LA FINA RESTAURANT — Restaurant in Andover

Leaving 1 star not because the food wasn't delicious and the service ok, but because of how the events that took place were handled. It was not the restaurant's fault that the fire alarms went off for 30 minutes, but bear with me, I'll get to that. It's not a bad restaurant and staff was probably doing what they were told to do but it seemed really cold. I paid quite a bit for a rushed and mediocre experience. I wouldn't trust this restaurant with special occasions, but I would possibly come for drinks or apps with friends. Not anytime soon though since I come to visit my mom every 2-3 months.

I was excited to visit La Fina because it seemed like the perfect place to take my mother and celebrate her 72nd birthday. I actually flew from LA for the weekend just to take my mom out in town. Anyway, our waiter was professional, hostesses were kind, my mom's vodka gimlet was delicious and expertly made. I really enjoyed the mussels, the broth was so flavorful. Possibly the best mussels I've ever had. My mom had the lobster tostada as a starter.

After the appetizer plates were cleared, the alarms went off for 30 minutes straight. We had already put our dinner order in and a manager (I think), food runners AND our waiter assured us everything was fine. Our main dishes come out 20+ minutes into the alarms blaring and the fire trucks pull up with high beams pointing directly into our faces while we began eating. I was probably 1/3 of the way into eating my salmon when a busboy I hadn't seen previously came and said "everyone needs to evacuate, do you want to take your food with you?" I was instantly confused since I only saw people leaving that had finished their dinner and coffee/dessert. Everyone else was taking their time and finishing their drinks. I said sure, since I felt I had no choice. Busboy comes back with our food packed up and says bye. I stopped him because our waiter hadn't even come back and I wasn't sure if I owed anything on the bill. He gets our waiter which drops off the full check, not even a dessert comped OR the offer of a dessert since it was a birthday dinner (I would've gladly paid for dessert to go, it is my Mom's 72nd birthday). No sincere apologies but he did tell me I can come back tomorrow since this shouldn't happen again. I said no thanks. If this is how business is handled in these cases, it definitely isn't a place I want to frequent often. Like I said previously, I wouldn't trust this restaurant with a special occasion because you won't be taken care of if something unexpected happens. You'll basically be tossed out with a big check to pay and told to try again...

Normally head into Boston when looking for a great steakhouse, but was recommended this spot by many people on a Merrimack valley eats Facebook group. It did not disappoint! Had a res at 630 on a Friday, but got there at 530 and was able to sit right away due to being nearly empty(not surprising since it was quite early). The ambiance is beautiful here. They have valet parking outside, a coat check as well. The waiter came right over to us, and truly was one of the best waiters we’ve had. In such an upscale restaurant, Andrew was the perfect mix of professional, knowledgeable on the menu, and down to earth. He came over to us quite often, and was cracking jokes, he truly was the star of the show. We got the home made bread (my bf said it’s the best bread he has had) and ordered a couple of drinks. I had seen a drink on the menu from a couple months ago I was interested in, and the server informed me that that drink menu was for their lounge attached on the other side(that was having a private event) and they didn’t have the products over on the restaurant side. He went above and beyond though, and was able to have the bartender recommend a drink very similar to what we were looking for, which was probably better than the original one we wanted, it was delicious. He was only able to do this though because it was a little slower at that time, and of course, we wouldn’t have even asked if it were a little later in the night, as it got packed in here!

We ordered the pork belly, wagyu spring rolls, and a Caesar salad for starters. All of them were amazing. The salad was big enough to share as well. For entrees, I ordered the chicken dish which has an unbelievable sauce on it. Came recommended from waiter, and he was not wrong. My boyfriend got the short rib, literally fell apart when you touched it, it was so tender. We also got sides of the croquettes which had a light cream sauce on them (amazing, never had a croquette before) and the bacon Brussel sprouts. For dessert, he got the seasonal cinnamon bread dish with ice cream, and I got the cheesecake. Both also very good and made by their pastry chef. The whole experience was amazing, and I am not someone who ever writes reviews, but always looks at them, so I wanted to make sure I posted for anyone who is looking for a fancy dinner north of Boston, with great food and even...

Service is good food is not worth it wannabe upscale but food can't keep up and takes forever and comes out ruined. However Chicken dish molto bene mushroom risotto. Oscar was nice ask for him if possible very knowledgeable and thorough professional man so dang good for wine recommendations too genuinely impressed. Truffle fries are good here. Yes oysters is good maybe expensive but that's Andover and that's oysters. Pretty looking food tastes okay if you paying $140 for a steak make sure it's not blue inside and burnt outside 🙃 I can't make this up see my photo I mean serious look at that grey band to blue ratio and burnt seasoning this was also called mashed potatoes but in my opinion it was unevenly temperatured and lumpy cold mush. Chicaron or crispy pork belly is interesting idea it's Thai sweet chili and mango or something very sweet and savory. Micro greens less is more for everything. Scallop is good but not all seared equal but puree was smooth as silk and good with pome. I'm japanese and thought this sushi pretty good interesting idea to use olive oil I know some japanese chefs do so but expensive for the low qual caviar if your upcharge for caviar ask to see it opened. Not bad but room was too loud and managers always laughing in dining room every three second. Also interesting hot dog with gold flakes very tacky why even have on the menu? Had to check if it was real lol La Fina means the finest in other languages idk how hot dog translates in the menu but to each their own. Yikes to the night club next door idk how it's a good idea to share a bathroom if you are near that section good luck I was far away and was disrupted and annoyed even in the normal atmosphere anytime that door opens everyone knows from the bathroom to the bar. And no dress code apparently teenagers wearing basketball shorts and graphic t shirts really takes from atmosphere of classy and finest💫 would highly recommend a dress code, but Phillips Academy money go figure. Will end review with lobster Mac and cheese was pretty good but to each their own and random tomato, rosemary, and garlics is cute garnish but waste because...