Mamma Melina Ristorante

Very good food, service and atmosphere. We went there last night for the first time and they definitely exceeded our expectations. The atmosphere was just perfect...... Busy yet romantic, candle light and cozy. The food was simply amazing! We asked the server for recommendations and he said: close your eyes and point, you won't be disappointed. He was right! Good wines to go along with the food as well.

Pros: Inexpansive, Great food, Great service

Posted 11/28/05

we found Mamma Melina on citysearch and we decided to give it a try for my best friends b.day
we were very surprised by how fast they sat us without having a reservation and the place was very crowded.
the food was excellent and our wine was very modestly priced and presented in beautiful glasses.
the server also recommended a chocholate souffle for dessert that it was the best i have ever tried.
we also enjoyed the live music and definitely will be back!
a special thanks to the owner for singing a b.day song for our friend.

Pros: Food, service

Posted 11/28/05

We have been going to Mamma Melina's for years and always had a fantastic experience. The food there never misses and the service is impeccable. The wine list is one of the best in the city, great variety at great prices.
We always feel comfortable referring this restaurant to all of our friends.

Pros: Food, Service, Atmosphere

Posted 11/28/05

We really enjoyed going to dinner at mamma melina's after a movie at the seven gables theatre. The food was excellent, the service friendly and good. True Italian hospitality and atmosphere makes it even better.

Pros: excellent food, warm, great service

Posted 11/26/05

Chicken marsala like I've never had. Great value, lots of food on the plate. The flavors are just right and the atmosphere of the restaurant is very nice. We have one comp-laint: the chairs are solid wood. No big deal, just wanted to trow it out there. The wine list is very reasonable with a lot to choose from. We had a very good bottle for $ 26. Although our waitress was new, we were impressed with the friendly, fast and accurate service.

Pros: service, food, wine+value

Posted 11/23/05

We now know why mamma melina was voted best Italian. We had dinner there last night and it was really good. Incredible atmosphere, half priced wine list on Tuesday nights, great food and amazing service. Oh..... the food is inexpensive for what you get and we seated right next to a Seahawks player...... Later we realized that our favored local newscaster was there as well. How fun!

Pros: Great food, Great Service, Inexpansive

Posted 11/22/05

Mamma Melina's was ok but I wonder how it could be considered the Best in Seattle. The chicken marsala was acceptable but nothing to write home about and the pasta was so overcooked that it was gooey. If the food had been better, the prices would've seemed reasonable but the wine list was very overpriced. The service was decent. The piano player/singer was entertaining but very loud and limited conversation.

Pros: Entertainment

Cons: Food, Expensive Wine List, Parking

Posted 11/22/05

Terrible Food, Terrible Service, Terrible everything. Yuck!!!
Don't even bother.

Pros: inexpansive

Posted 11/21/05

Very good food, service and atmosphere. We ordered the portobello appetizer, the pasta with seafood and the ravioli. We finished with tiramisu.... A bottle of wine for $21 that was very good. There was a singer/piano player, that was fun as well. The final bill was much less that we are used to and the experience was great!

Posted 11/21/05

Very warm and cozy, artsy-cool and authentic atmosphere. The food is very tasty (and inexpensive) and the service is excellent. Live music was a plus, the wine list has lots of choices and is very affordable. Service was perfect..... Aaron took great care of us!

Pros: Inexpansive, Great service & food, Great wines

Posted 11/17/05

We visited Mamma Melina with our friends last night and had a superlative experience. It's hard to find a place that will please every aspect of your dinner. The food was fantastic, the service was perfect and the atmosphere was very cool.....The wine list was very well put together. We believe that we found our new favored restaurant. We go to Italy every year and trust us, this one is real...... I always ask "is the owner from Italy" when I go to an Italian Restaurant and....... pronto! The owner shows up and starts going off in Italian. Wait a second I replied, I didn't say that I speak it, I'm just making sure that we are in an authentic place! I can throw a few words if I have to but I definitely know Italian food and Mamma Melina's is very good!

Pros: Great food, Fair prices, Fun!

Posted 11/11/05

We went back to Mamma Melina, this place keeps getting better..... Our sauteed calamari was perfect and my chicken marsala was the best that I ever had. My wife had had the fresh fish of the day and she was very happy as well. Prompt and friendly service, excellent wine selection (both glasses and bottles)........We like the relaxing candle lighting as well.

