Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano: The Experience Beyond the Food

Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano may be tucked away in the back of Grand Avenue at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but its presence is definitely felt as it has become a favorite for many looking for a hearty Italian meal in Walt Disney World. The eatery is styled after a Hollywood backlot and is decorated with some Italian panache to create a cozy and welcoming environment for all who wish to dine with Mama Melrose. While many are familiar with the name, not many know the backstory behind Mama Melrose and how the place “where Italy meets California in the heart of the backlot” came to be. Mama Melrose is from Sicily and had big dreams at a young age to become a big Hollywood star. She moved to California and quickly made friends with other actors who shared the same aspirations as her. Since actors need to eat too, Mama Melrose would cook for them using her papa’s secret recipes. Her cooking was a huge hit! They found a vacant backlot warehouse where Mama Melrose would open the restaurant we all know and love today. Inside the warehouse, you can see all the mementos that Mama Melrose has collected over the years. Many of these decorations pay homage to Mama Melrose’s Italian heritage and time in Hollywood. With grapevines and string lights hanging from the ceiling, Mama Melrose created a place that tells a story. Not only is the story a fascinating one, but all who wish to do so can enjoy it with a giant plate of pasta right in front of them! Let’s not get ahead of ourselves though. If we’re going to talk about papa’s secret recipes, then we need to start with the appetizers. The menu mainly offers traditional Italian American dishes, but some definitely deserve to be mentioned by name. In regards to starters, Mama Melrose serves up a delicious Margherita Flatbread made with mozzarella, house-made marinara sauce, fresh basil, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Another great option is the House-made Italian Meatball, which is made with marinara, fresh ricotta and basil. If that sounds good to you, then you’re in luck when it comes to the restaurant’s entrees. Spaghetti and Meatballs are offered and while this may be a simple dish, it has become a classic for a good reason. If you want spaghetti and have already opted for the meatball as an appetizer, then you can get the Oven-baked Chicken alla Parmigiana. This breaded chicken breast topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella is my personal favorite dish at the restaurant, and I always struggle choosing anything else! If you want something more specific to Mama Melrose herself, then you can always go for Mama’s Italian Pasta. With your choice of shrimp, chicken, or neither, this dish includes fettuccine with roasted tomatoes, garlic, artichokes, butter, and white wine sauce. All these options are great choices and you are sure to enjoy every bite, but don't forget to save room for dessert! While Mama Melrose has been offering desserts like tiramisú and gelato for quite some time, the restaurant has introduced some new items in the past few months that may sound more interesting to you. First up is the Mini Cannoli Trio, which includes an orange cream cannoli, a caramel butterscotch cannoli, and a traditional cannoli with chocolate chips. This trio is a great option to share with your table, but Mama’s Cookies To Go will give your group even more variety. This dessert comes with an assorted box of cookies and biscotti, including flavors such as a Lemon Crinkle Cookie, a Pine Nut Cookie, a Butter Cookie with Nonpareils, and a Double Chocolate Almond Biscotti. If the only thing you want to share your food with is your phone, then the most photogenic option is the Colors of Italy Cheesecake. This dessert is a lemon cheesecake layered with marmalade and olive oil cake. It is topped with a whipped raspberry panna cotta and raspberry basil sauce, making it a great option if you want something for your Instagram page. The last of the new desserts is the Blueberry Frangipane Tart, which is made with a blueberry compote and topped with pistachio powder and pistachio brittle. While all of these desserts already sound delicious, they will taste so much better in the charming and delightful atmosphere inside Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano. This spot is more than just a building, as it tells a story that enhances your dining experience and connection to Mama Melrose. So, what are you waiting for?! Mama Melrose is waiting to cook you up some of her famous pasta! Escape the chaos that can come from rope dropping Galaxy’s Edge or Toy Story Land, and enjoy a relaxing and peaceful meal with the legend herself.