Amore Mio Trattoria — Restaurant in Arlington

Dang, I really hate writing bad reviews but this place is BLINKING AWFUL. Let me start with the food is good, way over priced but good, it’s the service that was what ruined this place for me and the rest of my party.

On 10/25/2024 we decided to give this place a try with 7 friends. We arrived about 7:00 and were the only table in the house (BTW, this was a Friday evening so sad) a little later 2 couples came is so it’s not like the place was packed.

After a little time chatting we ordered our meals and all was going pretty well. When they brought out the meals they brought out 7 but there were 8 in our party. We assumed the last meal would be out in a few minutes but, as time clicked by, still nothing and not a word from the server. Everyone on our end of the table had not started eating our meals because it’s rude to start eating before everyone is served.

After about 10 minutes the guy what was not served asked the server, who finally came back around, she just said it was coming then walked away. At about the 20 minute mark, when she came back around, the guy just told the server to box up his order and bring the check. This just seemed to piss her off.

At this time, we finally started eating our meals, which were pretty much cold by now, and the clock was still ticking on his meal. Although I didn’t know the guy, we had met a couple of times, I was getting madder and madder at the server on his behalf and my meal was not only cold but completely ruined from my anger.

About the 30 minute mark they finally brought out his meal. No apology no anything just a box in a plastic bag. By this time they had sent out a surly young man and I asked what are they going to do to help make this right. The look in his face was a pissy HOW DARE YOU (thought he might clutch his pearls). Finally he said they would give a discount which I said 100% correct? (He was not amused) I think in finally wound up being 50%.

Finally we eat our meal, which was ok even cold. While eating, not once did a server come to our end of the table to check on us or offer water refills. So we were having to ration our water with the very rich meal.

Then the checks came out and this is when the FUN really started. My husband had paid the bill without me seeing it. When it came back out I took a look and saw the mandatory 20% gratuity. I was commenting that it was ridiculous that we should be charged a tip when the service completely sucked. I guess the surly guy from earlier was standing behind me and he started yelling that if I didn’t pay he would call the police (the bill was already paid). Now this really really pissed me off. Now it’s time for me to clutch my pearls.

He started yelling, I started yelling and to tell the truth this was not a pretty scene and the people at our table were not comfortable at all. I have never been yelled at by a server and the more he yelled the madder I got and the more I yelled. Not my finest hour but I’m not ashamed at all although I do apologize to my friends. We were the only ones in the place by this time.

I realize that they have a mandatory gratuity with larger parties but I’m still pissed that we can get absolutely no service and still have to pay for the privilege of having a crappy evening.

Apparently as we were leaving the waiter yelled “next time go to Olive Garden”. I’m sure Olive Garden would have been a MUCH better choice so we might just do that. Needless to say, we will not be back. Plus having a total of 12 people of a Friday night, I doubt they will be around...

After reading the reviews over the last year, I can see why at 7p on a Sunday, in December, it was empty. First when I called for a reservation for 10 plus a baby, I had to give a credit card and was informed if I didn't show, it would cost me $20 a person... interesting...this led me to believe they were a very busy and sought after restaurant, like you would find in the big cities...I got excited that this might be a new find for our culinary pleasure. OMG, the place was empty. The table was set, with 4 top rounds, as I was warned, but they had rectangular tables nearby...why not use them? Much more efficient...we had 2 young kids and a baby...they needed to be close to adults. The wonderful server, Zion, was very courteous and immediately changed it up, so things would work better. We waited for everyone to arrive, but ordered 2 of each appetizers to pass the time. When everyone was ready, we ordered all at once...the food came out in one's and twos with one order being forgotten, although no one admitted to it. Can the chef not cook more than one item at a time?...your server bragged on you...not impressive. Our server had virtually no help, yet there were servers there doing nothing (teamwork anyone??). The food was good, but not great...it was light on flavor...I promise you, I know great Italian.

Look, food and fine restaurants across the country is a hobby and I was raised near NYC, with tons of Italians (and yes, I have worked and run a very successful restaurant in Dallas). This restaurant is off and has been on and off for a years according to reviews. You're not fancy, your food is good, but not stunning, although the seafood appetizer and Tiramisu were winners and you're not a high demand restaurant in a big city...reality check time...check your kitchen, too slow. Check your chef, not on point, food is weak, Check your server policies...all hands on deck when guests in the house...this is not zone football, it's meant to be a classy, upscale restaurant, but it isn't, no matter how nice the server is. Reality about food (read your reviews...we want great food from you) and training in being of superior service...we should have had 2 people catering to our needs...they still can serve other tables. Water should never be empty. Dirty dishes should be cleared immediately...you want people to hangout, to enjoy the atmosphere...oh and please add some warmth...the restaurant echoed...too "cold" for fine Italian dining...more decor.. flowers? Something. Please, you are in Arlington, Texas, and not NYC. But, many of us still know great food. Please, as many in your reviews have said, management, get your act together...you should be packed in December. Oh, one more thing! Please have some printed menus for us old folks who have vision problems...it's torture looking at our phones...

We went here tonight for my cousin's graduation. Terrible customer service. I spoke to the manager/owner, Pedro, not really customer friendly.

6:00pm reservation for a party of 26. Only water the first half hour (half of our table didn't even get water until we flagged someone down), bread at one end of the table & bread at the other end... nothing for the guests in between, orders didn't get taken until at least 45 minutes. Food came slowly... I understand, 26 orders is alot. At least five orders were missing & the staff didn't notice it. No one came to our table so our party waited & their food was getting cold until our waitress came back up & we let her know. It had become beyond frustrating at this point & I went down to talk to the manager.

I talked to him to the side of the bar because like I told him, I get it. I wasn't there to cause a scene or yell. We've all done customer service, this was poor & not only disappointing but my cousin felt bad because of the experience we were having & this should've been her day. Pedro, kept interrupting me... explained they were short staffed, told me that upstairs where we reserved to sit only really accommodated 18 not 26. That explains the small wooden table pushed against the dining tables. That's on him, if the private space wasn't adequate it should've been explained, don't commit to something you can't do. Then he told me they almost didn't open today... excuse after excuse. I said I've been a supervisor/manager for 20 years & this is poor customer service. Had he supported his staff or communicated to us we would've understood. Even earlier, we told the waiter who helped the waitress with water, we don't mind if you just bring us pitchers so we can help ourselves & help them. I told him his staff was great & working hard, but it's staffing your business, training, & communication. Again, excuse after excuse.

When the last plates were getting served my other cousin went to talk to him... since this is the first time Pedro actually helped & brought some plates up himself. I asked them to talk away from the table & we went to the corner. My cousin continued to explain his concerns & again excuses, I reiterated that we would have been understanding because we've all been there. Pedro then asked if I thought I could do a better job. Absolutely Pedro!

We made sure the tip went to the appropriate staff members. Thanks to our main waitress & the other girl and guy who helped. I never once heard Pedro say he was sorry or take responsibility for anything, that's not how you run a business. And staff, if he doesn't support you (we also hope he didn't blame you all)... find a...