If you are looking for a hearty Italian meal with great ambiance then head to Mama Della’s Ristorante located in the Loews Portofino Bay Resort at Universal Orlando. I dined here in February and would most definitely consider it a “must-do” dining experience when vacationing at Universal Orlando.
When you enter the restaurant it feels as if you are in your grandmother’s house for Sunday dinner. It is charming and the tables are decorated with mismatched plates and antique tablecloths. The smell of garlic and pasta sauce fill the air as the sounds of Opera singers seranading you at the table make the experience complete. A dinner here is certainly an experience in La Dolce Vita’ or “The Sweet Life” as you enjoy Italian specialties from Tuscany, Naples and Piemonte regions.
I dined here with a large group, and we were served a variety of options from the menu. We began the meal with La Mamma Dell’ Antipasto a mixed tray of cheese, cured meats, olives and peppers. This was so wonderful I probably would have finished the whole plate myself. Our next appetizer was the Bruschetta Caprese Con Burrata, again this was flawless. I could make an entire meal just from the appetizers alone at this restaurant! Next came a salad, the Insalata Mamma Della, fresh crisp and a wonderful palate cleanser for the heavy pasta we knew was coming.
After a short break between the appetizers and salad came the entree’s, holy cow these were amazing. We had the pleasure of enjoying the Lasagna, Rib Eye Beef over egg noodles and Mollusco Fra Diavlo. My favorite dish was the Fra Diavlo ,this included mussels, clams, scallops and shrimp over cappellini in a spicy marinara. The sauce was the perfect amount of spice and the fresh shellfish was enormous portions.
We finished our meals with a variety of desserts and coffee or expresso. After your meal Mamma herself will pay a visit to your table to ensure that everything was satisfactory. This was a perfect ending to one of the best dining experiences I have had on a vacation. Be sure to add this to the dining list on your next Universal Orlando Vacation.
Mama Della’s Opens at 5.30pm daily for dinner. Reservations are recommended, casual dress required.
Written by Jennifer Greene–Jennifer is a Universal Specialist with Destinations in Florida. If you are ready to “Vacation Like You Mean It”, contact her today for a free quote for your next Universal Adventure or Disney Vacation at jenniferg@destinationsinflorida.com or 443-424-0181