Campagnolo Restaurant + Bar — Restaurant in Atlanta

I had the absolute WORST brunch experience at Campagnolo this morning. Before I went, I called to check if there was a table on the patio available and if they were dog friendly - both yes. Our party of 3+dog arrives and they have a DJ out on the patio. Seems fun but they seated us right next to the DJ’s blaring speaker which also happened to be in the sun. A table was available at the other end of the patio and slightly more shaded so we moved over there.

A waiter came over, put glasses down on our table with the water pitcher in his hand and we told him we moved over to this table so it wouldn’t be so loud. He replied “oh then you’re not my table anymore” and left us with empty glasses in the extreme heat. We assumed he went to get the correct server.

We sat around for about 15 minutes with no water so I went inside and explained to a waiter that we had moved tables because of the DJ speaker and pointed out where we were sitting. He said he understood so I came back outside again assuming someone was coming.

Another 15 minutes later, nobody had come. My dog was panting and we were all thirsty so once again I went inside. I couldn’t find a waiter but a girl who was volunteering asked if I needed anything. She was LOVELY, brought us water, and was so apologetic. She didn’t even work there but explained to us that this was an event going on after the Pride 5K and they were raising money for a cause (we ended up buying raffle tickets for some prizes and understood why there was a DJ).

She got us a waiter who finally came to take our order. We ordered 2 mimosas and 1 bellini. He came over about 10 minutes later to tell us they were out of bellinis and the champagne was warm and being chilled so our mimosas would be awhile.

We ordered a frittata, sandwich, steak and eggs, and arugula salad amongst us. Most of the food came fast enough and was fine, but my friend never received her arugula salad. She figured it wasn’t worth asking about and brushed it off.

Overall it was bad from beginning to end. We got our bills which was for our whole meal (naturally). I even spoke up and nicely told the waiter that we had a really bad experience which was a shame because i live in the neighborhood and usually like coming to Campagnolo for pasta dinners. He knew our experience had been bad and agreed with us and told us they were short staffed because of the event. I understand things happen, but It would’ve at least been nice if they had comp’d the mimosas or brought us another or had done something to recognize the terrible service since they agreed they messed up.

I’m not one to write reviews (and am obviously only doing this for a bad experience) but was so upset by this from a restaurant that I’ve enjoyed the other couple of times I’ve been. Doubt I’ll be going...

Upon walking in we were told we needed vaccination cards to prove we are vaccinated. Thankfully we had some vaccine cards on us, however, this isn’t NYC and it isn’t mandated in Atlanta and shouldn’t be a practice. Other than a few patrons at the bar, the restaurant was empty on a Friday night. This was a little concerning, but I am sure that having a Vax Card is a big reason for this. Once we were sat, we ordered the Beef and Pork meatballs as an appetizer served over creamy polenta. Note to the chef, if you can’t cut a meatball with a fork, then it is too dense. It was hard and dry and tiny. Seemed like it was a few days old and reheated. The polenta was ok, but bland. Someone in the kitchen needs to find and learn how to operate a salt shaker. For our entrees, we chose the Chicken Piccata and the Lasagna Matta. The piccata came out with two incredibly small chicken tenders. The entire meal was flavorless and bland. It was served in a soup around the noodles. This must have been the attempt at the piccata sauce. The 7 capers they had in the sauce did little to fix the taste. The Lasagna came with high praises from the waiter. Once we got to the actual lasagna, it was actually good. But they covered it in so much cheese that we had to dig to get to the meat and noodles. The cheese made for a layer of grease that was walled off with some of the noodles to make the rest edible. For dessert we went with a chocolate cheesecake. This was a brown hockey puck that had clearly been frozen and then refrigerated. It was hard on the outside and as dense as the person who came up with the Vaccinated only rule. It was just bad. Final tally….Hard Pass.

Since there is no way to reply to your reply, I figure I would update my post. Not once did you come to our table. And yes, the pictures do look good. But you can put lipstick on a pig and underneath, it's still a pig. The meal was not worth the money. Your response shows me that you don't take criticism well. I have reviewed well over 100 restaurants, from a chick fil a, all the way to Michelin rated restaurants. You fall in the category of Wendy's. If I eat at Wendy's, I have a certain expectation. When I pay $150 for a meal, I'd like to not need pepto bismol for the next week. Now you can use this to upgrade the way you store and prepare your food, or you can keep the chip on your shoulder and think you will survive with you bar up front. But hey, Gordon Ramsey is always looking for new places to fix on...

We loved the Covid protocols.

We enjoyed the food on several occasions for dinner, drinks, and dessert.

The expected/promoted piano entertainment was also enjoyed by our diverse guests. However, some evenings there was no one playing as advertised or promoted.

Atmosphere is ok. Perhaps better in warmer months outside. Inside, the lighting was frequently so dim that our group, as well as other tables needed flashlights to be able to read the menu!

The food is creatively well prepared and attractively plated. However, it sometimes misses the make due to missing ingredients - such as peas or golden raisins. Additionally, we did observe an expediter catch plated kitchen mistakes which were corrected - on a busy weekend evening.

Bread, although excellent, is challenging to receive - and only upon request. Our initial server provided a party of 2, 5 slices of Melba toast thickness sliced bread. My Calamari di Sicily was served with insufficient bread to sop the dishes copious sauce. Additional request bread never arrived..

Service can be greatly lacking as the wait staff takes turns with parties. So, your server may not deliver your food and the server may have tables in multiple indoor kevels or outdoors!

Expect to be told that "I will get your server" when requesting anything like bread or additional beverages.

The Wednesday $20 wine promo, on most winelist wines is promoted on social media. Not in house. Our $20 Malbec was charged at $39. Attempts to understand why have been unsuccessful from Campagnolo's General Manager or Floor Manager.

Parking is another story:

After driving three times between my Pine Hills section of Atlanta residence and Campagnolo (6.3 miles) - with no additional driving - a nail mysteriously acquired caused a very expensive tire replacement.

So, we do kinda recommend this restaurant with highest reservations. The estimated has somehow survived, in spite of itself, for an admirably long time. Perhaps, on local...