ORLANDO, Fla. – If you’re looking for a Magical Dining experience that feels like more than just dinner, Mama Della’s Ristorante at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel is the perfect place to start.
Located on the Harbor Piazza at Universal Orlando’s Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Mama Della’s transports diners to an Italian seaside village before they even sit down. The restaurant is surrounded by the resort’s charming Portofino-inspired setting, complete with colorful buildings, waterfront views and plenty of atmosphere. After dinner, you can walk around the piazza, stop for an after-dinner drink or gelato, and enjoy the feeling of being on vacation without leaving Central Florida.
MAMA DELLA’S MAGICAL DINING MENU (News 6 WKMG CSD)
Inside, the immersive theming continues. Mama Della’s feels like stepping into an Italian grandmother’s home, from the warm decor to the welcoming atmosphere. Live music and opera singers add to the experience and make the meal feel like a full evening out rather than a quick restaurant stop.
The generous serving sizes are very much in keeping with the feeling of an Italian family meal. The portions are large enough to share or take home as leftovers, so it’s worth arriving hungry and pacing yourself throughout the meal.
PASTA E FAGIOLI (News 6 WKMG CSD)
The appetizers include Italian classics such as Pasta e Fagioli, Caesar salad and calamari fritti. My favorite was the Pasta e Fagioli. The broth was warm and comforting, with tender vegetables and ditalini pasta adding a satisfying heartiness. It felt like the kind of soup you would be served in an Italian grandmother’s kitchen: simple, cozy and full of flavor.
MAMA DELLA INSALATA CAESAR (News 6 WKMG CSD)
The Mama Della Insalata Caesar was a fresh, familiar option with herb croutons, roasted cherry tomatoes and Parmesan. The tomatoes added a bright, slightly sweet contrast to the salty Parmesan and creamy Caesar dressing, while the croutons brought a crisp texture to every bite.
CALAMARI FRITTI (News 6 WKMG CSD)
The calamari was another strong start. The fried calamari had a light, crisp coating, and the fried pepperoncini added a mild, tangy kick. I especially loved that it came with two dipping sauces, including pesto aioli. I personally always want something creamy with my calamari, and the pesto aioli brought a rich, garlicky flavor that paired beautifully with the marinara’s bright tomato acidity.
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POLLO ALLA PARMIGIANO (News 6 WKMG CSD)
For the main course, the Pollo alla Parmigiano is a classic choice. The breaded chicken is served with fresh mozzarella and spaghetti, and once again, the portion is huge. It’s the kind of comforting, familiar dish that feels right at home on an Italian menu.
CHEESE RAVIOLI (News 6 WKMG CSD)
The standout for me was the cheese ravioli with braised beef brisket bolognese. The ravioli was soft and pillowy with a rich, cheesy filling, while the bolognese delivered deep, slow-cooked, savory flavor. The braised beef brisket gave the sauce a hearty meatiness, and the burrata made the dish even more luxurious. It was one of the best bolognese sauces I’ve ever had, and paired with the cheese ravioli, it was the ultimate comforting Italian dish.
GRILLED SALMON (News 6 WKMG CSD)
The grilled salmon comes with creamy risotto and Romano cheese. I couldn’t try it because of an allergy, but it looked like a satisfying combination of tender fish, rich risotto and salty, nutty Romano cheese. Kara said it rivaled salmon she has had in Alaska, which is high praise.
CHOCOLATE DIPPED CANNOLI (News 6 WKMG CSD)
After a heavy Italian meal, I recommend keeping dessert light. The Chocolate Dipped Cannoli is a classic, with a crisp shell and ricotta filling studded with chocolate chips.
MAMA’S CLASSIC VANILLA GELATO (News 6 WKMG CSD)
But the gelato is where Mama Della’s really shines. The vanilla gelato was incredibly creamy, and the real vanilla bean flavor came through beautifully. Even though vanilla can sometimes feel like a simple choice, this was anything but boring. It was the perfect ending to the meal.
MAMA’S RASPBERRY SORBETTO (News 6 WKMG CSD)
If you’re looking for something fruitier, the raspberry sorbetto is a great palate cleanser. It has a tart, refreshing flavor that helps balance out the richness of dinner. Lemon and coconut sorbetto are also available, depending on the day’s selection.
A strong value for Magical Dining
Mama Della’s is a great value during Magical Dining, especially when you consider the regular menu prices. The Cheese Ravioli normally costs $30, the Pollo alla Parmigiano is $33 and the Grilled Salmon is $39, while starters range from $11 to $20. With a three-course meal, generous portions and live entertainment included, you can quickly see the value. If you want to pair your meal with wine, you can add the Donna Fugata wine flight for an additional $25 to round out the experience.
A Magical Dining experience beyond the plate
What makes Mama Della’s memorable is how much of the experience happens beyond the food. The Portofino setting, live entertainment and consistent Italian theming make it feel like a mini getaway. You can turn dinner into a full evening by exploring the piazza afterward, grabbing a drink or finding room for one more scoop of gelato.
Parking is free when you validate your ticket at Mama Della’s, and there is no spending minimum to receive the validation. That makes the restaurant an especially appealing option for anyone looking to enjoy a special night out without the added cost of resort parking.
Mama Della’s delivers the kind of warm, family-style Italian meal its name promises: generous portions, familiar favorites and an atmosphere that makes you want to linger. For Magical Dining, it’s a strong choice for anyone who wants dinner to feel like an experience.
Menu items and availability are subject to change.
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