Mele Trattoria in St. Catharines

26 Church St, St. Catharines, ON L2R 3B6, Canada

★★★★★
(130 reviews)
Categories: Restaurant Italian restaurant
Address
26 Church St, St. Catharines, ON L2R 3B6, Canada
Plus Code
5Q52+9M St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
Time Zone
America/Toronto

Business Hours

Monday
Closed
Tuesday
5–8 PM
Wednesday
5–8 PM
Thursday
12–2:30 PM – 5–8 PM
Friday
12–2:30 PM – 5–8 PM
Saturday
5–8 PM
Sunday
Closed

Services

Service options
Outdoor seating Takeaway Dine-in Delivery
Highlights
Great cocktails
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Healthy options Spirits Wine
Dining options
Lunch Dinner Dessert Seating
Amenities
Bar on site Toilets
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Romantic
Crowd
Family friendly Groups LGBTQ+ friendly Transgender safe space
Planning
Reservations required Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids High chairs
Parking
Paid parking lot Paid street parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside

Photos

Reviews

4.8
★★★★★
130 reviews

Most Mentioned

italian food (24) food and service (8) atmosphere (6) patio (6) gnocchi (5) appetizer (4) veal (3) red sauce (2) sister (2) olive (2)
5 stars
108
4 stars
18
3 stars
2
2 stars
0
1 stars
2
★★★★★
December 6, 2024

My family has been coming here for years now. For all our special occasions. My son and daughter in law introduced us to Mele and their beautiful family atmosphere. Love the Mele family, of course Julie is included. The food is incomparable. We have just came from Rizzo’s House of Parm and it was lovely. Really. But it can’t compare to Leo, and the way he has shared his talents with his beautiful sisters. My son leaned over to me and said it’s still Mele. And I said YES. I was saying the same to myself. Mele is so so delicious. I could not say the same at Rizzo’s

★★★★★
November 21, 2024

Mele is an intimate environment. It’s cosy and small. But the food is delicious and the service is excellent. Prices are moderate and the wine selection is fine. (We like Italian wine, so that helps!)

★★★★★
August 14, 2024

My Girlfriend and I have been meaning to visit for much longer than I would like to admit. We are regretting that now. It was fantastic and we should have been coming here more often. I had the shrimp Puttanesca and she had the Salsiccia, both of which were delicious. The service was also amazing. You will see us again !! Thanks!

★★★★★
August 1, 2024

Me and my partner had a cute table by the window. We loved everything about the place, it was intimate and beautiful, the food was AMAZING! Will definitely come back for Pollo Porri <3

★★★★★
March 3, 2024

This is my new favourite Italian. So intimate and the loveliest, loveliest people. When we were there the usual server was on vacation so we had the pleasure of a sister of the chef. There were three siblings between the kitchen and serving and all seemed so lovely. The pasta was the freshest I’ve ever had and the pasta sauce was incredible. We were a party of four and we all walked out so incredibly happy with the people and the food. I can’t wait to go back.

★★★★★
August 30, 2023

Wow the best Italian food in Niagara! You have to eat here…the food is spectacular and the service is amazing!

★★★★★
July 28, 2022

Went here for my husband’s birthday dinner and I’m glad we decided to go. The food was EXCEPTIONAL. I would HIGHLY recommend. Everything was fresh, the waitress was very attentive, and the setting great.

★★★★★
August 29, 2020

It's simply awesome. Love the place, love the hospitality and service. It's a truly traditional Italian style. ❤️ If you like true Napolitana food, This is the best restaurant in town.

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

Nice italian food

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

Salad was amazing! I dont remember the name of the one I got. But it had pancetta I think. Im sure theyre all good though lol

★★★★★
Local Guide
March 23, 2024

Simply sensational! Another great gem in St Catherines... If you like a smaller setting with fine Italiano eats, this is a great choice!

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Best Italian meal EVER!!!

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

The best tasting red sauce in town.. The owner does the cooking and I can tell he cooks with love. Just like my grandmoms did

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Amazing service, great environment and food was amazing. Had the daily special stuffed caneloni and every last bite was amazing. Will be back! Food

December 23, 2023

Terrible service. Brought out wrong food twice even though she wrote our order down. Made us pay for an order that we never ordered or ate. No communication. We were regulars and now we are not.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Excellent food in a small, intimate setting . Consistently good service and home-made quality

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Great Italian food

★★★★★
December 23, 2022

Great Italian food.

