Mama D’s – The menu at Mama D’s has been growing in sophistication over the years and now has some items that come close to breaking the $20 barrier – the cioppino with linguine is only one cent short of the line. Even so, there are still pastas and pizzas under ten bucks, and most of the menu doesn’t top fifteen. Whatever you order, there will be plenty of robust Southern Italian flavor and free-flowing garlic bread, with the cheerful service that makes dining here a pleasure.
Mama D’s: 1125-A Manhattan Ave., MB. (310) 546-1492. 1031 Hermosa Ave., HB. (310) 379-6262. www.mamadsrestaurant.com
Runner-up: Buona Vita, 425 Pier Ave., HB. (310) 372-2233.