Pros: Good Prices, Good Service, Good Food

Posted 11/09/05

We went here after seeing the great reviews on citysearch. The service was excellent and the ambience as well, but unfortunately we found the food to be average. Both of our dishes were loaded with pasta but little clams (on one) and was lacking flavor, the other dish had shrimp that was good but weren't many of, especially being one of the priciest entrees. It was too bad because the service was great and we still managed to have a good time but wouldn't be returning because the food wasn't impressive. Nice expreience though.

Pros: service, ambiance

Cons: average food, portion

Posted 11/08/05

Very crowded, high energy (on a Saturday night) and fun place. The food is very good (and moderately priced) and the service has a miraculous way to shine considering how many people dine there. The atmosphere is very unique and having first generation Italians running the place makes a difference, especially when they yell at each other in Italian (is that a little pre-prepared show?). Great wine list with very reasonable prices. The tables stand less then a foot apart, be prepared to meet your next door diner......Overall, it was a very positive experience and we look forward to going back.

Pros: Great food, Inexpansive, Great service

Posted 11/06/05

I went to mama melina for the first time with my husband to celebrate our anniversary. We really enjoyed the atmosphere, the true Italian warmth of the owner, the food, and service. Honestly, we couldn't find one thing that we didn't like about this place. Congratulations to Mama, you have good sons! We particulary enjoyed the eggplant appetizer, the chicken with artichokes and the creme brule. They also have a great selection of wines, including a monthly-featured sheet of wines offered at discounted prices. Im sending an email to my contacts about this place, it was that good! Way to go guys, you have more business coming your way

Pros: Inexpansive, Warm, Cozy

Posted 10/26/05

Mamma Melina is my favorite Italian restaurant in Seattle. I've been there a few times, and each time is always a pleasant experience. The food is consistently good and the price is reasonable. A few things from the menu that I've tried and liked are: mussels & clams in broth (appetizer), veal marsala, and ravioli in rose sauce. I don't think you can go wrong here.

I also love the lively atmosphere in the restaurant, although some people might find it a bit noisy.

Tip: One thing you can do before/after dinner is to catch a movie at nearby Seven Gables or Guild 45th.

Posted 10/14/05

Mama Melina's was recommended to me by a coworker and I have been inviting all of my friends and family ever since. There is a great ambience, great food, great wine, great everything!

Posted 09/29/05

We discovered this place through city search and it has been a great find. The food is excellent and has a good wine selection to go with it. Tuesday nights are a good time to go - live music and wines by the bottle are half the regular price. Service is friendly and helpful and the ambience is great. It was pretty crowded on our second visit but gave a very homely feel. We are sure to visit here again.

Pros: service, ambience, food

Cons: can get crowded

Posted 07/30/05

Excellent Italian food. Good value. Very good service. Could use a few more 1/2 bottles of wine, but not a serious complaint here. Very nice.

Pros: value, goodfood

Posted 07/04/05

We agree with all the wonderful reviews about this place. The food is excellent, the service is right on the money and the atmosphere is inebriating. What a fantastic night we had with our friends. Lots of vino and laughs, cant think of any reason why we shouldn't go back! Value is a big factor, you get a lot of quality for your money.

Pros: Food, service, prices

Posted 05/19/05

This is one of our favorite restaurants, and we always love the food, the service, and the wine list. The specials are thoughtful and always a winner. Our only gripe is that the music is too loud. Be assured that if you sit near the piano, you won't have much conversation. Because it's such a great restaurant, it's usually crowded, and the microphone probably isn't necessary. We'll still frequent the restaurant, but we'll probably stick to nights without the live music.

Pros: Great Italian food, Excellent service, Thoughtful wine list

Cons: Too loud

Posted 05/10/05

I just got back from Italy and was missing the food. A friend told me to try Mamma Melina and......boy I'm glad she did. I was able to practice my Italian with Leo (one of the brothers?), had some great food.... just as good as you would get in Italy and was serenaded by an extremely talented and funny Piano Player. I love this place and will tell everyone I know about it. Oh, Leo opened the door for us as we left the restaurant.... I'll take that kind of hospitality and courtesy any day!

Posted 04/17/05

We went on Tuesday night and the food was wonderful and not overpriced. Service was just right and we took advantage of their "half priced" wine list that they offer every Tuesday. I really enjoyed the set menu that Mamma Melina, 3 courses for 19.90 (it' a 15 yrs in business celebration). My entree' chice was the homemade spinach and cheese Ravioli and it was the best I've ever tried. Live music tops it all! Go try it, you'll love it...

