What should I order at Mama Dag’s Seafood & Pasta Bar?
Mama Dag’s Seafood & Pasta Bar
Meatballs / Spaghetti Polpetto
Mentioned multiple times as exceptional, with gigantic size and delicious flavor, highly recommended by guests, including a 10/10 rating.
Lobster Roll (Connecticut style)
Frequently praised for being fabulous, stuffed with tender lobster meat and served in a perfectly grilled roll, noted as a must-try seafood dish.
Pizza (including Funghi Pizza, Burrata Pizza, Broccoli Rabe and Sausage Pizza, Sicilian Eggplant)
Highly recommended by many reviewers as outstanding and better than average, with specific mentions of various types being fluffy, delicious, and flavorful.
Calamari / Stuffed Calamari
Described as fresh, well-prepared, and reminiscent of authentic Italian quality, recommended as an excellent appetizer.
Gamberi Scampi / Shrimp Scampi
Praised for freshness, great care in preparation, and large portions without sacrificing quality.
Caesar Salad
Recommended for its amazing dressing and consistent quality, making it a favored salad choice.
Scallops with Risotto
Noted as a favorite dish, prepared well and recommended by a regular patron.
Burrata/Eggplant Caponata Appetizer
Mentioned as a must-have appetizer, indicating high quality and great taste.
Chicken Parm
Recommended for huge portions, flavorful sauce, and perfectly tender and crunchy texture.
Braised Short Rib Lasagna
Mentioned as perfectly prepared and delicious, along with other pasta dishes.
Gnocchi al Pesto
Noted for perfect preparation and great taste, recommended alongside other pasta dishes.
About Mama Dag’s Seafood & Pasta Bar
Mama Dag’s Seafood & Pasta Bar is in West Orange, New Jersey, and is described by reviewers as a seafood and pasta spot with pizza, even though the listed category is pizza restaurant. Reviewers consistently praise the fresh pasta, seafood dishes like lobster roll, shrimp scampi, scallops, and stuffed calamari, along with the outdoor seating and friendly service. The atmosphere is casual and cozy, and the restaurant is noted as family-friendly, group-friendly, and popular for lunch and dinner. It is in the $20 to 30 range, with reservations recommended for dinner.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great cocktails
- Live music
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed
- Dogs allowed outside
Frequently asked questions
What is Mama Dag’s Seafood & Pasta Bar known for?
It is especially known for the Connecticut lobster roll, shrimp scampi, scallops with risotto, and stuffed calamari. Reviewers repeatedly mention that the seafood tastes fresh and carefully prepared, and the pizza and pasta also get strong praise.
What dishes are most recommended at Mama Dag’s Seafood & Pasta Bar?
Reviewers most often highlight the lobster roll, shrimp scampi, stuffed calamari, scallops with risotto, and the broccoli rabe and sausage pizza. Other specific favorites include the Funghi Pizza, Spaghetti Polpetto, carbonara, and meatballs, with several people calling the portions generous.
What is the atmosphere like at Mama Dag’s Seafood & Pasta Bar?
The vibe is casual and cozy, with outdoor seating, a bar, and live music or live entertainment on some nights. Reviewers describe it as welcoming for families, groups, and solo diners, and several mention it feels like a neighborhood spot near Turtle Back Zoo.
Is Mama Dag’s Seafood & Pasta Bar good value, and what is the price range?
The price range is $20 to 30, and reviewers often say the portions are plentiful and worth the cost. People mention leaving with leftovers after dishes like pasta, pizza, and seafood plates, which supports the value perception.
When should I visit Mama Dag’s Seafood & Pasta Bar?
Dinner reservations are recommended, especially because reviewers mention busy Saturday nights and strong demand for outdoor seating. Lunch is also a good option, particularly after a visit to Turtle Back Zoo, when guests noted fast service and a relaxed meal outside.
Is parking available at Mama Dag’s Seafood & Pasta Bar?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Does Mama Dag’s Seafood & Pasta Bar have vegetarian options?
Yes, Mama Dag’s Seafood & Pasta Bar offers vegetarian options.
Is Mama Dag’s Seafood & Pasta Bar kid-friendly?
Yes, Mama Dag’s Seafood & Pasta Bar is good for kids.
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