Communion season is approaching, and with it that little question that comes up every year: “So where are we celebrating this time?” At home, it’s lovely, but you always end up cooking whilst guests have already arrived. At the function hall, it’s cold. At a restaurant, it’s… provided you choose the right one.

At Mamma Maria, Rue de la Loi 40 in La Louvière, we welcome plenty of communions, christenings and big family celebrations. Here’s a practical guide to help you organise everything with peace of mind — with, as always in a genuine Italian trattoria, the idea that family is sacred.

Why choose an Italian restaurant for a communion?

A communion is a milestone that matters. You want something festive, but not stiff. Generous, but not overwhelming. Genuinely convivial — not a military-style service that chases guests out by 2.30pm.

A traditional Italian pizzeria is exactly that:

  • A warm atmosphere, where children can laugh without being hushed
  • Generous sharing dishes, Italian-style, that please everyone
  • Food that delights grandmothers, teenagers and little ones alike
  • No logistics for parents to manage: we take care of everything

And let’s be honest: wood-fired pizza is something nobody turns down. Especially not after the church service, when the whole family is hungry and just wants a lovely moment together.

When to book? (May Sundays go very fast)

This is the crucial point of this article. If you remember only one thing, make it this.

Sundays in May and June, which are the peak communion season in La Louvière and across Hainaut, get booked up very early. In practical terms:

  • Ideal: book 3 to 6 months ahead for a Sunday in May
  • Acceptable: 2 months ahead
  • Late: 1 month — we’ll do everything we can to find a solution, but we can’t promise

For christenings, which are often spread across weekends throughout the year, it’s a bit more flexible — but we still recommend at least 2 months.

The simplest approach: as soon as you know the date of the church ceremony, give us a call. We’ll pencil it in, discuss it, and fine-tune the details later.

Capacity: up to 42 guests in a private room

Good news: we have the space. Our room can accommodate up to 42 guests when privatised, which covers almost all typical family celebrations:

  • A communion with parents, godparents, aunts, uncles and cousins
  • A christening with close family plus close friends
  • A big birthday (50th, 60th, 70th)
  • An extended family gathering

For fewer than 25 people, we can often seat you in the main dining room without privatisation. For 25 to 42 people, we privatise part or all of the room, depending on your wishes.

More practical information on our Private Hire page, and in our FAQ.

The menu: Italian starter, main course, homemade dessert

For a communion or christening, we put together an Italian-style menu with you, tailored to your family and your budget. No rigid set menu imposed: we discuss it together and find what works.

To choose dishes for your guests, you can start by browsing our menu. Here are a few ideas we often suggest:

The starter

  • Antipasti platters to share at the centre of the table (cold cuts, cheeses, grilled vegetables, homemade focaccia)
  • Warm focaccia, torn by hand
  • Simple yet perfect bruschetta with San Marzano tomatoes

The main course

  • Individual pizzas to choose from (Margherita, Diavola, Quattro Formaggi, and more)
  • Or the large 60×40 cm pizza to share
  • Pasta dishes for those who prefer them

The dessert

  • Homemade Tiramisu
  • Nutella or pistachio doughnuts (a firm favourite with children)
  • A plate of assorted dolci
  • You’re welcome to bring your own communion cake or cassata

We can offer separate adult/children’s menus to adjust portions and pricing. Everything’s up for discussion, nothing’s set in stone.

The 60×40 cm pizza for older siblings and cousins

Our signature dish: a 60 cm × 40 cm pizza, cooked in our wood-fired oven, carried to the table by two people. For a communion, it’s a perfect choice:

  • It feeds 8 to 12 people — typically the children’s/teenagers’/cousins’ table
  • It needs to be ordered in advance
  • Its arrival at the table always makes an impression — unbeatable for family photos
  • It can be made with several different toppings (half-and-half, or in strips)

Many families order it in addition to the main menu, as a “highlight moment” during the meal. More details in our dedicated article on the 60×40 cm pizza.

And for a christening with a baby?

A christening has its own logic: baby is at the centre of it all, but everyone else also needs to eat comfortably, chat and enjoy themselves. We adapt accordingly:

  • Flexible timing: we can push back service, allow for a longer aperitif
  • High chairs available
  • Spaces to set down a car seat or change baby comfortably
  • Kitchen geared towards busy young parents: we serve efficiently when baby is crying, and more calmly when baby is asleep
  • Lighter menus are often requested (antipasti platters, pizzas, dolci) — less heavy than a four-course gourmet menu

This is exactly the kind of occasion where a family-run trattoria makes all the difference. We understand. We’ve handled it before.

For another celebration with little ones, our guide to children’s birthday parties at a restaurant also offers ideas for meals and organisation.

A little something extra for your guests

To make the day even more memorable, here are a few ideas we love suggesting:

  • A welcome antipasti platter during the aperitif, as everyone arrives
  • Warm homemade focaccia at the start of the meal, torn by hand as they do in Italy
  • A discreet photo corner (we can help you set up a separate table)
  • The 60×40 cm pizza as a centrepiece, sliced in front of everyone
  • Assorted dolci at the end of the meal, shared as you would at home

We don’t charge separately for every little detail with endless add-ons. We put it together together, within reason, and give you a clear price.

How to book

The most effective way to arrange a family celebration is to call us directly. In 10 minutes on the phone, we’ll have covered everything.

  • Phone: +32 64 28 32 73
  • Email: mammamarianet@gmail.com
  • Address: Rue de la Loi 40, 7100 La Louvière, Hainaut
  • Opening hours: 7 days a week except Tuesday, 12pm-2.30pm and 6pm-10.30pm

What you should tell us from the first contact:

  • The date of the ceremony and your preferred meal time
  • The number of adults and children
  • Type of event (communion, christening, other)
  • An idea of your budget per person (we’ll guide you)
  • Whether you’d like the 60×40 cm pizza
  • Whether you’re bringing a cake

We’ll discuss it together, put together a proposal, and secure the date. For Sundays in May, once again: really, truly, don’t delay.

La famiglia is the most beautiful thing of all. Your child’s communion, your grandson’s christening, Dad’s 70th birthday — these are the days worth letting yourself fully enjoy. At Mamma Maria, we take care of everything. You simply enjoy the moment. See you very soon in La Louvière.

To check availability for your date, send us your enquiry for a communion or christening, letting us know the number of adults and children.