We tried Strings Italian Café in Visalia as our first Italian spot since moving back to the Valley. The food was genuinely good — we ordered several pasta dishes, and my daughter got the fettuccine alfredo, which she loved.
But we won’t be returning. Not because of the food, but because the service doesn’t justify the price, and the lack of transparency in how they handle charges left a really bad impression.
The kids’ menu listed pasta for $6.99 — pick a sauce, pick a noodle. Our 7-year-old was asked, “Would you like chicken or shrimp with your pasta?” with no mention of a price change. She chose chicken. Simple enough, right?
Except when the bill came, her “kids’ plate” had magically become a “sauced & tossed” for $14.98. More than double the listed price. When I asked if it was a mistake, the waitress firmly replied, “No, the protein is what adds the charge.”
No apology. No acknowledgment that this wasn’t communicated clearly up front. Just a “that’s how it is” vibe — as if we should’ve known better and been fine with it.
What really pushed it over the edge? The tone and delivery at the end. It wasn’t just the surprise charge — it was how condescending and dismissive the explanation felt. That’s when we made the decision to walk out without leaving a tip.
Not something I do lightly — I usually tip 30%. But this time? 0%. Not out of spite, but because the service fell that short.
Summary: Great food. But if you're bringing kids or expect clarity around what you’re being charged for, proceed with caution. We left feeling like we’d been misled — and talked down to for questioning it.
Christopher Felty
Great food
The Angry Inchworm
The WORST service I have ever experienced at a restaurant. We waited for almost an hour and still hadn’t received our food. When we asked for the check they suddenly told us that our food was ready. When we told them we didn’t want it they started making up lies and were thankfully asked to leave. I will happily never step foot in this restaurant again.
Lotella Hale
My pasta was good except for the salmon was overcooked and dried. I made my complaint and the cook got his feelings hurt and still charged full price instead of having the customer be right, like good customer service shall be. The rest of the pasta I liked the shrimp, broccoli. It will be my last time eating here as the waitress left due to closing. The cook was rude saying his food wasn’t dry and that it was the first he ever heard of it. I took home the part of the pasta I liked. However with no customer is right policy and his poor attitude towards me not liking the salmon I refuse to return. I should give lower rating but I am trying to be fair.
Karen Brennfleck
This place is a wonderful gem in Visalia! We came as soon as they opened at 4 pm and had a wonderful experience. The pasta dishes were delicious and the garlic bread they give was so good (were hungry and already dug in before I took the pictures), and the servers were very attentive and friendly. We would absolutely return if we were in the area again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Garlic Bread, Pasta Siena, Cajun Pasta
Svillebrat
Best italian food ive had this far and is priced low for real good italian food. Only complaint is too much pepperoni in their calzone, but still gove it 5 stars
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pasta Siena
Robert H.
Small Italian Cafe with fantastic food. Very limited tables, so the wait can get unreasonable considering other local options, but the food with worth it. All the dishes have a hoke cooked feel to it and at least the plates I've had or seen had massive portion sizes.
I will warn those who struggle with cheese.... they use a lot of it. Like.. a lot! Last dish I had, it was a bit much, I was scraping cheese off to the side just to get to my penne lol.
Had Dinner With My Mom We Both Enjoyed It Service Was Real Good Food Was Tasty Clean Place Salads Soup Yummy So Much Flavor In Are Food To We Will Be
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
G Saephan
They have delicious pasta and I love their salad. Love this place
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Peggy Sung
Everything from the moment we arrived until we left was outstanding! Service from all the servers and host was incredible. Everyone was genuine, helpful, and attentive. The food was hot, fresh, and delicious. By far, one of the best dining experiences our family has ever had. Be sure to treat yourself and visit Strings in Visalia!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Italian Combo, Salad with House Dressing and Bread, Strings Carbonara
The food is GREAT since I came from New York this my favorite Italian restaurant out here
Lori Harding
I love Strings. The waitresses and servers are so friendly and very attentive. The food is absolutely delicious. No matter what you choose off the wonderful menu. I highly recommend this restaurant for dining. They also have a nice big room for big parties, meetings, and celebrations.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lisabel Sperry
Food is delicious! Service is amazing . It was our first time there and won’t be our last..
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pasta Siena, Fettuccine Alfredo, Salad with House Dressing and Bread, Meat Lasagna, Lasagna and Tortellini Combo
KJ Wylde
Just appalling all the way around. Bland, disgusting, almost certainly got food poisoning. The very loud bigoted conversations from staff did not help.
