If you’ve taken a stroll down West 7th Street just off the downtown Columbia square recently, there’s a strong chance you’ve gotten a whiff of fresh baked garlic bread. And if you’ve followed your nose, you’d be one of several people who have paid a visit to the city’s newest downtown Italian restaurant, Mama Mila’s.

Located on the third floor above Bleu 32, Mama Mila’s has brought a new flavor to downtown, literally, in just under a month, serving up the most authentic and fresh Italian cuisine you’ll find in Columbia. Getting to this point wasn’t easy, however, but it is a compelling story about taking chances and following your heart, even if the odds are incredibly stacked against you.