Worst service. Food was ok, but the experience with our service ruined it. Paul was by far the worst server I’ve experienced anywhere.
oliviaty99
I ate here tonight and the food was great— I had the garlic ciabatta for an appetizer and the tricolor tortellini in marina sauce as my entree — but not entirely memorable. Overall meal was a bit steep on the price, but that’s to be expected in a touristy town like Asheville. My main issue was that I asked for the sauce on the side of my pasta dish, and was told no because the “chef will not bring out dry pasta,” which I felt was a bit odd, especially since that felt like a reasonable request. The staff were friendly and helpful apart from that. Another issue is that they have it written on their window that they serve pizza, when in actuality they do not. If you decide to eat here, make sure you book a reservation, or you will wait— we had to wait about 45 minutes and only got to sit at the bar. Overall, this was a decent Italian meal, and the location (in the heart of downtown) was perfect while the ambience was warm and cozy.
92ncca
Atmosphere: big city, small cozy restaurant but too noisy! Service very nice. Food only so-so. Rubbery egg plant and almost overcooked pasta. My fav Italian food is at Apollo Flame
X2127PKwilliamm
Vacationing, we decided to try one of the top rated restaurants in Asheville. Big mistake. We were seated on the second floor. A crowded, noisy room with decor straight out of a 50 year old pizza place. When our waitress finally arrived, we were greeted with "What ya want"? 20 minutes later, we got water and a glass of wine. Nearly an hour later, our food arrived. Cuisine straight from Chef Boy-Ardee. For $150! For the same $150, dinner at Commander's Palace in New Orleans we got a bottle of champagne, 5 star service and outstanding food.
foodiefun2016
Almost didn’t go because it looked a bit dark and dingy and reception people weren’t friendly but it was convenient so we did. Food very nice, service excellent! Nice evening.
wethiker
Went for an early dinner on Sunday. Took a chance on the limited outdoor deck seating and won the best table after promising not to linger. The sauce accompanying the arancini was fabulous and generously poured. We had the shrimp picatta and salads. Excellent throughout. Had the Chardonnay and beer both were good choices. Brian was our server and explained all the dinner options. He made sure all of our courses came at perfect times. This was a very rewarding dinner night out thanks to Strada.
PAtraveler76
People were great, food was good, not amazing or outstanding but good. There was a large group upstairs where we were seated and we had to speak loudly to hear each other. That definitely changed the vibe of the dinner for us. Service was quick and friendly. They don't give you any bread which is odd for an Italian place. Fried calamari was so so.
29karinau
Our experience at Strada Asheville was incredibly disappointing. After waiting over 30 minutes for our food, it arrived cold. When we politely asked for it to be reheated, the manager was rude and dismissive, making the entire interaction uncomfortable and unpleasant. When the food was finally returned to our table, it was poorly presented and looked completely unappetizing. One of the dishes — a basic pasta that probably costs less than five dollars to make — looked like a pile of leftovers or dog food. It felt disrespectful, both in the way we were treated and in how the food was served. We left feeling completely let down. Customer service and food quality are basic expectations, and sadly, Strada failed on both fronts. I do not recommend this place. Karina
Connector02598292072
Where to start… the server was great… that’s it. Food was cold very lukewarm if at all. No flavor whatsoever in the meatballs, there is no such thing as rosemary fries ( these were out of a freezer bag) ingles has better fries. The steak had no flavor. Eggplant parm was terrible no flavor. No pizzas anymore the oven has been broke for 2 months … unbelievable… why can’t a restaurant fix an oven in 2 months. This restaurant used to be one of the best in the city . I wouldn’t send my worse enemy there. SAVE YOUR MONEY and go to Vinnies or some other Italian place cause the Manager basically told me there was nothing he could do and kept check and said he would talk to the higher ups. A 220.00 bill that was absolutely garbage of food. They should’ve comp. At least half of it. Oh and don’t get an Arnold Palmer cause it was the most disgustingl drink I have ever had. Save your money I’m telling you … go elsewhere!!
Trevor H
Kevin was a great server! We did apps, entrees, desserts, and drinks! Drinks were AMAZING and the food for the most part was so good. Would definitely come back again and dine with them!
We allowed ourselves one expensive dinner on our trip to Asheville. We saw that Strada had homemade pasta and we were looking forward to trying it. One meal had uncooked mafalda and the other had spaghetti which was not much better. Our waiter was very accommodating and also comped one of the meals, but it was a disappointing experience.
