OGGI Ristorante Italiano — Restaurant in Charlotte

Last night my wife and I had our final dinner from OGGI’s Restaurant. We wanted to place a pick-up order so entered items on OGGI’s “online ordering” platform on their website. I received an email confirmation of the order #197405608 along with the time it would be ready -- 6:55pm. I arrived at 6:54 and found a waitress near the bar, asking she check if my order was ready. She went to the kitchen and returned stating it “will be up in a few minutes as it was being packaged now.” During the next 35 minutes I asked two other waitresses to check my order. Both said it will be ready soon. One waitress also suggested I not use OGGI’s online ordering system but call orders in. I explained my previous attempts at placing telephone orders have not worked because calls are answered by a greeter at the front door, who transfers them to the bartender who is responsible for recording information and taking it to the kitchen. The process collapses when the bartender is busy and doesn’t respond to the calls. The other waitress explained that order confirmations provide the approximate number of minutes when orders will be ready. I responded, saying her understanding is incorrect as the email confirmation lists a specific time, in my case 6:55pm, with no mention of information being an estimate. At 7:30pm the manager approached me to say that due to Covid, his restaurant like everyone else is having staffing problems and can’t offer reliable service. I explained my wife and I usually have meals at or pickup from Charlotte restaurants and OGGI’s is the only place where we experience constant problems. He agreed, it is probably better we use those other restaurants in the future. We enjoy OGGI’s food but can no longer accept their unwillingness to provide accurate and honest information nor offer a staff that operates with any kind of moral principles. Fortunately, there are two nearby restaurants – That’s Amori and Arooji’s – that have similar menus with food of equal quality. Most importantly, they both have employees who sincerely care about...

It isn’t easy to find a restaurant that excels in every aspect, but we found it yesterday at Oggi. We arrived early having been in the area for an appointment and wanting an early dinner before heading back home. We do love Italian and the reviews were good, but you just never know! We arrived just as the restaurant opened and we were warmly greeted and welcomed. Our server was Mark Anthony and he was absolutely superb. He provided stellar, professional, knowledgeable service and was attentive, but never overbearing. He was also very friendly and we did have wonderful conversation with him. The wine list was expansive and very good with wines from Italy and New Zealand which pleased both myself and my husband! The lovely bartender, Sara, brought us our wine, and chatted with us as well, which was a much appreciated gesture. And then there was the food! How did we, my husband with an Italian mother and being from New York, not know about this restaurant? My salad was fresh and flavorful. The bread was hot from the oven and tasted like bread I’ve eaten in Italy. My husband’s meatballs were perhaps the best I’ve ever tasted and the sauce was not just an after thought, as in so many Italian restaurants, it was exceptional! I had the chicken Milanese and it was seriously so good. I can’t wait to eat my leftovers tonight! I loved the fingerling potatoes - were they heirloom potatoes? The purples were so beautiful. I’m a potato girl being that I’m from New Zealand - delightful! We finished with bread pudding. Excellent bread pudding! I really, really want to go back again soon so that we can sample more of the menu and experience the impeccable service again. As I said, it’s not easy to find a restaurant that excels, not even the so called fine-dining five star restaurants in Charlotte, we are too often let down by one thing or another, but Oggi seems to do it effortlessly. Thank you to all for such an unexpected and wonderful dining experience! Ken and...

I want to express my utmost satisfaction and gratitude for the exceptional dining experience I had at your restaurant this evening with my husband. I felt like I was in the movie Ratatouille, where every dish is a work of art and every bite is a culinary masterpiece.

First and foremost, I must commend your talented chefs for their outstanding skills in preparing the most delectable gnocchi and risotto I have ever tasted. The gnocchi was perfectly cooked, with a delicate texture that melted in my mouth. The risotto was a symphony of flavors, with each grain of rice cooked to perfection and infused with the most exquisite blend of ingredients. It truly felt like a culinary journey that awakened my senses and left me craving for more.

Not only were the dishes a delight to the palate, but the presentation was also a feast for the eyes. Each plate was meticulously arranged, showcasing the artistry and attention to detail that went into every dish. It was evident that your chefs take great pride in their craft and strive for perfection in every aspect of their creations.

Furthermore, I would like to commend your staff for their impeccable service. The waitstaff was attentive, knowledgeable, and passionate about the menu, providing valuable recommendations and ensuring that every need was met.

Lastly, I would like to express my appreciation for the ambiance of your restaurant. The cozy and inviting atmosphere, coupled with the charming decor, created the perfect setting for a memorable dining experience.

My husband and I are looking forward to visiting you again soon!

Cristal &...