Mama Melrose vs. Via Napoli - The DIS Discussion Forums

danceintherain · 01-19-2013, 10:50 AM

I realize that one is more pasta oriented and the other is more pizza oriented, but I only like to plan on one "italian" type meal per trip. However, these two are next on my list of places to try for their respective parks.

Via Napoli - We may end up spending only one evening (half day) in Epcot. Right now I have a fairly early dinner ADR (around 5pm). The only trouble is that DH ALWAYS has to get Fish & Chips when he goes to Epcot, so dinner might be too early if we don't get there until fairly late (we're planning on spending the morning at AK and then we always take a break). He could always just eat a minimal amount for dinner. I can't push it to later easily, because we're hoping to get DS back for a reasonable bedtime every night. Our main goal in going to Epcot is to see the Flower & Garden festival. We may attempt to do some of the rides, but the headliners aren't a priority, since we'll be traveling with a 2 1/2 year old.

Mama Melrose - It's the only restaurant we haven't eaten in at DHS. We can probably do either lunch or dinner. We won't do the F! Dinner Package, because I doubt we'll stay that late.

Which do you prefer? We probably won't do a different TS at either park, because we're trying to keep this trip fairly low cost. Also, my little sister is joining us and she's not an adventurous eater at all.
Thanks!

pixarmom · 01-19-2013, 01:19 PM

We've been to both multiple times and absolutely prefer Via. The atmosphere is very lively and we like the decor - hardwood floors, high ceilings. The service has always been very friendly and the food is great. We are a family of five with VERY different dining preferences - from very adventurous to quite picky. And everyone loves Via. I enjoy the eggplant parm and our pizza lovers think the pizza is very good. We're saving it for the last night of our trip later this month.

We like Mama Melrose, but it doesn't compare to Via. We've been to all the TS restaurants at DHS multiple times each and we chose Mama Melrose for our upcoming trip. We have lots of signature dinner ADRs, so we decided against Brown Derby. We've been to Sci Fi and 50's quite a few times lately. So we're returning to Mama Melrose because it's a good old standby. It's a cozy atmosphere and the food is OK. Again, doesn't compare to Via but a solid choice at DHS if you've already tried everything else. But if it means you'll have to sacrifice Via, then I'd say skip Mama Melrose.

Good luck with your decision!

DisneyFansInNYC · 01-19-2013, 02:00 PM

Via Napoli absolutely. Love their pizza.

Jeanieblue114 · 01-19-2013, 02:41 PM

Via Hands down

iloveeeyore · 01-19-2013, 02:45 PM

We tried both last summer and while we liked MM, we LOVED VN and would rank it in our top 5 restaurants at WDW. It's a must-do from now on for us. We would return to MM, but not gonna rush back any time soon. My kids call MM "Italian Applebee's."

Kwaschitz · 01-19-2013, 03:45 PM

It depends on what type of Italian food you like. Via Napoli has (to my palate) a more authentic "Italy" taste (Mediterranean flavors, not as heavy), whereas Mama Melrose is more "Italian-American" like a lot of the family-owned places in the NY/NJ area (heavier sauces/cheese, less of the "crisp" flavors of VN).

That said, I like them both but you can't go into either expecting a similar experience.

ValDawg · 01-19-2013, 07:28 PM

As others have said, we've eaten at both and we do like both of them, but Via Napoli is definitely the better restaurant. It is delicious! We cannot wait to go back! But, we do also enjoy MM, even though it gets a lot of negative reviews.

Ro Z · 01-19-2013, 07:43 PM

We like both but VN is our fav! And if your husband isn't very hungry maybe he can split a pizza with one of you. Or just get dessert. I think VN is better for a picky eater too!

chocovrdmicears · 01-19-2013, 07:49 PM

We have been to both.

It will be a long time before we go back to MM. We thought the food was terrible. Their red sauce was one spice away from canned tomatoes.

We LOVE Via Napoli - the salad, pasta (Linguini Frutti di Mare in particular) and the pizza were all fabulous! We have it booked for our last night meal.

Grumpy92 · 01-20-2013, 09:56 AM

You have picked two of our favorites. The food is good at both. I took my parents recently to Via Napoli and they loved the food but commented that it was a noisy restaurant. I would take a look at the menus and choose the one that sounds the best for you. You wont go wrong either way.
If you go to Via Napoli save room for the Zeppoles.

PetePanMan · 01-20-2013, 10:11 AM

VN = excellent

MM=average at best

gigi1313 · 01-20-2013, 10:50 AM

Neither... Tutto!

jakers2154 · 01-20-2013, 11:15 AM

I love V, mm was a terrible experience and I don't think I will go back. And V in my opinion is one of the best restaurant's in epcot.

Metsoskil · 01-20-2013, 11:19 AM

If you are asking about which restaurant is better, it's not even a close comparison. You'd be crazy to pick MM over VN based on food or atmosphere.

Only you can determine how it fits into your touring schedule.

