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Melo’s Italian Table
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Melo’s Italian Table
8.0
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Business Lunch Power Players
Local family operation with shareable pies and pastas in a lively room. Kids get crowd-pleasers, adults get a cocktail and solid classics without formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Vodka Rigatoni, Prosciutto-Arugula Pizza, Meatballs
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Buzzy, share-friendly menu from a long-running local restaurant family.
Who should go: Casual family dinners and mixed-age groups
When to visit: 5:00–6:15pm or after 8pm to avoid waits
What to order: Vodka rigatoni; arugula pizza; tiramisu
Insider tip: Ask about half-portion pastas for easier kid sharing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Locust and nearby public garages (first hour free at South Locust Garage); weekends fill quickly after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and polos or sundresses fit right in. Business casual fine for lunch.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially in the main dining room; conversation is fine in booth seating or patio tables.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during prime hours 6–8pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick seating before 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several salads, margherita pizza, and multiple pastas can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited – request marinara-based pasta or arugula salad with no cheese.
Gluten-free options: Yes – gluten-free pasta and pizza dough available upon request; same kitchen prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – it’s casual but lively, with good lighting and energy for an easy first conversation. Sit on the patio or at the bar for a more relaxed vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes if you arrive before 6pm or after 8pm; peak weekend hours often have 30+ minute waits. Walk-ins are seated faster at the bar or patio.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – ideal for families with kids ages 4–12. Staff are quick with water and bread, and half-size pastas make sharing easy. High chairs and booster seats available.
Best For
Better for: More energetic and modern than Montecatini, with faster pacing and shareable dishes suited for groups or business lunches.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic dinner – the noise level and group energy lean more social than intimate.
Melo’s Italian Table
7.9
Lively, modern Italian from a local family with shareable pies and pastas. Two lasagna styles and crowd-pleasing mains make it a flexible pick for casual date nights and groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna Meat (ricotta & mozzarella), Lasagna Verde (spinach & ricotta), Pasta alla Norcina
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Dual lasagna lineup plus a share-friendly menu in a buzzy room.
Who should go: Casual dates and groups
When to visit: 5:00–6:15pm or after 8pm to skip waits
What to order: Lasagna Meat; Lasagna Verde; tiramisu
Insider tip: Ask about half-portion pastas to split with appetizers.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Locust and nearby garages like the South Locust or Broadway Plaza structures; free after 6pm but can fill fast on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and a nice top fit right in, though some tables skew dressier for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate — the open room hums with energy, but conversation at two-tops is still easy before 7pm.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation after 6:30pm; bar seats sometimes open sooner.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, even for small groups before 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple pasta and pizza options including Lasagna Verde, margherita pizza, and salads.
Vegan options: Limited — can modify a few pastas or salads if you ask to hold cheese.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free pasta available on request; separate prep area not guaranteed.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the lively but comfortable atmosphere works for casual first dates where conversation still flows and the food impresses without feeling formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes for early dinners before 6pm or after 8pm; otherwise expect a 30-minute wait during prime hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common, and staff accommodate kids easily with pizza, pasta, and high chairs available.
Best For
Better for: Larger groups or casual celebrations where you want upbeat energy and shareable Italian classics.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet, intimate dinner or fine-dining ambiance — Montecatini or Benvenuti fit that better.
Melo’s Italian Table
7.9
Lively, modern Italian from a local family with shareable pies, pastas, and a comfortable buzz that works for casual date nights. Vodka rigatoni and charry thin-crust pizzas lead the order.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Vodka Rigatoni, Prosciutto Arugula Pizza, Chicken Parmigiana
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Modern, upbeat room with shareable Italian classics and pizzas.
Who should go: Couples who like energy and shareable plates
When to visit: Beat the rush 5:00–6:15pm or after 8pm
What to order: Vodka rigatoni; margherita or prosciutto arugula pie; tiramisu
Insider tip: Ask about half-portion pastas to split with appetizers.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated public garage across from Locust Street with 90-minute free parking; limited street parking fills early on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and a button-down or casual dress fit right in; most guests lean polished but relaxed.