Posted 04/10/05

Wonderful food, atmosphere and wine list. Oh, service is great too.

Posted 04/04/05

You feel like your in Italy, and the guy who sings opera and broadway tunes while you eat is fabulous! The food tastes home made and most importantly, it's consistently good. The dishes are freshly prepared, and authentic. Love it - love it!

Posted 03/09/05

What a nice place! Friendly, fun, GREAT food and NOT expansive. We'll go back over and over again...... They told us that they are opening for lunch soon, I can't wait to take my employees there!

Posted 02/14/05

Parking is indeed BAD - prepare to walk. The resturant is underneith the 7 Gables theater on the corner of 50th and Roosevelt - there is no parking lot. I enjoyed the food (not much offered for a low carb dieter) but what I ate was excellent and tasted very good. It was a nice place for a first date except for the parking. I didn't like walking in the area as I was dressed much nicer than the casual college kids with knit hats and jeans on the streets and I didn't like walking far as I was a girl alone meeting my date at the resturant. The music got a little to loud to hear and talk over, but the service was great the table was private enough to enjoy the Man I was with not all those around me. In the restuarant everything went well.

Pros: decent service, nice atmosphere, tasty meals

Cons: loud - couldn't chat, PARKING SUCKS, crowded dining spaces

Posted 01/28/05

Some friends wanted to try Mamma Melina and we decided to go along.
When we arrived the host got us seated right away and when we asked him for a suggestion on the wine he gave us a great reccomandation.
The food was fantastic, we all tried the Crab Ravioli, and we shared a couple of appetizers that were also superb.
The live music was a bit loud but made the evening very cheerful.
This is definately a place that we will return to when in the mood for great Italian food, service and atmosphere!

Pros: inexpensive, great service, friendly

Cons: crowded

Posted 01/25/05

Based upon the many glowing reviews of this restaurant, my husband and I tried Mama Melina this past Sunday. The quality/taste of our meal was, well, underwhelming. We ordered the calamari appetizer, which had a very nice sauce but the calamari was quite chewy and 'fishy.' Next we ordered the special salad which we both enjoyed. For an entree I had the chicken marsala, which was nice, but truthfully not as good as what I've made at home. And lastly, my husband had the special manicotti, which was incredibly bland. The piano and singing elevated the meal from disappointing to fun - but I find it hard to believe that this is the BEST Italian in the city.

Pros: entertainment, inexpensive, comfortable atmospher

Cons: , limited wine list

Posted 01/18/05

We have been looking for a good italian place in seattle for a long time, and we've found it! The food is absolutely delicious - if you are looking for real italian food, good prices, and big portions you will love Mama's. Its also romantic and relaxing.

Posted 11/09/04

Great place with excellent food. The parking isn't to bad either. If you are looking for a more romantic atmosphere I would suggest going when it is a little darker out, it really adds to the restaurants ambience. You really can't find a better date spot for your buck.

Pros: Value, Parking, GREAT FOOD!!!

Posted 09/09/04

Nice place all around. Try the Calamari appetizer, the gnocchi and the tiramisu! Underpriced menu makes it even better.

Posted 05/05/04

We had dinner at Mammas on tuesday night and loved our dinner.
My husband had the lasagna and i had the seafood ravioli, they were both homemade and delicious.
Our bottle of wine was only $18 and the service was right on perfect.
We have been going there for 2 years now since we moved from Cali and this time the crew at Mammas outdid themselves.
We'll be back there soon for some more great food!

Pros: food, atmosphere, inexpensive

Posted 04/13/04

Truly, this is the best Italian I have ever eaten. There is a reason that this place always has a huge line. I have the shrimp scampi and it was out of this world. Good wines, and it seems like they always have intersting specials to order. I highly recommend them! They are a great family or date place!

Posted 04/12/04

Everything was good, as a New Yorker in Seattle that's hard to say! We loved the "pollo al marsala" and the "portobello" appetizer. Good wines as well. This one may be the best yet since we moved from the East Coast.

Posted 10/19/03

From the appetizers to dessert everything was excellent. The atmosphere is very romantic. The dimmed lights and the candles are a big plus. The artwork at Mamma Melina is beautiful and relaxing. Wonderful wine list as well, and very good prices! We were pleasantly surprised by the value. The owners are really cool, great first generation Italian family. I'll recommend Mamma's to all my friends.......

