A Family Affair
Mama Rosa’s Celebrates Silver Anniversary
by Jim Evans

Joe Donato (center), with his mother “Mama Rosa” presenting a trophy to the winner of a spaghetti eating contest in 1979 held at the restaurant.

Good food and good prices have been a tradition of the Donato family since Mama Rosa’s Italian Restaurant opened in 1979 in Ramona.

"We came here because Ramona reminded us of our home in southern Italy, where we were born," owner and proprietor Joe Donato said. "Our family moved to Toronto originally, and then we gradually made our way down to the San Diego area.

"My brother’s father-in-law actually started the first family restaurant — Marechiaro (meaning "Blue Sea") — in El Cajon. My brother then started two restaurants in Clairemont and Bonita, but he eventually sold both locations, and we went into business together in Ramona.

"We liked the small-town, rural atmosphere here where everyone knew each other — just like home."

Mama Rosa’s was named after the family matriarch. "My mother’s name was Rosa," Donato said. "and we learned how to cook from her."

Those cooking skills have served the Donato family well. They have opened additional restaurants throughout the county with Donato’s in Alpine and El Cajon, Mario’s in Lakeside, and Mangiabene’s and (a second) Mama Rosa’s in El Cajon.

"We believe in running things the old-fashioned way — not like a big corporation," Donato said. "We believe in offering good food for good prices with a family atmosphere, and it is family because it’s us."

Mama Rosa’s will celebrate its 25th anniversary during April, so readers are encouraged to stop by for a taste of authentic Italian food.

"We will be offering a special ‘anniversary discount’ to everyone who visits our restaurant and mentions this article in the Ramona Home Journal," Donato said. "We are especially proud of our ‘combo dinner’ for the whole family."

The restaurant is located at 1130 D Street and is open from 4 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday. Drooling is optional.