Hello dear
Welcome To Mama Rao’s Kitchen
At Mama Rao’s Kitchen, culinary passion meets authentic Italian tradition. Nestled in East Hanover, NJ, this charming eatery specializes in mouthwatering breakfast, brunch, and sandwiches made with premium ingredients. From the heavenly Amore Mio sandwich, packed with sweet sopressata and fresh basil, to comforting soups like Beef Barley and Minestrone, every dish tells a story of care and quality. The welcoming atmosphere invites both locals and visitors to savor each bite, while attentive staff ensure a memorable dining experience. As a reviewer, I am captivated by the rich flavors that transport me to Italy with every sandwich I try.
Today's Suggestions
Explore the featured selections!
The Rao Special
Smoke Show
Amore Mio
Big Poppa
About
Mama Rao’s Kitchen
Welcome to a slice of Italy right in East Hanover, NJ—introducing Mama Rao’s Kitchen. This charming eatery specializes in Italian cuisine with a particular focus on breakfast, brunch, and sandwiches. Located at 2 Ridgedale Ave W, East Hanover, NJ 07936, Mama Rao’s Kitchen is not just a restaurant; it's a rendezvous for food lovers seeking authentic flavors combined with a warm, friendly atmosphere.
Mama Rao’s Kitchen stands out for its stellar selection of sandwiches. Highlights include:
- Amalfi Coast: Fresh mozzarella with broccoli rabe and roasted peppers at just $14.60.
- Big Poppa: A hearty combination of pastrami, corned beef, cole slaw, and Russian dressing on rye bread—perfectly priced at $17.55.
- Drunken Parm: This dish is a must-try according to loyal customers who describe it as “to die for!”
- Italian Stallion: A delightful mix of spicy soppressata, capicola, and provolone topped with arugula and cherry peppers, showcasing the quality ingredients that define Mama Rao's.
But it’s not just the food that captivates! The ambiance is equally inviting. With wheelchair accessibility, on-site and bike parking, as well as outdoor seating options, Mama Rao’s Kitchen ensures a comfortable dining experience for everyone. The restaurant has gained a reputation for its attentive and cheerful service, where both patrons and staff interact like old friends.
The feedback from the enthusiasts is overwhelmingly positive. Customer Susan B. was so impressed by the friendly service and cozy seating arrangement that she proclaimed, “It felt like I died and went to heaven.” Similarly, Philip H. exclaimed, “10 Stars! Amazing! Spectacular!” celebrating the top-notch ingredients that make each sandwich unforgettable.
With a dedication to quality, Mama Rao’s Kitchen also provides catering and takeout options, making it the perfect choice for those busy days when you want to enjoy gourmet sandwiches at home. Don't forget to check out their daily specials on Instagram to gauge your visit—perhaps that’s when you’ll discover something new to crave!
For a delightful Italian dining experience featuring sandwiches crafted with love and top-shelf ingredients, head to Mama Rao’s Kitchen. You can reach them at (973) 887-2316 for more information or to place an order. Come hungry, and prepare to be enchanted.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ Thoought I died and went to Heaven. We live in Bergen County and our town and nearby towns do not have a place this good. Service was great and friendly. Nice that they have several tables far apart from each other so you can eat in if you want to. We come to East Hanover often and this will always be our place ”
“ We were riding by and decided to try this. We walked in and were delighted by the atmosphere and the friendliness of both the customers and the service workers. Great selection of quality Italian foods. Truly enjoyed the food I bought and would recommend a place for anyone in the area. ”
“ had the ro ass beef muzz - AMAZING! bread was outstanding and excellent service...SAL is da man! ”
“ 10 Stars! Amazing! Spectacular! Immaculate! The quintessential Italian sandwich shop. The best in this county for sure. Serving perfectly constructed sandwiches made with top shelf ingredients. I ordered the Italian Stallion which is spicy sopressata, capicola and provolone. Topped with arugula, cherry peppers and olive oil built upon perfectly crusty Italian bread. OMG! It was absolutely amazing. I also ordered the chicken cutlet pesto sandwich. Moist and tender golden chicken cutlets topped with fresh home made mozzarella, pesto, and sun dried peppers. Incredible! The staff is super friendly and attentive. I can't wait to go back... tomorrow. ”
“ Drunken Parm is to die for! We have been here 4 times now, this place does not disappoint. Make sure you follow them on instagram to see their specials beforehand... That's how I gage my walk or run speed! ”
“ BEST PICKLE SANDWICH EVER! I got turkey provolone lettuce tomato with Russian dressing it was to die for. The staff is so welcoming and kind this is my new spot! Highly recommended checking this place out doesn't disappoint! ”
“ I always look forward to coming here. The food is fantastic. Sometimes it's for lunch and at other times to pick-up something for dinner whe I'm not cooking.. Mama Rao's Kitchen is a specialty deli offering Italian cuisine. The East Hanover location is one of two, the other is located on 11th avenue in Brooklyn. Most of their business is take-out and catering with a few tables set opposite the service counter for indoor dining. This review is about lunch, Mama Rao's has a steady flow of customers but lines move quickly. They know their business and execure it efficiently. I ordered the "Chef Angela" 7'' sub ($10.99) which consisted of imported Mortadella, provolone, hot cherry peppers, lettuce & tomato with a vinaigrette. It was delicious. They have a 12" ($13.99) "Chef Angela" but even though I'm 6'1" and 210 lbs, the 7" is enough for me. They do not skip on the ingredients including the meat and quality cheeses. The bread here is a star. It is homemade and baked daily. It has a crunch on the outside and a lightness inside. Their large menu includes a sub sandwich option they call build your own which I like. ”
“ Well I found a new lunch option while working in the office! Stopped in at Mama Rao's yesterday for the first time and thought it was awesome. So many choices! I ordered the sausage and peppers sandwich to go. The bread slightly toasted , filled with sausage and orange and yellow peppers tasted great! I'm already thinking of what I'm ordering next time. There are tables inside for dining, but on a beautiful day like yesterday, Lurker Park is right up the street and the option of sitting outdoors eating that sandwich was a good choice! ”
“ Serious Yummers Are Coming Outta Mama Rao's Kitchen and That's a Fact People Let Me Tell Ya!! Everything in here looks absolutely amazing from loaded Breakfast Sandwiches which are served up from 9am to 11am, Classic Italian Dishes, Hot & Cold Super Sandwiches, Salivating Salads, Wraps, Wings, I mean You Name It They Got It and They Ain't Afraid To Feed It To Ya!! Lol When Food Quality, Service, and Convenience have all been met and have exceeded the customer's expectations all that's left to do is sit back and enjoy the outstanding meals that We're gonna share from this excellent spot. By the way Lunch is served up during the week from 11am until closing which is 5pm. Looking forward to stopping by again and again and again. Me and Mama Rao We Got A Thing Going On And I Don't Care Who Knows IT!! Hahaha Come And Get Your Munch On!! ”
