Mama Santa's: A Hidden Gem in Cleveland's Little Italy - Sixth City Marketing Society

Nestled in the heart of Cleveland’s Little Italy, Mama Santa’s is an icon. It’s a place for family-style meals and late-night pizzas. It’s a place for community. Santa Ignazzitto was the inspiration to launch the restaurant back in 1961. The Sicilian immigrant encouraged her son and his wife to share the recipes of their homeland, with Santa the original chef. Today, Mama Santa’s is in its fifth generation of family ownership, still dedicated to its original recipes and the comfort and conversation that comes with a great meal.
One hundred years ago, it was the Sixth City. Today, Cleveland is a city shaped by its makers, movers, and shakers. The Sixth City Marketing Society showcases the creativity and ingenuity of Clevelanders, giving the entire region the spotlight it deserves. The series is hosted by award-winning journalist and fellow Clevelander Sara Shookman. To meet more of Cleveland's cool kids, and have some fun, too, check out sixthcitymarketing.com/society.

[@TheOnlyAlexandra]

Not sure if you know, but Mama Santa's is talked about in the new Netflix film "The Bad Land" with Russell Crowe and Liam Hemsworth. There is a scene where they are saying they are from Ohio. Brook Park and Middleburg Heights, respectively. Crowe asks Hemsworth's character is he knows Mama Santa's on Mayfield. They proceeded to discuss Mama Santa's for another 2 minutes. We just happened to flip it on and were thrilled. Nice to see Mama Santa's getting some Hollywood treatment.🍕🍕🍕

[@CasualObserver-jx4zh]

This is Cleveland. A bootstrap family business in a bootstrap city. Nothing keeps them down. Kudos

[@kendalson7100]

Looks like a lovely family Italian place.

[@jimslancio]

When I was going to school in the 1970s, Mamma Santa's served a clam-shrimp pizza, that I loved! I've never found its like anywhere else.

[@aaronauger7602]

FANTASTIC STORY...GOD BLESS YOU ALL FOREVER...THANK YOU

[@robertschlemmer3756]

Fantastic piece! I was raised in Cleveland Hts. which borders this area of Cleveland. We went to Mama Santa's growing up and when coming to town our meeting place for lunch or dinner is Mama Santa's.
Did not know about their history and happy the Sixth City journalist let the family tell the history in their own words - while showing the real work and dedication they have for their craft! Thank you!

[@daniellegavorski8122]

Awsome place love it for 52 years

[@randytolen9531]

Beautiful video....a Cleveland iconic place with the best pizza. It's been a LONG time, I need to stop by very soon. Hopefully I can find a place to park!

[@chefahi1299]

Mama Santas when I was at John Carroll U, as long as you behaved yourself and acted like an adult (early 90’s, different time) could grab some underage wine without getting carded…what great memories 🎉😊

[@adventureswithcarl123]

Best pizza that I have in the whole usa!

[@imstelios]

God Bless these wonderful people! #Cent’anni

[@tigerphid9677]

A beautiful story. So many immigrants to America open restaurants because they bring their native foods and authentic cuisine. Often it is everything that they have to offer.

[@johnbroadway4196]

This iZ A BEAUTIFUL CLEVELAND INSTITUTION.
I LOVE TO MANGIA MANGIA MANGIA HERE AT MAMA SANTA'S !

[@shirleyjhaney1041]

It looks delicious

[@ayana4501]

Love that pizza

[@dermottosullivan1456]

🙏🏻

[@WayneMarkley]

😊

[@stevemarcantonio8587]

It’s not noodles!
It’s pasta!!!
Ooohhhh!!!

[@Aztec73]

#Aztec73 🍕 😋

[@unkolawdio]

Hey girl,,,go with me

[@BlackJesus8463]

0:42

[@unkolawdio]

I'm goin

[@randyschwaggins]

None of them look like they are in great health...😂😂😂