Savoring Italian Flavors In Hollywood Studios | Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano

Nestled in the Grand Avenue section of Hollywood Studios, Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano is a restaurant that often goes unnoticed amidst the park's bustling attractions and unique dining options. However, the perpetual line extending out the door intrigued us, prompting a long-overdue visit to this Italian eatery. Join us as we share our overview and review of Mama Melrose's, recounting our dining experience and the flavors we encountered.

A Reservation with a Delay:

We had booked our reservation for Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano in advance and so we knew arriving just before our reservation would suffice. This had us arriving at the restaurant bout 15 minutes before our designated time, which is when guests can check-in for their reservations using the MyDisneyExperience app. Our reservation time came and went, so we inquired inside the restaurant to make sure we didn’t miss something and were informed that it would be about 5 more minutes. Unfortunately, we found ourselves waiting an additional 15 to 20 minutes before we were seated. While this didn’t impact our day, as we had no plans beyond dinner on this particular evening, we do think that this is something worth mentioning. It's crucial to acknowledge that not all restaurants at Walt Disney World adhere strictly to reservation schedules, which is vital to consider when planning your day, especially for time-sensitive activities like booking Genie+ Lightning Lanes.

A Surprising Interior:

Once called to our table, we discovered the vibrant and lively ambiance within Mama Melrose's walls. Contrasting the bright and colorful exterior in the Muppet Vision 3D area of Grand Avenue, the restaurant has a darker atmosphere with playful aesthetic elements. While the restaurant resides in the Muppets themed area of the park, it's important to note the absence of substantial Muppet-related theming elements within the dining area itself.

Welcoming Service and Comfortable Seating:

The service at Mama Melrose's was exceptional, with attentive staff who catered to our needs without making us feel rushed. This stood out to us, not only because of experiences we’ve had in the past that made us feel rushed along, but also because we felt as though we could just sit and enjoy our meal. Of course, this wasn’t the only departure from what we usually encounter that caught our attention. Despite being seated at a smaller table, we appreciated the lack of crowding—a refreshing change compared to our experiences at other table-service restaurants.

Delicious Fare with a Few Quirks:

The food at Mama Melrose's delivered what one would expect from an Italian restaurant. The appetizer portions, however, appeared slightly smaller than anticipated. Our server kindly warned us about this in advance, preparing us for what was to come. Although the appetizers—such as the meatball and fried mozzarella—were not as hot as we would have preferred, the main dishes compensated for it. They arrived perfectly cooked and tantalizingly flavorful. While the chicken parmesan was delightfully predictable, the standout dish was the plant-based polenta—an unexpected highlight.

A Dessert Dilemma:

Eager to indulge our sweet tooth, we attempted to order a box of cookies listed on the menu outside. Unfortunately, our server informed us that the cookies had been discontinued, which was disappointing given their presence on the menu. However, we appreciated our server's transparency and understanding. That said, if you’re the type of person who makes decisions based on posted menus outside restaurants as you’re passing by, note that it is worth checking the menu in the MyDisneyExperience app beforehand. This is where you’ll find the most accurate menu for wherever it is that you’re deciding to eat.

Overall Experience:

Our overall experience at Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano was a positive one. The food was good, though quite heavy and perhaps not the best choice before embarking on a thrilling roller coaster ride. The restaurant's fun atmosphere added to the enjoyment of our visit. The only major complaint was the delay in seating, which, while not a significant issue for us that evening, could pose challenges for families with time constraints.

While not a restaurant we would necessarily frequent regularly, Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano is an establishment we recommend to those seeking decent Italian cuisine while exploring Hollywood Studios. Its unique atmosphere, attentive service, and flavorful dishes make it a worthwhile dining option. We encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

Have you visited Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano? What was your favorite dish? Let us know!