Mama Nina Focacceria - Freemansburg

I’ve also noticed some negative comments about the complimentary garlic bread served as soon as you sit down. Yes, it has a strong flavor, but that’s exactly how I (and many others) enjoy it. If it’s too much for you, just ask them to serve the garlic on the side. I prefer to eat outside when the weather allows, as it can feel cramped inside, which is the only reason I didn’t give it a full five stars. The staff is generally prompt and friendly. Of course, during busy times, you might have to wait a bit as your server attends to several tables, which is completely understandable. Nino, the owner, and his wife are always welcoming and express their gratitude for your visit. I have NEVER seen him rude or shouting. I’m writing this after dining there during Musikfest on August 3, 2009. We only waited about 10 minutes for a table. Our waitress was prompt, the food arrived quickly, and as always, it was delicious. I had my usual chicken parmesan, and the portion was very generous. I ate as much as I could and still had leftovers to take home for lunch the next day. It seems like some individuals (perhaps with their accomplices) have been posting repeated negative reviews, possibly based on an isolated bad experience. It can't possibly be as bad as some claim. Mama Nina’s is usually quite busy, which indicates they must be doing something right. While I’m not claiming it’s the perfect Italian restaurant, it’s certainly one of the best in the Lehigh Valley.

A more considerate business owner might have said, "I’m sorry. As a new owner, I'd like to keep your business and ensure you're happy. Let me cover 50% of your tab for the inconvenience." Instead, the new owner made me feel like I was trying to cheat him. Ultimately, he told us not to pay anything and that we could just leave. However, I refused to leave without settling the bill, especially because he seemed angry and upset with both us and the waitress. It looked like he might even take the money away from her. The new owner clearly lacks interpersonal communication skills. In the end, I insisted on paying the full bill and left a $20 tip for the server. I truly hope she gets it.

The menu offers a good selection of vegetarian options. I ordered a vegetable and pasta dish, and it arrived piled high with so many vegetables that I had to sift through them to find the noodles. The portion was substantial enough to easily feed a family of four. The sun-dried tomatoes were particularly delicious, although they would have been better if they were chopped into smaller pieces. The artichoke hearts were also quite large. Mama Nina's has a charming decor that resembles an outdoor restaurant on a narrow Italian street, even though it is actually an indoor venue in a tight building in Bethlehem. The space is narrow, accommodating only three rows of tables, resulting in a total of about 15 tables in the entire restaurant.

What was even more troubling than the cramped space was the quality of the food and the rude attitude of the owner. When I cut into the chicken on my salad, I found it was raw. I tried to disregard this by picking the chicken off, but then I noticed some unsettling things floating in the balsamic vinegar from the cruet. I thought it might just be seasoning, but upon closer inspection, I was horrified to see at least ten bugs struggling for their lives inside the cruet. I alerted the waiter, who promptly took my salad and the cruet away. He returned with a plastic container of balsamic vinegar and mentioned that another salad would be coming out. However, I was so turned off that I asked him to cancel the order, as my appetite was ruined and I felt nauseous. I noticed him speak to the owner, who continued to cram more tables in, clearly prioritizing capacity over guest comfort. Eventually, the owner approached us and started the conversation by saying, “I’ll apologize for the chicken, but not for the bugs in the salad; that happens. I have the cleanest kitchen in Bethlehem.” He seemed defensive rather than concerned. I reiterated that the bugs were in the cruet, and he offered to get me something else. I explained how nauseous I felt after that experience and declined his offer. He persisted in trying to get me to eat something else, making me feel even worse. Eventually, I had to ask him to stop as it was adding to my discomfort. When the bill arrived, we were charged for my husband’s meal, despite the fact that the evening had been ruined, and they were aware it was our anniversary. Overall, it was a disappointing experience that left us frustrated and disheartened.

I had a disappointing experience at this restaurant. The spaghetti was burnt and the bread was so dry it hardly qualified as a proper meal. My first visit featured an eggplant parmigiana with undercooked eggplant, a thin sauce, and gloppy cheese, which left a bad impression. After about seven months, I decided to give it another chance with takeout. Unfortunately, the spaghetti sauce was so burnt that it was upsetting to think the chef thought it was acceptable. It was filled with charred remnants and tasted bitter. I can’t believe they thought I wouldn’t notice or wouldn’t mind. This was served during peak dinner hours at 6:30 PM. If you appreciate good food, I strongly advise against eating here! The prices are too high for the poor quality of the meals. This place seems to cater to those who lack cooking skills and don’t know what real food should taste like. After two terrible experiences, I will definitely be staying away!