Bill_123
I wanted Strada Italiano (ST) to transport me back to my meals in New York’s, Boston’s or Baltimore’s little Italy, or even my Italian grandma’s house, but sadly ST only got me near Carrabba’s because ST’s strange practices. These practices include a 4% hidden fee to help pay ST's labor costs, no veal in Spring and bread service as an appetize without listing it's $5 per 3 or 4 small, overly-soft, possibly microwave-warmed ciabatta rolls. On the plus side, the calamari appetizer was tender, though pricy ($15) for the amount you got. Also, ST's great waitress described their best entree, spinach ravioli in a vodka sauce with a balsamic reduction in such exquisite detail that you had to order it. She was correct. The dish was good. Unfortunately, our two appetizers and other entrée were not nearly as good as the raviolis. •\tThe chicken (Note: ST has a strange practice: They do not sell veal in the Spring, according to the waitress) marsala & pasta ($23) was marginal. The breaded, fried chicken breast, though juicy, was tough. Somehow ST forgot to pound and flatten or butterfly the chicken. Also, the marsala sauce had an off-putting flavor, possibly rosemary or thyme. The homemade spaghetti had a strange texture and tasted off, like it was vegan or not enough egg and salt were used. •\tThe perfectly cooked mussels were ruined by their practice of using cornstarch to thicken the sauce. The sauce was bland, not garlicy or intense as fine dining Italian restaurants up north.
Sightseer20470297022
Fantastic food. You wait a little longer for your food. About 45 minutes but it is worth the wait. The mussels with shrimp and pasta is highly recommended.
Crystal Hull
Strada Italiano really impressed me. It has an inviting, upscale vibe that’s perfect for a night out. The vegan food was delicious—creative, flavorful, and satisfying. The ravioli especially was so good, easily one of the best dishes I’ve had in a while. Their drink menu is excellent too, with options that pair perfectly with the meal. Highly recommend for a night out with amazing food and a cozy atmosphere!
Urbanfarmgrl
Very cool bar restaurant vibe. Sat at the bar as it was a 2 hour wait for a table. We had eggplant Parmesan and chicken Parmesan. Started with calamari and some bread. It’s important to note that it is focaccia and you pay for it. So if you’re opinion of a good Italian restaurant is bread and butter you are out of luck. Also had a few drinks that were OK. Took a while to warm the bartender up, but he was a good guy. Not sure that this place is worth a stop and all of the accolades that it receives online.
Worst service. Food was ok, but the experience with our service ruined it. Paul was by far the worst server I’ve experienced anywhere.
I ate here tonight and the food was great— I had the garlic ciabatta for an appetizer and the tricolor tortellini in marina sauce as my entree — but not entirely memorable. Overall meal was a bit steep on the price, but that’s to be expected in a touristy town like Asheville. My main issue was that I asked for the sauce on the side of my pasta dish, and was told no because the “chef will not bring out dry pasta,” which I felt was a bit odd, especially since that felt like a reasonable request. The staff were friendly and helpful apart from that. Another issue is that they have it written on their window that they serve pizza, when in actuality they do not. If you decide to eat here, make sure you book a reservation, or you will wait— we had to wait about 45 minutes and only got to sit at the bar. Overall, this was a decent Italian meal, and the location (in the heart of downtown) was perfect while the ambience was warm and cozy.
Atmosphere: big city, small cozy restaurant but too noisy! Service very nice. Food only so-so. Rubbery egg plant and almost overcooked pasta. My fav Italian food is at Apollo Flame
Vacationing, we decided to try one of the top rated restaurants in Asheville. Big mistake. We were seated on the second floor. A crowded, noisy room with decor straight out of a 50 year old pizza place. When our waitress finally arrived, we were greeted with "What ya want"? 20 minutes later, we got water and a glass of wine. Nearly an hour later, our food arrived. Cuisine straight from Chef Boy-Ardee. For $150! For the same $150, dinner at Commander's Palace in New Orleans we got a bottle of champagne, 5 star service and outstanding food.
Almost didn’t go because it looked a bit dark and dingy and reception people weren’t friendly but it was convenient so we did. Food very nice, service excellent! Nice evening.
Went for an early dinner on Sunday. Took a chance on the limited outdoor deck seating and won the best table after promising not to linger. The sauce accompanying the arancini was fabulous and generously poured. We had the shrimp picatta and salads. Excellent throughout. Had the Chardonnay and beer both were good choices. Brian was our server and explained all the dinner options. He made sure all of our courses came at perfect times. This was a very rewarding dinner night out thanks to Strada.
