Mouse Extra

Hiding behind Muppet Vison, tucked into a remote corner of the Disney-MGM Studios lies a cozy little Italian joint called Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano.    This is a nice, quiet place that delivers just enough to recommend, but not enough to get excited over.

Unlike some other dining options at the Studios, Mama Melrose’s is not over-themed to the point of distraction, nor is it anywhere near as noisy as some of the others.  It’s remote location makes it much easier to get a table, and also makes it much more conducive to a nice dinner for two without being yelled at, watching bizarre Sci-Fi trailers, or enduring the ear-splitting noise of a buffet.   In fact, the place would be outstanding, if not for the fact that the food is average at best.

But average is not always a bad thing.  Some items on the menu are worth having, especially the flatbread pizzas offered.  There is even a half-way decent wine selection.  Nothing I have ever had at Mama Melrose’s was bad, but nothing made me jump for joy either.  It’s simple, run-of-the-mill Italian.  Now it is entirely possible that you may love the food here.  I grew up with an Italian grandmother who can cook rings around these people, so I admit my view may be somewhat overly critical.   Don’t expect the food to make you beg for more, and you’ll go home satisfied if not overjoyed.

The décor is simple and pleasing.  The lightning is atmospheric and the photos on the wall remind me of many a fine neighborhood Italian place in the northeast.  The only complaint I have is a strange one, and may be unique to the time I was there.  The music played in the background is sort of Italian leaning vocals, think Dean Martin or Frank Sinatra.  That’s fine with me, who doesn’t like Frank and Dean?  But in the time it took to eat my meal, no dessert, I heard just about every song more than once.  Do they really only have 30 minutes worth of music to play?  Couldn’t someone add a dozen or so songs to the tape?   It’s a weird complaint, I know, but this is one of those little details I wish Disney would pay some attention to.

I guess I would say that if you were a real picky Italian food lover you may want to skip it, lower your expectations a bit, or stick with the flatbread pizza.   If you think the Macaroni Grill is a great place for Italian, you’ll love Mama Melrose’s.  But more importantly, if you don’t want to get yelled at by your waitress at the 50’s Prime Time, watch wacky black-and-white movie trailers at the Sci-Fi, or brave a buffet line at the Hollywood and Vine, this may be the place to be.

Staff ratings
Brooke= B-ticket
Dave= C-ticket
Mike= C-ticket