MA’S ITALIAN KITCHEN
FAMILY STYLE HEARTY COMFORT FOOD

It’s always fun when you find a hidden dining gem, let alone a true standout in of all places an oversized Burbank mini mall dominated by a Vons supermarket. In what used to be Frankie’s Italian Kitchen, a local’s favorite, has now become MA’S Italian Kitchen (it’s MA’S and not Ma’s as each letter is named after one of three restaurant owners). A cute and charming family-friendly restaurant, MA’S serves hearty and heavenly Italian comfort food.

As you peruse the menu, enjoy a serving of complimentary knotted garlic bread, which is absolutely fabulous. Right off the bat, you know you’re in for a real treat. We started our family-style dinner with the Meatball Ricotta Toast served with grilled bread, ricotta cheese, MA’S meatballs, marinara and Giardiniera (an Italian relish of pickled vegetables in vinegar or oil). Consider this a must-have starter item. The meatballs have a mighty taste and the sauce and bread will ensure you soak up every last divine drop.

The bar is simple here, beer or wine so indulge with a nice bottle of red (I say) to compliment the Italian goodness. Wine with meatballs is a sure-fire hit in my book.

I’m a tough Caesar Salad critic and this one stands up tall and proud. Prepared with romaine lettuce, grated pecorino cheese, garlic croutons and tossed in Caesar dressing this is a first-rate Caesar. I would have loved some anchovies but it was solid nonetheless.

Since we were sharing, we went with Chef’s pizza pick and ordered the New Haven Clam pizza with olive oil, oregano, mozzarella, pecorino cheese, and chopped clams. I absolutely love a good white pizza and this one offered the lovely appeal of a white pie along with the satisfaction and taste of the clams. Next time I may opt for the Carne meat lover’s pizza but I will be hard pressed not to revisit the clam pizza.

The menu sticks to the basics for the most part so for our entrees we went with the tried and true Italian favorites. The Veal Piccata with lemon, butter caper sauce served with a side of spaghetti with olive oil and garlic was spot-on. Dare I say Dan Tana-esque? I was won over, that’s for sure.

MA’S Classic Spaghetti & Meatballs was good but I wasn’t blown away. It was a solid dish but not as flavorful as everything else we enjoyed.

I was more impressed with the Meat Lasagna prepared with pasta sheets, Bolognese, herbed ricotta cheese, marinara and mozzarella. This was more in the made by “ma” style than the spaghetti, I thought. Lasagna is one of my favorite comfort foods and this one really delivered.

The desserts were good. We enjoyed the Butterscotch Budino, and the Chocolate Terrine but I don’t think you really need to save room for dessert here, instead opt for another sharable plate as I thought the main courses were extremely satisfying.

Welcome to Burbank, MA’S. I say get to know MA’S and make it one of your go-places for a nice, unassuming night out for good Italian eats before this gem becomes everyone’s favorite.

Ma’s Italian Kitchen is located at 267 N. Pass Avenue in Burbank.  Open daily. Lunch M-F 11am to 2pm. Dinner from 4pm to close. Call 818-567-2288.

Story and some photography by Jose Martinez

Some Photography courtesy Of: Ma’s Italian Kitchen