Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
oChef » Mama Della’s – Orlando
Mama Della's - Orlando
Photo from Mama Della’s
Mama Della's at a glance
Orlando Florida Center
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 117 of the guests
#68 out of 163 places to eat in Orlando
#18 Restaurant out of 32 in Orlando
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
805
Reviews
72.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Quality Italian food
- Lively atmosphere
- Attentive staff
Frequently criticized
- High cost
- Slow service
The restaurant, Mama Della’s Ristorante, is a charming spot in Orlando’s vibrant Florida Center neighborhood. This upscale restaurant offers a truly romantic and cozy atmosphere, perfect for an unforgettable evening.
You’ll discover a fantastic dining experience, complete with a great wine list that perfectly complements your meal. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking quality dining and exceptional table service in the heart of Orlando.
Overview: Introducting Mama Della's
Mama Della’s offers a dining experience where the atmosphere truly shines, often enhanced by delightful live music and engaging Italian singers. Guests frequently highlight the accommodating and friendly nature of the staff, contributing to a welcoming visit.
However, some diners have noted concerns regarding the overall value. While the food receives considerable praise for its quality, there are occasional remarks about inconsistencies in certain dishes.
The restaurant aims to provide a memorable setting, but some guests feel the pricing doesn’t always align with the full experience, particularly concerning additional charges for items like bread.
Good
7.5
out of 10
805
Reviews
72.7%
Satisfaction
186
negative
34
neutral
585
positive
Looking at the numbers, Mama Della’s achieves a respectable overall score of 7.5, placing it firmly in the good category. This is supported by a solid Customer Satisfaction rate of 72.7%, indicating that most patrons leave content with their visit.
These insights are drawn from a substantial 805 customer remarks, with 585 positive observations outweighing 186 negative ones. Delving deeper, the Ambience (8.6) stands out as a strong point, creating a very pleasant setting.
The Food (7.4) also performs well, suggesting a generally satisfying culinary offering. Service (7.1) is rated as good, though some experiences point to slower moments.
The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (4), which registers as average, reflecting concerns about pricing.
What people like
- Exceptional food quality
- Engaging live music
- Attentive, friendly staff
What people don't like
- High prices, extra charges
- Slow service, long waits
If you’re seeking an engaging atmosphere with live entertainment and generally good Italian fare, Mama Della’s could be a fitting choice. The overall positive sentiment and a 7.6 recommendation score suggest many find it a worthwhile experience, especially for the vibrant setting and attentive staff.
However, be mindful of the pricing, as the value proposition isn’t its strongest suit. If budget is a primary concern or you’re sensitive to extra charges, you might find aspects of the experience less appealing.
It’s a place that delivers on ambiance and service, but perhaps less consistently on affordability.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Mama Della's
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, it seems like this place generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.4 and customer satisfaction at 71.3%, the culinary experience here is rated as good. Many guests rave about the authentic Italian dinner, delicious calamari, and Chef Leo's creations, with lasagna also receiving high praise, based on 276 positive remarks out of 387 total.
However, not every dish is a home run. There are 85 negative comments, with some finding the Chicken Carbonara surprisingly acidic or the lasagna bland. A few mentioned issues with calamari being too spicy or chewy, and some felt the overall food quality had slipped, suggesting a bit of inconsistency in the kitchen.
Food
387
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
85
negative
26
neutral
276
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Italian food
- Delicious meals
- Chef Leo's artistry
What people don't like
- Inconsistent quality
- Bland flavors
- Overpriced food
Often praised
- foodHaving dined in hundreds of Italian restaurants worldwide over the past 40 years, I can confidently say that this establishment in the Universal Studios area is by far the best restaurant I've encountered, not just among Italian ones, but all others as well 🤌🏻. The food was exceptional, the service was impeccable, and the atmosphere was delightful.
- Italian foodsome of the best Italian food in all of Universal
- calamariBad calamari can be chewy and rubbery but this was cooked and seasoned perfectly and was crispy and flavorful.
