La Piazzetta — Restaurant in East Hampshire

After leaving a glowing review before, I have had the most unpleasant evening here (from service from all staff, the food and the part owner - the bearded one). Rushed starters - twice, whilst still visibly eating it, I was asked if the plate could be cleared and all within 10 minutes of receiving it. My main was brought within seconds of my starter being taken. The spaghetti vongole was unbelievably under cooked (not just al dente, but really hard pasta). On changing it, the new dish had no flavour as it had been rushed. I left the most of it. My wife ordered beef medallions with brandy sauce, but got a steak with pepper sauce. My wife had been here literally a few days ago with a friend and had the same meal. She said it was totally different that night (but what it was meant to be and what she expected it to be). She accepted what she had been given though, but I did mention the error to the part owner. He would not accept the steak wasn't medallions - stating it was x1 fillet steak, which was medallions. It wasn't fillet either - certainly wasn't tender as fillet should be. He agreed it wasn't brandy sauce though. My wife didn't bother mentioning that the chips were not cooked too (and they came late, after reminding them she had ordered them) and the vegetables were not as described on the menu. My meal was taken off the bill, my wife's wasn't. I realise she accepted it, but a slight reduction could've been offered as it was wrong, or at least a proper apology given. It wasn't - the part owner (and I don't know if my complaints started to irritate him too much, whilst he was on his mobile phone) just became slightly nasty instead. He was also very keen to get me away from the table next to me (who he was quite friendly with). I guess privately owned businesses can afford to be that way (and this restaurant does have a good reputation, so I'm small fry), compared to the chains. Shame, we've had good experiences up to now and would have gone back many more times (probably monthly) and would've recommended to many. Not now. I understand mistakes with food, but when your paying good money, you have a right to complain when it's all wrong - but you don't expect unpleasant behaviour from the owner due...

Before our entire party had arrived we were asked if we had decided what we had wanted for our meal.

The waitress then mistakenly took down our starters. One arrived extremely late with no apology, just panic over her face. I appreciate we’re all human and we all make mistakes, but taking responsibility as a waitress or restaurant is all part of the role.

As for the food. Having raved about and thoroughly enjoyed all the food here prior to this review, I was gutted. The pizza was soggy and lacked any sort of flavour. The cheese fell off all the pizzas and I personally think the portobello mushroom starter was only the amazing thing we had.

My favourite dish is usually pepperoni with extra chilli. I’ve been charged this evening for having extra nothing.

I am so disappointed and will struggle to order from here again...

I go to this little gem every now and then but have never left a review, but I think I shouldn't gatekeep this great restaurant any longer. The risotto special (mushroom and thinly sliced beef) last night was exceptional and the prawn starter was beautiful and is always a go-to for me. My friends all enjoyed their meals too and we have a lovely relaxing evening. The staff were attentive but discreet, and we didn't feel rushed at all. The food came out hot and fairly quickly too, which was welcomed by our party as we well all quite hungry! Book early as I would say you would be lucky to get a table as a walk-in. My only criticism would be they close fairly early but it would never stop me dining here. I guess this way the staff get home at a more reasonable hour, which is not...