Mamita Cocina Mexicana

Friendly service. We were seated at a table in a small sunken area off of the main floor so felt separated from the energy of the restaurant thus just 3 stars for Atmosphere.

If you're searching for a good Mexican restaurant with a real chef, great service, amazing dishes, right price, wonderful atmosphere, this is the right place in Novato!

Same place as Crave but with Mexican food. Seemed like the same staff. They were good and attentive, as before. Food was ok but not any better than the place around the corner or any of the other places in the area but with a higher price tag. I got the $14 tacos (pic) against my wife's advice, but wanted to try. Should have listened. They were ok, after I added guacamole and cheese, but left me hungry. Her enchiladas were good, but drowned in sauce. The rice was tasteless and the refried beans were eh... We got the sopes for an app and they were bland.

Apparently it's new...all I know is the food is delicious, the service is great, the beer is cold and the happy hour prices work well!!

We expected this to be yet another overpriced trendy Mexican joint replacing the overpriced place that had been there before (but was beaten out by the new restaurant up the street with excellent food at a good value). Mamita knocked our socks off from the addictive salsa and delicious chips through the most succulent and well portioned short rib chili mole Res de Coloradito we ever had to the rich thick tortilla soup with masa and plenty of vegetables. The fresh accoutrements and black beans were simple and delicious. Good coffee and freshly fried cinnamon and sugar covered churros were fine by themselves but came with both caramel and chocolate sauces for dipping.
Value-wise, it's on par with most of the other places nowadays for the liquor. The entrees were all reasonably priced, and a good value because of the excellent quality and large portions. The 2 tacos for $14 and no sides is something I will skip.
The ambience is clean light and comfortable - California desert theme.
The service was competent and friendly.
It seems the Crave team (The former restaurant and they're all here now) learned from that failed experience and got everything right with Mamita.
We were completely satisfied, much to our surprise, and we'll be back.