Classic dishes like Chicken Alfredo and NY Strip, served with fresh focaccia bread.
Small plates including baked cheese, shrimp in lemon sauce, and meatballs for sharing.
Affordable options like potato soup with Caesar salad or sausage sandwiches.
Handcrafted beverages including cosmopolitans, perfect to pair with meals.
Accommodations for family events, birthdays, and gatherings in a cozy setting.
TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE!!! Walked into this restaurant today expecting a great meal and experience, and walked out insulted and very disappointed. I’m immunocompromised due to a medical treatment, I asked the server to please seat me at a table that was not too close or surrounded by other people. The restaurant was not busy at all, they had people but people were scattered. He responded “where is your mask. I don’t want to bear that responsibility” and walked away. His name was Kevin - Extremely rude and disrespectful, I will never ever ever come back to this restaurant. The owners should be aware of this type of behavior and the fact this restaurant is located minutes away from Duke Hospital and many Duke Health facilities that see millions of out of town patients, and this is NOT how people (or sick people) should be treated. DO BETTER! If I could give zero stars, I would.
Visited from out of town to see family. Went for dinner. Monday evening, not too crowded. Pleasantly surprised to have the same Server who we've had in the past for family events in Durham. The atmosphere was quiet with pleasing decor and artwork giving off a Tuscan vibe as Italian music plays quietly in the background. Service outstanding as always. Prices are extremely reasonable for how tasty and large the entrees are. Freshly baked focaccia bread is served and went well with the cocktails.Had the Chicken Alfredo and a cosmopolitan to drink . Both were mouthwatering and delicious. This is a small , quaint little restaurant but delivers a great experience. Next time I'll be sure to get the Server's name. He's pictured in one the photos I included. Highly recommend and will return when I'm in Durham again, as this is my new favorite place to eat.
Enjoyed a nice birthday dinner at Melo. To start, the bread, I think foccacia, was really good. Their mozzarella sticks are huge and some of the best. Two people commented they didn't need the marinara they were so good. We all shared in some capacity. The hubs got the NY Strip which had beautiful and tasty veggies along with the good steak. I got a few tapas versus an entre. The sautéed spinach with the bacon for salt and an interesting dried cranberries for sweet were great.. not soggy or overcooked. The Shrimp in lemon was amazing! I could have just drank the sauce. Great for bread dipping. And of course the baked cheese was a winner. Service started a little slow because we had 7 folks and I didn't call ahead to warn them, but when we were finally settled the service was great.
Lunch today with our lunch group… our food was delicious…potato soup/caesar salad lunch combo and sausage sandwich with french fries. What disappointed me was the 21% auto gratuity added plus the 3.49% fee to use our credit card. So while we enjoyed the food and the atmosphere, we will probably not be returning here.
This place is makes delicious food From their salads (berry, berry spinach salad my absolutely favorite) , their dinner plates and tapas are delicious. The meat ball tapas remind me of my grandma’s meatballs. The staff is friendly and professional with amazing service. I am definitely delighted with this restaurant. I will give it 10 stars. Thank you for great food and awesome service 👏🏾😎

Authentic Italian flavors meet Spanish tapas in a cozy Tuscan-inspired setting.
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Melo Trattoria & Tapas offers a unique dining experience blending traditional Italian cuisine with Spanish-style small plates. Located in Durham, we serve mouthwatering dishes like Chicken Alfredo, NY Strip, and creative tapas such as baked cheese and shrimp in lemon sauce. Our warm, Tuscan-inspired atmosphere features quiet Italian music and artwork, perfect for family dinners, celebrations, or casual meals. We pride ourselves on reasonable prices, generous portions, and friendly service, making every visit memorable. Whether you're craving classic pasta or sharing tapas, we deliver a taste of Italy and Spain right to your table.
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