Verde Luna — Restaurant in Newcastle-Maitland

Probably one of the worst customer service experience. We tried this restaurant based on the reviews but since our own experience I'm puzzled as to how this place has racked up the amount of good reviews it has. Bear with me as I give you my bizarre encounter. Upon arrival with 2 young children we were asked if we had a booking to which we replied no. With only one other table consisting of 2 people being taken up we were told the whole front of the restaurant is booked and therefore were offered a table towards the back wall.(The 2 fans to service the whole restaurant were located at the front)Fine no problem. It was a very hot day, the windows were all open with zero breeze and this place was quickly picking up in temperature. The unfriendly staff began to exhibit reasons why they don't belong in the service industry. We had one girl whom I won't name and shame slamming cutlery around behind us, prepping for what I'm thinking is all the bookings they referred to when we arrived. When we managed to get her attention we were not greeted with a smile, instead an unimpressed look as if we had bothered her and this wasn't in fact what she was there to do. She stood six feet away from the table whilst taking the order all whilst possessing the same look on her face. The food finally arrived to which she began placing it in front of a 22month old.(I know what your thinking great idea)we continued to shuffle the food away from our toddler. We asked this waitress if we could have some cracked pepper(a normal request in an Italian restaurant one would think) to which with attitude we were told "we don't have cracked pepper" we said "oh really" she said "YEH!" Wow calm down we thought. Then the pizza arrives, she asks "where do you want me to put it?" (At this point I imagine like most places serving pizza there would be a stand which raises it off the table I should've known better)My husband replies "can you suggest somewhere?" to which she replied with attitude again "on the table" we looked at her and she said "I don't want to put it in front of the baby" my husband replied "it didn't stop you putting the rest of the food in front of the baby". At this point the temperature of this place is uncomfortable and unbearable to eat pleasantly in. I could only compare it to sitting with your family inside a sauna and being asked to enjoy a meal. I grabbed the attention of a second waitress. I asked if the air conditioning was on as I had spotted a couple of ducted vents in the ceiling. She replied with an awkward smile "we don't have air conditioning" puzzled we pointed out the ducted vents in the ceiling to which she replied "it's not working why are you hot?" I said "yes very hot" she said "its connected to the sprinkler system" we said it's very uncomfortable conditions to be eating in. With customer service at its peak and sweat on her top lip she responds "im working in it" My mind is blown at this point. Who trains these staff members? Why are they here when they clearly don't want to be. She then says "I could move you to underneath the fans" we said "you could've put us there to begin with considering not one booking has arrived since we've been here" her response "well". She walks away and minutes later we feel a cool breeze. Low and behold the air conditioning is actually working "we said so it does work?" She said "oh I thought let me try it and pressed the button" we asked if she was the manager and still with an awkward smile on her face she walks away to place a bottle of water down and whispers "yes" I asked if it was a secret and she said "no". We asked if the owner was around, her response..."let me check" walks away, comes back wait for it and says..."no he's out shopping" I'm thinking at this point is there a hidden camera which will pop out to inform us this was all a joke. Nope not such luck. She passed over the business card to contact him on and we couldn't get out of there quick enough. The food was ok, the place dull. It's safe to say there would be no way we would be returning or...

The menu at Verde Luna showcases a range of Italian dishes, and my visit was highlighted by the delightful Pasta Primavera. Bursting with the flavors of fresh, seasonal ingredients, the dish was both satisfying and flavorful. The portion size was substantial, offering great value for the quality of the meal. Equally impressive was the Limoncello trifle for dessert which was a sweet and satisfying conclusion to the meal. It's a dessert I would recommend to those with a sweet tooth.

In summary, Verde Luna Restaurant is a solid choice for those seeking a positive dining experience with well-crafted Italian cuisine. While I rate it at 4 stars, the overall quality of the food, the welcoming ambiance, and the excellent service make it a restaurant worth visiting. The Pasta Primavera and Limoncello trifle are definite highlights that I recommend trying...

Where do I start with Verda Luna. It is just an amazing authentic family restaurant. I'll start with the service. The team are welcoming, warm, friendly, and kind.

The food is outstanding and massive portions (always enough for takeaway). You can truly taste the years of love and dedication that has gone into mastering the true flavours that are shown in every dish.

On our last visit we took our elderly Grandmother, who can sometimes be picky with the menu, but this was no problem for the fantastic staff. They were accommodating, patient, warm and friendly with her and made her feel like just part of the family. My Grandmother still talks about "That lovely lady that served her...