The Big Mamma Group have taken Paris by storm since opening their first restaurant in Bastille back in 2015. Two years later, they've got 5. East Mamma, Ober Mamma, Mamma Primi, Biglove caffè and now Pizzeria Popolare which focuses on a more chilled-out dining experience with pizzas starting at 4 euros. Yes, 4 euros.

Is the 4 euro pizza one with many toppings? No, obviously not. It's a marinara which is a tomato base pizza topped with garlic and Sicilian oregano (no cheese) - very popular in Naples, the homeland of the dish (read about that here). However, margheritas are 5 euros and a margherita DOP (with buffalo mozzarella) is 9, still significantly cheaper than those at the other restaurants (12).

We ordered mozzarella fritta (fried mozzarella balls) to start which came with a tomato sauce. These were honestly divine.




As mains we thought that we would take advantage of the 5 euro margherita so I went for that one (it's actually my favourite type of pizza, i'm boring I know) and my friend Bella went for the same one but added some ham on top of it, making it 8 euros.

By the time we had to choose what we wanted for dessert we were both positively stuffed but were determined to try their traditional gelato which I have missed since leaving Italy. We both went for hazelnut and couldn't resist ordering the churros which were covered in gianduja. For those of you that don't know what gianduja is... it's a heavenly chocolate/hazelnut concoction made by angels. No exaggeration.



So what's the catch? Why are they so much cheaper? The pizzas are around 2-4 euros cheaper than in the other places, as well as new additions to the menu such as a normal margherita (without the buffalo mozzarella), as well as drinks being slightly cheaper. Why? You give up having a private table.

Tables are communal so if you're on a date you may prefer to pay a little bit extra for a more romantic or private dining experience. I personally don't really mind, especially when a margherita is 5 euros - let me just clarify that that is an insane price for Paris. That is what I paid for one when I was in Italy which is significantly cheaper than Paris.



Our whole bill came to 39 euros for 1 glass of red wine, 1 starter, 2 mains & 3 desserts, so definitely, definitely worth it. Unfortunately though their famous truffle pasta is still 18 euros so if you want to try it you'll still have to fork out the money for the heavenly dish which I tried at one of their other branches, Mamma Primi.

As you know if you live in Paris or have ever been to one of the Big Mamma group restaurants, you need to queue around 30 minutes before opening time in order to get a table. They don't take reservations, however if you queue you can make a reservation for later on in the evening (9pm or so). I know it's annoying that you have to get there early but the food is honestly worth it, and with this new cheaper option there's no excuse to not go out for dinner - you could literally only spend 4 euros!

Pizzeria Popolare is located at 111 Rue Réaumur, 75002 (map below) and opening times are 12:00 - 14:30 and then 19:00 - 22:45 on weekdays and 12:00 - 15:30 and then 19:00 - 23:00 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Although they've started having some DJ nights which last until 2am - just check out their instagram @bigmammagroup to know who is playing & when.