Extremely small portions, extremely high prices. Extremely mediocre food.
Stephania Pierre
Visited Sprezza today and the service was absolutely wonderful! The food was so delicious! The restaurant is so beautiful! I recommend visiting Sprezza for an authentic Italian cuisine! 11/10!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lasagna Bolognese
Quincy Smick
Sprezza is a wonderful new restaurant finding its footing in Richmond. It brings authentic Italian cuisine that is unique from any other Italian restaurant in our city. The food is full bodied and quite the experience each time I’ve been. The focaccia is so yummy!The menu is designed like a classic Italian menu with courses so you can enjoy multiple dishes. How often do you get to have fresh pasta followed by a second course?Service is impeccable giving you a fine dining experience.The owner, Angela, is very warm and you can tell she is very passionate about food. She is bringing a piece of Italy to Richmond so we can experience the food without crossing an ocean.I would 100% recommend this restaurant for a nice occasion especially if you are a foodie.Keep in mind that this is a new and growing business that will only thrive with the support of the community.I can tell there is a lot of love and thought put into creating the menu. Delicious! 10/10. I always leave with a happy stomach.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tiramisu
Liza Garrity
Had a lovely meal — the focaccia and caprese starters were both delicious. The linguine with mussels was the perfect portion to be filling but also still have room for other courses. The artichoke was also a satisfying dish for summer. The staff was lovely and patient while we took our time figuring out our order. Will definitely come back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Gabriella Lacombe
Sprezza is a truly special restaurant in Richmond offering Italian food that stays true to its regional roots. Everything on the menu is made with an exceptional level of care and attention to detail thanks to the talented staff and the supervision of the owner, Angela. In addition to both the folks in the kitchen and the owner cutting no corners when it comes to sourcing high quality ingredients, preparing dishes, and avoiding unnecessary food waste (putting the environment over profit!) the waitstaff is also highly attentive without being overbearing. The focaccia and tiramisu are must-have bookends to any visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tiramisu
Overdressed RVA
I am so in love with this restaurant! The ambience is welcoming, romantic, and such a vibe in the restaurant scene. The food is fresh, authentic Italian and you can absolutely tell. The pasta is homemade, traditional lasagna is the best you’ve ever had and the specials keep you going back for more. There are no hidden fees or surprises on your bill. The staff is knowledgeable of all menu items, happy to provide suggestions and answer any questions. They have an impressive wine list, up-to-date social media posts which helps me keep up with their specials and unique happenings AND they can do private, BEAUTIFUL events. Sprezza is at the top of my suggestion list for anyone wanting a perfect dining experience in RVA, or in need to host a rehearsal dinner, reception, corporate event, holiday party, birthday or any chic private event. It’s an automatic YES for a celebration dinner, Date night, family dinner night, business dinner, girls night, chefs choice, proposal, drinks and appetizers at the bar, etc. The location is in the heart of RVA arts, culture, history, business, and nightlife. I would give 10 stars if I could!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Focaccia Barese
Eve Eden
We dined here for the collab dinner they hosted with JewFro and it was one of the best meals we have had in a while. What a great idea this was. Each course was perfectly presented and the unique flavor combinations were so well balanced. We can't wait to go back and try their traditional menu!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Steven King
Made a reservation 1 week in advance. Turns out my reservation was on the last day the chef will be there until he returns to Italy. He made a completely different menu, which was entirely fish options. I'm allergic to fish. This isn't a fake allergy, I carry an EpiPen because fish will kill me. I research every restaurant I go to because of this. Zero accommodations were made. I was able to order the only thing on the menu that wasn't fish. A short rib.The atmosphere is the worst. It felt like a hospital cafeteria with the light dimmed.Everything took too long. Bringing water, 10 minutes. Taking drinks, 10 minutes. Taking order 10 minutes. 6:45 pm res, left at 8:50. I don't want to sit in a pure white room with the lights off and no windows for 2 hours.Food was actually pretty good. My short rib was awesome. My wife was actually able to partake in the special seafood only menu and she enjoyed most of her dishes.There is no way in hell, I'll ever go back. I actually need to find out the chefs name so I can avoid him for the rest of my life. Changing a menu to all one thing without messaging your reservations is insane. Dudes a trashcan.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 2
Susan Eaves
This is the best Italian food I have eaten since I was in Italy. The lasagne was perfect and light. Our server was helpful and knowledgeable. This is a great addition to the Richmond restaurant scene. Be sure to try it out
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lasagna Bolognese
Errin Bennett
A friend and I met at Sprezza for dinner a few weeks ago. The hostess and server were very kind and attentive-- by far the most redeeming part of the experience. Our food was subpar, especially for the cost. The portions were very small (definitely not your traditional Italian restaurant family style portions), and my friend unfortunately had a hair in her lasagna. Our server did her best to rectify the situation, and the chef offered to send out a new plate, but we both had lost our appetite by that point in the meal. They did deduct the cost of her lasagna from our bill. Probably the strangest part of the experience -- there were videographers there creating content (maybe for the restaurants website), and we were being filmed for the majority of our meal without a release form or consent. The whole experience just seemed very odd. We will not likely return.
