This Italian restaurant offers a fantastic dining experience. The staff is exceptionally nice and friendly. The food is incredibly delicious, and the desserts are simply phenomenal! Although the place was a bit crammed, it didn't take away from the overall positive experience. The cleanliness of the establishment adds to its appeal. A great spot for delicious Italian cuisine with a welcoming atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lamb Pappardelle
Pinky MarKC
This Italian restaurant offers a fantastic dining experience. The staff is exceptionally nice and friendly. The food is incredibly delicious, and the desserts are simply phenomenal! Although the place was a bit crammed, it didn't take away from the overall positive experience. The cleanliness of the establishment adds to its appeal. A great spot for delicious Italian cuisine with a welcoming atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lamb Pappardelle
Alex Aydin
My salmon pasta was delicious!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
stacie
We celebrated my mom's 80th Birthday at this wonderful restaurant, a family favorite for years. Everything was perfect and the entire staff was so accommodating. They made sure everything was so special for her from start to finish. Amazing food and great ambiance. We'll for sure be back on our next trip to Laguna.
ShannonO
We came here when we were dating and now we bring friends with us after being married 15 years. Love the food! It is always delicious and a treat. The new outdoor seating and eating area will be great in the spring and summer. And it's walkable to the Laguna Playhouse, Sawdust festival and Masters of the Pageant. Or to the beach. Love this place.
EastWestOne
Had a 7:00pm reservation that was not honored because, as we were told, the restaurant had seated an unusual number walk-ins prior to our arrival. No visible effort was made to get us seated soon after 7:00. We waited 20 minutes and then suggested to the hostess that we take two empty seats facing the outward looking front window. We sat there for 20 minutes more with no service or acknowledgement that we were there. We left at that point as it was obvious the restaurant was overwhelmed and we might not be able to have our dinner until much later than we expected. We were looking forward to trying this restaurant for a long time but it seems we were not missing much.
MelB
If good food and friendly service is your priority then this restaurant is a must. Unfortunately, the store front they call home is just too small and noisy to put on my list of special eateries. Perhaps a few less inside tables would help,but there is sidewalk dining for those who prefer avoiding the cramp space to street sounds.
Lindsey Deutsch
One of the best dining experiences my family has had! The food and the staff were incredible. I have a gluten allergy and they took great care of me and keeping me safe while still delivering amazing food. I would HIGHLY recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mike Hauncho
Great food and service. I had the short rib pasta and it was amazing. Can't wait to go
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Short Rib Pasta, Chocolate Souffle Cake
kathym
The food was absolutely delicious!!! Unfortunately, the service was basically non-existent and actually comical at sone point. We ere told we'd have to wait 45-1 hour beyond our reservation. As a 25 minute compromise we sat outside. We each had a fork, knife and small appetizer plate. 20 minutes later the poor host who was left to deal with a myriad of angry patrons with reservations, asked if we had been spoken to by our server. Apparently we didn't have a server so he had to go track one down. He came and took our drink order which were 5 waters and 2 glasses if wine. We ordered two salads and I asked for napkins. The water arrived via another service worker some 15 minutes later. We asked if bread would be served. Yes! He went and got that. The salads came a bit later and were good but still no napkins nor wine. I asked about each again. As we were waiting a different server arrived to ask how the salads were. I was told a 3rd time the wine and napkins were on their way. Say 10 or so minutes later, bread long gone, waters needing to be re-filled our food arrived with our original server. I thanked him and asked again for the wine and napkins, both of which arrived midway through dinner from the second server who also went to get water. We would all have loved to get another piece of bread with dinner but got to laughing because we realized that was not going to happen. All said and done we left the restaurant some 2 hours after our reservation and it was not due to enjoying a few cocktails or glasses of wine and super engaged conversation. Again the food was scrumptious and kudos plus a separate tip to the host who ever so politely was left to deal with numerous reservation holders several of whom left. Unfortunately, overbooking and poor service are well known experiences at both Salernos and Alessas. Too bad because the cuisine is excellent!
Our food was very delicious. I had arugula pasta noodles and they were excellent and perfectly prepared as were the shrimp. The service was very good and made it a lovely evening out!
Sam Aronwald
If you haven’t been to a hidden gem recently, it’s over here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chris Schutte (Shopping Bag)
Authentic recipes prepared impeccably, though the service could use some improvements. Thankfully, every dish tried by our large (Italian) party was scrumptious and well-prepared, which made the overall experience great and Salerno a place I could recommend when looking for real Italian dishes at a moderate price point.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: Bucatini and Meatballs, Puttanesca, Lobster Ravioli, Arugula Salad
Mariana Harris
First time dining at Salerno in Laguna. Our waiter was unprofessional and inattentive. Not going back for sure.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 1
DorC
Salerno's has been our "go to" restaurant in Laguna for a long time when we are in town for shows at the Laguna Playhouse or other events. Scrumptious food, great, cozy atmosphere, and the staff are outstanding. Alberto and Daniel take good care of us. My husband has never had better fettuccini anywhere, and one of my favorites is the limoncello seasood pasta - the flavor is amazing.