- lasagnaresulting in an amazingly thin lasagna even though it's a tower of food
- FoodFood:5
- cannolithe desserts (cannoli and tiramisu) were great
- gnocchiThe gnocchi is like a hug!
- lambMama, Mohamed, and the team ensured a great evening of fun and fantastic fare. I highly recommend the calamari, lamb, and salmon. The gelato and sherbert were light and great desserts.
- pastaBest pasta I have ever had
- LasagnaRecommended dishes:Lasagna
Frequently criticized
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The service is slow and the food is average. Specifically, the tiramisu was not good at all, tasting like it was from a supermarket.
- calamariThey offer a good wine list with some value items to discover. However, the food was inconsistent; our calamari was chewy, and the sauce for the chicken parm and lasagna was acidic. The lasagna itself was just fine – neither bad nor amazing.
- breadno bread served with your meal unless you want to order it
- lasagnalasagna, which also fell short of expectations
- CarbonaraCarbonara was one of their signature dishes, and it was awful!
- bruschettabruschetta which was supposed to be on ciabatta but was most certainly on Texas toast
- entreesthe entrees took 40 minutes and taste like airplane food
- menuel menú que tienen en la aplicación es totalmente diferente a ciando llegas
- qualitythe restaurant has lowered the quality
- saucethe sauce was acidic for the chicken parm
If youre craving authentic Italian flavors and Chef Leos specialties, you'll likely have a fantastic meal here. Just be mindful that a few dishes might be inconsistent, so stick to the highly recommended items for the best experience.
Service (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 81% of the guests
The service here often shines, with many guests praising the staff for being incredibly attentive and providing impeccable service. Out of 210 pieces of feedback, 140 were positive, highlighting how servers like Lance and the personal touch from Mama Della herself can make an experience truly special, often making you feel like family. The overall score for service stands at a solid 7.1.
However, the customer satisfaction, at 66.7%, suggests a mixed bag for some. A significant 66 negative comments point to issues like frustratingly long waiting times, slow service, and sometimes inflexible reservation policies. Some guests also mentioned problems with hostess interactions or a general lack of attention during busy periods, indicating room for improvement in consistency.
Service
210
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
66
negative
4
neutral
140
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Impeccable, personal service
- Warm, welcoming Mama Della
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Slow service sometimes
- Inflexible reservation policy
Often praised
- serviceHaving dined in hundreds of Italian restaurants worldwide over the past 40 years, I can confidently say that this establishment in the Universal Studios area is by far the best restaurant I've encountered, not just among Italian ones, but all others as well 🤌🏻. The food was exceptional, the service was impeccable, and the atmosphere was delightful.
- staffThe staff are accommodating and friendly
- Mama DellaWe absolutely felt we had an authentic Italian experience. The restaurant is lovely and Mama Della greeted us and was so welcoming. The singers stopped by our table and serenaded us.
- ServiceThe Chef gave us the food personally, waitress was kind, and the singing touch really amazing.
- peopleThe people were really nice too
- serverThe restaurant was quiet as it had just opened. We were greeted by lovely people and had a wonderful server, Youssef, who spoke Italian. Considering the portion sizes, we opted for one Magical Dining meal and I had an appetizer for my dinner.
- waiterWe were just waiting here sipping our water with the calamari and bread. Our waiter was super helpful and checking up on us. The waiter had to check on our food order to make sure it is not lost.
- wait staffOur wait staff was on point and attentive
- LanceLance is an amazing server. His attentiveness and charm
- attentionAtención y atmósfera apropiada para cualquier velada y ocasión.
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe food is very traditional and well-seasoned. I had to knock off one star for service, not because the waiters were poor in any way – they have always been excellent – but because the service is always a little slow here. Other than that, I love Mama's and eat here 2 or 3 times a year.
- waiting timeMy experience at the restaurant was frustrating. We were made to wait for an hour for a table, even though there were several empty tables available. The atmosphere was great (5/5) and the food was good (4/5), but the service was very poor (2/5).
