Mamma Melina Ristorante

09/20/11

Don't waste your money.

by Ima Foodie at Citysearch

I was quite disappointed with this restaurant. With the same family that runs Barolo, I had high expectations. The decor and ambiance were lovey while the wait staff/hostess pleasant and accommodating.

I ordered a salad and an entree. Their version of "Caesar salad" was no more than a skimpy serving of romaine with a very bland dressing that had absolutely no hint of garlic or anchovies. But it did taste like mayonnaise! I counted 12 croutons, which was about the same amount of lettuce shreds. I do not recommend ordering this.

Next was a "chefs" special which the waitress said was delicious. Of course it sounded great with a "Tender Pork Chop with Fig-Port wine reduction sauce with cipollini onions and baby zucchini". Bad! Absolutely NO layers of flavor, no depth , very bland and tasteless, the onions were burnt (not carmelized...burnt) and the pork was inconsistent.....overcooked in one area, a bit raw near the bone. In addition, no flavor. ( May I consider brining it first?). It needed salt....no wonder the tacky green salt and pepper grinders table-side. I wonder how this restaurant has stayed in business for 20 years. I would love to give them a chance because they have potential and Barolo (in downtown) is so good, but am hesitant about paying for a very unsatisfying experience when I can make it better at home.

02/05/11

Used to love it - never again

by EmilyMG at Citysearch

This restaurant used to be one of our favorite haunts. We will never visit again.

Gone is the chicken marsala. Gone is the lovely flat bread on the table. Gone is the fun piano playing in the corner. Gone are the reasonable prices. Completely vanished any customer service.

To celebrate my 30th birthday with family, we made reservations at 7:30pm. We when we arrived, we were told we would be seated in 5 minutes. After actively avoiding us for 25 minutes, we were told we would have a booth momentarily. 10 minutes later, we were seating in the middle of the room where my father had trouble hearing me all evening. Happy 30th birthday.

The hostess never didn't check in with us for 25 minutes. The manager never visited to apologize. I don't think our waitress even knew that we were seated so late.

I'm sorry, but free dessert (which even Denny's offers for birthdays) just doesn't cut it when you ignore us for the better part of an hour and then seat us in the worst possible table in the restaurant.

If this is how they treat people on special occasions, walk-ins better expect to be making their own food (maybe then they can bring the prices back down).

Just a ridiculous experience.

01/18/11

try it..

by LucindaB at Citysearch

I went to Mamma Melina for the first time since they moved to the new location. The new restaurant is urban chic and nicely done. Lighting is good but a bit too bright in the booths.

The beet salad was excellent and I would order it again. I ordered the smoked salmon and crab pasta. I was excited to try it as it was not in a tomato sauce. I was happy with the portion size and the generous amount of crab in the dish. However, the smoked salmon (a strong flavor) completely overpowers the crab which is a shame. You can't taste it. It was also quite salty. I would not order this dish again for these reasons but would love to see another seafood pasta on the menu preferable not in a tomato sauce. My husband was happy with his choices and we will go again.

11/02/10

yes, this place is very GOOD

by pandapuff at Citysearch

I was looking forward to trying out Mamma Melina's for a long time. Beautiful decor and large area outside made it a good choice on a day with some sunshine. The menu has all the famous Italian dishes and I was very much in heaven. Lots of huge parties seemed to be meeting up at the same time I was there so that was the only issue with my visit. But that just shows that it's very popular and people use this restaurant to go to meet up with their families and friends, I sure want to make another reservation and do the same.

07/20/10

Great NEW Location!

by jclauson at Citysearch

We finally had a chance to check out the new location last weekend- and we loved it. However, it is VERY, different from the former Roosevelt spot. The style is now more in line with the brothers' other restaurant- Barolo. White chandeliers, paintings on the ceilings, candles. No piano player. Huge patio with stylish couches mixed in with the tables.

We went early, about 6 p.m. and diners were mixed-from a bachelorette party to many families with kids. You can come in shorts, or dressed up before a night on the town.

The food was great- we had the escargot, scallops, veil and tiramisu. They also now serve pizza which is a nice addition.

Great spot, we can't wait to return.

• Pros: Patio, food, atmosphere, big space for groups
• Cons: Some may not like the new look