Mamma Melina Ristorante & Pizzeria

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5101 25th Ave NE # # 2 (at Northeast 50th)
Seattle, WA 98105

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(206) 632-2271
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Mamma Melina Ristorante & Pizzeria - Seattle, WA
Mamma Melina Ristorante & Pizzeria - Seattle, WA
Mamma Melina Ristorante & Pizzeria - Seattle, WA
Mamma Melina Ristorante & Pizzeria - Seattle, WA
Mamma Melina Ristorante & Pizzeria - Seattle, WA
Mamma Melina Ristorante & Pizzeria - Seattle, WA
Mamma Melina Ristorante & Pizzeria - Seattle, WA
Mamma Melina Ristorante & Pizzeria - Seattle, WA
Mamma Melina Ristorante & Pizzeria - Seattle, WA
Reviews
( 108 )
( 26 )
( 9 )
( 10 )
( 8 )

Best

Great food, great atmosphere, very friendly staff. Every time I've been there they are busy so I highly suggest you make reservations. It can get loud so if noises bother you then...

Worst

Service was pretty good but my veal entre was mediocre. Not much flavor.

What's not to like ! 2/23/2011

Great food, great atmosphere, very friendly staff. Every time I've been there they are busy so I highly suggest you make reservations. It can get loud so if noises bother you then you may want to try somewhere else. more

Disappointed 11/24/2009

Service was pretty good but my veal entre was mediocre. Not much flavor. more

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Old country Italian that makes you want to sing. 5/23/2006

It's true what they say: if it ain't broken, don't fix it. Such is true with Mamma Melina's food from near Napoli. No big oohs and aahs, no big tricks, but the stuff they dish out are pretty darn good, because they are tried and true. The restaurant is tucked away in the same building as Seven Gables Theatre at the very busy corner of 50th and Roosevelt, across the street from the imposing Tubs of Seattle Spa. The location and the views from inside the restaurant are not ideal, but that doesn't faze me from seeking out their good food. The place oozes with the old-fashioned restaurant charm and you can tell it's a family-run business. Pasquale, Melina's husband would sing from time to time, and his paintings and murals adorn the restaurant. The space is nice and cozy; the tables are close together and it's an intimate space. With the oil lamp lit later in the evening, it becomes lively and romantic at the same time. The flavors are intense and very true to the ingredients they use. The flat bread comes hot out of the oven and is tender. Rotolini di Melenzane, grilled eggplant stuffed with mozzarella & prosciutto, is hearty and aromatic in tomato sauce. Pastas also come in hearty portions, perfectly al dente, with great flavors. I really enjoyed the spaghetti alle vongole - cooked with fresh Manila clams, white wine, garlic, olive oil, parsley and some red pepper flakes - such a seemingly simple dish, but the juice was so succulent and flavorful I thought they might have cooked it in a seafood stock. Linguine alla pescatora is also very good, except clams were curiously missing and mussels were overpowering the whole dish. (If you love mussels, go for it.) Their wine list goes very well with the laid-back cuisine from their home in Italy - you can get a pretty good wine for under $30 a bottle. The house pinot grigio isn't too bad, either. They also have a limoncello you could have with your dessert, which is a nice change of pace if you want something different from the ports they offer or single-malt whiskeys. They also have a few grappas, sambuca and full bar. The desserts takes the same approach - uncomplicated and scrumptious. Their tiramisu is very, very creamy and smooth - mascarpone overload! Lady fingers are perfectly soaked. With a cup of espresso, it would be the perfect end to your meal. I would give it a "Perfect" rating, it it weren't for the slightly inconsistent service provided by the wait staff. The owner family is charming nonetheless. P.S. They were going to serve Copper River Salmon risotto the day after we visited in the beginning of the week - limited time special. We had a show to catch the next day so we couldn't make it, but Roberto, one of the three sons, had the chef prepare it for us the following day! (There was just one serving of the salmon left, too - whew.) Thank you Roberto! P.P.S. I overheard they might be trying to open another restaurant again - hopefully that wouldn't spread their resources too thin, because this place is a gem! more

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Authentic Italian Food near the U-District 5/12/2006

This is actually one of my favorite Italian restaurant that I come to every now and then. The atmosphere is very cozy and warm. When you step in the place it totally feels like you're in Italy. They have a pianist and I think the owner's father actually sings there sometime. It's great. It gets very busy, so do make reservations. The place only opens for dinner and there is often a wait for tables. My favorite dish here is the Spaghetti Vongole. I normally start with a side salad with Gorgonzola cheese and pears. I also love the warm complimentary flat bread they serve with the oil and balsamic vinegar dip! The best! The downside is on a busy night, service can be very slow. You must try their tiramisu it's the best! I think the make it periodically so if you happen to see it on the menu when you're there, order it! more

Mama Melina's 8/17/2005

Now *that's* Italian! Mama's is tucked under the Seven Gables Theatre. It'd be easy to miss, but you shouldn't! The food is consistently outstanding: it's the kind of stuff you tend to eat more slowly so that you can enjoy every bite. The atmosphere is like a big, chaotic family party: very fun and festive, but not too good for intimate conversation. Reservations are a good idea, especially on weekends, but they're usually able to find a seat for you if you're willing to wait. Sometimes the owner (I think?) will sing Italian favourites. He's quite good, and his singing adds to the comfortable family feel of the restaurant. more

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The real deal 7/23/2005

There are a lot of italian restaurants in Seattle, but many have lost the true meaning of the "italian kitchen" . I highly recommend this restaurant for a good meal, where you know the recipes are genuine, the ingredients are fresh and the kitchen is authentic. The family that owns this place is the real deal. It's been around for a long time, so treat yourself again, or try it for the first time. more

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Almost Perfect 7/14/2005

Mamma Melina is a small long time itallian food establishment that has some amazing food. The location has its ups and downs. Its on the corner of 2 very busy streets so the view and surroundings are meek. However the Seven Gables theater is just right around the corner if you wish to take in a GREAT dinner and an artsy movie. This place could be pretty romantic if ya brought a date. They had a piano player the last time we went.. They have a great wine selection. Check Mamma Melina out! more
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Menu for Mamma Melina Ristorante & Pizzeria


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Creating For You a Memorable Italian Dining Experience

Editorial
  • The Scene
    Matriarch of a clan of Seattle restauranteurs, Melina Varchetta runs this University District spot with a homemaker's attention to detail. Gracious rather than formidable, she...

  • 2/26/2008 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Sun-Thu 11:30am-11:00pm Fri-Sat 11:30am-11pm
  • Payments: Visa, Master Card, Discover, American Express
  • Neighborhoods: University District, Northeast, Northeast Seattle
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