Mama Jennie's Italian Restaurant: Where Authenticity Meets Local Flair in South Florida

At 11720 Northeast 2nd Avenue in Miami, Mama Jennie's has long stood as a culinary cornerstone, a restaurant steeped in history and tradition. Founded over four decades ago, this cherished establishment began as a modest venture but quickly grew into a beloved part of the Miami dining scene. It's a place where generations of families have come together, weaving a rich tapestry of tantalizing flavors and unforgettable memories. Through the years, Mama Jennie's has maintained its commitment to authentic Italian cuisine, while also evolving to incorporate contemporary tastes and techniques.

Jennifer, who originally began her journey at the restaurant over 30 years ago, continues to ensure that it maintains its commitment to tradition, community, and top tier customer service. This enduring legacy of excellence and adaptability extends to their Pembroke Pines location, Mama Jennie’s West, a more recent addition to the Mama Jennie's family. At this location the essence of the original Miami restaurant is palpably present, yet there's a distinct character that resonates with the Pembroke Pines community. Each dish at this location serves as a bridge connecting the familiar comfort of traditional Italian fare with novel culinary explorations, appealing to both long-time patrons and newcomers alike. This harmonious blend of the old and the new symbolizes Mama Jennie's dedication to preserving its rich heritage while embracing the evolving tastes of its diverse clientele.

"In our catering services, we offer an extensive array of cuisines, ranging from Italian to Oriental, Latin to American, catering to the diverse palates of our customers," said Jennifer.

The coal oven pizzas, emerge as a harmonious blend of smoky aromas and crisp textures. If you are a pizza fanatic, we highly recommend their popular Triple Bypass Pizza, a masterpiece of meat and cheese complete with a sesame crust garlic parmesan crust. Their EBKS pizza which includes a smorgasbord of mouth-watering ingredients ranging from pepperoni and sausage, to black olives and garlic, is tied together with a savory blend of mozzarella and ricotta cheese is another standout pie. You can also try Jenni’s Margarita pizza and the Veg Out Pizza. Not to be overshadowed, the Fettuccine Alfredo with Shrimp and the classic Eggplant Parmigiana embody the essence of Italian comfort food.

Jennifer Berriel's foresight in integrating local flavors at the Pembroke Pines location is a clear demonstration of her commitment to a community-centric approach. This dedication shines through in her meticulous selection of fresh produce and ingredients, ensuring that the culinary offerings at Pembroke Pines maintain the high standards established by the Miami restaurant. Berriel's emphasis on freshness and quality is a cornerstone of her business philosophy, influencing every dish that is served.

While Berriel is known for her daily handpicking of produce for the Miami location, a similar level of care and attention to detail is implicitly extended to the Pembroke Pines branch. This careful selection process not only enhances the flavor and quality of the dishes but also shows support for local farmers and suppliers. Her efforts ensure that both locations of Mama Jennie's Italian Restaurant consistently provide dishes that are not only delectable but also reflective of the local community's palate and preferences, forging a deeper connection with their patrons.

In times of challenge, such as the pandemic, Mama Jennie's showed remarkable resilience and adaptability. Enhancing take-out services and prioritizing safety, the restaurant stood as a beacon of hope and continuity for its patrons, further solidifying its place in the community's heart.

Mama Jennie's role extends to supporting local schools and sports teams, illustrating a deep-rooted commitment to nurturing and empowering the local community.

"We offer pre-game meals for schools and teams like the optimist and football teams as part of our catering service. We also provide special pizza pricing, competing with the rates of major franchises," Jennifer said​​.

This engagement is not just about providing food; it's about supporting the vital activities that bring the community together, fostering a sense of unity and pride. Whether it's a school event, a sports team gathering, or a local celebration, Mama Jennie's delivers not just exquisite food but also a sense of belonging and support. The restaurant's ability to cater to various tastes and dietary needs makes it an ideal partner for community events, ensuring that all participant's culinary preferences are met with the same standard of excellence that Jennifer upholds in her restaurant.

Mama Jennie's Italian Restaurant in Miami and Pembroke Pines is more than a destination; it's an experience. A fusion of authentic Italian cuisine, community spirit, and a touch of local flair, it stands as a culinary beacon. Whether you're in the mood for a slice of pizza or a full Italian feast, Mama Jennie's welcomes you to a world where every dish tells a story and every guest feels at home.

Mama Jennie’s West can be found at 10460 Taft Street, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33026 and can be contacted at: (954) 544-5998. Mama Jennie’s West’s hours are 11:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. Tuesday - Sunday. Closed on Monday. They are currently available for delivery, takeout, or catering.

Mama Jennie’s Miami location can be found at 11720 Northeast 2nd Avenue, Miami, Florida 33161 and can be contacted at: (305) 757-3627. Mama Jennie’s hours are Sunday - Thursday: 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Friday: 12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. and Saturday: 12:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Closed on Monday. You can reach them by email at: mamajennies@gmail.com.