La Felicità

La Felicità's culinary philosophy centers on authenticity and craftsmanship, executed at a scale that would intimidate most kitchens. The Big Mamma team has created a system where quality and volume coexist, ensuring that whether you're the first or thousandth guest of the day, you receive the same carefully prepared Italian food.

The pizzeria represents the heart of the operation, with wood-fired ovens producing authentic Neapolitan pizzas. These aren't the thin, crispy Roman-style pizzas but the softer, chewier Neapolitan version, with a puffy, slightly charred cornicione (crust edge) and a tender center that supports quality toppings without becoming soggy. The dough receives proper fermentation time, and the high heat of the wood ovens creates those characteristic leopard spots that signal proper technique.

Fresh pasta, prepared each morning, showcases another pillar of Italian cuisine. The mafalde with truffle, priced at €19.50, exemplifies the kitchen's approach—taking a traditional pasta shape and elevating it with premium ingredients. The daily preparation ensures the pasta has the right texture and bite, something impossible to achieve with dried pasta. The pasta station likely offers a rotating selection of shapes and sauces, allowing you to explore different regional Italian preparations.

The burger counter might seem incongruous in an Italian food hall, but Big Mamma's interpretation makes sense of it. Using homemade buns and the restaurant's signature sauces, these burgers represent Italian craftsmanship applied to an American classic. The quality of ingredients and attention to detail elevate them beyond typical fast-casual offerings.

The bakery and pastry shop complete the Italian culinary journey, providing everything from morning pastries to after-dinner desserts. The commitment to making everything in-house extends here, ensuring your cornetto or dolce receives the same attention as the main courses.

The '100% homemade' commitment isn't marketing speak—it's visible in how the food tastes and in the open kitchen design that lets you watch preparation. The team sources ingredients directly, maintaining control over quality from supplier to plate. This approach requires significant behind-the-scenes work but results in food that tastes distinctly better than typical high-volume operations.

One notable absence is Italian wine. While the cocktail program features artisanal creations and local beers are available, wine lovers might miss the opportunity to pair their Italian meal with Italian wines. However, the cocktails are crafted with care, offering an alternative beverage experience.

The weekday takeaway options—salads and soups—extend La Felicità's reach beyond sit-down dining, providing quality Italian food for those on the go. This flexibility reflects the modern reality of urban dining while maintaining the quality standards that define the restaurant.