Now, if MM had actually been built as the Rizzo themed Muppet restaurant it was supposed to be, that would be a different discussion.

mouseketeermama · 01-20-2013, 11:29 AM

Just had Via yesterday for the first time and it is sooooo good! Best pizza I have ever had!

01-19-2013, 10:50 AM	#1
danceintherain DIS Veteran Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Kansas Posts: 4,868	Mama Melrose vs. Via Napoli I realize that one is more pasta oriented and the other is more pizza oriented, but I only like to plan on one "italian" type meal per trip. However, these two are next on my list of places to try for their respective parks. Via Napoli - We may end up spending only one evening (half day) in Epcot. Right now I have a fairly early dinner ADR (around 5pm). The only trouble is that DH ALWAYS has to get Fish & Chips when he goes to Epcot, so dinner might be too early if we don't get there until fairly late (we're planning on spending the morning at AK and then we always take a break). He could always just eat a minimal amount for dinner. I can't push it to later easily, because we're hoping to get DS back for a reasonable bedtime every night. Our main goal in going to Epcot is to see the Flower & Garden festival. We may attempt to do some of the rides, but the headliners aren't a priority, since we'll be traveling with a 2 1/2 year old. Mama Melrose - It's the only restaurant we haven't eaten in at DHS. We can probably do either lunch or dinner. We won't do the F! Dinner Package, because I doubt we'll stay that late. Which do you prefer? We probably won't do a different TS at either park, because we're trying to keep this trip fairly low cost. Also, my little sister is joining us and she's not an adventurous eater at all. Thanks! __________________ ~Becca~ Well Begun is Half Done...When Plans Go Awry: April 2013 Trip Report Me (26) DH (26) Baby DS (2) Next Trip: POFQ Apr 13-20 ~ CBR: Nov 7-12, 2010 ~ Doubletree Guest Suites: July 8-14, 2009 ~ AKL: Jan 4-13, 2009 ~ Off-Property: New Year's 2006-2007, Spring Break 2001, Florida Resident 1991

01-19-2013, 01:19 PM	#2
pixarmom DIS Veteran Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 4,537	We've been to both multiple times and absolutely prefer Via. The atmosphere is very lively and we like the decor - hardwood floors, high ceilings. The service has always been very friendly and the food is great. We are a family of five with VERY different dining preferences - from very adventurous to quite picky. And everyone loves Via. I enjoy the eggplant parm and our pizza lovers think the pizza is very good. We're saving it for the last night of our trip later this month. We like Mama Melrose, but it doesn't compare to Via. We've been to all the TS restaurants at DHS multiple times each and we chose Mama Melrose for our upcoming trip. We have lots of signature dinner ADRs, so we decided against Brown Derby. We've been to Sci Fi and 50's quite a few times lately. So we're returning to Mama Melrose because it's a good old standby. It's a cozy atmosphere and the food is OK. Again, doesn't compare to Via but a solid choice at DHS if you've already tried everything else. But if it means you'll have to sacrifice Via, then I'd say skip Mama Melrose. Good luck with your decision! __________________ Disneyland (x many since 1975), Poly (x many since 1983), BC (x many since 1992), BWI (x2), YC, CR, WL (x2), AKL, POFQ, Dolphin, CSR (x3), CBR, All Star Sports, 2011 Disney Dream, 2012 Disney Wonder to Alaska, 2012 MNSSHP! August 2013 DL (GCH again!) August 2013 Inaugural DL 10K!

01-19-2013, 02:00 PM	#3
DisneyFansInNYC Mouseketeer Join Date: May 2012 Location: New York City Posts: 291	Via Napoli absolutely. Love their pizza. __________________ Me DH DD DD DS DD Dog

01-19-2013, 02:41 PM	#4
Jeanieblue114 DIS Veteran Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Jax, Florida Posts: 1,441	Via Hands down __________________ 1974-2002 Disneyworld Off-property annually 2003 Dolphin Resort 2003 Disney's Vero Beach Resort 2003 Disney's Hilton Head Resort 2004 Disneyworld Good Neighbor Hotel 2004 Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotel 2005-2008 Disneyworld Good Neighbor Hotel Annually July 2009 3 Nights Disney Good Neighbor Sept-Oct 2009 5 Nights Disney's Old Key West Feb-March 2010 Disney's Hilton Head Resort +1 month off-property July Weekend off-property September 2010 Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas-Jambo December 2010 Disney's Old Key West Villas

01-19-2013, 02:45 PM	#5
iloveeeyore DIS Veteran Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Westchester County, NY Posts: 3,247	We tried both last summer and while we liked MM, we LOVED VN and would rank it in our top 5 restaurants at WDW. It's a must-do from now on for us. We would return to MM, but not gonna rush back any time soon. My kids call MM "Italian Applebee's." __________________ :DH Me DD 18 DS 16 Recent reports: No longer "LIVE" AUGUST 2012 TRIP REPORT! Last Dining Report, summer 2012: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2922227 With DH and DKs - CR TPV, CSR, AKL CL, WL CY, Poly GV (x3), Poly GVC, Courtyard by Marriott DTD, CBR Numerous trips as kids to CR, Poly, Golf Resort