This Italian restaurant offers a fantastic dining experience. The staff is exceptionally nice and friendly. The food is incredibly delicious, and the desserts are simply phenomenal! Although the place was a bit crammed, it didn't take away from the overall positive experience. The cleanliness of the establishment adds to its appeal. A great spot for delicious Italian cuisine with a welcoming atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lamb Pappardelle
This Italian restaurant offers a fantastic dining experience. The staff is exceptionally nice and friendly. The food is incredibly delicious, and the desserts are simply phenomenal! Although the place was a bit crammed, it didn't take away from the overall positive experience. The cleanliness of the establishment adds to its appeal. A great spot for delicious Italian cuisine with a welcoming atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lamb Pappardelle
My salmon pasta was delicious!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
We celebrated my mom's 80th Birthday at this wonderful restaurant, a family favorite for years. Everything was perfect and the entire staff was so accommodating. They made sure everything was so special for her from start to finish. Amazing food and great ambiance. We'll for sure be back on our next trip to Laguna.
We came here when we were dating and now we bring friends with us after being married 15 years. Love the food! It is always delicious and a treat. The new outdoor seating and eating area will be great in the spring and summer. And it's walkable to the Laguna Playhouse, Sawdust festival and Masters of the Pageant. Or to the beach. Love this place.
Had a 7:00pm reservation that was not honored because, as we were told, the restaurant had seated an unusual number walk-ins prior to our arrival. No visible effort was made to get us seated soon after 7:00. We waited 20 minutes and then suggested to the hostess that we take two empty seats facing the outward looking front window. We sat there for 20 minutes more with no service or acknowledgement that we were there. We left at that point as it was obvious the restaurant was overwhelmed and we might not be able to have our dinner until much later than we expected. We were looking forward to trying this restaurant for a long time but it seems we were not missing much.
If good food and friendly service is your priority then this restaurant is a must. Unfortunately, the store front they call home is just too small and noisy to put on my list of special eateries. Perhaps a few less inside tables would help,but there is sidewalk dining for those who prefer avoiding the cramp space to street sounds.
One of the best dining experiences my family has had! The food and the staff were incredible. I have a gluten allergy and they took great care of me and keeping me safe while still delivering amazing food. I would HIGHLY recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great food and service. I had the short rib pasta and it was amazing. Can't wait to go
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Short Rib Pasta, Chocolate Souffle Cake
The food was absolutely delicious!!! Unfortunately, the service was basically non-existent and actually comical at sone point. We ere told we'd have to wait 45-1 hour beyond our reservation. As a 25 minute compromise we sat outside. We each had a fork, knife and small appetizer plate. 20 minutes later the poor host who was left to deal with a myriad of angry patrons with reservations, asked if we had been spoken to by our server. Apparently we didn't have a server so he had to go track one down. He came and took our drink order which were 5 waters and 2 glasses if wine. We ordered two salads and I asked for napkins. The water arrived via another service worker some 15 minutes later. We asked if bread would be served. Yes! He went and got that. The salads came a bit later and were good but still no napkins nor wine. I asked about each again. As we were waiting a different server arrived to ask how the salads were. I was told a 3rd time the wine and napkins were on their way. Say 10 or so minutes later, bread long gone, waters needing to be re-filled our food arrived with our original server. I thanked him and asked again for the wine and napkins, both of which arrived midway through dinner from the second server who also went to get water. We would all have loved to get another piece of bread with dinner but got to laughing because we realized that was not going to happen. All said and done we left the restaurant some 2 hours after our reservation and it was not due to enjoying a few cocktails or glasses of wine and super engaged conversation. Again the food was scrumptious and kudos plus a separate tip to the host who ever so politely was left to deal with numerous reservation holders several of whom left. Unfortunately, overbooking and poor service are well known experiences at both Salernos and Alessas. Too bad because the cuisine is excellent!
Restaurantji Recommends
Our food was very delicious. I had arugula pasta noodles and they were excellent and perfectly prepared as were the shrimp. The service was very good and made it a lovely evening out!
If you haven’t been to a hidden gem recently, it’s over here.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Authentic recipes prepared impeccably, though the service could use some improvements. Thankfully, every dish tried by our large (Italian) party was scrumptious and well-prepared, which made the overall experience great and Salerno a place I could recommend when looking for real Italian dishes at a moderate price point.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: Bucatini and Meatballs, Puttanesca, Lobster Ravioli, Arugula Salad
First time dining at Salerno in Laguna. Our waiter was unprofessional and inattentive. Not going back for sure.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 1
Salerno's has been our "go to" restaurant in Laguna for a long time when we are in town for shows at the Laguna Playhouse or other events. Scrumptious food, great, cozy atmosphere, and the staff are outstanding. Alberto and Daniel take good care of us. My husband has never had better fettuccini anywhere, and one of my favorites is the limoncello seasood pasta - the flavor is amazing.