OTPN's favorite Italian Restaurants

Thanks to a reader (Bigfoots) we had the idea of writing a sort of list of our favorite places to eat and more.

Here's a list of our TOP 10 Italian Restaurants here in the Orlando Area:

• 10. Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Immersed in a beautiful setting of an old Italian winery, you can taste many of the Italian favorites, like pizza, pasta, insaccati (salami, ham, etc..) and more. The waiting time is usually medium.

• 9. Olive Garden on International Drive

Olive Garden is a very well-known chain of Italian restaurants, that can be found anywhere in Orlando, but I focused my attention on the one in International Drive, next to the helicopter tours. Why? Even though every Olive Garden offers the same food, this one has a great setting, with the exterior made of rocks that will for sure catch your attention (and your appetite!)

• 8. Carrabba's Italian Restaurant

Carrabba's is another chain of Italian restaurants that can be usually found next to every single Olive Garden (just a case? I don't think so..), and I have to say that I like them more, because of the great bread they give to you, with olive oil and oregano (origano in Italian). They also prepare a great bruschetta and a fairly good pasta (lasagna too, even though it's not as goo as the real italian one!!)

• 7. Tutto Italia Ristorante at Epcot

This is a great restaurant, with excellent food and great service. The disappointing sides? The wait time, which is really long during the weekends (and also during the weekdays!) and the prices are extremely high. That's why I went there only once...

• 6. Pastamore' at Universal Orlando's Citywalk

Another great restaurant, located at the entrance of Citywalk. You can choose the quick service or the seat-down restaurant. Both are very good, the only thing I do not recommend in the quick service location is the pasta, because the sauce is too liquid, and doesn't taste really good (even though the portion is big and the meatball are great!, but you can request the meatballs separated..)

• 5. Giordano's on 192

This restaurant has a great setting, but we haven't visited it yet. The reviews are, however, very positive about this restaurant. It is found in front of Fun Spot U.S.A. and Old Town.

• 4. Portobello Yatch Club Italian Restaurant in Downtown Disney

A good restaurant found next to Fulton's crabhouse. Again, great setting and food, but remember to always check out the prices before entering, because you may end up spending more than $100 if you take things at random... Also, check the waiting times, even though since all Pleasure Island's venues have been closed, the place is not so crowded.

• 3. Maggiano's Little Italy at Pointe Orlando

A very luxurious and elaborate Italian restaurant next to Wonderworks. It features great Italian food and all true Italian specialties. They also use real Italian products and drinks, so that you can say you really tasted an actual Italian flavor! The only problem is again the price, which is a bit too high, if compared to the other Italian restaurants in this area..

• 2. Mama Della's at Universal's Portofino bay hotel

Great food. Great service. Not-too-bad prices. There's all you want to try in this nice little restaurant in one of the best hotels in Orlando. Do not miss the salad (which is great) and the pasta. Occasionally there are also some Italian singers that will let you choose the music you want. And, don't forget to meet Mama Della! She's soo nice! She makes us feel at home!

• 1. Pizzeria del Porto at Universal's Portofino Bay hotel

Best pizza in Orlando. Period. There are no other places in Orlando where you can find a pizza like that! They have some different flavors, but I recommend you to go with a Pizza Margherita, which is simple, but has a great taste! The prices are also good for the dimension and the quality of the food.

Remember that of course each of us has different tastes, so take these informations having in mind that they may vary from person to person. Thank you.