Fine Italian Food as You Like It!
Welcome!
Hello and welcome to Mama Petrillo’s. Mama Petrillo’s is an Old World Italian restaurant that focuses on Family and Quality. Mama Petrillo’s has been family owned and operated for over 80 years and 3 generations and has been serving Californians “La Vera” (the best) Italian food for 54 years!
Visit our clean, family-friendly restaurant and relax in the rich ambiance while being served by one of our friendly, attentive staff. Enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal. Mama Petrillo’s serves large, family-sized portions and the mouth-watering meals are always made fresh to order. Mama Petrillo’s uses family recipes that have been passed down through 3 generations – straight from Italy itself – and always uses the freshest ingredients – no fillers or preservatives are ever used. In order to preserve this quality and freshness, delivery is not available. Even the sauces, dressings, and bread are all hand-made from scratch. We know that after just one visit, you’ll keep coming back and become a member of the Petrillo family. Mama Petrillo’s is your Home away from Home – a warm, inviting gathering place to eat, drink, and socialize. So come on in! All your friends are here – even some you haven’t met yet.
“Memories in the Making”
Love the taste of Italy?
Ask your server how you can take Mama Petrillo's Sauces, Dressings, and par-baked breads
(Sauces and Dressings can be purchased by the jar or by the quart.)
Call ahead for
Carry-Out
(In order to preserve freshness
we don't offer Delivery)
Temple City: 626-285-0228
Location
9082 E. Las Tunas Dr.
Temple City, CA 91780
(626) 285-0228
Temple City
Established in 1961, the Temple City store is the original California Mama Petrillo’s restaurant created by son Angelo Petrillo and his wife Jean. The couple continued to work together making pizzas until 1982 when they retired and turned over the reins to their eldest son John who continues to run it today. It is located on the south side of Las Tunas Drive, just East of Rosemead.
It is a small store (seating 80-84) with an intimate setting that looks like a picture from the ‘Spaghetti Scene’ in Lady and the Tramp – perfect for your own date night or for a small family gathering. The motif is that of an old world Italian bistro – a taste of Little Italy – with rich dark wood and bright colorful neon signs.
Mama Petrillo’s is the last American restaurant in the area.
Events
Friday and Saturday nights feature entertainment by magician Wayne Kawamoto. Right at your table, Wayne performs miracles with playing cards, coins and more. Wayne has been a part of the Mama Petrillo’s dining experience for nine years. He’s a full time professional magician who has performed at Hollywood’s Magic Castle and entertained the Los Angeles Lakers and Dodgers, as well as appeared at the Los Angeles County Fair. When you visit on Friday and Saturday nights, be sure to request a free show. For entertainment at company and private events, Wayne can be reached at www.magicwayne.com.
About Mama Petrillo's
Our story begins three generations ago …
In Naples Italy, newlyweds John and Rose Petrillo dream of traveling to the United States one day. In 1903 the young couple seizes the opportunity and makes their way to America. Destination, Ellis Island! Could the renowned quote on the base of Lady Liberty have been a deciding factor? After all, where better to start an authentic Italian pizzeria that a city with the promise of “hungry huddled masses”! They settled in Rochester, New York and opened La Vera (Italian meaning “The Best”) Pizzeria in the early 30’s. John and Rose were the proud parents of eight children, five girls and three boys. The boys continued the tradition and went on to own their own restaurants.
Son Angelo is born 1921 in Watertown New York. Working in the family pizzeria, Angelo’s father guides him to “Petrillo pizza perfection” – a technique handed down to the next generation. The PETRILLO right of pizza passage if you will. Angelo joins the US Navy and serves our country in WWII as what else? A cook!! He meets a young beauty named Jean Albano, a native of Rochester New York. They marry and have two sons. In 1960, Angelo, Jean and the boys pack up and head out West to California where they would open Mama Petrillo’s on Las Tunas in Temple City in 1961.
Eldest son John follows in his father’s footsteps working in the family restaurant from the age 11 to serving his country in the Navy aboard the U.S.S. Midway. He marries a lovely girl Marcia and they have two sons. In 2001, in addition to operating Temple City John brings Mama Petrillo’s to La Verne and in 2010 welcomes the addition of JP’s (John Petrillo’s) Sports Bar. John proudly continues his family legacy, from making each and every gallon of our famous Italian salad dressing to still offering “la vera” (the BEST) pizza in town!
Reviews
Best pizza ever! I've been coming to Mama's since I was a kid and 30 years later it is still my favorite. The pepperoni is so perfect and nobody can beat the crust. Try it - you won't be disappointed.
- Marlo Bontempo
We love coming to JP's for our "Date Nights". The food is excellent and the attention we receive from Chris, the Bartender, is far beyond expectations. We always feel welcome and part of the Petrillo's family atmosphere.
- Richard and Carrie Dixon
Service was great and the children were delighted with the magician. Judith is wonderful. Thank you for making our dinner an enjoyable one! Everything was delicious!
- Morena Turner
The BEST pizza & pasta ever! We love Mama Petrillo's - always the friendliest servers and amazing food. Thank you for the last 30 years of mmmmmm!
K + A Sarraf
This was my first time at Mama Petrillo's. The service was awazing and our waitress was friendly, attentive, funny and helpful! The food was made with fresh ingredients and was one of the best Italian meals I've had.
Princilla Chavez
I've been coming here for over 16 years. Service is always terrific. Food is amazing. This place has the BEST pizza in town. The house salad is a must-have. Thank you for your amazing service.
Kin Chow
We love Mama Petrillo's. It's become a family tradition. We also love bringing friends. They agree it's the best pizza they've ever had. Our waiter was very friendly and accomodating. Five Stars!
Robert Mares
The warm friendly service is worth the trip - but add to that, delicious authentic Italian cuisine at its best. I'll be back again and again!
Cathy Stapleton and Elias Hanson
I've been coming here since the late 70's. Always good food and great service! Best pizza in town! I had to bring my nephew from Sacramento.
The Chappells
Mama Petrillo's is our family favorite! Great service, awesome food, and family fun Friday nights with Magic Wayne. Love it here!
Yvette Tanner
Pizza and salads are just as delicious as they were 40 years ago. I crave the pizza and antipasto weekly. The staff is always accomodating and friendly. The Italian Sausage sandwich is a game changer!
Dennis M.
The service was impeccable and the food was to die for! Great family atmosphere in a warm and wonderful setting! Love this place!
Leslie Wallace
Gallery
