East Mamma is the original Big Mamma trattoria — the one that started the Italian empire now beloved across Paris. Opened in 2015 near Bastille, it still draws the crowds with fresh pasta, Neapolitan pizzas, and that signature truffle pasta that people queue for. Yes, the line is real, but the food lives up to the hype.
The original Big Mamma trattoria where truffle pasta and daily-made fresh pasta keep a loyal queue coming back near Bastille.
Arrive before 7pm on weekdays or be prepared to queue — the line is legendary, especially on weekends.
The original Big Mamma that still draws the crowds
East Mamma is where the Big Mamma story began, and honestly, it still holds up as one of the best Italian spots in the 11th. The truffle pasta is the thing everyone talks about — and for good reason. It's rich, generous, and worth every euro of the ~€19 price tag. The fresh pasta is made in-house daily, and you can taste the difference. Pair it with one of their Neapolitan pizzas from the wood-fired oven and you've got a meal that explains why there's always a line outside.
The atmosphere is loud, warm, and unapologetically bustling. It's not the place for a quiet romantic dinner — it's where you go with friends, share plates, drink natural wine, and embrace the chaos. The decor is vintage Italian trattoria meets Parisian cool, with checkered tablecloths and walls lined with Italian products. Service is fast and friendly, though they're clearly moving at speed given the volume of people.
The wait is the main drawback — expect to queue, especially on weekends. But here's the thing: the food genuinely delivers. The pistachio desserts are a standout finish, and the menu changes with the seasons so there's always something new. For the quality and the prices, East Mamma remains one of the best value Italian meals in Paris, even with the hype.