Mama Alfa's Pizzeria Inc

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.