I knew I wanted to eat at Sprezza the moment I saw they were serving octopus. I didn’t have a GOOD one since I relocate to Richmond and WOW, SPREZZA delivered!!! I must admit the food was absolutely delicious. The octopus was tender as they promise and very flavorful. The service was spot on and our server was knowledgeable, polite, friendly and incredibly attentive to all our needs. I’m not giving a 5 stars simply because they didn’t have gluten free options( it seems like only spaghetti). My friend couldn’t try the bread, nor the focaccia and unfortunately, no substitution was offer to pair the octopus. Said so, I HIGHLY recommend to have a meal at Sprezza. I know the place will become a top restaurant in the city. I will return there soon.
Jenny Nelson
A friend and I spent our Friday night at the bar enjoying cocktails and dinner. We talked to the bartenders, servers, chefs, regulars, newcomers, and even the owner and everyone was extremely welcoming and the staff clearly cared about what they were doing. It felt very joyous and like being with family!All the cocktails I had were great but my favorite was the mortadella martini. My friend and I kept ordering more dishes to split — the portions are small enough that it makes sense to order a bunch of things but still big enough to split each one so 2 or 3 people get a sufficient taste. Standouts were the focaccia with prosciutto, the spaghetti with clams, and the gnocchi.I’m just visiting from outside of the city but I can’t wait to come back ??
Dietary restrictions: Bartender was careful to check about dietary restrictions when making a custom zero-proof cocktail for another patron
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Prosciutto E Melone
Zach Reuss
Seafood pastas very saltyDrinks were goodWater very crispDeserts pretty tasty. We liked the apricot one and the tiramisuThe water pressure in the men's restroom was very strong. The women's restroom water pressure was more normal.Could use more rugs.To be completely fair to the restaurant we're kind of 3-star diners so take these opinions with a grain of salt (but please, only a grain)
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 4
Emily Chadwell
Lasagna, wine, cocktails, and desert we're delicious!
Madison Cullen
Heard wonderful things about the pop-up and was so excited to enjoy my 30th birthday dinner here. Our server was wonderful but unfortunately the food and the presentation was very underwhelming. For the cost of $104 per person for the fixed Christmas Eve menu my expectations were not met in the least. We started the first course where half of our table was served about 20 min earlier than the other half. When the mussels came, they were simply steamed mussels in a bowl, served with no broth. I thought it was odd so I asked a server who then brought us a side of broth. The next course came in which everyone got the eggplant pasta. The group consensus was not great, the sauce was lacking flavor and the eggplant was tiny bits on top, not a forefront of the dish like expected based on the description. I had the tortellini which came with broth splattered all over the plate. The tortellini were uneven in size and a few broken open with No filling at all. There seemed to be no one looking at these plates before they went out which is frustrating knowing the bill that’s coming. The main course was the final straw, a seafood calabash which was described as shrimp, cod, squid and lemon. The presentation looked like Cracker Barrel and the taste was less than that. 1 tiny piece of cod, 3 shrimp and 25 pieces of flavorless calamari. I have been to many different places all across Italy and had some of the most wonderful food of my life, this is not the Italy I have experienced. We voiced our concerns and the owner only spoke directly to my husband which also rubbed me the wrong way. I suggest they change the price point or maybe have other chefs from the Richmond area come give honest feedback to this young chef and hopefully once they are open to change they will become the restaurant they are hoping to be in the wonderful food scene Richmond is known for.
