Caffe Aldo Lamberti — Restaurant in Cherry Hill Township

This is the 3rd time in about 20 years that I've been to Lamberti's. I don't know why I keep giving this place second chances. If it was possible to give a negative rating, I would, especially after today's experience.

Before I get into the details, some caveats. I'm not necessarily in the best mental space but then 🤷 you'll see the details. I've experienced food and service on the their spectrum, from most disturbing and disgusting places one can visit to the Michelin star and celebrity chefv types of establishment. Rarely have I ever felt like this.

In short, if I would have taken the money we paid, shoved it in my mouth and set it on fire, I may have enjoyed it more. Also Lamberti is a restaurant with an attitude and aplomb of a place with three Michelin stars, prices to match at least one of those and the quality of food and service that would make the the worst Old Country Buffet blush.

We made reservations to celebrate my parents 50th wedding anniversary and my dad's 77th birthday. Deep down I knew that what will get will be excessively overpriced but my mom would love it. Well, I didn't realize just how bad it can get.

I'm not going to hold the restaurant responsible for the neverending construction on route 70 that led to my 12 mine drive being almost 45 minutes long, I will say that whoever is in charge of signage, as well as training and managing the valet team must be fired immediately.

My car is waiting for repairs, so I was driving my mother in laws old Ford. I followed the signs entering from Brace road and was a bit confused with the with the sign telling me to turn left before the building, knowing that the traffic in front is one way but well, the sign must be right. Well, sign was wrong, and I did walk around to make sure, so I couldn't turn left. The vallet, driving another car, told me that I need to read the signs and go around the building (again the sign says to turn before the building) and that I can't read the signs and he can't help me other wise. It was said it a very condescending tone, appropriate considering the car I was driving.

If this was the only bump on the proverbial road, I may have not written this but... The rest of the night was no better..

The wait service continuously tried to instuct us how to order and how to do things. Which wouldn't be all that bad if the food was actually decent and the wait didn't take half the length of the extended version of the LOTR. I really want to write the rest out but it's late, I'm tired and I'm sorry bullet points is all I have left in me:

Beautiful and delicious looking shrimp that was severely overcooked to the point of rubber and badly under seasoned. Similarly under seasoned and absolutely bland oysters that were meaty and succulent but ended up wasted. Actually well cooked crab that could have been a highlight was oversalted. My risotto... hmmm I am struggling here because it was anything but a risotto, more like mushy rice with bland steamed mushrooms that I actually sent back as it was unedable. The wait for the wait for the main course was just under an hour, clocking at 52 minutes, which wouldn't have been so bad if we would have been asked if anyone wanted anything else while we waited for over 20 after the appetizer plates were cleared (and we've been done with those way...

This review has very little to do with the food which was fair, but the nightmare of service (not table service, which was also fair, but management service). In very early August, I stopped by the restaurant and spoke to the owner, Aldo, as well as an entourage of his managers to inquire if within the next 2 weeks, I could "host" a crowd of between 5-7 cars that are part of the British marque car club I belong to, with the primary stipulation that we would be able to park all of the cars head-to-tail along the front strip, ie parallel to Rt 70E. Aldo assured me that it would not be a problem but to show up early on the day in question to ensure all is fine. On Tuesday, 13Aug, I showed up Aldo's at 12noon to let them know that was the day and we confirmed 6 cars that would include 9 diners. Once again, the management said no problem, took my cell nbr, and then recommended I also speak with the Valet out front to let them know also, which I did, and also gave them my phone nbr. THe manager also stated that they would ensure we all had a table with a good and clear view of our cars. At 615, all 6 cars rolled in at the same time, but there were cars in the exact spots where we needed to be. I was shocked after all of the Prep work that I had done well in advance of the venue. To make a very long story short(er), I spoke to the manager and they effectively said that there was nothing at this point they could do because the owners occupying the cars already there had their keys on them and were unwilling to move them. I told the manager that I considered this an "Epic Fail" on their part and that of the Caffe. She actually told me "See, I don't consider it an epic fail because the valet service is separate from us and not a part of the company". I responded with the (Obvious)..."Who hired them"? I told her that IMO, if they are out front representing you, then you are responsible for them. As it was obvious at this point, that we were going nowhere here, we just decided to take our seats, obviously withOUT a view of our cars, had a fair dinner plus drinks, and then prepared to pay and leave. At NO point did anyone offer us a discount, a free appetizer, a free drink, dessert, or even a cup of coffee. We left thereafter. I called 2 days later and asked to speak with Aldo, and was told he was not there. They asked what it was about and I told them, and the young lady on the phone asked "...if I would like to speak to a manager". I said that I wanted to speak with Aldo, and that the problem I had was largely ABOUT a manager, and the manager on duty at the time may very well be her. When she asked me what night it was, she came back to me and confirmed that indeed the manager on duty was the same woman. She then said she would give Aldo my phone nbr and message and have him call me. One week later, here we are and no call, and No surprise. Most problems such as this are driven from the top-down, so this manager obviously felt comfortable not offering us anything, because that is how she has obviously been trained. I am typically the diner who never complains, about anything short of egregious fails, which I consider this, and the worst part of all...They did not take any responsibility for it, nor offered any apology....

First I must say the service staff is amazing!!! From the bar backs to the bartenders! And while mistakes happen... the condescending remarks made by this individual were completely disrespectful and unwarranted!

Let me be clear my review is based on this isolated experience! And it's quite unfortunate!

I am writing to express my disappointment with my recent dining experience at your establishment. As I am a frequent customer - (3x a week at least) While I have previously enjoyed the upscale atmosphere and culinary offerings, my most recent visit left a lasting negative impression. To which my return is questionable!

Unfortunately, the evening was marred by the condescending and rude behavior exhibited by Rita, who, to my surprise, is also the owner's daughter. This individual's lack of professionalism and unwarranted attitude significantly diminished the overall enjoyment of the evening. Her condescending remarks "well you should have said something sooner" and " well I see you enjoyed your meal" was beyond disgusting! Facts: Something was said earlier- to the appropriate recipient- the waiter What was ordered was not delivered- which is why there were left overs! More than half!

It appears that escalating resumes due to family ties doesn't always benefit an establishment! The perception amongst Ritas self-entitlement " Ohh I know Aldo very well”she said chuckling! (I would hope she knew her father well) as she stated this after I informed her that this was the first time I had ever had an issue with a bill and that I had been a loyal customer since knowing her father from his miami restaurant!

Oh and did I mention this was done at the bar in front of other patrons?

Nevertheless, it's important to state that her behavior has grave effects on a team's morale and collaborative efforts. It's crucial to foster an atmosphere of equality and mutual respect. I'm quite disappointed!

As a patron who has frequented your restaurant in the past, I had expected a level of courtesy and respect that was regrettably absent during my last visit. Ritas demeanor not only detracted from the dining experience but also reflected poorly on the establishment as a whole. Beyond disturbing and embarrassing!

I believe constructive feedback is crucial for improvement, and I hope that this message serves as an opportunity for your team to address the issues at hand. High standards of service and customer satisfaction have been defining features of your restaurant, and it is disheartening to witness a departure from these principles.

I sincerely hope that steps will be taken to address this matter and ensure that future patrons are spared from such unpleasantries. I value the reputation of lambertis and trust that corrective measures will be implemented to maintain the upscale and welcoming environment that your establishment has been known for.

Thank you for your attention to this matter

And by the way I still...