Mamma Melina Ristorante
Seattle, WA 98105
Phone: (206) 632-4333
- Price:
- $
- Cross Street:
- NE Forty Seventh Street
- Best of Citysearch:
- Italian Food 2005
- Hours:
- Daily 11:30am-2pm, 4:30pm-10pm
Message from Mamma Melina Ristorante
2005 Best of Citysearch - Italian
- Italian food since 1989
- Real Italian family owned
- Extensive selection of wines
Paid advertisement by Mamma Melina Ristorante.
Editorial Review for Mamma Melina Ristorante – by Citysearch Editors
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
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Know Before You GoAround the corner from the Seven Gables Theatre, Mamma Melina's draws moviegoers before and after shows.
The ExtrasEnjoy live piano music on Tuesday nights and Friday through Sunday. Requests are often honored.
ParkingFinding 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.
User Reviews for Mamma Melina Ristorante
04/29/2008 Posted by sandracoons
My daughter and I decided to try this restaurant Monday night. The service was good, but the food was a disappointment. I ordered the baked rigitoni with meatballs, the "gravy" was unbelievably salty and the meatballs were obviously frozen. I didn't understand the frozen meatballs being served in an Italian restaurant. On a good note, my daughters fish was good. I wouldn't return - this to me was a disappointment in "real" Italian food.
Pros: Service
Cons: Food
03/25/2008 Posted by Daners00
my boyfriend and i came to seattle to see the sites and eat the food. this restaurant made the entire trip well worth it! we showed up sorta late, around 9. got beautiful seatting. first thing i noticed about the restaurant was the environment was really comfortable. sometimes i get too uncomfortable with candle lit dinners but this was really cozy. we got our food right as the restaurant was closing and we were the last ones there. this made me feel bad, but the managed was really cool about it. he kept the music going and the wine comin. i LOVE the fettichini! i couldnt get enough. the dessert was insane! the wine list was brilliant. we would up staying until WAY after they closed BSing with the manager about music and wine. we had such a great time, we came back the next night. this really was a restaurant to remember. please go!
Pros: fabulous food, great wine list, terrific dessert, lovely service
Cons: i live no where near it
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