\|
The DIS Register to remove Join Date: 1997 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 1,000,000

01-19-2013, 03:45 PM	#6
Kwaschitz Mouseketeer Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 260	It depends on what type of Italian food you like. Via Napoli has (to my palate) a more authentic "Italy" taste (Mediterranean flavors, not as heavy), whereas Mama Melrose is more "Italian-American" like a lot of the family-owned places in the NY/NJ area (heavier sauces/cheese, less of the "crisp" flavors of VN). That said, I like them both but you can't go into either expecting a similar experience.

01-19-2013, 07:28 PM	#7
ValDawg Earning My Ears Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Athens, GA Posts: 60	As others have said, we've eaten at both and we do like both of them, but Via Napoli is definitely the better restaurant. It is delicious! We cannot wait to go back! But, we do also enjoy MM, even though it gets a lot of negative reviews. __________________ Me DH DB (Bird! My cockatiel!) 1985-1999 (Childhood trips!!) 2001-AS Sports 3/2008-ASMu 5/2009-OKW 5/2011-ASMu Disneymoon- 8/2012-BC ! Hopefully an upcoming trip 10/2013 in our home resort AKV!!

01-19-2013, 07:43 PM	#8
Ro Z DIS Veteran Join Date: May 2010 Location: Salisbury, MA Posts: 2,445	We like both but VN is our fav! And if your husband isn't very hungry maybe he can split a pizza with one of you. Or just get dessert. I think VN is better for a picky eater too!

01-19-2013, 07:49 PM	#9
chocovrdmicears DIS Veteran Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 6,088	We have been to both. It will be a long time before we go back to MM. We thought the food was terrible. Their red sauce was one spice away from canned tomatoes. We LOVE Via Napoli - the salad, pasta (Linguini Frutti di Mare in particular) and the pizza were all fabulous! We have it booked for our last night meal. __________________

01-20-2013, 09:56 AM	#10
Grumpy92 DIS Veteran Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Florida Posts: 2,975	You have picked two of our favorites. The food is good at both. I took my parents recently to Via Napoli and they loved the food but commented that it was a noisy restaurant. I would take a look at the menus and choose the one that sounds the best for you. You wont go wrong either way. If you go to Via Napoli save room for the Zeppoles.

01-20-2013, 10:11 AM	#11
PetePanMan Mouseketeer Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 276	VN = excellent MM=average at best

01-20-2013, 10:50 AM	#12
gigi1313 DIS Veteran Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Long Island, New York Posts: 8,659	Neither... Tutto! __________________ numerous offsite vacations beginning in '79 honeymoon in march '92 AS Sports sept '99 CBR sept '01 Pop sept '04 POFQ/AKL aug/sept '05 Pop Jan '06 ASMusic sept/oct '06 Grand Gathering CBR Aug/Sept '07 Baby's 1st Trip Beach Club Sept '08 CSR Feb '09 Wishes Dessert Pty POR Aug '09 Nov '09 ASMovies family+friends POR Aug '10 Julia's Sweet 16 @ PC & GF CL Jan '11POR Nov '11 w/Gram & Pop 1st DCL Fantasy May '12 Briana's 1st WDW Vacay @ BWalk&ASM Jan2013

01-20-2013, 11:15 AM	#13
jakers2154 Earning My Ears Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 27	I love V, mm was a terrible experience and I don't think I will go back. And V in my opinion is one of the best restaurant's in epcot.

01-20-2013, 11:19 AM	#14
Metsoskil Citi Field, Rehoboth Beach, and WDW are my 3 favorite places. Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Hiranyaloka Posts: 1,363	If you are asking about which restaurant is better, it's not even a close comparison. You'd be crazy to pick MM over VN based on food or atmosphere. Only you can determine how it fits into your touring schedule. Now, if MM had actually been built as the Rizzo themed Muppet restaurant it was supposed to be, that would be a different discussion. __________________ Jul '91 May '93 Dec '99 Star Island Aug. '07 OKW, Vistana Villages, & POFQ Aug '08 - BWV & POP Aug '09 AKV Kidani & Star Island Dec '09 Star Island Mar '10 BCV Aug '10 Bon Crk & VWL Mar '11 BWV Aug '11 @ Sher. Vistana, WDW Dolphin, & Star Island Dec '11 @ VWL & BCV Jul '12 DCL Magic NYC Wknd Getaway Aug '12 @ DLRP Upcoming: Aug '13 Star Island & BCV Dec '13 VWL & DCL Dream

01-20-2013, 11:29 AM	#15
mouseketeermama Mouseketeer Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Winter Haven, FL Posts: 282	Just had Via yesterday for the first time and it is sooooo good! Best pizza I have ever had! __________________ Just a married to my raising our littleand tiny

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread: