That Dinner is a Real Crowd Pleaser
Building a Disney Dining plan before heading to the parks is never an easy task. Especially at Walt Disney World- there are so many places to try. However, there never seems to be enough time to get to them all. As a local, I haven’t been to half of the restaurants on my list! Every Disney restaurant is good, so when it comes time to create reservations, it’s important to think about what each party might enjoy the most! As a New Jersey native, I know (or I like to think) that everyone enjoys a good Italian meal. If you’re looking for classic, Italian comfort food on your next trip, Mama Melrose is the place for you!
Classic Italian meets Classic Hollywood
Tucked into the back of the park, near the iconic Muppet Vision 3D, stands Mama Melrose Ristorante Italiano. Covered in knick-knacks, just like my Mimi’s house and film memorabilia, this restaurant represents a place that feels both organically Italian-American and uniquely Hollywood. Mood music and interesting garb follows to each table and creates a cozy atmosphere away from the hustle of the park just outside, similar to a hometown Italian joint, with much cooler decorations.
Family Meal
Bringing my family to Mama Melrose for dinner was high stakes. These people know good Italian food. Between family straight off the boat to the copious amount of authentic Italian food in New Jersey, expectations were high. After an amazing dinner at Mama Melrose a year earlier, I felt it would be the perfect spot to give the family a taste of home.
Time for Dinner
To kick off the meal, a hearty mixed-green salad with plenty of veggies and cheese was a fresh but simple selection. We also sampled the Margherita flatbread, which was covered in vine-ripened tomatoes and flavorful basil.
For dinner, the kids went for the classic spaghetti and meatballs. The meatballs were cooked perfectly, not too dry and well seasoned, while the sauce popped with flavor on the al dente pasta.
The sustainable fish for the evening was salmon, accompanied by fresh pappardelle pasta tossed in puttanesca and topped with grilled asparagus. The fresh pasta, fresh fish and flavorful veggies made this simple dish something special.
What I love about restaurants in Walt Disney World is that just like the mom & pop spots, they have specials! A tender and seasonally inspired Osso Buco laid atop a bed of creamy bed of risotto. This dish was so delicious, I wish it was on the menu all year round!
My personal favorite meal at Mama Melrose is the charred strip steak. This huge cut of meat slathered in an aged balsamic-shallot butter and a Chianti wine reduction has unbeatable flavors. Top quality steak paired with simple but elegant sauces makes for a special Italian dinner.
Like a Big Pizza Pie
That’s amore! And it’s definitely love for Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano, which somehow captures the charm of a gaudy, Italian-American home. The colorful atmosphere paired with the cozy lighting is a taste of home for this Italian girl- with added Californian flair.
Dining Score
7/10
Until the Next Adventure!
Josie
Still making reservations for your next Walt Disney World vacation? Check out my dinner review of Ale & Compass!