- reservationHer sole focus shifted to how this happened, stating, "They should’ve never did that; they are not allowed to do that. We are overbooked, and you will need to wait. " Her concern was entirely about the process, not the guest experience.
- hostesshostess informed us that part of our reservation was cancelled
- staffHe was super friendly and very helpful, providing a level of service I haven't seen in a long time. However, the food took a very long time to arrive, which suggests a lack of staff. This is a tip for visiting the Disney complex; you can also visit Portofino.
- waiterthe waiter acknowledged at the beginning of the meal that we had a birthday but then did nothing
- Manager Kaidya Gerente Kaidy extremamente inflexível
- attentionmesmo explicando a elas não houve nenhuma atenção
- back waiterBack waiter was rude when I told her the pizza was raw
- birthdaywe had a birthday but then did nothing
This restaurant can offer truly memorable service, often making you feel like family, which is a huge plus. However, be aware that some guests have experienced slow service and long waits, so it might be a bit of a gamble depending on the day.
Ambience (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 76% of the guests
Stepping into this restaurant, youre in for a treat! The atmosphere truly shines, with customers clearly loving the vibe, boasting an impressive 89.9% satisfaction rate and a solid 8.6 score. Based on 160 positive remarks out of 178 total, guests frequently rave about the "live music, " "Italian decor, " and "romantic ambiance, " creating a "cozy vibe.
" The gifted musicians and singers, often serenading tableside, are a consistent highlight, making for an authentic and memorable dining experience. However, a few guests, in 14 less enthusiastic comments, found the "singing inside the restaurant" a bit overwhelming at times, suggesting the entertainment could be a tad too loud. Some also noted minor comfort issues like a "cold draft" or "chairs" that werent ideal, and a few mentioned decor choices that didn't quite hit the mark for everyone.
These are minor points, but worth considering if you prefer a quieter setting.
Ambience
178
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
14
negative
4
neutral
160
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Live Italian music
- Cozy, romantic vibe
- Beautiful decor
What people don't like
- Loud live music
- Uncomfortable seating
- Cold drafts
Often praised
- atmosphereIt’s ridiculous that they’ve raised menu prices by 50% while offering less. The atmosphere is nice, but it’s not on the level of places like Fleming’s or Ruth Chris, which provide complementary bread and salads. If they want to charge these high prices, they shouldn’t expect tips like they’re in Italy, especially with such a significant markup on menu items compared to inflation.
- live musicincredible live music created the perfect atmosphere
- singersThe restaurant is lovely and Mama Della greeted us and was so welcoming. The singers stopped by our table and serenaded us. The food was amazing!
- ambiancethe cozy ambiance and incredible live music created the perfect atmosphere
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- experienceBest experience I’ve ever had dining out
- musicThe service and music was nice
- Italian singersThe food was delicious, made to order. To top it off, a trio of Italian singers performed! I was left enchanted!
- ambienceVery pleasant, inviting environment. Lighting was warm and area was spacious, and music was at a perfect volume.
- Italian musiciansthey even had fantastic Italian musicians at one point who did a song for each table including requests.
Frequently criticized
- at table singersthe at table singers was also not really what we needed
- bandThe band that walks around was annoying and desperate.
- chairsthe chairs. They have upholstered cushions that are short and not well padded
- cold draftserious cold draft
- color choicesCould have used more to date and in sync color choices to enhance the cohesiveness. Yes, I know the theme would suggest otherwise, but the differing patterns threw off the overall aesthetic
- dirty dishesleft all the dirty dishes sit on the table
- entertainmentthe entertainment was an added bonus (just a little too loud)
- fine dining restaurantApparently it's a fine dining restaurant but, you wouldn't think so from the service
- hotel constructionhotel is under heavy construction
- placeThe music was at a perfect volume, contributing to a comfortable atmosphere. However, the decor could have been more cohesive, with differing patterns that detracted from the overall aesthetic, and the place was a bit dusty. When it came to the food, the presentation was generally very nice, especially the bruschetta.
