Via Alloro — Restaurant in Beverly Hills

HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE. I am absolutely outraged by the lack of professionalism and customer service this restaurant provides to its patrons. I was at Via Alloro a little over a month ago with my mother. I KID YOU NOT - There were TWO MICE running around our legs and under our table!!! Naturally, we were VERY distraught (as were other patrons). We asked the host to comp our meal since we could no longer enjoy it, and she said was not able to. She told us to get in touch with her manager at the time - Stephan. i emailed Stephan the next day, and he responded by letting me know he would like to invite my mother and I back to the restaurant and would compensate our meals, and to just call him when I'd like to return. Here is the exact email he sent me: Dear __,

Thank you for your email which we read with great attention.

We are very sorry about the incident which occurred on Thursday (September 13th). You can rest assure that we have taken all possible steps to avoid any discomfort and nuisance to our guests. Needless to say that our number one priority is to ensure that no rodent is or has been inside the restaurant/building. We are contracted with Matrix, a expert company which provides inspections and service on a regular basis and we have also addressed the issue to the City of Beverly Hills. One explanation could come from a construction site which is just in the neighborhood.

As we have a large amount of tables located outside for the greatest satisfaction of our clientele, we can easily recognize the damage this could cause to our business.

In consequence, I would like to invite you and your mother to return to Via Alloro at your convenience (lunch or dinner) as my guests. We will give you the choice of seating indoor or on the patio, and I will be delighted to meet with both of you.

Please call me at your convenience so that we can make all arrangements to compensate on your last visit.

For the last week, I have been trying to secure a reservation with Via Alloro. Stephan no longer works there, but the host initially told me it would be no problem. I got a call back from the both the host (who barely speaks english) AND the OWNER of the restaurant saying they could no longer honor that, and that they could provide a free dessert only. Not only did they go back on their word, but they lost customers for life - all for one simple, cheap meal. This restaurant could have easily and inexpensively fulfilled its promise which it made, but chose not to. They chose to inconsiderate, lack professionalism, and provide terrible service. I will never go back to this place, will tell my fellow attorney-colleagues and friends not to go back, and I will dispute this charge with my credit card. What terrible consequences for something that could have so easily been corrected and addressed to make the customer happy after such a terrible experience. NO WONDER THIS PLACE IS ALWAYS EMPTY. DO NOT GO HERE....

This was my second, and last visit to this restaurant. My first experience, the food was good and the service was efficient, however I witnessed behavior by the manager toward the waitstaff that struck me as rude. I sent an email to corporate regarding this behavior, but never received a response. I digress, however because my visit on Wednesday, December 7th was one for the books.

We were seated next to a couple that was entirely too drunk to continue getting served. They carried on speakerphone mobile phone conversations, shouting drunkingly into the phone. Finally, a woman from a six top next to us confronted them about it, as it turned out, this boorish, drunk behavior had been going on for the better part of an hour. The drunk woman proceeded to mutter under her breath about how she was friends with the manager (Armando) and calling the woman who confronted her a derogatory name.

She then drunkenly shouted for Armando to come over. So, Armando comes over and she starts calling the women at the other table the same derogatory name some more and Armando joins in on insulting the customers. After, that these drunks order more drinks and I am sitting there gobsmacked at how they are still being served. They are both slurring their speech almost incomprehensibly. The coup de grace was that she then knocked her drink (it appeared to be a chocotini) all over the table. All of this occurred over the course of 10 minutes. We weren't even able to peruse the wine list before their behavior became too much to tolerate.

I stood up, and left, confronting Armando on the way out. His response to this was to stare at me like a mute.

The level of professionalism at this establishment is abysmal. Management spends most of its time glad handing a select few regulars. Well, guess what; we are new to the neighborhood and have been scouting out regular establishments. This one won't be on the list. The Drago group needs to clean house on...

Via Alloro in Beverly Hills delivers a flawless five star Italian dining experience. The restaurant is helmed by executive chef Tanino Drago alongside chef Paolo Sicuro and guided by owner chef Giacomino Drago, each a respected culinary artist in the Drago family legacy. Their combined vision is what gives this place its soul and sets it apart from the countless Italian restaurants around the city.

Service here is impeccable from the moment you walk in. I happened to catch the U.S. Open playing on the TVs in the lounge, but make no mistake, this is not a sports bar. This is a refined and elegant Italian staple that manages to feel both welcoming and elevated. The outdoor patio with its fountains and greenery is a perfect place to enjoy a long meal, while the indoor space has a warm and sophisticated atmosphere.

The pizza is outstanding. The Margherita with its thin crust, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil is exactly what you want from a classic. The Tanino Drago pizza with tuna, Tropea onions, and jalapeño is a bold and memorable creation. Main courses are equally strong, from pastas like linguine alle vongole and penne with turkey sausage in a pink sauce to perfectly grilled meats and fresh seafood. The grilled octopus and house antipasti are also excellent choices to start a meal.

Every dish reflects careful sourcing and thoughtful preparation, with flavors that are both classic and inventive. Via Alloro is a true gem of Beverly Hills, a place where impeccable service, superb food, and a beautiful setting all come together. Five stars...