Spago — Restaurant in Ontario

I was lucky enough to stumble across this local "gem", during my very 1st time ever in Windsor while recently attending a wedding with a friend at Caesar's, and am I certainly glad we had found this restaurant. Like with anything, first impressions are always everything, and our experience certainly didn't disappoint. As a matter of fact, we (both) were highly impressed, with the food being delicious and the service absolutely phenomenal!!! Our server ("Frank") was exceptionally attentive, beginning with being very patient with us while we were so hungry (and perhaps even just a lil' hung over from all the celebrating the evening before, LOL) we were indecisive, Frank providing us with several of his personal recommendations, consistently checking on us both and refilling our water throughout our entire dining experience, as well as even extending beyond just ourselves!!! My husband and I have always been "people watchers" and very observant, with that being said it was incredibly refreshing to (not only) watch Frank continuously providing each and every one of his tables with the same exemplary level of service as he provided to ourselves, but I must just mention how incredibly refreshing it really-truly happened to be to witness Frank (literally) get down on bended knee to address an adorable elderly couple at the table directly next to us (addressing them in an ever so welcoming and respectful demeanor, especially admirable, considering I'm afraid this level of genuine service and sincerity is (unfortunately) much too far and few between now days)!!! Please note, I'll be the very 1st to admit I've always been an exceptionally particular eater (to say the very least), however with that being said I would STRONGLY recommend this particular Spago location to anyone visiting Windsor (I guarantee you certainly won't be disappointed, and personally believe one would be hard pressed to leave any less impressed then we definitely were)!!! Last but certainly not least, on a sidenote directly to the owner(s), please know Frank is a natural and nothing short of an absolute asset genuinely providing a memorable experience...

I would give the food at Spago 5 stars, however the rating I am giving is based on the service. The ambiance here is very nice, I was seated on my patio. When my server first came over to my table, I was asked what I wanted to drink. Being that this is an Italian restaurant, I advised I'd order my beverage based on my meal. The server seemed annoyed by this and then asked what I wanted. When I asked what he recommended he jumped right to the highest priced item on the whole menu. When I advised I wasn't particularly feeling like seafood, he suggested the penne, I said sounds good, and he whisked away my menu and walked away without saying another word. He went to another table and I had to ask him as he walked by (note he didn't break stride) to ask what he suggested pairing to drink with my meal. He suggested a Coors light, and then disappeared back inside. Another server brought me out my drink and some bread while I waited for my meal. Right after my meal came, it started to rain, and the server as he was walking by said "want me to get you a box?" I asked if it was possible to get one of the umbrellas moved as I had just began my meal and was advised that there was no room inside. Again, he seemed annoyed that I wasn't going to just pickup and go.

During my meal, I had to stop the waiter who brought me my drink, if I could get some chilies and perhaps some more bread. He was incredibly friendly and polite. When I struck up a conversation with him, I asked him about my first waiter if he was a part of the ownership as I'd seen him ordering other staff around. I was told no, he was just a waiter like himself.

The prices were reasonable, and the penne that I had was absolutely fantastic. I would highly recommend the food to anyone. If you want good service from someone who is polite and friendly, ask to sit in Logan's area. I won't mention the name of the server I found had incredibly poor service, as everyone is entitled to...

Although the food is great, the service and the kitchen management leaves a lot to be desired.

I went for dinner this evening and was seated at the bar. I ordered a glass of wine, which came promptly. I, then, ordered the arancini as a starter, and the salmon as my main course along with a caesar salad. And, then I waited... and waited... About twenty-to-thirty minutes later, the bartender (who was also my waiter) came back and asked me, "Did you get your arancini?" I told him that I did not and he went to investigate. He came back to tell me that the kitchen was backed up because there was a large party and he asked if I would like my salad instead of the arancini. I said that that would be fine. Several minutes later, the salad came out. I was about halfway through the salad when the salmon main course was delivered. About thirty seconds after the main course was delivered, the arancini appetizer was brought out. I told the expeditor that I was not able to eat my salad, my main course, and my appetizer all at the same time and to please take the arancini back. The bartender apologized for the confusion, gave me a complimentary glass of wine, and offered the arancini as a to-go plate after my meal.

Although the food that I did eat tasted good, the chaos of the service really ruined what should have been a nice evening. From what I have seen, this restaurant is not able to accommodate a large party at the same time as its regular dinner service. And they have large parties very frequently. Since the odds of getting good service are so low, I cannot recommend this restaurant at all. I don't know if the problem is a lack of staff, a lack of communication between the front of the house and the back of the house, or something else. In any event, you just cannot be assured a relaxing and enjoyable meal here and you should definitely...