A Novice Critic’s Take: Promise Overshadowed by Missteps
Dining late can often reveal the truest nature of a restaurant: how it treats its final guests of the evening. My recent experience here offered both flashes of brilliance and reasons for hesitation.
The Unsettling Start A 9:30 p.m. reservation, confirmed without hesitation, should promise a complete dining experience. Instead, upon being seated near the bathroom hallway and the kitchen window, we were informed that the kitchen would close in 30 minutes. While I sympathize with the logistics of a hard closing time, a final reservation so close to shutdown creates a sense of urgency rather than hospitality. A restaurant should either extend grace to its last guests or adjust its booking window accordingly.
Service: Polite but Uneven Our server was gracious and knowledgeable, though her barely audible delivery made it difficult to understand over the loud ambiance of the dining room, however she bore no visible frustration when asked to repeat herself, but her extended disappearance later in the evening left us navigating portions of the meal without guidance. Curiously, it was the owner—not our server—who ultimately intervened to correct a glaring misstep: a lasagna that arrived burnt. Her apology was sincere, and her personal involvement softened what could have been an irredeemable error.
The Food: A Tale of Two Dishes The kitchen demonstrated its potential with the pillowy gnocchi—and later, with a playful, deconstructed cannoli that was both inventive and indulgent. Yet the lasagna, priced at a premium, disappointed twice: first scorched, then replaced with a version that was both bland and overly salted. In a city filled with Italian dining options, inconsistency of this kind is a luxury few establishments can afford.
The Final Word This restaurant clearly has the talent to shine—its gnocchi and dessert prove as much. But rushed pacing, inconsistent execution, and service lapses left the evening feeling more perfunctory than pleasurable. In Dallas, where Italian cuisine is abundant and competitive, one expects not just moments of excellence but a seamless dining experience. Until those gaps are closed, I would hesitate to return.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 2
Kelsey Parks
I went here over the weekend with a friend of mine and was so looking forward to trying it out. Let me preface this review with the positives: the service was good and the atmosphere was a vibe. Unfortunately, that’s where my positive experience ended. I’ve never had a “gross” dinner in Dallas, until coming to this restaurant. We ordered the olives for an appetizer, which was the best dish we had. Then we got mascarpone balls, which were extremely dry and basically just deep fried rice over liquid mascarpone. We ordered the beef tartare, which made me physically ill that evening and throughout the next day. We were told the tartare was brown because it was “cured beforehand,” but I now think that the meat was just rancid. Lastly, we ordered octopus which had the texture of the sole on a rubber boot, was insanely fishy and accompanied by raw vegetables. Our drinks were okay, but when I asked for blue cheese olives in my martini I believe the cheese in them had gone sour… all this to say we paid $150 in advance to secure our spot on their rooftop terrace. I really wanted to like this place, but unfortunately I will not return.
Stephen Flores
This has been the most amazing place to eat Italian food that I’ve had in Dallas. I would absolutely recommend to make a reservation ahead of time for it is always so packed in there. Great food and amazing customer service. They were very delightful.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jeremy Cox
First time here—got a super warm welcome from Malachi. Great patio. Great cocktail. A+
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jessica Smith
Went here for the datey event. First time here. Atmosphere 10/10. Absolutely beautiful place. Staff took such good care of us. Meatballs were great. Pizza was okay. Drinks were good. Would definitely recommend this place. Side note, their greeter is the best dressed guy I’ve ever seen in my life outside of a movie. Kudos to him.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Joel Clum
Awesome spot! Great menu and wine selection.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ale Sa
My family and I visited this establishment a few weeks ago and while the food was quite mediocre, our server, Ted, was absolutely exceptional. He knew the menu inside and out, offered great recommendations, and made sure every detail of our meal was perfect. His friendly demeanor and professional service truly elevated our night. From pacing the courses just right to checking in at just the right moments, they made sure everything flowed smoothly without feeling rushed or delayed. His timing, attention to detail, and warm personality made the entire meal feel effortless and enjoyable. Truly excellent customer service!
However, our first impression was unfortunately clouded by the hostess. Danielle, came across as dismissive and unwelcoming, which made the seating process feel uncomfortable. While the rest of the staff worked hard to create a warm, inviting atmosphere, that initial interaction didn’t reflect the same level of hospitality. Thankfully, the great service we received at the table turned things around.