We tried Strings Italian Café in Visalia as our first Italian spot since moving back to the Valley. The food was genuinely good — we ordered several pasta dishes, and my daughter got the fettuccine alfredo, which she loved.
But we won’t be returning. Not because of the food, but because the service doesn’t justify the price, and the lack of transparency in how they handle charges left a really bad impression.
The kids’ menu listed pasta for $6.99 — pick a sauce, pick a noodle. Our 7-year-old was asked, “Would you like chicken or shrimp with your pasta?” with no mention of a price change. She chose chicken. Simple enough, right?
Except when the bill came, her “kids’ plate” had magically become a “sauced & tossed” for $14.98. More than double the listed price. When I asked if it was a mistake, the waitress firmly replied, “No, the protein is what adds the charge.”
No apology. No acknowledgment that this wasn’t communicated clearly up front. Just a “that’s how it is” vibe — as if we should’ve known better and been fine with it.
What really pushed it over the edge? The tone and delivery at the end. It wasn’t just the surprise charge — it was how condescending and dismissive the explanation felt. That’s when we made the decision to walk out without leaving a tip.
Not something I do lightly — I usually tip 30%. But this time? 0%. Not out of spite, but because the service fell that short.
Summary: Great food. But if you're bringing kids or expect clarity around what you’re being charged for, proceed with caution. We left feeling like we’d been misled — and talked down to for questioning it.
Great food
The WORST service I have ever experienced at a restaurant. We waited for almost an hour and still hadn’t received our food. When we asked for the check they suddenly told us that our food was ready. When we told them we didn’t want it they started making up lies and were thankfully asked to leave. I will happily never step foot in this restaurant again.
My pasta was good except for the salmon was overcooked and dried. I made my complaint and the cook got his feelings hurt and still charged full price instead of having the customer be right, like good customer service shall be. The rest of the pasta I liked the shrimp, broccoli. It will be my last time eating here as the waitress left due to closing. The cook was rude saying his food wasn’t dry and that it was the first he ever heard of it. I took home the part of the pasta I liked. However with no customer is right policy and his poor attitude towards me not liking the salmon I refuse to return. I should give lower rating but I am trying to be fair.
This place is a wonderful gem in Visalia! We came as soon as they opened at 4 pm and had a wonderful experience. The pasta dishes were delicious and the garlic bread they give was so good (were hungry and already dug in before I took the pictures), and the servers were very attentive and friendly. We would absolutely return if we were in the area again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Garlic Bread, Pasta Siena, Cajun Pasta
Best italian food ive had this far and is priced low for real good italian food. Only complaint is too much pepperoni in their calzone, but still gove it 5 stars
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pasta Siena
Small Italian Cafe with fantastic food. Very limited tables, so the wait can get unreasonable considering other local options, but the food with worth it. All the dishes have a hoke cooked feel to it and at least the plates I've had or seen had massive portion sizes.
I will warn those who struggle with cheese.... they use a lot of it. Like.. a lot! Last dish I had, it was a bit much, I was scraping cheese off to the side just to get to my penne lol.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Garlic Bread, Chicken Lombardy, Stuffed Mushrooms Appetizer, Meat Lasagna, Lasagna and Tortellini Combo, Strings Carbonara, Meat Ravioli
Had Dinner With My Mom We Both Enjoyed It Service Was Real Good Food Was Tasty Clean Place Salads Soup Yummy So Much Flavor In Are Food To We Will Be
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
They have delicious pasta and I love their salad. Love this place
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Everything from the moment we arrived until we left was outstanding! Service from all the servers and host was incredible. Everyone was genuine, helpful, and attentive. The food was hot, fresh, and delicious. By far, one of the best dining experiences our family has ever had. Be sure to treat yourself and visit Strings in Visalia!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Italian Combo, Salad with House Dressing and Bread, Strings Carbonara
Restaurantji Recommends
The food is GREAT since I came from New York this my favorite Italian restaurant out here
I love Strings. The waitresses and servers are so friendly and very attentive. The food is absolutely delicious. No matter what you choose off the wonderful menu. I highly recommend this restaurant for dining. They also have a nice big room for big parties, meetings, and celebrations.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food is delicious! Service is amazing . It was our first time there and won’t be our last..
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pasta Siena, Fettuccine Alfredo, Salad with House Dressing and Bread, Meat Lasagna, Lasagna and Tortellini Combo
Just appalling all the way around. Bland, disgusting, almost certainly got food poisoning. The very loud bigoted conversations from staff did not help.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Food. Amazing.
Service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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