By: Ashmar Mandou

Nestled in the heart of the Bridgeview community, Mama Luigi’s Restaurant has been serving up authentic Italian cuisine for 78 years, which General Manager Dominic Talerico attributes much of their success to good quality ingredients, family recipes, attentive staff members, and a great atmosphere. “We believe what has kept Mama Luigi’s Restaurant open for all of these years, what has kept our legacy ongoing is because of the high standard we hold when it comes to serving our customers. We treat our customers like family because they are family, and we don’t make any changes to the recipes. We keep it true to the recipes my grandparents created when they first opened the restaurant.”

Mama Luigi’s is a family-owned restaurant that opened in 1948 by Italian immigrants Lewis and his wife Evelyn Talerico. “My dad, who is the youngest of five siblings took over the family business, and now, I, being the youngest of five of my siblings have taken over the restaurant…it’s an interesting tradition [laughs], but I love it. From all the stories my dad has shared to my own experience, I love that we are able to be a part of our customer’s lives in an intimate way. No matter the occasion, the minute our customers walk through our doors they know they are going to receive high-quality customer service,” said Talerico. Among the many delicious recipes, Talerico shared that for first time customers the lasagna is always a big hit. Mama Luigi’s also offers up savory dishes like Stuffed Eggplant, Pork Chop Dominic, Mamas “Sunday Gravy,” and the Chicken Alfredo among others. “There is something for everyone and our attention to ensuring we are serving up quality ingredients is our top priority,” said Talerico.

Not only does Mama Luigi’s Restaurant provide a fine dining experience, they also have a bar and gaming area, and host showers, corporate/group events, and have hosted generations of family weddings in their large banquet room. Mama Luigi’s, 7500 S. Harlem Ave, Bridgeview, IL, is open seven days a week.   Their hours are Monday through Thursday, from Noon to 9p.m., Friday and Saturday from Noon to 10p.m., and Sunday from noon-9 p.m. For more information, their menu, their banquet spaces, call 708-496-0900 or visit their website at mamaluigis.com, or check them out on Facebook.

Photo Credit: Mama Luigi’s Restaurant