La Dolce Tavola — Restaurant in Rugby

We've been here twice before and had a lovely time. Unfortunately, it wasn't the case on Friday night and it's left us thinking we won't be back.

I booked the table for a pre-theatre meal. Theatre starts at 1930 so I left a note on the reservation "need to be finished around 1915", the intention of the note was to give the staff the heads up that we'll possibly need more prompt service. I received no call or messages following the reservation request that this wouldn't be possible or would lead to menu restrictions so assumed all is well.

We arrived and 15 minutes after arrival (still giving us 60 minutes) the waitress came to take our order. She told us we only had the table until 1900 and then said to my husband he couldn't order anything but pasta off the menu because it would take too long. We were really taken aback and said that the reservation was actually until 8pm as per the email confirmation but I had put a note on - thinking I was being helpful - that we'll need to leave before then.

The waitress spoke to the kitchen and they confirmed that we could order what we wanted and this would be served to us in time which I was grateful for.

What was frustrating is, it was obvious an accidental communication issue which turned into the staff becoming argumentative with us and even bringing the booking laptop over to prove that I had written a note and basically, it was my fault and they'd booked another table in for 1930. How long does it take to clear a table of 4? 15-30 minutes apparently... the situation wasn't dealt with in a professional way and instead we were left like we had done something wrong and felt incredibly unwelcome.

The kitchen staff did a fantastic job and got our orders out really quickly but we had poor service from waiting staff after this initial conversation who either ignored us or made awkward, grimacing faces towards us when we asked for a drink or had our plates cleared.

We did finish our meal in time for the theatre and their next table. We had left by the predicted 1915 but for having to book so far in advance, have average food and made to feel unwelcome we don't think this is a local business we will support in the future which is...

A real mixed experience! We were celebrating a special birthday for our mother and we all had travelled from around the country. We were tempted by the great reviews so thought let’s come here. We were advised we had to pre-order all of our dishes for all courses so we did that as there were 11 of us - I don’t normally like doing this as you never know what you feel like when you arrive or if you want a special. We arrived early, but were seated because the table was free - ‘rustic’ table with ‘rustic’ chairs, not the most comfortable but okay and in theme with the atmosphere there are trying to create. Service was very friendly but a bit slow at time, had to ask to order drinks over 20 minutes after our booking time (35 minutes after our arrival). Drinks arrived and put on the table, normally used to being asked if I would like to try the wine and wasn’t, but maybe it isn’t that type of Italian restaurant? Would have been a nice touch though. Starters were very generous and tasty, although once I had the three prawns on my dish, I was left with a bucket of crisps, had to return them as too many. Everyone seemed to enjoy their starters, all were generous portions. Mains came, everyone was quite full so did ended up packing quite a lot of it to take home. I had pre-ordered the steak dish, wasn’t really given an option of how it was cooked but when I fed this back, was told quite bluntly I should have specified on the pre-order, no apology! We didn’t have desserts which probably was a good thing as half of them weren’t available anyway. Really wanted to give this place more stars, but for the price I really would expect more. Maybe this is the best Rugby can do but it’s a shame as this place had great potential. Also, when giving feedback at the end, instead of taking it on board, apologising and then explaining, I did feel that they were just very defensive and not listening - which is a shame, as I probably would have written a slightly...

I have been waiting for a decent Italian to open in Rugby. This was a great find. I go into Rugby town center weekly and I must say, I have walked past this restaurant and not even noticed it. The manager informed me they had been open roughly 6 months. It's not very well lit from the outside so is quite hard to notice in the dark and only found this place upon a recommendation.

I took my girlfriend here for her birthday as she loves Italian food! When I prebooked, there was a £10 deposit that must be paid (to ensure you don't just book and not turn up) which is removed from the final bill. I was told on the phone I would only have the table for 1 hour due to a very busy night. I must admit, whilst I was slightly worried about that, I still went ahead and booked the table as I was eager to try this new place out.

Upon arrival we were greeted by a young girl who I am not sure of her name but was very friendly. We were quickly seated. The menu was slightly daunting for me but my girlfriend had no trouble with it as she is a bit more clued up when it comes to Italian. The waitress who took our order (who I also didn't get the name of) was very helpful and friendly. Our food came out 5 minutes after ordering it which is the quickest I've ever received food at a restaurant before. I was amazed. The food couldn't be faulted, it was delicious. Nobody came to check back on us during our meal but that wasn't something I was massively unhappy about as you could see the staff were swept off their feet.

After asking for the bill, the manager had a chat with me and asked me how everything was. Safe to say I will be returning in the future. The atmosphere was great and the decor was beautiful. Really makes you feel like...