If youre seeking a lively, authentic Italian atmosphere with fantastic live music and a romantic touch, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared that the vibrant entertainment might mean a slightly louder dining experience, so its not for those craving absolute quiet.
Value (4 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
When it comes to value, it seems theres a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 4 (average) and customer satisfaction sitting at a rather low 30% (poor). Some diners found the pricing reasonable, appreciating the affordability and competitive pricing, even for special occasions like a Valentines meal. Out of 30 total opinions, 9 leaned positive, highlighting a fair cost for an enjoyable experience.
However, the majority of feedback, with 21 negative opinions, points to concerns about high prices and an overall pricey menu. Many felt the cost was steep, with some mentioning menu prices being raised significantly and even having to pay for bread, making the experience feel expensive and overpriced for the quality and quantity received.
Value
30
Reviews
30%
Satisfaction
21
negative
0
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Competitive pricing
- Reasonable prices
- Fair cost
What people don't like
- Overpriced menu
- High prices
- Pay for bread
Often praised
- pricefood that I would pay too dollar for and not much more expensive than everything else
- pricessurprisingly reasonable prices
- Valentine's mealWe purchased the $80 per person valentines meal
- affordabilitySurprisingly affordable for being a nice Italian restaurant
- competitive pricingFor those looking for a more reasonable and enjoyable dining experience, I highly recommend Vivo Italian Kitchen at Universal CityWalk. They offer complimentary bread and maintain competitive pricing, all within a convenient and serene atmosphere.
- costCost is fair
- pricingreasonable pricing
Frequently criticized
- pricefood was extremely underwhelming and over priced
- breadIt was tiny and underwhelming. Now they’re also charging $9 for bread. When I ordered a second round, I got charged again but without a refresh of olive oil, garlic, or butter.
- pricesHaving dined at numerous high-end steakhouses, the previous Bistecca was on par with some of the finest meals. It is deeply disappointing to see this dish altered, as it seems the restaurant has lowered quality while increasing prices. After dining here multiple times per year for the past six years, I regret to say I no longer plan to return.
- complementary breadIt’s ridiculous that they’ve raised menu prices by 50% while offering less. The atmosphere is nice, but it’s not on the level of places like Fleming’s or Ruth Chris, which provide complementary bread and salads. If they want to charge these high prices, they shouldn’t expect tips like they’re in Italy, especially with such a significant markup on menu items compared to inflation.
- costpienso que es muy costoso como para pagar también por pan al llegar
- expensivevery expensive for a disappointing meal
- high pricesThe atmosphere is nice, but it’s not on the level of places like Fleming’s or Ruth Chris, which provide complementary bread and salads. If they want to charge these high prices, they shouldn’t expect tips like they’re in Italy, especially with such a significant markup on menu items compared to inflation.
- markup on menu itemsThe atmosphere is nice, but it’s not on the level of places like Fleming’s or Ruth Chris, which provide complementary bread and salads. If they want to charge these high prices, they shouldn’t expect tips like they’re in Italy, especially with such a significant markup on menu items compared to inflation.
- menu pricesWhen I ordered a second round, I got charged again but without a refresh of olive oil, garlic, or butter. It’s ridiculous that they’ve raised menu prices by 50% while offering less. The atmosphere is nice, but it’s not on the level of places like Fleming’s or Ruth Chris, which provide complementary bread and salads.
- price pointThere are so many better places at this price point around.
If youre looking for a budget-friendly meal, this might not be your top pick, as many find it overpriced. However, if you prioritize atmosphere and dont mind potentially higher costs, it could still be worth considering, especially if you catch a good deal.
How are the prices at Mama Della's?
On average, you’ll spend around 54 per person – based on 117 guests. That places this restaurant in the $51–$60 category. For a Restaurant in Orlando, that’s comfortably mid-range, perhaps leaning a bit higher.
