About This Spot

Stepping into Mama Rao’s Kitchen feels like entering a warm neighborhood corner where the hum of friendly chatter blends effortlessly with the inviting aroma of fresh-baked bread and rich Italian spices. It’s a place where the pace slows just enough to make you feel comfortable—whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or lingering over a thoughtfully crafted sandwich, every visit carries a sense of familiar ease and genuine connection.

The atmosphere here is anything but rushed. Visitors often find themselves greeted with a welcoming smile, a sense of belonging uncommon in today’s fast-paced dining scenes. It’s clear this is a spot where food is more than just fuel—it’s a shared experience steeped in tradition and care. The deli counters, stocked with fragrant marinated peppers and freshly made pasta, invite exploration and offer glimpses into the heart of a home kitchen that’s open to all.

Here, sandwiches become miniature celebrations of Italian comfort—imagine biting into a chicken cutlet enveloped by melted mozzarella or savoring a caprese sandwich where the freshness of basil and creamy mozzarella strike a perfect balance. The finished product isn’t just about taste, but about the feeling of something lovingly prepared, evoking memories of family meals and late afternoon gatherings.

Beyond the counter, Mama Rao’s acts as more than a restaurant. It’s a small market where you can take a little piece of the experience home—a jar of homemade marinara, a ball of fresh mozzarella, or a loaf of crusty Italian bread. These offerings remind you that food here is thoughtfully crafted not only to nourish but to connect, creating subtle moments of joy well after leaving the shop.

What truly makes this spot stand out is the human touch woven through every interaction. Whether customizing a salad or recommending a personal favorite sandwich, the team behind Mama Rao’s Kitchen brings warmth and a quiet enthusiasm that transforms each meal into something memorable. The combination of fresh ingredients, authentic flavors, and genuine hospitality turns what might be a simple lunch into a comforting pause in the day, enjoyed among friends and neighbors.

What’s Available Here

  • IconIdentifies as women-owned
  • IconKerbside pickup
  • IconDelivery
  • IconIn-store pick-up
  • IconIn-store shopping
  • IconOn-site services
  • IconTakeaway
  • IconDine-in
  • IconWheelchair-accessible car park
  • IconWheelchair-accessible entrance
  • IconWheelchair-accessible seating
  • IconWheelchair-accessible toilet
  • IconAssistive hearing loop
  • IconToilet
  • IconWi-Fi
  • IconWi-Fi
  • IconLGBTQ+ friendly
  • IconTransgender safe space
  • IconQuick visit
  • IconCredit cards
  • IconDebit cards
  • IconNFC mobile payments
  • IconFree of charge street parking
  • IconFree parking lot
  • IconOn-site parking

Location & Hours

Monday 07:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tuesday 07:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday 07:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday 07:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday 07:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Sunday Closed

Guest Reviews

Joe Velasquez 03 Jan 2026

Such a great experience at Mama Rao's. The pasta was fresh, the flavors were bold, and the service was so welcoming. It feels like eating at a family friend’s home. Highly recommend for anyone craving comfort food.

Kelly S 19 Dec 2025

My husband and I went for lunch. The man serving us was SOO nice and friendly. You really don’t get that kind of friendliness anymore. He had a sandwich that he loved, I had a salad - which was personalized to me and it was fresh and delicious!! The food was great but the atmosphere was even better - it’s so nice to go somewhere where you feel so welcomed.

Ivy colon 02 Dec 2025

There is anything but your average deli, they have all your classics, but they have some extra special stuff too! The empanadas were actually pretty crazy. I had the sausage and pepper, and the chicken vodka, Parm, which was extraordinary! I love a good home made vodka sauce ! They also have other things in the market for purchase, from bread to homemade pasta!

JerseyJ973 02 Dec 2025

Mama Rao's Kitchen is a hidden gem. Coworkers and I have always ordered from there but I've never stopped in until today. Soon as I walked in I realized why the food is so good. My go to is the Amalfi Coast Chicken cutlet sandwich. The key is swapped out the roasted peppers for their sun dried peppers(picture added). It's the perfect cutlet sandwich. And if you like jalapeno, their stuffed jalapenos are where it's at. If you're thinking of or looking for something in the area, definitely give them a try, won't be disappointed. Everyone working there is great, the owner is cool, it's an experience going in there for sure. I grabbed my lunch take out but there are a few tables if you wanted to stay and eat.

Daniel Sean 14 Nov 2025

I ordered the “caprese” sub, and it was one of the best I’ve ever had. The mozzarella was fresh, the roasted red peppers were perfection, touch of balsamic glaze, and the chicken cutlet was out of this world. I felt like I was on Bloomfield Ave. in Newark, can’t beat this place. A gem in East Hanover, NJ.

Andy S 12 Oct 2025

Nice small IItalian in the heart of East Hanover. Stopped in for lunch during the rush. While parking lot seemed a bit small. Was able to park with no issues. Lots of great menu items to choose from. Ended up getting the Spice Spice Baby Chicken Cutlet (Stuffed Long Hots, Hot Stuffed Peppers, Pepper Jack Cheese & Spicy Olive Oil) Admittedly, made a rookie mistake and took sandwich home vs. devouring it there. That's on me and cant fault them for my mistake. Needless to say. It was still tasty by the timeI got home, and put away my groceries. Definitely would enjoyed it more had I eaten there.

Yan Tom 26 Sep 2025

Clean, clean,clean. Some indoor seating and outdoor seating. Everything there looks delicious and legit.small parking lot. Very nice staff, polite and cordial. Many home made sauces and soups available, and some grocery. Go check it out and get a sandwich or two.

Amanda Zega 25 Sep 2025

Words cannot tell you just how awesome this place is. You MUST go and get something to eat here and let your mouth decide! This gem was recommended to me by a colleague and oh my, was I pleasantly surprised. Owners and staff treated you like family and couldn't be nicer. The place is small but well organized and very clean. Everything I tried was incredible. Their fresh bread and fresh mozzarella take the first price trophy. The bread is lightly crunchy with beautiful texture and taste. The mozzarella was warm, just made, and so very creamy. If you have just those two items, you'll be back. However, had their fresh sausage which had wonderful flavor. Eggplant cutlet was thin, flavorful, not greasy. Excellent sandwiches... bought about 5 different ones for a luncheon at work and they were incredible. If you like spicy, the stuffed hot peppers will delight you. Also had the almond cookies and fudge brownies... better than you could hope for. Only bummed because it's close and I really don't need food this good in my diet!! Lolol... well done, Mana Rao's... well done.

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