★★★★★
December 23, 2022

My mom and I went here for dinner, unexpectedly, as we are from out of town and will definitely make our way into St. Catharines just for dinner here again. Everything was so delicious and the service was great. Congrats to the Chef :)

★★★★★
December 23, 2022

What a hidden little gem of a place!! The perfect for ambience, the meal was delicious!!! Coming back + back!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Amazing mouth watering menu!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Absolutely Amazing, the best Italian in town. My wife and I dropped in here tonight and left completely satisfied. The meal, starting with the calamari was brilliant. Beautifully grilled, and delicate, which is something you can t normally say about calamari. Our mains were delicious. Pasta sauce on the special was absolutely top rank, and the pasta was perfectly al dente. Finally the tiramisu was sensational. Great service, super food, and the patio is quaint and secluded, which was a huge plus. We will definitely return.

★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Some interesting menu items like warmed and spiced olives as an appetizer. Its specializes in Italian food. There is a patio in the back. Parking is on the street.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Hidden gem

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Great food, extensive fresh ingredients, specially the salmon.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Lovely, delicious dinner. Great place to share with friends. Fabulous!!!!

★★★★★
December 23, 2022

I have been coming here for years and have never been disappointed. Leo and Julia are professional and personable, and the food is delicious. Always.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Wonderful experience, great food, great service. Wish the restaurant was bigger....

★★★★★
December 23, 2021

By far best Italian food ever have had. Everything is fresh and wonderful environment

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2021

The food, atmosphere and service was top notch. My hubby had the special and I had the lasagna. I rarely order lasagna in a restaurant because I am afraid of being disappointed. It was amazing. My hubby had pasta and bolognese sauce which was delicious as well. We will definitely return to this restaurant!!

★★★★★
December 23, 2021

How have I never been here before?! Best Italian in Niagara! The food was excellent - everything tasted home made. Service was also amazing, special thanks to Ornella who was lovely. I 100% will be back, can t wait!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2021

good food good service. large group handled well.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2021

Julie provided excellent service and the food was absolutely delicious. Very nice and cozy atmosphere. Highly recommended.

December 23, 2020

Got served and she was so unfriendly. Felt so uncomfortable going in for the first time and getting that reception. I guess unless you are the upper class forget it

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2020

Fantastic food, cant wait to bring my wife. A little slow getting the food out for lunch on a week day, but Id already checked out of work for the day.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2020

*Update* Ive been back multiple times and have never been disappointed. If you see something on the menu you normally love, it will probably be better here. Even if you see a food you normally shy away from, you can trust that it will be done expertly here. The portion sizes are always satisfying. I can never decide what to get because everything is amazing, and their seasonal menu that makes use of as many local ingredients as possible just makes me want to go back even more. My original review was a while ago, so I thought I would make sure everyone reading this knows... It is consistently incredible food at Mele Trattoria. This place has easily one of the most talented chefs Ive encountered. Every dish that leaves that kitchen is beautiful and delicious. Be prepared... Once you eat here, you will never want to go to another Italian restaurant. The only down side is that a fair amount of the menu is in Italian, which I cant pronounce, but its not ruining the 5 star review because you get FULL BLOWN authenticity.

★★★★★
December 23, 2020

Our fave little Italian spot in Niagara! Their gnocchi is absolutely the best! We enjoy our experience every single time we go. Thanks for being great!

★★★★★
December 23, 2020

Excellent food and service

★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2020

I got the chicken parmesan and it was the best I have ever had in my entire life! The food is so incredible! The wait staff is great! Unfortunately Im giving a three stars out of five solely because as soon as you walk in the building theres a strong stank of mildew mold. Wet basement or historical house either way that damp smell was incredibly distracting.... If yall move to a new location with a bigger dining room I know it would be full to the max! Two thumbs up for moving to a new location :-)

★★★★★
December 23, 2020

Fabulous food as usual!!! Atmosphere is perfect. Socially spaced. Service was fab!!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2019

First class all around. Food was great , ambiance was warm and friendly. Highly recommended.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2019

Smaller restaurant, but great attention to detail, excellent service and NO frozen veggies served here, fresh fresh fresh! Been twice now and both times everything was excellent!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2019

Food and service are fantastic. Very cozy atmosphere.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2019

A great little find... food was perfect

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2019

Great food and great service.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2019

May be the best Italian Restaurant in Niagara. Food and Service are superb!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2019

The veal was great with the beats salad!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2019

Great spot Highly recommended. Great service, food. Nothing bad to say ever

★★★★★
December 23, 2019

Visited Mele Trattoria for the first time this past Saturday for dinner. Im not from the area but my parents are and had been there a couple times in the past. Although the dining room is relatively small, it didnt feel uncomfortable and we had no issues with space between other patrons and could easily carry on a conversation without interruption. We ordered a bottle of wine (somewhat of a small list to choose from but we found a nice Malbec) and had the calamari/ shrimp platter for an appetizer. The squid was lightly breaded and tender as was the shrimp. The aioli was tasty and fresh. They also served warm bread with olive oil and balsamic which was very good (I even inquired about the brand of oil they used because of its mild taste and light viscosity). They offered a nice selection of specials (one fish, one beef and one pasta) and the main menu also had a good variety of entrees (not too big, not too small). The braised veal was the special that I ordered and enjoyed it immensely. Nice sized portion, pasta was cooked al dente, which is perfect for this dish to play off the soft textures of the veal and mushrooms. The staff were attentive without being overbearing and were happy to answer questions about the menu. For a nice, quiet and authentic Italian meal at a reasonable price, I highly recommend visiting this restaurant.