Simra A
It was our servers first day and we has so kind and thorough with our dietary restrictions. Food was yummy, went up to the rooftop for dessert after which was beautiful, and best of all- complimentary valet parking :) lol
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Laura Andrade
This place is fine for mediocre food. Overpriced. First time we went we grabbed a last minute late night reservation so I excused the burnt lasagna and poor attitude from a rude hostess. Late nights are tough on a restaurant.
Today, we snagged a last minute res at 5pm. Walked in a few mins before that to be greeted by a hostess (the same one) snapping at us “whether we had a reservation or not.” Fun. We were told “they were still setting up - totally understandable but not sure why the hostess is so hostile… at opening hours. Then she asked us if we wanted sparkling or still water to just ignore us and walk away 😂 and have the waitress come serve us something other than what we told her.
THEN the food came out dry, bland, and burnt again, $200 for a dinner that was sub par. Highly recommend other much better restaurants that charge less like Roman Cucina in Richardson, pie tap, (or Olive Garden tbh) or for a higher price with actual good service, Sister, Carbone, Mister Charles, or anywhere else.
Atmosphere: 2
Service: 2
Howard Saltzman
Matches the hype with an excellent food and reasonable prices for the highest quality. Entrees were generously sized. Chicken cacciatore was superb. Spot on service and atmosphere.
Lasagna and mussels were phenomenal. Servers and the manager/owner are super friendly and patient.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lasagne Al Forno, Beef Carpaccio
Fernando Regalado
Great pasta, good atmosphere and excellent service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Leo Zhang
Love this place! Great authentic Italian cuisine with excellent service. Highly recommend if you want an Italian experience in the heart of Texas!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Landon Pickering
Incredible experience. Food was amazing. Service was fantastic. Excited for when the rooftop opens up. We will be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dan Clark
Was able to sit at the bar right away, 6pm on Friday night. Service great. Very good mocktails. Started with arancini and Romano beans, both excellent. Linguini clams and lasagna next snd were even better. Took some tiramisu home which was A+. Can't wait to come back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tiramisu, Lasagne Al Forno, Arancini
A Novice Critic’s Take: Promise Overshadowed by Missteps
Dining late can often reveal the truest nature of a restaurant: how it treats its final guests of the evening. My recent experience here offered both flashes of brilliance and reasons for hesitation.
The Unsettling Start
A 9:30 p.m. reservation, confirmed without hesitation, should promise a complete dining experience. Instead, upon being seated near the bathroom hallway and the kitchen window, we were informed that the kitchen would close in 30 minutes. While I sympathize with the logistics of a hard closing time, a final reservation so close to shutdown creates a sense of urgency rather than hospitality. A restaurant should either extend grace to its last guests or adjust its booking window accordingly.
Service: Polite but Uneven
Our server was gracious and knowledgeable, though her barely audible delivery made it difficult to understand over the loud ambiance of the dining room, however she bore no visible frustration when asked to repeat herself, but her extended disappearance later in the evening left us navigating portions of the meal without guidance. Curiously, it was the owner—not our server—who ultimately intervened to correct a glaring misstep: a lasagna that arrived burnt. Her apology was sincere, and her personal involvement softened what could have been an irredeemable error.
The Food: A Tale of Two Dishes
The kitchen demonstrated its potential with the pillowy gnocchi—and later, with a playful, deconstructed cannoli that was both inventive and indulgent. Yet the lasagna, priced at a premium, disappointed twice: first scorched, then replaced with a version that was both bland and overly salted. In a city filled with Italian dining options, inconsistency of this kind is a luxury few establishments can afford.
