Favorite Italian Restaurant - I really need your opinions!

[traci]

We've made several trips to DW but have never eaten at any of the Italian restaurants. Please tell me your favorite for dining with kids ages 13, 12 and 6. Kids prefer just basic pasta dishes (marinara & alfredo). And we aren't overly exotic eaters ourselves I'd love to know your favorite dish too!

 

[holden]

Trattoria al Forno is decent. I can't remember what we ate specifically but I remember it was a good (not great) meal. IMHO none of the Italian restaurants in WDW are great.

 

[traci]

Trattoria al Forno is decent. I can't remember what we ate specifically but I remember it was a good (not great) meal. IMHO none of the Italian restaurants in WDW are great.

Thank you I appreciate your post!

 

[ariane37]

We've eaten at Trattoria al Forno and both Italian restaurants in Epcot, Tutto Italia and Via Napoli. Of those 3 I would definitely choose one of the Epcot ones depending on which menu appeals to your family most.
However, I have to say the best Italian restaurant we've been to on property is Il Mulino in the Swan! DH and I just went in August on our adults only trip and it was FABULOUS. We're going back with our DS's 14 and 10 next month. It is a signature though and they don't take the DDP just FYI.

 

[traci]

We've eaten at Trattoria al Forno and both Italian restaurants in Epcot, Tutto Italia and Via Napoli. Of those 3 I would definitely choose one of the Epcot ones depending on which menu appeals to your family most.
However, I have to say the best Italian restaurant we've been to on property is Il Mulino in the Swan! DH and I just went in August on our adults only trip and it was FABULOUS. We're going back with our DS's 14 and 10 next month. It is a signature though and they don't take the DDP just FYI.

Thank You! I will check it out!

 

[smcabee]

Cant speak to weather kids would enjoy or not since I dont have any but as another poster mentioned IL Mulino is the best Italian on property but no DDP or magic bands etc.

 

[party-of-five]

With similar ages of kiddos, we ate at Via Napoli in September. It was fanstastic. We had the calamari and ordered pizzas. DH and I enjoy trying different foods, but the kids are on the picky side. We thought the pizza was very good as was our service.

 

[tgbanks3]

I'm the only one in my family that really likes marinara sauce. The others prefer alfredo. So we're out of luck unless we want to go to Pinocchio's Village Haus.

 

[Dean Marino]

Direct answer to question....

"il Mulino" - at the SWAN. We go every trip - 12 years, twice per year.

 

[ggdvc]

We have tried both Tutto Italia at Epcot and Mama Melrose at DHS, and enjoyed both places. At Mama Melrose, they have a choice of penne pasta or spaghetti, with either marinara or 4 cheese (Alfredo-ish) sauce, and you can add either chicken or meatballs to either one. At Tutto Iialia I really liked their spaghetti and meatballs - I'm usually pretty picky when it comes to red sauces - most restaurant red sauce tastes too fake to me, and I don't like "chunky" veggies in the sauce - but I really liked what I had a Tutto Italia.

 

[tgbanks3]

So Mama Melrose has an alfredo-ish sauce? I thought it was all tomato based. Might have to check it out.

 

[BLLB]

Of the Disney Italian restaurants, I would say Via Napoli is my favorite. I would definitely visit Il Mulino if I got the chance.

 

[SA mom]

Il Mulino.

 

[ChasingLeslie]

So Mama Melrose has an alfredo-ish sauce? I thought it was all tomato based. Might have to check it out.

Yea, they do. Both my kids had pasta with an alfredo/cream sauce. We enjoyed MM quite a lot! I had the chicken parm and DH had a steak.

 

[traci]

A thousand thanks! I truly appreciate the insight!! Now to decide...

 

[Uncleromulus]

Il Mulino is the best--but considering what you and your kids like, might be a waste of $$ to go there.

Mama Melrose or Portobello might do nicely---

 

[DisneyWishes14]

While Il Mulino is the best, if your kids just want basic dishes, I would recommend Trattoria al Forno or Via Napoli instead. Both have good food at a lower price point. Tutto Italia is subpar and way overpriced IMHO. But, again, if you want good Italian, go for Il Mulino.

 

[goofyintoronto]

My fave is definitely via napoli. I love their candele pasta dish and their pizza. Its incredible!!! My son loves it here too. We make sure to come every trip.

We had a pretty good meal at Tutto Italia as well. I had the lasagna and my son had the fetuccini alfredo...both were delish. But we still prefer Via Napoli.

 

[traci]

Y'all are making it so hard to decide! Thank you so much for taking the time to help me!

 

[musicalgirl2010]

I'm afraid I'm not super helpful on this one because the only one I've eaten at is Via Napoli but we loved it! It was one of the best meals of the trip!