★★★★★
December 23, 2019

Nice place....good sevice.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2019

Amazing food. Best to make reservations

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2019

Kind of a special spot

★★★★★
December 23, 2019

Excellent food and service. There was a large party inside and only one waitress working. Food was still quick and fresh and service was great. New Italian spot in the rotation!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2019

Dinner was excellent. Small intimate restaurant.

★★★★★
December 23, 2019

It is without a doubt one of the best Italian restaurants in the area. The food never disappoints and the service is great!! The place is small, so it is best to have a reservation.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2019

Incredible food wine and dessert! Will be back again! Make a reservation though, we were lucky to get in right at open time but they were booked after that!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2018

Excellent

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2018

Great food and service!

★★★★★
December 23, 2018

Ecellent ! Good and service spectacular .. they accomodated myself and a friend with a last minute (same day) Saturday night reservation cause it was my birthday .. our server was Julie , she was great .. will definitely be back !

★★★★★
December 23, 2018

We managed to get a last minute reservation .. and it was absolutely fabulous ! The food and service was outstanding .. we told our server Julie that we were going to share our appetizer .. caesar salad , it came in separate plates and so did our dinners ~ very nice of them and much appreciated.. nobody wants to be reaching across the table .. we will definitely be going back... the only downside is the lack of parking ...

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2018

Very good food a d recommended

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2018

Best restaurant in St. Catharines (at least for lunch). Delicious food, great service, seasonal menu, cant go wrong.

★★★★★
December 23, 2018

Absolutely the best food in this city! So fresh and sauces and the pasta is brilliant. The outside patio is wonderful for a evening of dining. Food is matched only by the warm friendly service. Very relaxing atmosphere of this charming spot.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2018

Great food, great service and best patio in St. Catharines!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2018

This is a very cosy place. It probably seats about 30 people excluding the patio. The staff was very attentive and made sure that our needs were met. If you dont make a reservation... theres a chance you are not getting in. I really enjoyed our appetizers. I give mad props to the chef. He cooks in a tiny kitchen, probably the size of a hallway and yet still manages to put out great food. Im looking forward to our next visit. If any one asked me, Id say its a hidden gem but that might make it too popular to get a table next time.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2018

Not cheap, but definitely worth it.

★★★★★
December 23, 2018

Look for Di Mare on the menu. It is the best!! Ive had it a number of times and it never disappoints. Took my Mom & Dad last week and they raved about it also. Love the atmosphere too.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2018

Had lunch there once. Last seat in the place, at the bar. And I was so glad I stayed. Firstly, the smells in there are unbelievably scrumptious. The waitress was very attentive and my lunch was delicious! Going back soon!

★★★★★
December 23, 2018

Great place, Highly recommended

★★★★★
December 23, 2018

Absolutely amazing!! The sweet potato gnocchi is to die for!!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2018

Best Italian food Ive ever eaten. The gnocchi was like eating little delicious clouds. Service was exemplary. I would recommend going here to anyone!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2017

The most wonderful and welcoming experience with amazing and delicious food!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2017

Quiet, good food and good service

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2017

Their Agnello and Gnocci were fantastic! Their affogatto is amazing. Could have more bread for the appetizer!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2017

Very good antipasto

★★★★★
December 23, 2017

Great food, service and environment

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2017

Great service. Outstanding Italian dining in St. Catharines. Decent wine selection.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2017

Up market Italian restaurant, service was friendly, food was a little too greasy but has good flavors.

★★★★★
December 23, 2017

Great place, cool patio, feels like your in NYC or Chicago. Food is FANTASTIC! great service and staff.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2017

Great food and atmosphere

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2017

Amazing food and service! Seriously well done Italian food. Excellent.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2017

Authentic Italian food, fast and friendly service. Great location in the downtown core and perfect setting for lunch/dinner. Highly recommend the gnocchi!

★★★★★
December 23, 2017

Best value for great food in the Niagara region! Love the seasonal menus, a new surprise every time we go. Cant say enough great things about this place.

★★★★★
December 23, 2016

Fresh seasonal menu with great ambience! The food is delicious and prepared fresh to order! Its a downtown delish experience.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2016

I think the best Italian food in st Catharines. The veal is fantastic and the pasta cooked to perfection.