The Final Word
This restaurant clearly has the talent to shine—its gnocchi and dessert prove as much. But rushed pacing, inconsistent execution, and service lapses left the evening feeling more perfunctory than pleasurable. In Dallas, where Italian cuisine is abundant and competitive, one expects not just moments of excellence but a seamless dining experience. Until those gaps are closed, I would hesitate to return.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 2
I went here over the weekend with a friend of mine and was so looking forward to trying it out. Let me preface this review with the positives: the service was good and the atmosphere was a vibe. Unfortunately, that’s where my positive experience ended. I’ve never had a “gross” dinner in Dallas, until coming to this restaurant. We ordered the olives for an appetizer, which was the best dish we had. Then we got mascarpone balls, which were extremely dry and basically just deep fried rice over liquid mascarpone. We ordered the beef tartare, which made me physically ill that evening and throughout the next day. We were told the tartare was brown because it was “cured beforehand,” but I now think that the meat was just rancid. Lastly, we ordered octopus which had the texture of the sole on a rubber boot, was insanely fishy and accompanied by raw vegetables. Our drinks were okay, but when I asked for blue cheese olives in my martini I believe the cheese in them had gone sour… all this to say we paid $150 in advance to secure our spot on their rooftop terrace. I really wanted to like this place, but unfortunately I will not return.
This has been the most amazing place to eat Italian food that I’ve had in Dallas. I would absolutely recommend to make a reservation ahead of time for it is always so packed in there. Great food and amazing customer service. They were very delightful.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
First time here—got a super warm welcome from Malachi. Great patio. Great cocktail. A+
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Went here for the datey event. First time here. Atmosphere 10/10. Absolutely beautiful place. Staff took such good care of us. Meatballs were great. Pizza was okay. Drinks were good. Would definitely recommend this place. Side note, their greeter is the best dressed guy I’ve ever seen in my life outside of a movie. Kudos to him.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Awesome spot! Great menu and wine selection.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My family and I visited this establishment a few weeks ago and while the food was quite mediocre, our server, Ted, was absolutely exceptional. He knew the menu inside and out, offered great recommendations, and made sure every detail of our meal was perfect. His friendly demeanor and professional service truly elevated our night. From pacing the courses just right to checking in at just the right moments, they made sure everything flowed smoothly without feeling rushed or delayed. His timing, attention to detail, and warm personality made the entire meal feel effortless and enjoyable. Truly excellent customer service!
However, our first impression was unfortunately clouded by the hostess. Danielle, came across as dismissive and unwelcoming, which made the seating process feel uncomfortable. While the rest of the staff worked hard to create a warm, inviting atmosphere, that initial interaction didn’t reflect the same level of hospitality. Thankfully, the great service we received at the table turned things around.
It was our servers first day and we has so kind and thorough with our dietary restrictions. Food was yummy, went up to the rooftop for dessert after which was beautiful, and best of all- complimentary valet parking :) lol
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place is fine for mediocre food. Overpriced. First time we went we grabbed a last minute late night reservation so I excused the burnt lasagna and poor attitude from a rude hostess. Late nights are tough on a restaurant.
Today, we snagged a last minute res at 5pm. Walked in a few mins before that to be greeted by a hostess (the same one) snapping at us “whether we had a reservation or not.” Fun. We were told “they were still setting up - totally understandable but not sure why the hostess is so hostile… at opening hours. Then she asked us if we wanted sparkling or still water to just ignore us and walk away 😂 and have the waitress come serve us something other than what we told her.
THEN the food came out dry, bland, and burnt again, $200 for a dinner that was sub par. Highly recommend other much better restaurants that charge less like Roman Cucina in Richardson, pie tap, (or Olive Garden tbh) or for a higher price with actual good service, Sister, Carbone, Mister Charles, or anywhere else.
Atmosphere: 2
Service: 2
Matches the hype with an excellent food and reasonable prices for the highest quality. Entrees were generously sized. Chicken cacciatore was superb. Spot on service and atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Lasagna and mussels were phenomenal. Servers and the manager/owner are super friendly and patient.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lasagne Al Forno, Beef Carpaccio
Great pasta, good atmosphere and excellent service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Love this place! Great authentic Italian cuisine with excellent service. Highly recommend if you want an Italian experience in the heart of Texas!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Incredible experience. Food was amazing. Service was fantastic. Excited for when the rooftop opens up. We will be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Was able to sit at the bar right away, 6pm on Friday night. Service great. Very good mocktails. Started with arancini and Romano beans, both excellent. Linguini clams and lasagna next snd were even better. Took some tiramisu home which was A+. Can't wait to come back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tiramisu, Lasagne Al Forno, Arancini
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