This homegrown takeout spot in Khobar needs to be on your radar
The spot pays homage to true Italian cuisine
My mother always says there are either people who eat to live or those who live to eat, and I am obviously the latter. Ordering and enjoying food is one of those things that seems so mundane but truly brings a world of comfort if done right. And Ammamia in Khobar is doing it just right.
Currently in its soft-opening stage, the spot is helmed by chef and founder Alessandro Zingarelli, who pays tribute to the woman behind it all, his mother. Setting out with the mission to open the first Lasagnaria in the GCC, Ammamia in Khobar is truly one of the most unique concepts in the city right now.
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From the moment you start walking towards the space, you’re drawn to the logo, a photo of a woman in an apron, simple, but it stays with you. And maybe it’s something so deeply ingrained in our heads, but when a mother is in the kitchen (shout out, Mama Bari), you just know you’re about to have the best meal of your life. And that’s exactly what the chef aims to recreate: the feeling of being in his mother’s kitchen, this time, with all of us.
The concept comes from an idea Chef Alessandro Zingarelli’s mother had many moons ago in Belgium, becoming the first person to come up with the idea to create a lasagna-focused restaurant. Years later, we get to reap the rewards here in Khobar.
The menu puts a spotlight on the comfort food of comfort foods: true, authentic lasagna. Take your pick from the classic (bolognese), verde (pesto), bianca (meatballs and ricotta cheese), and parmigiana (eggplant), among other exceptional choices. Sides include mozzarella croquettes, lasagna fritti, Italian tuna salad, and the signature insalata ammamia.
The name comes from the Italian phrase Mamma Mia, which translates to my mother, and to keep in line with the uniqueness of the concept, Zingarelli added his own spin on it, and thus Ammamia was born.
While dates for a Riyadh location haven’t been announced just yet, we have it on good authority that the concept will soon be joining dining scenes all over Saudi Arabia.
Location: Prince Nayef St, Ash Shamaliyah District
Timings: Sun to Thu 11am to 1pm, Fri to Sat 12pm to 11.3opm
