Of the 4 Italian Restaurnats which do you think is best?

[grandmadebby2]

Helping my niece pick restaurants. I don't eat Italian food but my niece whose family will be traveling with us would like to take her family to an Italian Restaurant for dinner. They have the dining plan and will be in all 4 parks during the trip. Would some of you tell me which you think is best since I have no opinion on Italian restaurants. Thanks in advance, she needs to get her dining scheduled today while she is off.

 

[goofyintoronto]

Whatever you do, stay far away from Tony's in MK. It was by far the worst meal of my trip. I even asked my son the other day which meal was the worst for him, without skipping a beat he said Tony's!! Their tomato sauce is horrible. Funny, it is an italian restaurant yet their tomato sauce was bad. lol. I tried my son's meatball and i had to spit it into a napkin. it was beyond disgusting. My cesar salad was wilted as well. Really gross meal.

Mama Melrose is better than Tony's. But if you want a really good italian meal, try Via Napoli. Tutto Italia is also good (both at epcot), but I think most people will say that Via Napoli is better.

 

[dzneelvr]

We've enjoyed all (Tonys, tuttos, Mamas) mentioned in the previous post for various reasons. click on the menu button and look around. Tutto's is definitely more of an authentic feel--the menu, service, and ambiance have not been Americanized in the least. If this is your first time, I'd go with Tuttos in EPCOT for those reasons: order a selection of each course and share. but don't write off any of the others for future consideration.

 

[hammie59]

Mama Melrose has a really good (and I mean REALLY good) charred strip steak. Not very Italian I guess, but I'm still dreaming about it. Their antipasto appetizer is awesome.

 

[OKW Lover]

Seriously you'll find better Italian food in your own home town than you'll get at any of the ones in the WDW parks. The only ones I'd seriously consider are via Napoli in Epcot and Il Mullino (very good) in the Swan but I don't think Il Mullino is on the dining plan.

 

[prttynpnk]

Like the other posters I recommend the same 3-
Tutto is a little fancier
Via has great pizaa and atmosphere
Mama has a nice variety of entrees.
I don't think you can go wrong with any of them!

 

[WDWisTheBest]

Seriously you'll find better Italian food in your own home town than you'll get at any of the ones in the WDW parks. The only ones I'd seriously consider are via Napoli in Epcot and Il Mullino (very good) in the Swan but I don't think Il Mullino is on the dining plan.

I agree that Via Napoli would be near the top. But, don't get the pizza from the window, most posters would say that it isn't very good.

 

[jennylyn_b]

It's not in a park,but what about Portobello's in DTD ?

 

[BLTLDZ]

100% italian here..
Did NOT CARE for Il Mulino AT ALL. Yuck, I am actually amazed at the glowing reviews I have heard lately...However, if you go on tripadvisor, they are all negative. I should have listened to tripadvisor...

As for Via Napoli in Epcot, we enjoyed a nice lunch there...
Next trip. we are trying Tutto for the first time...

Good luck!!

 

[cakesnjammom]

we do NOT like TONY'S and would never return.

I vote Maggiano's off-site! YUM

 

[grandmadebby2]

Thanks for all the suggestions. They will not have a car to go off site or they might try one of the off site places. I gave her all the suggestions and reviews and will let her go from there.

 

[Ramsfan28]

I would rank them in this order:

1. Via Napoli
2. Il Mulino
3. Tutto Italia

Then a very big drop-off

4. Mamma Melrose
5. Tony's

 

[bytheblood]

Il Mullino at the Swan. (coming from an Italian)

Just a little tid-bit for you: In America, people seem to think anything smothered in red sauce (ragu) is what Italian food is all about, but real Italian meals rely on the Mediterranean and what is most cost effective. Most sauces made for Italian food are creme based....and many Italian foods are not smothered in sauce, garlic and tomatoes.

 

[Girlie1]

1st choice Via Napoli; 2nd choice Tutto

 

[Happy Mom2]

Via Napoli

 

[audipolo]

Il Mulino is the best in my opinion.

 

[Kelblum]

Agree that they should skip Tony's, didn't like that at all.

Love Via Napoli, probably our favorite of all, but enjoyed Tutto ( more formal and fancy) and have always had a good meal at Mama's.

 

[t_daniels]

Think we're going to Via Napolis. Most people I've read say that Il Mulinos is more authentic... but the menu at Via looks more appetizing, IMO. Let us know what you think of the place you try, please!

 

[BriarRosie]

I will split it between Dining Plan and Not on Dining Plan.


Dining Plan: Via Napoli

I've only done the Naples style pizza they are known for. I liked it enough to return. I was able to taste 4 different kinds (thanks for my friends and I doing the "here, let's swap some of our pizzas" for tastes.


Not on Dining Plan: Il Mulino

I haven't had a bad thing at Il Mulino yet. I tried a couple bar food items, but when I went for a meal, I was happy they made a meal of the lamb ragout they made for the Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic. That stuff was fantastic.

Too bad I can't remember the name of the wine I like unless I see the wine menu!

 

[MrsLS]

Tutto Italia in Epcot.
Tonys & Mama Melrose are equivalent to Olive Garden or any of those italian chains. Not bad for what it is but not real italian food.
Via Napoli - pizza was decent, main course was horrible, and service was awful.
(Il Mulino is not on the dining plan)