You may have heard of George Calombaris. Sure, he owns a couple of restaurants (Hellenic Republic, The Press Club, St. Katherine’s, Maha Bar and Grill, PM24) and is sometimes on TV (Masterchef), but did you know that he’s a family man? In fact his latest venture, Mama Baba, is an ode to his parents.

Mama Baba opens today in South Yarra. The menu is inspired by George’s Greek mother (Mama) and Italian father (Baba). Head chef Dominic Pipicelli, formerly of Becco, will also be bringing his Italian heritage to the table. At Mama Baba, pasta is paramount. From craft to consumption, each strand, tube and parcel is handled with care. The menu features 12 pasta dishes divided into Mama (Greek) and Baba (Italian).

Highlights from the Greek column (pun intended) include kritharaki with braised chicken meatballs and tortellini with prawn sagnaki. Italian favourites include spaghettini carbonara with calamari, pork, pumpkin, Parmesan and saffron broth, as well as the ravioli stuffed with beef, bone marrow, beetroot and horseradish. This family inspired restaurant even has baby food on the menu.

And to all the mothers out there forcing veggies upon their children, just remember that Mama Mary once taught young George “if you have a sweet tooth, then it’s important to nourish it”… In which case go straight for the frozen tiramisu on a stick.

On one side of the spacious dining area is the open kitchen, where you can see pasta being made as you eat. On the other side, the bar serves old school cocktails, local tap beer and wine with an Italian and Greek focus. The simple exposed beams, raw timber and polished marble floors are the perfect surface from which the resident DJ can bounce their tunes.

So whether you want a night out with friends or family, quality comfort food, or somewhere to carb load, Mama Baba has you covered. And just like at Mama’s house, at Mama Baba, “food is king!”

Where: 21 Daly Street, South Yarra
Hours: Dinner 7 days from 5.30pm|Lunch Fri & Sun from noon
Details: mamababa.com.au
Phone: (03) 9207 7421