There’s a sign on the wall at the new branch of The Original Mama D’s Italian Kitchen in Redondo Beach (in the space that was home to Thai Thani for, well, forever) that reads: “Family: We May Not Have It Together … But Together We Have It All.”

It’s an appropriate motto for what may be the most family-friendly eatery in the South Bay that from day one was packed with family groups often including a wide array of toddlers and rug rats, happily making a mess of themselves and everything within reach with handfuls of pasta, red sauce, pizza and other kid-friendly food. (Note: Wear washable fabrics!)