This was one of the worst dining experiences I’ve ever had. The service at Willow was completely unacceptable. Despite having a 7:00 PM reservation, we did not receive drinks until 8:00 PM, appetizers until around 8:30 PM, and our main course didn’t arrive until 9:30 PM. That kind of delay is outrageous and inexcusable.
To make matters worse, we were seated in a back room that was freezing. It was so cold that we had to wear thick jackets throughout dinner, which only added to the discomfort and poor experience.
By the time the food finally arrived, it was so late that I had to leave. I immediately asked for my meal to be boxed and requested the check. While the server apologized and removed our drinks from the bill, a $10 credit does not come close to compensating for over two hours of waiting and an uncomfortable dining environment.
This experience was a complete failure in service and hospitality. I will absolutely never return.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 1
Jessica Herring
Came with a large party to celebrate a birthday. It took a really long time to receive the food and they forgot my meal. Took another 30min for someone to pop back up to let them know I didn't get my food and by then my party was done eating so I told them don't worry about it. My boyfriend got the gnocchi which was really good and I was able to taste my friends Brussel sprouts which were great, too. For the $157 in gratuity I should have at least gotten my meal so I can't say the cost of the meal plus gratuity was justified.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 1
Boomer
Participated in 3 dinners for this year's Dine Downtown event and Willow was the best of the three. Fresh-baked Focaccia and Lamb Bolognese were the highlights this year. Hidden gems from Klinker Brick on the wine list. Blood Orange gin cocktail was herbaceous and tasty. Need to book a return trip to try the rest of the menu.
Alison M C
Went for happy hour w a friend. My smash cocktail ($10) plus her hugo spritz ($12) and 2 appetizers (wings, eggplant tower) came to $65 with tip. What kind of HH pricing is that? Pretty interior but probably won't be back. Also they didn't have parking validation for my friend.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 3
Jason
I went for Dine downtown so they may have been busier than normal. I was not acknowledged at the door, and felt awkward standing there like I wasn't doing it right. I went out and came back in. They did seat me ahead of my guests arriving which was nice. We loved the food and drinks actually! The server was nice but rushed. The bar took a long time, and they forgot my soup. But the food for the price was great. I loved the lemon drop! It had been recommended to me earlier in the week. I think they were short staffed or something?
Tiffiny
Dine Downtown finally got me into this restaurant I've been meaning to try for awhile. Should have been sooner! My favorite item of the night was the bruschetta. I felt like this is food they eat when I watch Top Chef. Wait staff always ready to assist. Lots on the regular menu I'd like to try.
jennifer
I thoroughly enjoyed the service and food for the dine downtown experience. Looking forward to returning .
Tried Willow for the first time as part of Sacto restaurant week. Service was impeccable and potions were large and delicious.
Claire
My husband and I enjoyed a much needed romantic date night at Willow and it was wonderful. Delicious menu options, everything was nicely curated, and our server was fantastic!!
Bradford
Had a lovely experience at Willow. Some of the best service we've had in town thanks to the incredible Jordan! Would definitely return.
Carin
Being Christmas Day, they get a pass on the food. They were out of almost everything we ordered. The poor server had to keep coming back to tell us. Because of that, it took quite a while to get our food. But the server couldn't be more gracious! He offered to comp our drinks and then said “since drinks are on me, would you like another round?” That was top notch! Had it been a different day, I'm sure they would have had all 5 stars. Hard to judge food when it wasn't what you wanted.
Lynne
It was Christmas so I'll give them a pass However they seemed short staffed and definitely out of a lot of menu items. The meal was ok. Not sure if it was enough to entice me back. The dining room is lovely.
Everything was nice and our server was super sweet and handling a few parties alone. We came Jan 27
Lunch was fantastic. The steak sandwich on sourdough had a spicy aioli that really made the meal. Great service, nice decor. Hidden gem right by DoCo!
Service: not greeted for over 20mins. Unfriendly. Rushed. (not a busy night)
Food: unremarkable.
Drinks: not strong.
Atmosphere: tables awkward, wobbly, cold, cramped, boring.
Extra: no parking validation.
Shut it down.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
This was one of the worst dining experiences I’ve ever had. The service at Willow was completely unacceptable. Despite having a 7:00 PM reservation, we did not receive drinks until 8:00 PM, appetizers until around 8:30 PM, and our main course didn’t arrive until 9:30 PM. That kind of delay is outrageous and inexcusable.
To make matters worse, we were seated in a back room that was freezing. It was so cold that we had to wear thick jackets throughout dinner, which only added to the discomfort and poor experience.
By the time the food finally arrived, it was so late that I had to leave. I immediately asked for my meal to be boxed and requested the check. While the server apologized and removed our drinks from the bill, a $10 credit does not come close to compensating for over two hours of waiting and an uncomfortable dining environment.
This experience was a complete failure in service and hospitality. I will absolutely never return.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 1
Came with a large party to celebrate a birthday. It took a really long time to receive the food and they forgot my meal. Took another 30min for someone to pop back up to let them know I didn't get my food and by then my party was done eating so I told them don't worry about it. My boyfriend got the gnocchi which was really good and I was able to taste my friends Brussel sprouts which were great, too. For the $157 in gratuity I should have at least gotten my meal so I can't say the cost of the meal plus gratuity was justified.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 1
Participated in 3 dinners for this year's Dine Downtown event and Willow was the best of the three. Fresh-baked Focaccia and Lamb Bolognese were the highlights this year. Hidden gems from Klinker Brick on the wine list. Blood Orange gin cocktail was herbaceous and tasty. Need to book a return trip to try the rest of the menu.
Went for happy hour w a friend. My smash cocktail ($10) plus her hugo spritz ($12) and 2 appetizers (wings, eggplant tower) came to $65 with tip. What kind of HH pricing is that? Pretty interior but probably won't be back. Also they didn't have parking validation for my friend.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 3
I went for Dine downtown so they may have been busier than normal. I was not acknowledged at the door, and felt awkward standing there like I wasn't doing it right. I went out and came back in. They did seat me ahead of my guests arriving which was nice. We loved the food and drinks actually! The server was nice but rushed. The bar took a long time, and they forgot my soup. But the food for the price was great. I loved the lemon drop! It had been recommended to me earlier in the week. I think they were short staffed or something?
Dine Downtown finally got me into this restaurant I've been meaning to try for awhile. Should have been sooner! My favorite item of the night was the bruschetta. I felt like this is food they eat when I watch Top Chef. Wait staff always ready to assist. Lots on the regular menu I'd like to try.
I thoroughly enjoyed the service and food for the dine downtown experience. Looking forward to returning .
Restaurantji Recommends
Tried Willow for the first time as part of Sacto restaurant week. Service was impeccable and potions were large and delicious.
My husband and I enjoyed a much needed romantic date night at Willow and it was wonderful. Delicious menu options, everything was nicely curated, and our server was fantastic!!
Had a lovely experience at Willow. Some of the best service we've had in town thanks to the incredible Jordan! Would definitely return.
Being Christmas Day, they get a pass on the food. They were out of almost everything we ordered. The poor server had to keep coming back to tell us. Because of that, it took quite a while to get our food. But the server couldn't be more gracious! He offered to comp our drinks and then said “since drinks are on me, would you like another round?” That was top notch! Had it been a different day, I'm sure they would have had all 5 stars. Hard to judge food when it wasn't what you wanted.
It was Christmas so I'll give them a pass However they seemed short staffed and definitely out of a lot of menu items. The meal was ok. Not sure if it was enough to entice me back. The dining room is lovely.
Loading...