Trattoria D' Amore — Restaurant in Iloilo City

I will give 3 stars for now but I’m still hoping that they can improve their service so I can change my rating. The place has potential because the food is really good and authentic ( we lived in italy for 3 years so yes we are familiar with Italian food). Let me share our experience why we were not happy with the service. We arrived 6 pm on a Friday, and we chose the 3rd floor to enjoy Al fresco dining and the nice view of the sunset. While ordering for the food we were not sure what was the color of the sauce for the spinach dish and the waiter also didn’t know and said that he will go down to check with the chef. We realized we did the mistake of asking because he came back only after 5 minutes and without an answer!! He acted nonchalantly, so I said it’s ok never mind let’s try it anyway. But Number 1 thing the waiter should know is product knowledge, he should know what’s in the menu, that’s basic. So on the ordering part, we started with aperitivo and ordered Spritz to match the sunset, but the spritz arrived 15 minutes after, therefore there’s no sunset when we clearly stated that please bring it when it’s ready as this is appetizer and we have ordered a bottle of wine for the appetizer which www the cold cuts. There was supposed to be a bar/ bat tender and making Spritz is fast and easy, please welcome your customer by giving the drinks first and fast; Also another basic, once the customer arrives ( we ordered sparkling water bottle which never came by the way). So the service was really starting bad and you can imagine how we are predicting the night already . The waiter asked for our order and I was surprised that he was on the side writing it again taking him 5 minutes and went back again to us checking what he wrote! Even if he checked with us, the pizza we ordered also didn’t arrived, they gave the wrong pizza. They said service time is 15-20 minutes so when it was already 20 minutes we checked where’s our appetizer because we don’t want to eat the food all together. Cold cuts appetizer taking that long is too much, and we were honestly full already because of waiting. In Europe bread is given, basic to go with the appetizer while waiting, but they said they don’t give bread. How do I justify the bread? Don’t say you’re an Italian resto when you don’t give bread, please so Europeans can manage the expectations. iThe wine is also another story, we ordered a bottle of red and they left it without opening! It arrived later after the aperitivo, why? We wanted to pair our meal with other wines but we abandoned the idea. They were bringing orders what was meant for the other table. The dishes were good but it was tainted by the horrible service. No Update or sorry that the food was late, they just said that there were many guests. Please don’t over accept if you can’t deliver. Food arrived like 40 minutes after which by the way in other restaurants should be free. We didn’t order dessert because we were scared it will take time again. So yeah we were there to relax but we were stressed because of the service. The place is new so maybe they are still training? Clearly there was no manager or someone experienced to manage the situation. But for the amount of money you pay, you want to relax and have a good time right? Clearly training and experience were lacking. We had high expectations but probably they were not ready yet. We might go back next time when it’s lunch time or a quiet day, maybe the experience...

Proper Italian food served here! Even the complimentary bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar was a nice welcome. Service was very friendly, welcome and professional!

We had the Porchetta, Pizza con Burrata al Tartufo, Spaghetti alla Carbonara, Spaghetti alla Bolognese, and Rolle de Pollo. I think from the pictures alone I can attest it tastes as good as it looks!

The char on the pizza and its crust was what I've been looking for all over iloilo. As well as the taste of the Burrata was fresh with the italian ham on top of the pizza. Handmade to perfection, I hope you continue this level of quality everytime because I aim to return with more visitors in tow.

There are three floors: first level displays the kitchen with oven and pasta making section, second is an airconditioned floor, and last but not least, the alfresco third floor where me and my parents enjoyed the fresh breeze and view over the beautiful south of Iloilo with our pet dog.

Did I forget to mention they were pet friendly? Well, yes. Yes, they are pet friendly.

Grazie per il cibo delizioso!...

Honest-to-goodness Italian cuisine that does not hide within the confines of having a picturesque modern industrialist style interior, mood lighting or lux menus that so often new restaurants seem to go with to reel in customers.

None of that pretentious stuff here. You get the sun, the sea breeze (if you choose to dine Al Fresco), the Italian background music (Il Padrino yessss!), the chequered red and white table cloths and the wine selection hanging on the wall. Basically, your stereotypical Italian restaurant.

But that isn't to throw shade or critique it's interior design, it's how you know this place is legit. Handcrafted and freshly baked pasta and dough made by the chef. The buratta pizza was just simply incredible. The porchetta melts in your mouth and their gnocchi simply a joy to be had. If you're absolutely craving for superb Italian food. This place is it.

Molto bene. Complimenti allo Chef...