Cucina di Vincenzo — Restaurant in Liverpool

Disappointing Experience – Poorly Handled Special Occasion

We visited this restaurant today to celebrate a 9-year-old’s birthday an occasion we were all looking forward to but unfortunately, the experience left us very disappointed.

We had made the original booking five days prior for six people, but on the day of the booking, we called to amend it to eight people, including a request for a high chair and space for a pushchair. While we understand that same-day amendments can be a challenge, we were assured it would be updated. When we arrived just 15 minutes late (with prior notice) the changes clearly hadn’t been processed, and we were left feeling like a burden rather than guests.

From the moment we walked in, the host was quick to remind us that the table had to be vacated by 7:15pm. While we completely understand time limits on bookings, we were reminded multiple times throughout our visit in a way that felt excessive and unwelcoming. The host’s tone bordered on patronising when taking our order, which only added to the feeling that we weren’t truly valued as customers.

To be fair, the female servers were fantastic, attentive, kind, and a real credit to the team. But the food felt rushed, and the quality didn’t meet our expectations, especially considering the occasion.

Overall, the experience left a bad taste in my mouth both figuratively and literally. I typically go out of my way to leave positive reviews, but in this case, I felt it necessary to share our disappointment. Sadly, I wouldn’t recommend this restaurant and won’t be returning, which is a shame given...

So what to say. What a gem. And a rare one at that! Taken here by a dear friend, thanks JJ! They live near but never been. Had heard of its growing reputation and we were excited to give it a go. Not in the centre of Liverpool, but not too far in a Uber. Late lunch at 1515, but it still had a great buzz from lunch-service. Tables continued to fill even after we arrived. Great table service from all. Shout out to Max! Love what they do here, seems they give youngsters a tryout as front of house, under supervision of course. But once they are up an running they have the room. So yes great service and it felt genuine too. So we had a two-hour slot, again a good sign in my book of an up and coming eatery. It said Italian on the door, on the menu and that is exactly what we got! The menu had a great choice, not too many thankfully. Some classics of course but do ask for what Special that day. Love seafood and we all went for that. Hope the pics work for you, because the taste did for us. Superb, every dish. Italian generosity on portion sizes too! Of course had an espresso - that is my guide to a decent Italian. Glad to say it hit the spot! We were talked into a dessert, we did not need it! But the homemade Bakewell is a must. OMG it's amazing. But be warned .... one to share (between three) was more than enough. So there you are, a great find outside the centre. Great at night as there are a number of places here, next door and across the street to also consider. Oh one thing .... you will and should book for Vincenzo, can't see you getting a table at night without!...

Great little place but because of location parking is very difficult. Is on the main road and therefore surrounded by double yellow lines with only a couple of spaces and there are a few places on that stretch (not their fault), side streets are also limited parking.

Food was really nice, everyone enjoyed their starters and most enjoyed their mains, I got the Pollo Milanese (Chicken) (recommended) and was seriously not worth it, it looked like a bit of roadkill, a flattened piece of chicken that was over salted and there was a very small tomato & onion salad with it and no sauce of any kind which made the whole thing very plain and not very palatable, left more than half of it.

We got the bill, paid it and then went to leave a tip, the waitress said "Oh no that's okay, the tip is included in the bill. We already put it on a service charge, we do it on all tables 6 or over".

This should be illegal, I know you can request it taken off but I didn't see the bill as there were 8 of us and we all chipped in, which means I have no idea what we paid as a service charge and it should be down to the customer to determine if a tip.not only deserved but how much.

Awarding yourself a percentage of someone's bill is very much assuming you're better at your job than you...