the same amount of money to be there, I think she should have the common decency to treat everyone equally. I was disgusted by the owner’s performance and I will not be returning
I ate here on saturday april 23 and have to say it was a wonderful experience. I am from winnipeg here for easter and came with "regulars". We ordered veal parmesan with mannicotti. The veal was so tender you didn't even need a knife to cut it and the mannicotti was superb. The caesar salad was to die for. Not to mention the excellent service. My friends knew the staff by name as well as the staff knew their name. Mama Alfa and Tanya did most of the serving but a pretty girl named Kayla that works in the back also came out to serve us our garlic bread and breadsticks. It was my first time here and I would recommend this restaurant to everybody.
I really do not understand how people complain about having to preorder. Where else can you go that makes your meal from scratch, by someone experienced like Mama Alfa, not some teenager who doesnt care. I say if you dont appreciate it, go get some fast food.
We started with caesar salad and mini calzone, both were to die for and had such a nice taste, nothing was too rich and nothing was too bland, absolutely perfect. Then for our main course we had her homemade gnocchi, which we preordered! The sauce was so good you could taste the freshness. You cant get something that amazing from a can let me tell you. There is only a slightly longer wait than most places because its being done just like you would at home! You cant make a homemade meal in under 15 min can you? nope!
I also dont know what people are talking about when they say there is no dessert available, they always have gelato! But we were so stuffed already!
The service was wonderful, both Mama Alfa and the blonde waitress were very attentive and so kind to my group. Theres no where else you can go that you feel like youve known the people forever.
They really need to get rid of that waitress. Every time I hear about someone having eaten there recently they remark on how rude the waitress is.
Food was great as always, would love to order pasta sometime, but I never have enough notice on my end when I'm going.
My only complaint is their "elephant ears" Pizza crust deep fried? It wasn't fried enough, it was all mushy and gooey not even halfway into it, I felt sick for days.
When I asked the waitress if I could get it fried a bit extra she was upset she had to work a little more. We Were The Only People In The Restaurant! When she brought it back it wasn't warm anymore and was still gooey.
I'm tired of going there only to be served by a rude waitress.
Food was great.
Some people, just really like people,Mama does!She makes you feel like you are family.We had pizza and she came out with a free plate of penne for our table that was great,all homemade.
We stopped in at "Mama's " after being referred by a local business.
The restaraunt is very comfortable with booths that give you some privacy.
We were warned ahead of time that all items on the menu are not always available so asked for suggestions.
We ended up having the carbonara which was fantastic. The Caesar salad was the best ever and lived up to the reputation.
There was no room for dessert although I was told there was none available..
The atmosphere was very cozy and the place seemed full of regulars.There was lots of talk and banter between tables.
This is not the place you come to if your in a big hurray . A wait is to be expected
The food was OK, nothing spectacular. The restaurant was only half full, waitress couldn't remember if my aunt wanted a glass of red or white wine for the 30 seconds she was getting it in the back.
Booths aren't very comfortable. Caesar salad is always good.
Hate how you have to order two days ahead of time for pasta dishes, I usually don't know if I'm going out to eat till that night let alone what I'm going to order two days ahead of time.
Waitress was very rude. I sat down and hadn't even gotten my coat off and she asked what I wanted without even being handed a menu.
Only reason I'd go back was if my sister was in town again, she just loves their Caesar salad.
We had been hearing about Mama Alfa's since our daughter moved to Thunder Bay and were anxious to try it. We are serious 'foodies' and really love to eat! We went to Mama's almost directly from the airport and were not disappointed. Mama and her staff are all like a family and greeted us warmly. We started with her famous Ceasar salad which was exceptional. We enjoyed a wonderful bottle of red wine off the wine list which is chosen to go beautifully with the food. We had chicken soup with little noodles called 'melon seeds' which was as good as anything my mother ever made and my mother made great soup! We also had the mini calzone which can only be described as heaven in your mouth....crispy on the outside and melt in your mouth on the inside. During the meal Mama kept coming by to make sure we were enjoying the meal. She also sent over a small sample of gnocchi and ravioli for us to try. Her sauces are absolutely delicious. Our main course was the pizza
a la Romano which is a seven layer pizza for the true Italian food lover. I have never seen anything like it and it was really delicious. We were stuffed but Mama suggested her home made Tiramisu and we could not resist. It was the best we have ever eaten. The coffee taste was as if it had just been made and the chunks of chocolate on the top were so delicious! When in Thunder Bay you cannot miss Mama Alfa's!!!
I honeslty cannot believe this is in Thunder Bay and not Italy itself! This place is too amazing!
I have been going here for years and honestly Mama Alfa is such a sweetie.
She is like a long lost grandmother of mine.
She comes out from the Kitchen every time I come here and says hi, she always says hi to who ever I am with. This is the perfect place to bring a date or any friend. You may be fooled becuase it is in westfort, but the atmosphere inside is amazing. She plays mellow jazz music, and decorates the place with a warm type of feeling that feels so cozy. She always remembers what I am doing, and asks me how school is and how my friends and family are.
We order delivery alot form here too and its one of the few pizza places in town that I like. You won't find greased up street pizza here. This pizza is the real deal. It tastes like no other pizza I have ever had and it is very addictive. But the pasta she has is even more amazing. You actually have to let her know a day ahead of time if you want it becuase she literaly makes it fresh that day for you. You will never find fresher pasta then this in Thunder Bay.
Ralph, Mama, Leno and Tanya have always made me feel welcome for the 10 years have been going there, and I will always recommend them first over any other pizza place in town.
This resturant is one of the top ten reasons to live in Thunder Bay.
I can honestly say that the greatest meals that I...
I can honestly say that the greatest meals that I have had in Thunder Bay have been at Mama Alfa's. Just as importantly, they have each been served by Alfa and her husband Ralph, who treat each diner like a guest in their home. This is Italian home cooking at its best!
We were recommended this lovely restaurant by the...
We were recommended this lovely restaurant by the staff at the Valhalla Inn.
We were not disappointed in the least .
The dinner was chosen by Mama herself.
The Caeser salad was absolutely fantastic and is by far the best I ever had!!
The pasta we were told is not always available and is best done by reservation.
We ened up having stuffed shells,caesar salad,min calzones ( a house favourite) and a bottle of Chianti.
Our hosts Ralph and Alfa treated us as family.
They make you feels so welcome.
Other staff were great as well including lovely Kayla who is so shy you can barely get here out of the kitchen.
The "son " is also a great host
Two thumbs way up for a fabulous evening of fine...
Two thumbs way up for a fabulous evening of fine food & entertainment. My friends had made reservations for us to attend a dinner show when I visited on Feb. 7th. I wasn't expecting such quality in a city of this size. The food kept coming until we couldn't eat anymore. I've never tasted anything like the mini calzones that we had & I want to know what was in the Caesar salad. There must be some secret because I always have it when I eat out & now I'm spoiled. The show was so much fun we laughed all the way home. I would go & see it again. I can't describe the atmosphere - it felt like you were at a friends house getting waited on hand & foot while having a live performance just for you. I almost lost my husband to the sexy magician's assistant & I have to say that we couldn't figure out how he did the tricks. We're still talking about it!
