Casa Italia — Restaurant in Sandwell

We have been going here for over 5 years and have always found it to be great, but this time it was very poor. Table booked via website even asks if it's for a special occasion. I'm not sure why because they seem not to be interested if it is as we had selected the anniversary and nothing was mentioned. When we walked in, we were asked if we had a reservation and then told we could pick our table. The restaurant was not busy at this point. So we had a decent choice of the 2 cover tables. Our order was taken, and I had requested a tagliatelle carbonara but asked for it not to have too much sauce in it if possible. My starter came, and the wifes starter took a good few minutes to follow. There was no offer of pepper or parmesan cheese or even a spoon with the pasta. Within about 2 forks worth, it was clear the pasta was greasy to the point that if I angled the bowl, the oil ran over the other side. There was no sauce at all to the dish. I opted to stop eating it at that point, and when we finally got noticed we had finished and the plates were being taken away, I mentioned the issue as we had not been asked if everything was OK. The young lady said she would mention it to the chef but never came back to me. The main course was the pollo with asparagus with a delecate blend of cream and lemon. I think that's how it is worded on the menu. Well, the delicate blend had got blown out the window. The sauce was about 10 seconds away from splitting, and it had started to split. The asparagus had no taste apart from lemon . Why was that much lemon applied to a delicate flavour is questionable. The laugh was then my wife being offered the pepper and cheese to go with her pasta main course. The meal overall was not what we have ever had in the restaurant, the service was poor. we never got asked if everything was OK or if we wanted more drinks at any point. I'm not sure if the front of house staff were inexperienced or if it's just the standards of service that are that bad. Not 100% sure seeing one of the girls in legging trainers and a top that showed off her midriff was part of the dining experience. Again once I was able to get somones attention I asked for the bill, got to say bit of a surprise to see the pasta starter on the bill, the restaurant was busy and I was not going to make a fuss as you can hear the next tables conversation and I did not want to spoil someone's night out. I have over 15 years experience in running restaurants, both high volume and high end, but what I saw on our trip was poor. Nothing against the front of house staff as if that's how they are left to do things they will do it. I'm not sure if you have changed chefs, or I was just the unlucky one, but overall, it's not a night I would be singing about from...

Customer service was 10/10. Staff were polite, friendly and warm. Not too intrusive and checked in at appropriate times. We felt really welcome and at ease.

Food was 10/10. I had the Americano pizza which was clearly made with fresh ingredients. My partner had the calzone and we shared a salad. Salad was fresh and came with a really tasty dressing. Had the home made tiramasu for desert and it was absolutely gorgeous!

I didn't know what to expect as the location between an a fast food shop and petrol station isn't oozing kerb side appeal. I have lived in the area for over 5 years and this is my first try after a recommendations from my partners family. I would definitely visit again!!

Food was spot on!! Lovely Monday...

I will start with the table service that was very unprofessional and was rolling his eyes on us. The food is not the best but for the price I've paid I was expected to eat at least as good as Picolino or Fumo. The place is very very small and very crowded. At the end we paid 63,20 but here is the catch ... they put service charge even we were 2 people not 5 as they write on they menu. I've called to ask what is with the 7.50£ on my bill and the rude guy from the phone said is the service charge but mate even if it was so you charged more than 10% . I expect this 7.50 to be refunded in my bank account . Very very disappointed and I attach the bill and the meniu not to try...