La Strada — Restaurant in American Canyon

Deplorable treatment at La Strada. My family had a horrible experience at La Strada tonight on Valentine’s Day. My son made a point of being home from medical school at UC Davis to have a romantic dinner with his girlfriend. He wanted to show her a nice evening for her continued support during their time apart and let her know that she means everything to him. He chose this special day to propose.

When they arrived at La Strada this evening it was first come, first serve. They were seated and waited patiently. Four separate older groups were seated after them and served promptly. There was another younger party seated in the corner that was also served. My son and his girlfriend continued to wait and did not have a server come to take their order while those who were seated later placed their orders. There appeared to be 4 servers on duty.

I have never condoned my children to play the race card. However in this instance it may be warranted. My son is Black and his girlfriend Is Latina. He was the only black person there and the only table not be be served, as they were watching each table. The other aforementioned groups seated after them were all white. I told him maybe they thought you wouldn’t tip well because of your age, but they stated there was a young white couple seated after them that had their order taken. I tried to find other possible reasons but there was none. They truly felt it was because my son was black. I have never known him to say this before.

Since they have both been food servers, they understood this was a busy day but continued to be ignored by the serving staff. They asked to speak with a manager and one of the servers that had ignored them stated he was in charge. They didn’t feel validated after bringing up their concerns and asked to speak with someone higher in charge. The first server sent over another server, who had ignored them as well prior to coming to speak with them. They were offered to have their first drinks comp’ed but they weren’t drinking anything. They decided to leave.

My son is not a thug. He is educated, respectfully, well spoken, and presentable. His girlfriend is likewise. She was the one who told me she felt it was because my son is black. My son was embarrassed, hurt, and no longer felt he could ask her hand in marriage given the way the evening had progressed. He was disheartened to know he could be responsible for caring for the lives of others and yet still not good enough to be served in a restaurant in his home town. I have few words to offer him to change his mind in this matter. I can only hope that going forward people will not invalidate someone based on potential preconceived bias.

Shame on La Strada staff for negatively impacting what should have been a romantic evening and marriage proposal for a...

On 5/30/25 at 1:10 P.M, I called La Strada American Canyon and owner Adriano answered my call and I made a reservation for a Birthday Party of 7 for 4:00 P.M. for 6/15/2025, at the small banquet room by the bar. I also told them that I had a 95 year old person in a wheelchair and I wanted to be separate and it was also Father's Day. On 6/12/2025, at 10:59 A.M., I confirmed with Andy for the reservation for the small banqet room by the bar. Everything was set and confirmed.

Today, 6/15/2025, I arrived with my party at 3:50 P.M. to be given a table at the bar but not at the small banquet room that I requested. Chloe and Eve (front desk staff) said they couldn't accomodate me because that room was reserved for VIPs at 5 o'clock. and guess she thought I wasn't an important person. I asked to see owner Adriano but he was too busy so the daughter Monica came out but still nothing but "you are making a scene and my employee is 15 years old" and "you shouldn't make a reservation with my Dad". Umm....Adriano answered the phone and said everything was a go. I also confirmed it on 6/12/25, with a guy but it wasn't Adriano but Andy. I replied, then maybe you all should do your job and answer the phones!

It is sad because Monica should have just let us have the small private banquet room by the bar since we were already there and reserved and confirmed for it. The "VIPS" (who didn't look any more VIP than me except they were whiter and older than me) came and hour later and they could have put them where we were seated when they arrived at 5:00 P.M.

In addition, in the Women's bathroom, there were 2 black blobs of something (I presume poop) in between the 2 stalls against the wall). I didn't want to take a picture because it was gross looking and by that time, I knew I wasn't going to ever recommend or go back to this restaurant! The restaurant was supposed to close down years ago and it should do so if they don't honor reservations and confirmations and that they don't treat everyone as Very Important People.

Adriano came out of hiding to talk to bar staff but never did he apologize and greet my party nor admit the mistakes concerning the handling of my reservation.

Bad customer service all around! As an event planner and one who has worked in the restaurant business, I will never recommend your restaurant again! La Strada is definitely NOT high standards for food and service (even though the restaurant touts that in their website and that is false marketing)!!!

Save yourself and go...

I really enjoyed our Christmas Eve dinner here. We didn't have a reservation but were seated right away. I loved the Tuscan decor and it was quite cozy with Christmas decorations making it look extra festive. We were greeted with a smile and kind words by the lovely hostess.

Our server seemed to be overwhelmed but he did his best.

The food-

Fried Calamari appetizer for the table to share. The rings were a bit chewy but the tentacles were good. Fried well, good flavor.

Baked Sole with veggies a side of pasta -,Delicious. The sauce on the fish was rich and flavorful and the fish was cooked perfectly. Good portion of fish too.

Special if the night-linguine with seafood. My daughter said it was really good but that next time she'd tell them to hold the calamari. It was chewy. The seafood consisted of, salmon pieces, shrimp, scallops, lobster, mussels and clams. It was in a garlic butter sauce.

Veal Marsala with polenta and a side of spinach and Veal Picatta with the same side. - I've never been a fan of polenta but this polenta was AMAZING. Smoothe, buttery and a hint of spice that I couldn't pinpoint (maybe nutmeg) the veal was tender and the sauce was very good.

They provided bread and garlic/herb olive oil that was a great start to the meal.

Everything was served hot and fresh and didn't take long at all.

I'd go back. In fact my son frequents this establishment often, since he...