Osteria Povera — Restaurant in Port Moody

This is my first ever review—it’s a tad wordy. I had been to Osteria on two different occasions—both at lunch. Those were both positive experiences. We arrived on time for our Sunday evening reservation at 545. When we entered, both of the front of the house staff in evidence looked up but did not acknowledge us with a friendly salutation or a ‘We’ll be right with you’. They seemed anxious/busy. That’s an off putting vibe when you arrive. And, it’s not a great 1st impression. But I get it—I have been there. I have a high tolerance and a lot of empathy/understanding, having spent 17 years in the restaurant/bar industry. The restaurant had two empty tables and two that needed to be bussed. The male staff member walked past without greeting us to quickly clean and set the dirty four top. After a few minutes, our eventual server checked us in, then cleaned our two top and sat us. We sat down and read the menu, in the clutches of the rapidly flickering light strobing out of the wall fixture directly over my partners head. A quick survey revealed all the lights were flickering. It was 14 minutes before our server came back to the table to ask if we wanted a drink. That’s not acceptable—most times, a very simple ‘I will be right back’ or ‘Sorry for the wait’ will cure a bad 1st impression or lack of acknowledgement. We had seriously discussed leaving while waiting for the server. That would have been a first for us. We ordered instead. The food came quickly, as did the glass of red wine. Our appetizers were quite good—but ripe tomatoes would have been better. Our server never checked on us while we had our appies. That’s also not good. The other server picked up our unfinished appie plates, asking with plate in hand: ‘Are you finished?’. We weren’t. He set them back down—awkward. Next, we ran out of water. It wasn’t checked on, so I asked for more on our servers next visit to clear the empty plates. The water came quickly. The glass of wine sat empty for another 10 minutes before the next visit. Oddly, after picking up the dirty/empty wine glass, the server put it back down and returned with a carafe to fill the dirty glass. Why? Out of clean glasses? The food arrived next. It was OK. The steak for the parmigiana had been pounded so thin that it made the breading and white sauce it was swimming under a lot to process. And, it needed seasoning. A wait for salt wasn’t in the plan at this point. Anyway, the flap of meat sat on top of a bed of underwhelming gnocchi in a bland, under-seasoned sauce. 44 dollars didn’t seem right. The server did check in about the food about half way through, but I just didn’t think the level of care at this point would make a difference. I did not finish. It’s a good practice to check in regularly—especially as it adds to sales, ensures your patrons are happy, turns tables more quickly, etc. Especially when you often visit the next door table, or seat new customers or clean/set tables nearby. It only takes a few seconds to ascertain needs/wants or problems. This is the baseline of service that is expected of a restaurant, much less a moderately pricey neighbourhood establishment. Anyway, my partners tagliatelle ragu was incredible. The highlight. The focaccia was excellent too. The music was easy listening 80’s… an unexpected treat. When the server came to clear the plates she asked us if we were open to hear about desserts or to have coffee. We declined by saying ‘No, thank you. We are all good.’. That is code word for bill please. We waited 20 minutes for the bill, then five for the machine. The machine provided options to tip of 18 percent and upwards. I left 15 percent and felt I was betraying myself. I usually leave 20-25 percent… I appreciate the front of house. They work hard. I used to be one of them. Now, I know you think I might be a crusty or grumpy old man after reading ALL of that, but I just spent 170 dollars to walk away unhappy. That makes me stupid. I decided to write this review so that the management hears...

Just dined here tonight. Extremely disappointing experience mainly due to service.

Food: Mostly ok. Tagliatelle Ragu looked like the whitest coloured ragu pasta ever. Tagliatelle chewed like it was overcooked but looked like was emulsified for maybe 15 seconds (ragu itself was good). The Orecchiette alla grappa w/ pancetta was very very delicious.

Service: Felt like low-end budget diner service and below bare minimum. My group arrived 10 minutes early. Server asked if we have a reso and we give her the name. She checked the screen, walked off, doesn't say anything, and didn't come back till after the table is ready. I can see that the restaurant is obviously full. Table doesn't have to be ready in advance, but you should at least say something instead of just leaving guests by the door without saying anything.

Server brought the water and cups, but did not pour the water. Nbd, it's just water and we can help ourselves.

We decided to not order any alcoholic drinks. The server asked, "Are you going to order some wine?" The way and the tone she asked the question felt a bit odd. Almost as if we didnt do something that we should.

Aside from dropping the food off at our table. Asked how the food is just once throughout the whole 1.5 hours.

After the antipasti, the plates and utensils were clearly dirty and could be changed before we get the pasta. Server asked, "Do you want to keep your plates for the next course?" I was a bit confused because it was visibly dirty, so I asked, "Can we get new plates?" Another server changed our plates but did not change our utensils. She also sort of dropped the plates as she laid it down. Amateur work.

At other restaurants, I feel like servers generally ask you how the food was and ask if you'd like the dessert menu. Our server put the dessert menu on our table without being. Almost felt a bit pushy. The group ended up ordering a tiramisu to share.

Atmosphere: Overall, it's nice and cozy. Yall need to do something about the mildly epilepsy-inducing, flickering lights.

Overall, the food is mostly decent and the restaurant is very cozy. However, it doesn't feel like the servers got proper training to work at a bit more upscale/pricier restaurant. Zero hospitality and we didn't feel welcome from start to finish. The service should match the food to a degree, but dragged down the entire...

Where do we start?

Made a reservation, when we arrived on time, the host/server said she needed to "build" the table, but the restaurant is so small it was evident that they did not have the seats/ tables for their incoming reservations. They sat another party before us who waited 15 mins for their reservation , and we waited 25 minutes for our table. While we waited, we were not offered water, a complimentary drink nor did any manager come check in or apologize to to us during this wait for the delay. I can understand table waits, but not that long, when you make a reservation in advance.

It was very clear that there was no front of house manager and the staff working had no direction, no sense of urgency and a whole lot of walking around doing actually nothing, example double cleaning the same table, walking by tables when glasses needed watering, tables needed to be cleaned & orders needed to be taken. As a former hospitality worker, I was shocked at the level of nonchalance and the unprofessionalism shown by each & every worker. ( except the bar tender)

Our server tried her best, however she constantly looked overwhelmed and lost. The food was mediocre, no seasoning on any dish, there was no filling inside the Panzerotti and the meatballs came in a watery soup sauce.

The host/server spent her time, aimlessly wondering around after , shamelessly flirting with a coworker, while tables looked around waiting for their bills, or to be served in some way. She also did not seem to have a care about how badly the service was going on a busy Saturday more worried about poking & flirting with her coworker, who was equally unprofessional.

The only one I saw work / take initiative was the bartender, where they took initiative to deliver drinks to tables that were waiting, even though I get the sense that they are not supposed to leave the bar area, however you could see that this person was concerned that the customers where not being served.

Overall terrible experience and tipped accordingly. Will not be back, such a shame Port Moody needs a good quality restaurant- this is not it. AVOID...