Melo Trattoria & Tapas — Restaurant in Durham

I feel like an idiot for not eating here earlier. I have been coming for business evey year and stay at a nearby hotel. While I have enjoyed the wonderful restaurants within walking distance I have always gone to the other locations with a higher profile look. What a mistake. This little gem of an Italian restaurant is simply one of the best I have ever experienced. You get greeted at the entrance warmly and experience once seated prompt and friendly service. The selection is limited but for a good reason. The quality of what they prepare is delectable. The chianti I had was full bodied and had a wonderful fresh taste. The house salad was crisp with freshly made dressing and sat on a chilled plate. (They offer over six house made salad dressings). My entree was a moist and delicious chicken parmigian over a bed of spaghetti that had a most delicious red sauce. For dessert I had the recommended Tirammsu. The desert was orderd with a rich tasting double expresso. The Tirammsu was simply superb. I always enjoy a desert that succeeds on flavor and not sugar. They made this desert in that fashion. I'll definitely come back and will highly recommend this wonderful little Italian restaurant to everyone who is in the...

We arrived there a little late for dinner around 7ish and their outside seating was crowded, inside was not busy. Our waitress was friendly and personable and the staff tag teamed so we were never without water, ice, salt, pepper, parmesan cheese etc

The focaccia bread they brought to the table with butter, olive oil and balsamic vinegar was good. It was fluffy and warm as if they had cut it up right after removing it from the oven. Yum.

I ordered the Greek pasta with gyro meat and thought it really tasted wonderful. But I am a BIG feta cheese and olive fan. This dish could be a little greasy with olive oil but mine was not.

Sadly my mom's meal was not as good. She ordered the chicken alfredo. There was not very much chicken in the pasta. I don't think you could have even made up a drumstick out of the amount of chicken in there. The alfredo sauce was very light/subtle in taste, the pasta was chewy as was the chicken which was also dry. This makes us think it had all been microwaved.

When I come back to visit my mom I don't think we would go back to eat there even though I would order the Greek...

What a surprising little gem in North Durham! My fiance and I often fly by the seat of our pants, and came here at 630, on valentine's day, with no reservations. Risky, I know, and when the host said they were booked up for the entire evening, we were crestfallen... until the manager led us to a small 2-top and we were seated within 5 minutes. A miracle! Starting with some fried calamari, which can be hit or miss, this time I was blown away... seasoned batter and incredibly tender, not a hint of rubberiness often found in this dish. The entree I chose was a special that night and may not always be available, so don't get your hopes up, the gnocchi in pesto cream sauce was wonderful. My fiance ordered Alfredo penne with chicken, and said it was the best she had ever tasted. Top it all off with fresh made cannoli, and overall I had zero complaints. The waiter, Marcello, was amiable and a native italian, which is always a nice touch. A little on the pricey side, but for the quality of food and service, there's no buyers remorse here....