A TASTE OF THE SOUTH BAY : Dining Spots in Your Area

Nestled just one block east of the Manhattan Beach Pier, the Original Mama D’s Italian Kitchen treats its customers to Old-World style Italian cuisine in a cheery contemporarysetting.

Appetizers include a hearty minestrone soup ($2.95) and tender fried calamari ($5.25) served with marinara sauce.

Main course favorites are raviolis stuffed with ricotta cheese ($7.95) and occasional weekend specials like shrimp primavera, jumbo shrimp sauteed with vegetables and served with pasta.

Mama D’s also offers an array of pasta, chicken, veal and seafood dishes. Most entrees are under $10.

And for those counting calories, salads and lighter entrees are available. Each salad is prepared fresh and visually; all are beautiful.

Pizza lovers beware. Mama D’s offers 20 different toppings, with three different sizes to satisfy any appetite.

Half portions of select dishes are available as lunch specials. Mama D’s also offers an assortment of hot and cold hero sandwiches. Most lunches are less than $6.

If, by chance, you have room for dessert, try the colorful spumoni ice cream cake. Or for chocoholics, try the sumptuous windmill. Most desserts are under $4 and are wonderful with espresso, cappuccino or cafe latte.

Beyond outstanding food and moderate prices, Mama D’s offers excellent service. Servers are personable and attentive, and even owner Diane Davidson, for whom the restaurant is named, has been seen chatting with customers at their tables.

Evenings and weekends can be crowded, so arrive early. Reservations are not accepted.

The Original Mama D’s Italian Kitchen, 1125-A Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach. Open Monday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Tuesday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday from 5 to 11 p.m., and on Sunday from 4 to 9 p.m. (310) 546-1492.