Caffe Italia Ristorante — Restaurant in City of Albany

I have been going to Cafe Italia now for almost 20 years at the old location. The food, service, and atmosphere has always been and enjoyable experience. I could not wait to try the new home of Cafe Italia in Guilderland formallly Tesoro's, which was another great italian restuarant.This was my birthday and what a great way to celebrate. When we arrived at Cafe Italia, it was in full service. The place was filled to the max with patrons. Our reservation was for 5:30 pm and was seated just around 6pm. (Saturday) When the table was ready we were seated and the location of our table was extremely dissapointing. We were approximately 4 feet from the entrance and guest service. The place was extremely loud and you could not hear yourself talk. People were brushing against our table while either being seated or just leaving. There was NO WIGGLE on either side of our table. My guests beverage was almost dumped into her lap. Once our drinks and app's arrived,we then place our dinner order as the waiter seemed anxious to get the order in. Our appitizer was just about finished when our main meal arrivered. Not much time to savor the delicious mussels that were served for the appitizer. By this time we were very dissapointed in our seating location, noise, and no atmosphere we came to enjoy from a great italian establishment. The sooner we ate the sooner we would be able to get out of the hectic seating loction by the entrance door and guest services. Basically the tables were so crammed together there was no way one could enjoy themselves. Our main meal was served and we were not dissapointed. I had the Veal Sorento and my guest who accompanied me had the Chicken Francese. Both were cooked to perfection. A very good choice for our dinner meal. Our thoughts at this point was to leave. But, how can I leave without having a birthday dessert. The Ricotta Cheese cake was our choice. Simply delicious. In closing, the disapointment of what "ALL" of Cafe Italia is known for was not met at this time. They are still going through growing pains so to speak. The new location is more then double in size compared to the Central Ave location. So much needs to be done so it will be enjoyable and not just a...

Bumpy start. Nearly walked out. It was my birthday and I had reservations for weeks. I was being shown to a small table near the kitchen and the AC was really cold. I asked if We could have the 4 top that was set for two nearby. With a bit of attitude the server grabbed the menus and placed them on the other table. I said thank you and she just walked away. No smile. A different server took our drink order and they came quickly. We were happy. One sip of my wine and a tall guy comes to our table and starts rambling about us being at that table which they need as it's how they do it. I stated I had asked to be moved. The server that moved us says to him, "she just sat there". I said That wasn't true, and did they want us to leave?. He then just walked away. It was a very uncomfortable start. Two ladies who were sat next to our first table in the cold zone had also been moved. I was stunned by this guy and the waitress lying to him infront of me saying I had just sat there. Once that drama by the staff ended, a different waitress took our order and was very pleasant. My husband was very pleased the salad was not just bagged " lawn clippings" as he calls it. He had Veal Parm and I had chicken francese. The meals were hot, delicious and we really enjoyed them. Strangely the waitress who lied about our table move. Was now all smiles and catering to me. A bit over the top. In all, our meal and dessert was outstanding. The lemon cake is heavenly. The tall male waiter never said another word after I asked if he wanted us to leave. I hoped for a special dining experience. The food fit that bill. The decor was very nice. We were done in an hour and 1/2. As we has a 5:30 reservation. There were still a few tables open. I just don't understand what that waiter was saying? He was out of...

I first noticed this restaurant as I was leaving the car wash down the street. It struck me as a place I would like to try; and finally did. This is not a place for thirty-somethings, and just about everyone who came in while we were there -the tables were gone by 6 pm - were, more or less, into their senior years. Why? Because the food is terrific (not amazing), and the service is terrific (not perfect). I asked our waiter how long the place had been open, as it is in a very middle-class neighborhood, fairly small, and not particularly luxurious; he told me his grandfather had opened it during the 70's. Then another server came to the table, and when I referred to the earlier conversation, she said, to the effect, that's my son. It is certainly reasonable to consider this a "family-owned-and-operated" restaurant, and it shows that quality in every respect. The menu is comprehensively Southern Italian (pasta, meatballs, chicken, veal, vegetables, and home-made desserts), with specials (we had soft-shelled crabs), and spaghetti with clams. All were expertly prepared, and served hot. At all times, though we were seated outside with our puppy, and the only ones there, we were never forgotten about. So, five stars comes not from competing with a Michelin-recognized eatery, it comes from delivering expertly what they promise, old-fashioned Italian food prepared and served as if Italians were cooking (and serving) it. They feel good when someone enjoys it, and you will. One small caveat; avoid the outside tables if possible. Central Avenue is simply too busy between 5-7 p.m. in that neighborhood to give the food the environment it so...