Chicago TL
We ended up at La Mama after reading all the reviews. La Mama didn’t disappoint!
It’s a small restaurant owned and run by a lady from Yemen and her husband (who has Masters in IT!). Their story by itself is amazing but that’s for some other time.
We ordered whatever the lady/owner recommended, a chicken sate type entree, lamb shanks, and drinks. All the food items were fantastic. Lamb was cooked so good, it literally melted in our mouths. Fruit drinks were amazing. Presentation of all items were solid. Prices were very reasonable. All entrees came with a fruit salad which was unusual. But it was really good.
The food is zabihha halal. They have prayer mats available.
Restaurant is located in a corner building. Sign is very small which makes it hard to see on a snowy day. They share parking with liquor store next door.
I would definitely go back given an opportunity.
… moreJordan Ziebarth
Came here to grab a late dinner on my way home just as they were locking the doors (hours listed on my source were wrong; it closes at 9pm and not 930pm like I thought). The gentleman working, who I believe is the son of the owner, was nice enough to still make me a plate. Easily the best lamb I have ever had. Literally falls off the bone like a tender pot roast and has amazing flavor. Absolutely recommend and I’ll be back when I’m in the neighborhood.
… moreJennifer B.
Absolutely delicious food. Loved the pineapple smoothie – fun for the cold winter 🙂 we got the Lamb shank, slow cooked for 16 hours and perfect! Chicken kabobs were perfectly spiced and the sauces to dip were divine. Will be back for sure
… moreChengyoua Lor
The food was delicious!!! I got so full so fast!! The owner was really sweet and polite. Her drinks are amazing I wish I got more!
… moreEkho Jones
Arafat as the owner of La Mama restaurant has a great presentation! The food is wonderfully seasoned and brought to life in the kitchen!
Also, to mention, in 2025 La Mama Restaurant won the best restaurant for Google Reviews! Phenomenal restaurant!
… moreMichele Byfield Angell
We got an entire meal catered by La Mama and the food was fantastic for our family dinner. We got lamb shanks that were so tender and flavourful and a flavourful rice. Everyone raved about it. As a home cook, it was a satisfying and easy way to enjoy hosting everyone and enjoy a meal that felt like home. Highly recommend!!! We’ll do it again.
… moreW S
Wonderful atmosphere, treated us like family. We were in there 3 deep but the welcome and attention was superb. Great food, we had the Filipino Steak Sandwich and Lamb Shank. The steak sandwich was packed with flavor and carried great portions. The Lamb Shank was fall off bone tender, tendernissm! I will be back for sure, 10/10 would recommend.
… moreGwyneth Ridley
The Mandi lamb was fantastic. The meat was falling right off the bone and seasoned perfectly. The fruit juice was delicious and beautiful.. and the owner is lovely!!
… moreHan Phan
The food is very tasty and delicious. The meat is marinated in tasty and flavorful seasonings. The rice is rich and buttery. But let me warn you, you will smell like what you eat because there’s a grill across the cashier and no vent so you’ll get stink.
… moreKim T
Such lovely people. Everyone was so friendly and the chef said he cooked my chicken gyro like schwarma and whatever it was I snarfed it down. Good gravy! The green sauce was flovorful and not too spicy. It paired wonderfully with the wrap I had. I cannot wait to try more dishes from them.
… more