About Us
Family Owned & Run
In 1986 husband-and-wife team, Romano and Cristina Gorrini, bought Mamma Roma in Stellenbosch. In 1997 they sold the popular Stellenbosch restaurant and took a well-earned break for half a year. In 1998 they were approached by Professor Christiaan Barnard, the highly esteemed South African cardiac surgeon, to buy the “La Vita” Restaurant in Newlands. A year later they renamed the restaurant to Mamma Roma.
Under the passionate and knowledgeable management of the Gorrinis, Mamma Roma has remained a popular and well-known restaurant in Cape Town with a reputation for superb Italian dining.
Romano Gorrini
Chef Patron
Romano started his profession at La Perla in 1967, where he gained valuable experience and honed his impeccable skills in the kitchen. Only 16 years old when he entered the kitchen, he applied himself diligently and quickly advanced up the kitchen hierarchy. In 1971, at 20 years of age, he became the Head Chef at La Perla East in Rondebosch.
In 1986 when he and Cristina bought Mamma Roma in Stellenbosch, he became the driving force behind Mama Roma’s commitment to consistently high quality, and most importantly, delicious Italian food.
He is a loving husband and father, a supportive friend, and his strong work ethic inspires the entire kitchen team under his leadership. He is passionate about Italian cuisine and prides himself at the dining experience that Mamma Roma offers.
Cristina Gorrini
Host
Cristina’s attention to detail and easy rapport with guests creates a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere where diners can enjoy good food and wine served by friendly staff.
Her graceful front-of-house skills and management of the staff who assist her, is an integral part of the running of the restaurant and instrumental to its continued success.
Marisa Gorrini
Louis Nel
Sous Chef
A graduate from Tygerberg College, where he also worked as a student trainer, Louis has worked in various restaurants and private catering companies in the Western Cape. He is a talented chef that brings energy and passion to everything he does.
Louis joined the Mamma Roma team 8 years ago. Under Romano’s mentorship, Louis has learned the finer skills of Italian cuisine and gained immeasurable experience.
When he is not at work he enjoys hitting the gym and spending time with his wife and daughter.