Mama Shelter East

This is where it all began. Rue de Bagnolet, in the 20th arrondissement of Paris. In 2008, Trigano and son decided to create an affordable venue where children and adults could get together to party, work or rest. The very first Mama Shelter was born, offering a sanctuary that greets everyone with warmth and kindness. And Mama certainly knows how to make people feel welcome. Mama’s isn’t one but three incredibly cosy venues where people come to relax and enjoy a taste of the dolce vita.

Mama loves restaurants

Your first stop is the bar and restaurant. Here, Mama prepares her good home cooking to be served to guests at the long seats installed in the dining room. These include the famous ham macaroni that made the Bordeaux branch so popular (as the signature dish of the city’s former mayor), the sea bream ceviche, the pork ribs and the plancha-grilled scallops. Not forgetting the desserts made for sharing (or not): brioche pudding, tiramisu or Mont-Blanc with chestnuts.

Make yourself comfortable at the bar (it’d be rude not to!), and sip at one of the Mama cocktails with a selection of Franco-Italian antipasti. The bar staff will even mix you a signature cocktail to match your mood. If you’re more into sharing, no worries! You’ll have no trouble getting your pitcher refilled at this bar located near the old East Paris railway line and the Père-Lachaise cemetery.

As you’ve guessed by now, Mama’s heart is torn between Italy and France. If you can’t make up your mind, simply cross the library between the two restaurants to find yourself plunged into the centre of Naples. At Mama’s Trattoria, two long tables invite you to take a seat and enjoy the best of Italian food with friends, or in the company of strangers sharing your table. Aubergines parmigiana, lasagna, Stracciatella tartufata, Tiramisu… and of course those irresistible Neapolitan pizzas.

The setting is a colourful combination of urban decor and subdued lighting. There’s a stage that regularly hosts jazz, soul or electro performances. Every Sunday, Mama makes no exception to the ritual of welcoming guests for a colourful brunch a family brunch from the all-you-can-eat buffet. Naturally, the brunch menu is a delicious mix of French and Italian specialities.

Mama loves rooftops

For a view over Paris, go up a few floors. The Mama rooftop area has sofas, hammocks,cocktails, a barbecue and, more importantly, smiles and laughter all round on a sunny day. Under the strings of lanterns that light up the tables on the terrace, you can enjoy drinks and table tennis in the warm and friendly atmosphere. Then stay for a dinner of BBQ/grill mix served with mouthwatering accompaniments and tasty seasoning. Round off your evening with Mama’s cocktails, the true recipe for happiness.

Mama loves Paris West too, another venue for you to try at Porte de la Plaine.