Extremely small portions, extremely high prices. Extremely mediocre food.
Visited Sprezza today and the service was absolutely wonderful! The food was so delicious! The restaurant is so beautiful! I recommend visiting Sprezza for an authentic Italian cuisine! 11/10!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lasagna Bolognese
Sprezza is a wonderful new restaurant finding its footing in Richmond. It brings authentic Italian cuisine that is unique from any other Italian restaurant in our city. The food is full bodied and quite the experience each time I’ve been. The focaccia is so yummy!The menu is designed like a classic Italian menu with courses so you can enjoy multiple dishes. How often do you get to have fresh pasta followed by a second course?Service is impeccable giving you a fine dining experience.The owner, Angela, is very warm and you can tell she is very passionate about food. She is bringing a piece of Italy to Richmond so we can experience the food without crossing an ocean.I would 100% recommend this restaurant for a nice occasion especially if you are a foodie.Keep in mind that this is a new and growing business that will only thrive with the support of the community.I can tell there is a lot of love and thought put into creating the menu. Delicious! 10/10. I always leave with a happy stomach.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tiramisu
Had a lovely meal — the focaccia and caprese starters were both delicious. The linguine with mussels was the perfect portion to be filling but also still have room for other courses. The artichoke was also a satisfying dish for summer. The staff was lovely and patient while we took our time figuring out our order. Will definitely come back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sprezza is a truly special restaurant in Richmond offering Italian food that stays true to its regional roots. Everything on the menu is made with an exceptional level of care and attention to detail thanks to the talented staff and the supervision of the owner, Angela. In addition to both the folks in the kitchen and the owner cutting no corners when it comes to sourcing high quality ingredients, preparing dishes, and avoiding unnecessary food waste (putting the environment over profit!) the waitstaff is also highly attentive without being overbearing. The focaccia and tiramisu are must-have bookends to any visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tiramisu
I am so in love with this restaurant! The ambience is welcoming, romantic, and such a vibe in the restaurant scene. The food is fresh, authentic Italian and you can absolutely tell. The pasta is homemade, traditional lasagna is the best you’ve ever had and the specials keep you going back for more. There are no hidden fees or surprises on your bill. The staff is knowledgeable of all menu items, happy to provide suggestions and answer any questions. They have an impressive wine list, up-to-date social media posts which helps me keep up with their specials and unique happenings AND they can do private, BEAUTIFUL events. Sprezza is at the top of my suggestion list for anyone wanting a perfect dining experience in RVA, or in need to host a rehearsal dinner, reception, corporate event, holiday party, birthday or any chic private event. It’s an automatic YES for a celebration dinner, Date night, family dinner night, business dinner, girls night, chefs choice, proposal, drinks and appetizers at the bar, etc. The location is in the heart of RVA arts, culture, history, business, and nightlife. I would give 10 stars if I could!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Focaccia Barese
We dined here for the collab dinner they hosted with JewFro and it was one of the best meals we have had in a while. What a great idea this was. Each course was perfectly presented and the unique flavor combinations were so well balanced. We can't wait to go back and try their traditional menu!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Made a reservation 1 week in advance. Turns out my reservation was on the last day the chef will be there until he returns to Italy. He made a completely different menu, which was entirely fish options. I'm allergic to fish. This isn't a fake allergy, I carry an EpiPen because fish will kill me. I research every restaurant I go to because of this. Zero accommodations were made. I was able to order the only thing on the menu that wasn't fish. A short rib.The atmosphere is the worst. It felt like a hospital cafeteria with the light dimmed.Everything took too long. Bringing water, 10 minutes. Taking drinks, 10 minutes. Taking order 10 minutes. 6:45 pm res, left at 8:50. I don't want to sit in a pure white room with the lights off and no windows for 2 hours.Food was actually pretty good. My short rib was awesome. My wife was actually able to partake in the special seafood only menu and she enjoyed most of her dishes.There is no way in hell, I'll ever go back. I actually need to find out the chefs name so I can avoid him for the rest of my life. Changing a menu to all one thing without messaging your reservations is insane. Dudes a trashcan.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 2
This is the best Italian food I have eaten since I was in Italy. The lasagne was perfect and light. Our server was helpful and knowledgeable. This is a great addition to the Richmond restaurant scene. Be sure to try it out
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lasagna Bolognese
A friend and I met at Sprezza for dinner a few weeks ago. The hostess and server were very kind and attentive-- by far the most redeeming part of the experience. Our food was subpar, especially for the cost. The portions were very small (definitely not your traditional Italian restaurant family style portions), and my friend unfortunately had a hair in her lasagna. Our server did her best to rectify the situation, and the chef offered to send out a new plate, but we both had lost our appetite by that point in the meal. They did deduct the cost of her lasagna from our bill. Probably the strangest part of the experience -- there were videographers there creating content (maybe for the restaurants website), and we were being filmed for the majority of our meal without a release form or consent. The whole experience just seemed very odd. We will not likely return.
