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Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano Lunch

Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano is an Italian restaurant tucked away in Disney's Hollywood Studios.  It's a little off the beaten path these days, but it continues to be one of my personal favorite spots in the park.  Somehow, we always end up here for lunch and just adore it, but they of course serve dinner as well.  

When you walk into Mama Melrose you are instantly transported “where Italy meets California in the heart of the Backlot,” for some home-style Italian fare. We love the cozy atmosphere of the restaurant, open kitchen as you walk in, and always seeing something new on the walls each trip.

Some of the wall decor
Cozy atmosphere
So much to see, even the ceilings are decorated!
First up, Mama Melrose is a place where we enjoy getting wine, and we really enjoy the selections they have here.  They also offer specialty cocktails and mock-tails along with traditional beverages to accompany your meal. The meal then starts with some delicious bread and olive oil (but you can ask for butter if you prefer!) and we chose to start our most recent meal with an appetizer of fried calamari. The calamari is served with a spicy aioli but I prefer mine with marinara and was able to get a side of that as well! 
Our wines
Bread and Olive Oil 
Calamari Appetizer
You can find your go-to Italian dishes here like chicken parm or spaghetti and meatballs, but what has been our favorite for years is the Shrimp Campanelle: Sautéed Shrimp and Campanelle Pasta tossed in a Four-Cheese Sauce with Cauliflower, Sun-dried Tomatoes, fresh Spinach, and Sweet Onions.  It is comforting and familiar yet still a bit unique, and the pasta shape is just so cute! For those of you who aren't shrimp fans, you can also get this with chicken. There is also a kids menu with pasta options which can be a great change of pace if they have had a lot of chicken nuggets or burgers. We enjoyed all the dishes we tried here but the Campanelle (either version) is what sticks out for us every time! 
Shrimp Campanelle
Chicken Campanelle
Oven-baked Chicken alla Parmigiana
After all those delicious carbs, we still managed to have a little room for dessert.  Our server recommended the Chocolate and Cherry Tort for a dessert that packs a flavor punch but won't over-stuff you - we couldn't agree more!  It was beautiful and we split it for just a few bites of that sweet treat to end our meal.  

What's your favorite dish from Mama Melrose or your favorite classic Italian dish?  Let us know in the comments below! 

*In-park dining at table-service restaurants requires a park reservation and valid admission for the same park on the same date for each person in your party ages 3 and up. Dining reservations do not guarantee admission to the park.


Maci Schau
Maci is an avid foodie and loves trying out new restaurants and seasonal food offerings in the parks. You can email Maci at maci@kingdomkonsultant.com.
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