Pros: Great food and servic, Great wines, Great prices

Cons: Didn't find any

Posted 10/16/03

I live fairly close to this inviting little restaurant, so I thought I'd give it a try. Come to find there is an absolute gem in the U-distric! I have a feeling I'm going to be a regular here - AMAZING italian cuisine.

Pros: Delicious, reasonable priced, friendly staff

Cons: dark lighting

Posted 09/24/03

Walk in and you are besieged by the smell of -good Italian- -- you immediately know you're going to like something here! The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, even if the tables are a bit cozy. The service is prompt and friendly, and the recommendations they made were right on!

Pros: Great food, Comfy Atmosphere, Right sized portions

Cons: Crowded

Posted 09/10/03

The food is ALWAYS excellent, the service, the music, the athmosphere and.....the Italian owners....A little bit of Italy and a little bit of New York make this place a "must go weekly" for me.
The food prices are low and they have a very nice wine list with great prices as well, very important for a wine lover! Suggestion: on tusday night you get the best deals....it's half priced wine lit night!!!!!

Pros: Inexpansive, Fun, Romantic

Posted 04/30/03

If you are craving for really good food from Naples, this is the place to be. The people are very courteous and helpful especially for first-timers like us. We had their Linguine alla Pescartora and Lamb with Mushroom and Marsala Demi-glase. It was exellent! We'll definitely go back there again!

Pros: variety of dishes, $$ just right, easy to find

Posted 04/03/03

Live entertainment on piano and the waiters can sing! Very authentic and beautiful settings. Owner and employees are very friendly as well. Come and enjoy my favorite restaurant!

Pros: Fun, GREAT Food, Good Service

Cons: Crowded, Parking

Posted 02/21/03

Althought mama's doesn't look like much from the outside, entering into the dim lit room, hearing a great voice singing opera, and smelling the aroma of the sicilian influenced sauces WAS incredible. My husband and I recently went there and had an affordable, yet authentic and incredibly tasty meal, accompanied by great wine--what a wonderful place!

Posted 01/07/03

Or at least they used to a year or two ago when I last visited this marvel of a restaurant. This place holds the honor of my best dining experience in Seattle. Very friendly and helpful service, great ambience, amazing food, lively but private atmosphere and they let you sit and talk without bugging you with a bill! The seafood pasta is beyond words.

Posted 11/06/02

If you think that good Italian food is what you find at americanized italian restaurants like Cuccina Cuccina, you probably won't appreciate this place. If what you're looking for is REAL italian food as you can find in Italy, there is no better place than Mamma Melina's, both in terms of food, and 7 days a week live music, especially when papa Pasquale starts to sing (he is an ex-opera singer).

Posted 10/10/02

A restaurant of the kind that I love finding in N.Y. and I didn't know it was just around the corner from my home! The service, the food, the athmosphere was all perfect. The prices....what a good deal. I took advantage of one their wine specials and picked up a bottle of Barolo for 30 somenthing bucks.....Not bad!

Pros: Inexpansive, Yummy, warm athmosphere

Posted 09/13/02

I recently stubbled upon this wonderful restaurant with a friend. We were delighted by the warm atmosphere and friendly people. Seems to be a popular place. We did not have a reservation, but the hostess was able to seat us in a short amount of time and offered to bring us a glass of wine in the meantime. I was very impressed with the food, service, and fresh flowers on the table's.
They even have a piano player that takes requests and live opera too.
I had such a great time! I will definately be back with other with friend's.

Posted 08/07/02

Everytime, we visit Mamma Melina's, we leave the restaurant compelety satisified. The menu includes wonderful appepizers, The best pastas we've ever tried, chicken dishes to die for, exquite seafood and veal specialites. The homemade desserts are quite excellent as well. The good service and ambiance adds to the dining pleasure. We rate Mamma's as the best Italian in Seattle. Susan and John.

Pros: inexpensive, fun, live paino

Posted 05/22/02

I travel to Italy four to five times a year and Mamma Melina is the best Italian in Seattle. The food always superb, the service always perfect. They have a very nice wine list and the live music is great fun. What else can i say, I'm very glad that this very talented family moved from Italy 12 yrs ago! Listen to my expert opinion, give it a try!!!!!

Posted 05/22/02