Restaurantji Recommends
I knew I wanted to eat at Sprezza the moment I saw they were serving octopus. I didn’t have a GOOD one since I relocate to Richmond and WOW, SPREZZA delivered!!! I must admit the food was absolutely delicious. The octopus was tender as they promise and very flavorful. The service was spot on and our server was knowledgeable, polite, friendly and incredibly attentive to all our needs. I’m not giving a 5 stars simply because they didn’t have gluten free options( it seems like only spaghetti). My friend couldn’t try the bread, nor the focaccia and unfortunately, no substitution was offer to pair the octopus. Said so, I HIGHLY recommend to have a meal at Sprezza. I know the place will become a top restaurant in the city. I will return there soon.
A friend and I spent our Friday night at the bar enjoying cocktails and dinner. We talked to the bartenders, servers, chefs, regulars, newcomers, and even the owner and everyone was extremely welcoming and the staff clearly cared about what they were doing. It felt very joyous and like being with family!All the cocktails I had were great but my favorite was the mortadella martini. My friend and I kept ordering more dishes to split — the portions are small enough that it makes sense to order a bunch of things but still big enough to split each one so 2 or 3 people get a sufficient taste. Standouts were the focaccia with prosciutto, the spaghetti with clams, and the gnocchi.I’m just visiting from outside of the city but I can’t wait to come back ??
Dietary restrictions: Bartender was careful to check about dietary restrictions when making a custom zero-proof cocktail for another patron
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Prosciutto E Melone
Seafood pastas very saltyDrinks were goodWater very crispDeserts pretty tasty. We liked the apricot one and the tiramisuThe water pressure in the men's restroom was very strong. The women's restroom water pressure was more normal.Could use more rugs.To be completely fair to the restaurant we're kind of 3-star diners so take these opinions with a grain of salt (but please, only a grain)
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 4
Lasagna, wine, cocktails, and desert we're delicious!
Heard wonderful things about the pop-up and was so excited to enjoy my 30th birthday dinner here. Our server was wonderful but unfortunately the food and the presentation was very underwhelming. For the cost of $104 per person for the fixed Christmas Eve menu my expectations were not met in the least. We started the first course where half of our table was served about 20 min earlier than the other half. When the mussels came, they were simply steamed mussels in a bowl, served with no broth. I thought it was odd so I asked a server who then brought us a side of broth. The next course came in which everyone got the eggplant pasta. The group consensus was not great, the sauce was lacking flavor and the eggplant was tiny bits on top, not a forefront of the dish like expected based on the description. I had the tortellini which came with broth splattered all over the plate. The tortellini were uneven in size and a few broken open with
No filling at all. There seemed to be no one looking at these plates before they went out which is frustrating knowing the bill that’s coming. The main course was the final straw, a seafood calabash which was described as shrimp, cod, squid and lemon. The presentation looked like Cracker Barrel and the taste was less than that. 1 tiny piece of cod, 3 shrimp and 25 pieces of flavorless calamari. I have been to many different places all across Italy and had some of the most wonderful food of my life, this is not the Italy I have experienced. We voiced our concerns and the owner only spoke directly to my husband which also rubbed me the wrong way. I suggest they change the price point or maybe have other chefs from the Richmond area come give honest feedback to this young chef and hopefully once they are open to change they will become the restaurant they are hoping to be in the wonderful food scene Richmond is known for.
Loading...