I've lived in the Cortland/Ithaca area for over 35 years, but visited Melodyland for the first time on October 23rd. I don't know how else to describe it, except to say it was a wonderful place to eat. The minute I walked in the door and smelled the tomato sauce, I knew it would be good. Reminded me of the incredible sauce my Italian grandmother used to make. My wife and I went with another couple. I had the homemade spaghetti with meatballs...heavenly, and in large proportions. My wife and one of our friends had lasagna. It was the special that night. My wife, who loves lasagna, has had problems with ordering it in other restaurants where they cut off a slab, throw it in the microwave and the middle is ice cold. Not so with Melodyland, It was thick with chunks of sausage and ricotta, and hot all the way through. Our other friend had the home made ravioli...to die for, she said. I can't recommend this restaurant enough. However, you should make a reservation as this is an old-style small, family operated restaurant which filled up quickly on a Friday night. Next time I go, I'm having pizza, which I hear is excellent. read more

Service was on time and the price was very reasonable but I can't recommend the pizza with so many other better options in this area. Can't say anything about ambiance since ours was just a pickup order. read more

Like walking back in time to Geandma's kitchen. Home style large portions all served with a friendly smile.

We love going here. The great food and value for the money. The kid's light up when I tell them we have reservations for Melodyland. Bring out of town family and friends here all the time as well. A true hidden gem of Cortland. read more

I go 4 overall....food was 3.5 the people working there were a 5. Had a real nice relaxed time for dinner. Love the old school feel...Menu somewhat limited but food was solid. read more

Came here due to all the top reviews but didn't see why... the homemade spaghetti was really good, with hearty flavor. The pizza, however, was a real disappointment: the crust tasted like a Boboli from the supermarket (but not as good), the sauce and cheese we bland. Have had much better luck at the Hollywood. read more

We were in Cortland for the weekend and decided to try Melodyland. It certainly lived up to the hype! Like a busy holiday meal, you can see the ladies preparing meals in the kitchen, while busy wait staff attempt to satisfy every customer in a cramped, dining room that boasts an atmosphere that has survived generations of guests. The sauce is very good, not too sweet, not acidic. I ordered a special, stuffed rigs. I thought I was in my Italian grandmother's kitchen again. I loved the simple salad, with the perfect salad dressing. Hand chopped iceberg lettuce, a grape tomato, oil and vinegar, and some dried herbs. The Italian bread was soft on the inside and slightly chewy on the outside. I loved the food, enjoyed the experience, and promise to return. Next up: pizza read more

Dinner at Melodyland is like being a kid in your Italian neighbor's grandma's kitchen on a Sunday afternoon....it's cramped, the conversation is loud, the soundtrack from Big Night is playing in the background and the smell of tomato sauce & fried meatballs permeates the lace curtains! The dining room is small and dimly lit with family photos hung on the wall and really tiny, uncomfortable booths from back in the day when people were shorter and thinner. You can usually see the three ladies working in the kitchen from your seat. It's amazing what they can accomplish in that tiny space. The food is pretty basic and consists of several types of homemade pasta, sauce, meatballs, sausage and a couple of daily specials. I think they also serve pizza but I typically only come here for the homemade pasta. The garlic bread is pretty standard but goes well with the sauce. The bar options are limited. They don't take credit cards so come prepared with cash. The food is good but really it's the experience that makes Melodyland worth at least one visit. read more

Found them via Yelp. We where staying in Cartland to visit or son at Cornell. The service was friendly. The food was authentic Italian. I got the eggplant rollatinni and my husband had the stuffed rigatoni with meatballs. The meal cam with fresh( and I mean fresh) bread and side salad. I highly recommend. It's so popular in the area most people make reservations. We went early so they had room for us. I'm sure I'll be coming back to Visit my son and Melody land will definitely be coming n the list of must go to! read more

Simple and cozy. Neighborhood flavor, often families. Comfortable but tasty. Much of the menu is hand-made Italian. Not a large menu, but solid. Spagetti, gnoochi, veal/chicken parm, primavera pasta, and pizza - specials are usually riggies of some sort. read more

Melodyland Restaurant - July 14, 1934 poster, explains much about the place - Italian Near Me - Cortland, New York

Get the Anti-Pasta. I'm not normally an Anti-Pasta person but theirs is amazing. Don't forget them on Pizza night, it's a little different, crust is more bread-like and non-greasy, and they don't deliver - but it is good. read more

Family restaurant with a home town almost historic feel. Our waitress Cindy was amazing. The food was excellent! Felt like family!

Ellio's Pizza and Ragou sauce. Ouch. What happened? Was incredible just a few years ago.

Melody land has been opened since the 40's i believe, maybe even earlier. It is like having dinner in your Italian Grandmothers kitchen. The pasta and Italian dishes are well priced, big servings and delicious. Its a bit off the beaten track but so well worth it. You will love this place. read more

Fantastic! Definitely a throw back. Can't beat the food, service and atmosphere. Come hungry. read more

Great food, my favorite meatballs ever and awesome homemade spaghetti! Small space and only a few tables so call ahead!

Love this place great food friendly people...they r busy so would recommend a reservation even on a week day!!!

The Chicken Parm with spag. was somewhat of a let-down; but the pizza was good.

Basic home style Italian in a not-updated space. Friendly neighborhood vibe, red sauce done right.

I love Melodyland! Their homemade pasta is to die for! The sauce is delicious! They make homemade sausage! It is a true Italian restaurant - been in the family for almost a century! Do be sure to take cash or check (they don't accept charge cards) and make a reservation as it's a small place! Enjoy!! read more

Fabulous. Yes it is small and yes you need reservatioms. The very best is worth waiting for. Call ahead and be ready for the best Italian food you have had since your momma cooked for you read more

Finally had my first pizza from here, Great crust and great price,also the flavor of the items on it jumped. Hope to go back soon to try other items read more

I love the homemade pasta with meatballs. This place is very charming and intimate in a time machine kind of way.

After several years ,we tried dinner. We did make reservations the restaurant is small and very nice like the old days. Price fair service ok will do the place again read more

Food is excellent! Family owned business. Really good people, and they do a fantastic job of making sure the customer feels at home. My kids love the pizza. My wife loves the rigatoni and raviolis. I'm all in for the spaghetti and meatballs!! Prices are very reasonable. read more

Melodyland has the best pizza in town. Actually, everything they make is fantastic! If you are craving Italian food, this is the place to go! I wish they were open everyday! read more

The antipasto is, as others have noted, to die for, as is the sausage and/or meatballs. The menu is not particularly expansive, but they do more than enough, and they do it awfully, awfully well. read more