Osteria del Pastaio — Restaurant in Chicago

Have been here before, but this dining experience was one of our worst. We requested a high chair in our reservation and did not get one the entire time. They said they only had one (what kind of restaurant only has one?), but they could have easily provided the family a chair to put their carrier on, since the baby wasnt actually using the high chair. The restaurant was full of teenagers and instagrammers or tiktokers who are convinced that the cheese wheel pasta is any good.

Our cutlery in the rolled up napkin was filthy (never seen this in my life) - asked for it to be replaced multiple times and had to resort to eating our food between two people sharing one fork, because a second set never came.

Our server was exceptionally rude. Couldn’t wait a single second for us to respond to anything he was saying while we flagged him down to place our order. Just said sorry im too busy for this, and walked away mid order taking process. Did not return to our table after that. Another server attended our table saying the other one was too busy. We could see him provide horrible service to the tables around us as well. He was really rude, acted like he didnt care about anything, and couldnt be bothered to pretend to provide even mediocre service. Tables around us complained about him as well, and we could see other diners making faces at his comments and attitude.

Ordered a beet burrata and received the smallest portion of burrata I’ve received at a restaurant. I’ve ordered the burrata before, it was a full ball - this time it was cut into a quarter, and then some removed too. The flavors were none of which were described in the menu. Our pasta took over 45 minutes to arrive, after asking multiple times they just kept saying the kitchen is backed up (maybe dont take more reservations than you can handle). Pasta was average.

Nobody came back to help us so we went up to the front to pay our bill. The server rushed over, added a 20% tip himself, took our credit card out of our hands and frantically kept trying to tap our card, continuing to say “i show you bill” every time we asked to see the receipt. We’re using a foreign card which will not process a tap payment, but he kept forcibly trying to get it to work without listening to us. When our card was declined multiple times he finally showed us the bill. We asked about the 20% tip and he said no thats the total with “everything included”, and then proceeded to say he doesnt understand english when we said thats incorrect.

Told the manager that a service charge is written to be added for a table of 5, when we’re a party of two. They said that there was a malfunction or error in the system and that our correct bill will be brought over to us. We told them that no your server added the 20% tip in front of us, not handing us the machine and grabbing the card out of our hands, trying to make the payment go through without even showing us the bill. We had to demand him to return our card to us. He said no that would never happen he wouldnt do that (so we were lying then?)

We told them how horrible service was today and they apologized but that doesnt make any difference. With so many great places to dine in Chicago this place doesnt deserve your business.

Edit: Just found out that the server tried to tap our card which got declined so many times that our card is placed on hold. Its the only card we’re using here on vacation and again this experience is ending up being a greater ongoing hassle and disappointment than imagined.

Deceptive, dishonest practices, like the more touristy restaurants in Europe that dont disclose all the hidden charges assuming you wont check. Happy to pay $4.50 for water and another $4.50 for bread if the service or food was worth...

I recently visited a restaurant and while the food was good, there were a few aspects of the experience that left me feeling frustrated. Firstly, the idea behind the 3.5 credit card fee didn't make sense to me. I have never seen any other restaurant implement this kind of fee, and I found it off-putting.

Furthermore, I understand that restaurants need to make a profit, but I don't believe that charging for water is a smart way to do it. In fact, I think it's the total opposite. Our server simply asked us if we wanted sparkling or still water without informing us of the charge. I don't appreciate this kind of hidden cost, and I believe it leaves a bad taste in customers' mouths.

Finally, adding a 20% service charge on a bill for two people is a total turnoff. While I always aim to tip more than 25%, I don't appreciate being forced into it. It's also worth mentioning that the service we received wasn't exceptional enough to warrant such a high charge.

Overall, I think this restaurant could benefit from a change in management and a shift in the way it operates. While the food was good, these negative aspects of the experience left a sour taste in my mouth.

If you're a restaurant owner looking to improve your business, here are some suggestions from a marketing professional and business owner. To address the problems mentioned in the review and attract more customers:

Eliminate the 3.5% credit card fee: While it's understandable that businesses need to cover the costs of processing credit card transactions, charging customers for it can be seen as tacky and can turn them away from your restaurant. Consider other options like increasing menu prices slightly or finding a more cost-effective payment processor. Don't charge for water: Charging for something as basic as water can leave a negative impression on customers. Consider offering complimentary tap water or increasing the price of other items on the menu to cover the cost of providing water. Train your servers to communicate pricing clearly: Make sure your servers are upfront about any additional charges, so customers aren't surprised when they receive the bill. This can help build trust and increase customer satisfaction. Re-evaluate your service charge: While it's not uncommon for restaurants to add a service charge, be sure to provide exceptional service that justifies the charge. Consider adjusting the percentage to reflect the level of service provided. Market your restaurant: Use social media, email marketing, and local advertising to promote your restaurant and attract new customers. Highlight your unique menu items, happy hour specials, or other promotions to draw people in. Prioritize customer satisfaction: Always prioritize the customer experience by listening to feedback and making necessary changes. Encourage customers to leave reviews and respond to them in a professional and courteous manner. By addressing these issues and improving your marketing efforts, you can create a more positive reputation for your restaurant and attract more customers. Remember, happy customers are more likely to recommend your restaurant to others, so always strive to leave...

Desperate times. Desperate behavior. But at the customer's expense?! Don't think so!

On New Year's Eve, we ordered take out from Osteria del Pastaio. A man named Christiane took our phone order at 4pm for 7pm pick up. The receipt says he charged our credit card at 4:04 pm for the full order. We wanted to pick up the order without coming into contact with staff due to Covid.

When taking our phone order, Christiane asked me if I would leave a tip. We try and support local restaurants, but I politely said no tip please. Christiane became angry, arguing to leave a tip for take out/pick up. Ten minutes before my husband picked up the order, I called ahead to confirm the order. An Irene answered and said there was no order placed. This despite the receipt confirming our cc was charged at 4:04 pm. She said she would ready the order.

My husband arrived at 7pm and they said there was no order placed, made my husband wait outside in the cold for 15 minutes while they "prepared our order", then made my husband come inside, call me using their phone to see what happened. Christiane then took the phone from my husband and said to me, "You're the person that left no tip for take out, so we don't have your order." Christiane asked me who I spoke with to place the order. I reminded him it was he who took our order. Christiane then became extremely unprofessional, belligerent, angry, carrying on about no tip before hanging up on me. It is 7:30 pm on NYE. He finally said he would ready our order.

We asked to speak to the manager/owner. Neither Christiane or Irene would put us in touch, but said she was there. Upon returning home, the order was messed up/wrong. We got sick from the food. We feel their intent was to make us squirm/give us a really hard time since they knew it was the eleventh hour on NYE.

Since they shielded the owner, we truly hope she reads this and does the right thing. All this to simply try to support our local business. Christiane and Irene: Please! No customer deserves to be treated/harassed in this manner! There's too much competition from which to choose! Not good for your brand! We also work hard for our living and it is the customer's decision whether to tip or not...