People were great, food was good, not amazing or outstanding but good. There was a large group upstairs where we were seated and we had to speak loudly to hear each other. That definitely changed the vibe of the dinner for us. Service was quick and friendly. They don't give you any bread which is odd for an Italian place. Fried calamari was so so.
Our experience at Strada Asheville was incredibly disappointing. After waiting over 30 minutes for our food, it arrived cold. When we politely asked for it to be reheated, the manager was rude and dismissive, making the entire interaction uncomfortable and unpleasant. When the food was finally returned to our table, it was poorly presented and looked completely unappetizing. One of the dishes — a basic pasta that probably costs less than five dollars to make — looked like a pile of leftovers or dog food. It felt disrespectful, both in the way we were treated and in how the food was served. We left feeling completely let down. Customer service and food quality are basic expectations, and sadly, Strada failed on both fronts. I do not recommend this place. Karina
Where to start… the server was great… that’s it. Food was cold very lukewarm if at all. No flavor whatsoever in the meatballs, there is no such thing as rosemary fries ( these were out of a freezer bag) ingles has better fries. The steak had no flavor. Eggplant parm was terrible no flavor. No pizzas anymore the oven has been broke for 2 months … unbelievable… why can’t a restaurant fix an oven in 2 months. This restaurant used to be one of the best in the city . I wouldn’t send my worse enemy there. SAVE YOUR MONEY and go to Vinnies or some other Italian place cause the Manager basically told me there was nothing he could do and kept check and said he would talk to the higher ups. A 220.00 bill that was absolutely garbage of food. They should’ve comp. At least half of it. Oh and don’t get an Arnold Palmer cause it was the most disgustingl drink I have ever had. Save your money I’m telling you … go elsewhere!!
Kevin was a great server! We did apps, entrees, desserts, and drinks! Drinks were AMAZING and the food for the most part was so good. Would definitely come back again and dine with them!
Restaurantji Recommends
We allowed ourselves one expensive dinner on our trip to Asheville. We saw that Strada had homemade pasta and we were looking forward to trying it. One meal had uncooked mafalda and the other had spaghetti which was not much better. Our waiter was very accommodating and also comped one of the meals, but it was a disappointing experience.
I wanted Strada Italiano (ST) to transport me back to my meals in New York’s, Boston’s or Baltimore’s little Italy, or even my Italian grandma’s house, but sadly ST only got me near Carrabba’s because ST’s strange practices. These practices include a 4% hidden fee to help pay ST's labor costs, no veal in Spring and bread service as an appetize without listing it's $5 per 3 or 4 small, overly-soft, possibly microwave-warmed ciabatta rolls. On the plus side, the calamari appetizer was tender, though pricy ($15) for the amount you got. Also, ST's great waitress described their best entree, spinach ravioli in a vodka sauce with a balsamic reduction in such exquisite detail that you had to order it. She was correct. The dish was good. Unfortunately, our two appetizers and other entrée were not nearly as good as the raviolis. •\tThe chicken (Note: ST has a strange practice: They do not sell veal in the Spring, according to the waitress) marsala & pasta ($23) was marginal. The breaded, fried chicken breast, though juicy, was tough. Somehow ST forgot to pound and flatten or butterfly the chicken. Also, the marsala sauce had an off-putting flavor, possibly rosemary or thyme. The homemade spaghetti had a strange texture and tasted off, like it was vegan or not enough egg and salt were used. •\tThe perfectly cooked mussels were ruined by their practice of using cornstarch to thicken the sauce. The sauce was bland, not garlicy or intense as fine dining Italian restaurants up north.
Fantastic food. You wait a little longer for your food. About 45 minutes but it is worth the wait. The mussels with shrimp and pasta is highly recommended.
Strada Italiano really impressed me. It has an inviting, upscale vibe that’s perfect for a night out. The vegan food was delicious—creative, flavorful, and satisfying. The ravioli especially was so good, easily one of the best dishes I’ve had in a while. Their drink menu is excellent too, with options that pair perfectly with the meal. Highly recommend for a night out with amazing food and a cozy atmosphere!
Very cool bar restaurant vibe. Sat at the bar as it was a 2 hour wait for a table. We had eggplant Parmesan and chicken Parmesan. Started with calamari and some bread. It’s important to note that it is focaccia and you pay for it. So if you’re opinion of a good Italian restaurant is bread and butter you are out of luck. Also had a few drinks that were OK. Took a while to warm the bartender up, but he was a good guy. Not sure that this place is worth a stop and all of the accolades that it receives online.
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