Mamma Melina Ristorante
Creating For You a Memorable Italian Dining Experience
(206) 792-5544
4759 Roosevelt Way NE
(at Northeast 50th)
Seattle,
WA
98105
47.664216
-122.317441
Neighborhoods: University District, Northeast
What People Are Saying About Mamma Melina Ristorante
The Owner
Mamma Melina Ristorante
Owner
Find out why Mamma Melina Ristorante is the winner of the "Best of Citysearch." You will feel immediately transported to the Old Country when you walk in to this cozy, warm and romantic restaurant. The family moved here from Italy in 1989 and have since been running the joint with the same attention and grace as you would do in your own home.
A piano player sings Italian tunes and takes requests on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Whether you are looking for a family gathering, a romantic dinner, a birthday celebration or just entertaining friends or coworkers, Mamma Melina will surpass your expectations.
The Varchetta family promises good service, great food, great atmosphere and fair prices ($9 to $16 on average for food, and wines start at $17). Buon appetito e grazie.
Reservations Recommended.
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
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 sits up front near the piano player and next to her husband, Pasquale, greeting patrons and deferentially making the rounds to make certain everyone is happy. Everything is pretty, neat and orderly: green- and pink-rimmed dinner plates, yellow napkins arranged in wine glasses, and flower boxes outside.
The Food
Preparation rises to the same standard of thoughtful precision. Lamb shank, braised in white wine and aromatic vegetables, arrives tender and succulent, accompanied by a puree of its braising base and a sensational risotto cake. Grilled eggplant, stuffed with mozzarella and prosciutto, makes a toothsome appetizer. A thick, textured soup of roasted garlic, potato and mushroom manifests Mamma's appreciation of simple, focused flavor.
Photo by Chris Daniel
User Reviews
ChrisSampson
June 01, 2009
You might miss it when you drive by, but when you enter, the atmosphere is pleasant and the air is filled with the smells of Italian food. I've tried numerous dishes, and they were all amazing. Among my favorites is their dessert called Tortino. An amazing bread pudding (and I'm not a fan of bread pudding) with apples and cranberries, served hot with a scoop of vanilla ice cream resting in a sauce that has a touch of rum in it. The servers are all polite and very attentive. The food is spectacular. Weekends include a piano player that comes in and plays as you dine. Sinatra while eating Italian works very well for me. This is truly one of Seattle's best kept secrets. If you love Italian food, you simply must give Mamma Melina Ristorante a try. It is my absolute favorite place to eat and has been for over a year. Well worth the visit.
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SarahKate
May 16, 2009
My husband and I have been to Mamma Melina twice, and both times have been impressed with the quality of food and service. I'm a poor graduate student, so we usually go for the better inexpensive places around the U (Agua Verde, Veggie Veggie), but Mamma Melina is worth splurging. Our tab came to just over $90--that includes two appetizer Caesar salads (excellent!) two main dishes (a just-right ravioli in rose sauce and the chicken marsala with delicious, flavorful veggies and a side of pasta with fettuccine sauce), a bottle of wine, a giant piece of tiramisu to share (the second-best tiramisu I've tasted in my life), and the tip. The service was great--our waiter was attentive without hovering--and even though we were seated directly by the piano player, the restaurant never got so loud that we couldn't hear each other. The pianist played and sang a number of Italian arias and then came around to ask if we had any requests. Somebody must have requested "Bohemian Rhapsody," which he gamely played and sang, amazingly coming off as charming rather than obnoxious. Overall, the food, atmosphere and service are absolutely top-notch. Highly recommended.
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GPDroam
April 27, 2009
This restaurant has consistantly the best service and most enjoyable food that I have experienced here in Seattle. Cozy restaurant and a good size to keep the feeling quaint while having spectacular food. Best costomer service consistantly, and always leave looking forward to coming back.
read full reviewThe Details on Mamma Melina Ristorante
Know Before You Go:
Around the corner from the Seven Gables Theatre, Mamma Melina's draws moviegoers before and after shows.
The Extras:
Enjoy live piano music on Tuesday nights and Friday through Sunday. Requests are often honored.
Parking:
Finding a spot in the U-District can be tricky, especially with two movie theaters within walking distance. Make sure to read all street signs to avoid a ticket. North of 50th Street is a good bet.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, Discover, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Family-Friendly Dining, People Watching, Lunch Spot, Date Spot, Group Dining, Live Music
General Info:
Cuisine:
As Seen In…
Message from Mamma Melina Ristorante
- Italian Food Since 1989
- Real Italian, Family Owned
- Extensive Selection of Wines
Find out why Mamma Melina Ristorante is the winner of the "Best of Citysearch." You will feel immediately transported to the Old Country when you walk in to this cozy, warm and romantic restaurant. The family moved here from Italy in 1989 and have since been running the joint with the same attention and grace as you would do in your own home.
A piano player sings Italian tunes and takes requests on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Whether you are looking for a family gathering, a romantic dinner, a birthday celebration or just entertaining friends or coworkers, Mamma Melina will surpass your expectations.
The Varchetta family promises good service, great food, great atmosphere and fair prices ($9 to $16 on average for food, and wines start at $17). Buon appetito e grazie.
Reservations Recommended.