Noise level: Moderate — lively chatter and music during peak dinner hours, but still possible to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation between 6–8pm; bar seats often open sooner.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; immediate seating until 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several salads, pastas, and pizzas can be made vegetarian upon request.
Vegan options: Limited — 1–2 dishes plus modifiable salads and pasta with olive oil base.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free pasta and pizza dough available; handled in shared kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the lively buzz, open kitchen, and shared-plate menu create a relaxed, social vibe that eases conversation without being too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually on weeknights or after 8pm. For weekends, book ahead or arrive early to grab a bar table or high-top.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — they welcome families but the lighting and crowd lean adult; better suited for older kids or early evening meals.
Best For
Better for: Energetic date nights and group dinners with a local, modern Italian feel.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet or ultra-romantic fine dining experience — Montecatini or Benvenuti suit that better.
Melo’s Italian Table
8.4
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Trendy Table Hotspots
Family-run Italian with polished service and a menu that balances pies and pastas. Thin-crust pizzas land with good char, while the room handles groups without feeling hectic.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita, Sausage & Mushroom, Prosciutto Arugula
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Polished sit-down pies with attentive pacing for families.
Who should go: Groups wanting a comfortable pizza dinner
When to visit: Early dinner 5–6pm to skip peak
What to order: Margherita; sausage & mushroom; prosciutto arugula
Insider tip: Ask about half-portion pastas to share with kids.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street and garage parking nearby; Locust Street Garage usually has evening availability after 5pm.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and polos fine, but many diners dress up slightly for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate; lively hum during peak hours but still workable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; call ahead for groups.
Weekday lunch: Typically seated immediately or within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple pizzas, pastas, and salads can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited – can modify pizzas without cheese and select vegan salad options.
Gluten-free options: Yes – gluten-free crust available on request, prepared with care but not in a separate kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual dates where conversation matters more than mood lighting; friendly staff and solid wine list make it comfortable but not overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, though expect a short wait on weekend evenings; bar and patio seating sometimes open up faster.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – kids are welcome; menu includes shareable pastas and half portions. High chairs available and staff handle families well.
Best For
Better for: Upscale sit-down pizza with attentive pacing and polished service; stronger for groups and family dinners than quick slice spots.
Skip if: You’re looking for fast counter-service pizza or late-night slices—this is more of a relaxed, dine-in experience.
Melo’s Italian Table
8.4
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Trendy Table Hotspots
Casual-polished Italian from the Melo’s family with shareable pies, pastas, and kid-friendly portions. Service is warm and pacing works for groups and families.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Vodka Rigatoni, Chicken Parmigiana, Margherita Pizza
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: A modern evolution of a 50-year Contra Costa pizza-pasta legacy.
Who should go: Families who want upbeat sit-down Italian
When to visit: Beat the rush with early dinner 5–6pm
What to order: Vodka rigatoni; chicken parm; margherita pie
Insider tip: Ask about half-portion pastas for younger diners.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free validated parking in the Locust Street garage after 5pm and on weekends; limited metered street spots nearby.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and polos or sundresses fit right in, but it’s polished enough for nicer family dinners.
Noise level: Moderate—busy but manageable, especially on the patio where conversation is easier.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation between 6–8pm; bar and patio often open first.
Weekday lunch: No wait or brief 5–10 minute delay during peak lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—many pastas, salads, and pizzas can be made vegetarian upon request.
Vegan options: Limited—can customize a few pizzas or salads by omitting cheese and dressing.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free pizza crust and pasta available, but prepared in a shared kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want casual comfort with a hint of polish—patio or booth seating keeps things relaxed without feeling too noisy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes—early arrivals before 6pm or later after 8pm can often be seated quickly, especially midweek.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—staff offers crayons, flexible portion sizes, and high chairs; kids’ pizzas and pastas are popular family choices.
Best For
Better for: Larger families and groups who want quality Italian without fine-dining formality—service pace and shareable portions stand out.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet, romantic night or chef-driven tasting menu; nearby Va de Vi or Prima fits that bill better.