Looking at what people actually paid, prices are quite spread out. While the average is pulled up by some higher-end options, a good chunk of diners found great value in the $21–$50 range, showing a mix of choices available.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 117 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in Orlando.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Restaurant in Orlando. There’s a good range of options, so you can find something that fits your budget.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Mama Della's
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
5
Mixed Experience with Chicken Dishes
My recent visit to this restaurant offered a mixed experience. The Chicken Alfredo was decent, but the Chicken Carbonara was surprisingly acidic. They definitely need to take some cues from other restaurants to improve their flavors.
- Chicken Alfredo6
- Chicken Carbonara3
- flavors2
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Service Intent
- Special Occasion
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Amazing Food, People, and Atmosphere!
My experience at this restaurant was amazing. The food was great, and the people were wonderful. The music and atmosphere contributed to a lovely dining experience.
We had a nice celebration, and the staff helped make it even better. The chef even came out and was amazing and funny. Thank you!
- food10
- people10
- music9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Service Intent
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Large Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Fabulous Food and Excellent Service in Portofino
We had a large family celebration at this restaurant, and they accommodated us with ease. The food was fabulous, and the service was excellent. The restaurant is conveniently located in the Portofino Hotel and accepts reservations.
They offer highchairs, making it kid-friendly. For those with dietary restrictions, gluten-free pasta is available and delicious. Vegetarian options are clearly labeled and highly recommended.
Parking is plentiful with validation tickets provided. The atmosphere and food both received a 5-star rating from the reviewer.
- food10
- service10
- family celebration9
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Service Intent
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
2
Decline in Authenticity and Steep Prices
My experience at this establishment has been one of disappointment. What was once a place I frequented has unfortunately seen a decline in its authenticity. The pricing is quite steep; I found the cost of bread at $8 and a chicken Parmesan at $32 to be excessive.
For those looking for a more reasonable and enjoyable dining experience, I highly recommend Vivo Italian Kitchen at Universal CityWalk. They offer complimentary bread and maintain competitive pricing, all within a convenient and serene atmosphere.
- Vivo Italian Kitchen9
- complimentary bread service9
- competitive pricing8
- authenticity2
- pricing2
- bread1
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Overpriced and Overcooked
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing, primarily due to the food quality and value for money. The appetizer, an antipasto, was not as described. It consisted of large chunks of Parmesan cheese, six pieces of salami and prosciutto, some olives, and two mushrooms.
While the fig spread was very good, the overall presentation and quantity were lacking. The main course, the rollatini, was a significant letdown. It did not come served with pasta, and for almost $30, I received three rolled, non-breaded, and burnt pieces of eggplant.
Furthermore, no bread was served with the meal unless ordered for an additional fee. I found the experience to be way overpriced for the quality and quantity of food.
- fig spread8
- antipasto3
- rollatini2
- bread3
What Mama Della's offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Mama Della's Ristorante in Orlando?
At Mama Della’s Ristorante, you can expect an upscale, romantic, and cozy dining experience perfect for dinner. They offer table service, a great wine list, and delicious desserts. Dinner reservations are recommended to ensure your seating.
Does Mama Della's Ristorante accommodate families and guests with accessibility needs?
Yes, Mama Della’s Ristorante is good for kids, offering a kids’ menu and high chairs. For accessibility, you’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
How does Mama Della's rate overall?
Mama Della’s holds a 7.5 overall score, indicating a good dining experience. Its Ambience (8.6) and Food (7.4) are particularly well-regarded, with Service also performing well (7.1). Value (4) is where it faces challenges.
What makes Mama Della's a pleasant dining experience?
Guests frequently praise Mama Della’s for its engaging ambiance, often featuring live music and Italian singers, creating a delightful atmosphere. The staff are also noted for being accommodating and friendly.
Are there any common concerns at Mama Della's?
Some diners find the value to be a concern, citing high prices and charges for items like bread. There are also occasional remarks about slow service and extended waiting times.