Osteria La Briccola — Restaurant in Ashland

Sunday was my birthday and we had a reservation for 5 plus a newborn baby. We waited about 10 minutes after being seated to have our drink orders taken. The restaurant was less than half full but we were shoved into a 4-top in the back room, expected that 3 would sit on the booth side. Once the drink orders were taken, it was another 10-15 minutes before our food order was taken. Our appetizers and salads came out before our drinks. Every wave of service the drinks and food were confidently set in front of the wrong person, so we constantly were directing where the food was to go- they didn’t ask, just went to put each one in front of whoever.

Our server came out as we were eating appetizers and told us the drinks were delayed because they’d had a mishap with whipped cream getting everywhere? Finally the drinks came and we were moving as much as we could off the crowded table for space, no help. The server apologized for the pace of things and said something about someone else being new. Then the server asked if we wanted bigger sharing plates- I commented that I didn’t think there would be any space for bigger dishes. Just before entrees came out the server came and stared at our table looking very confused and put large spoons down for everyone.

Then another employee, younger woman, delivered two salmon entrees but when she put them down she said “your lasagna” and AGAIN- “and your lasagna”. We were all confused and scoured the menu for something with an Italian name that she could have said instead- but alas, she told us twice that the salmon was lasagna 😆 No biggie, but perhaps one of the most bizarre service experiences I’ve had. The food was pretty good and the atmosphere was nice- except being shoved into a corner booth with a party of 5 (and a newborn baby) next to another 4 top that was so close it felt like we were one party. We also had to take our water and candle back from their table once they were sat with no problem-solving help from the server.

When I returned from the bathroom the server was standing in front of our table, looked back at me with a blank stare (who could not sit down at my spot unless she moved) and then turned back around and ignored me while I stood awkwardly in the crowded, small room with nowhere to go while she finished talking to our table.

Each person ordered 2-3 drinks, appetizers and entrees plus dessert and/or dessert cocktails. When we asked to split the check 3 ways, the server made a weird face, dropped the bill off and told us we had to separate the amounts ourselves and tell her what to charge. They didn’t have items assigned to seating positions and everything is named in Italian so it took a bit of time to decode and get it right. She checked on us more times to see if we were done figuring out the bill than she did when we were being served the meal.

The attitude of the server at that point was fake-sweet. Two of us have extensive experience working (and dining) in fine dining- I myself have worked at several upscale Ashland restaurants in previous years and my friend is the manager of another popular local spot in the valley- and all of us were appalled.

Our reservation stated it was for 2 hours online but it was a 3 hour process due to the pace of service. The service was incredibly disappointing… slow (she so often looked deeply confused), unhelpful, inaccurate, with subtle rude attitude and lacking in the quality deserved for that price point. I’ve heard a lot of hype about this place and the food was good, but not good enough to pay that price for slow and poor service. I hope they are able to make some adjustments, I might try them again if they took some responsibility for their staff and accommodated us with an appropriate table for our...

We arrived with no reservations at 7 pm on a Monday and the place was bustling with activity. We waited 15 minutes and scored a bar seating- mission accomplished! The menu looked terrific and we started with Insalata Tricolore Con Gorgonzola. This was perfectly balanced with creamy, not-too pungent Gorgonzola and toasted, caramelized walnuts with a variety of greens awash with balsamic vinegar. We also ordered the Guazzetto Di Vongole- a tasty rendition of sautéed manila clams and black mussels, in a garlic, white wine, light-spicy tomato broth; this was magnificent and we even took the broth home as it would have been criminal to waste it. I would have drank the entire bowl was I not worried about leaving room for entrees. Despite a couple of absolutely tantalizing specials offered, my date opted for a hand-made spaghetti: Filetto Di Pomodoro E Aglio Arrosto. This was a tomato filet, roasted garlic, basil, extra-virgin olive oil presentation which did not disappoint. I decided to double down on the amazing seafood and tried the Bigoli Della Briccola- as it shared the namesake of the establishment. This was a squared-shaped spaghetti with clams, shrimp and mussels, in a white wine, lightly-spicy tomato sauce. It did not disappoint; this was an expert blend of flavors, with a perfectly al-dente bite. We closed the meal with Crème Caramel All'Amaretto. This was a light and creamy caramel flan topped with a shot of Amaretto liquor, crumbled Italian almond cookies, hand-made whipped cream, and blackberry mint garnish. We alternated this with sips of a 2024 uncasking of 98.6 proof, Blood Oath Bourbon. Magnificent! I felt our entire experience transported us for a moment in time, to northern-Italy to indulge in the region's history, food, love, and expert preparation of the region's best culinary offerings. As we preparred to depart we had a surprise encounter with Chef Davide Ghizzoni. We found him engaging, gracious and sincere. As those who reside in Oregon already know, Osteria La Briccola is a true gem! We could not recommend this restaurant more highly and we will be returning as long as the doors...

A tragic situation occurred during our last visit to Osteria La Briccola last Thursday around 5:30 pm. I can’t go back. When we arrived at the restaurant, it was about 90% empty, and we asked the hostess if we could take a seat at the bar or if they had a table for 2. She began looking through her reservations when the general manager, Davide Fortunati, approached the stand to discuss with the hostess. When they turned back to us, they told us that the earliest they could seat us was 7:45 pm. At that time, I decided to leave, and my friend continued to listen to the GM. I walked out, and my friend followed shortly after, when I turned to wait for him, I saw Davide Fortunati come out of the restaurant; I assumed he might have found an opening for us, but instead, he looked at us, smiled, and waved goodbye. I can’t go back. I found this to be appalling and rude; why would someone do this to me? I have come to understand that when there is no reason, there is a reason. Is he rude, obnoxious, and insecure, or worse? Is it because of the color of my skin? Is that the reason? Is it because I am not a celebrity like the ones in the many pictures plastered on the wall? Did I forget to grease his palms? “I can’t go back.” We have spent thousands of dollars and supported this restaurant over the last 2 to 3 years. My friend loves and patronizes this restaurant regularly, and we both supported this place during Covid. My friend has a home in Ashland, and I have an office in Medford; we are both very familiar with all the eateries in the area. A restaurant is a place of love and compassion prepared by and served by good loving people. If this Davide Fortunati can treat me like this, I hope he does not treat his workers similarly. I see many of the servers at other restaurants in Ashland; they work 2 or 3 jobs. Being a waiter for ten years and supporting myself through college, I know how hard the work is, but I loved making people happy, shame on you, Davide Fortunati. “I won’t go back” to Osteria...