Fifth time eating at this restaurant although the last time was pre-Covid. Four stars for the food zero stars for the service. I arrived with a very old and dear friend of mine whom I haven't seen in two years on time for a 7 PM dinner reservation. We were seated promptly and brought menus. Everything started out very well. I'm not going to look up the dish names but I ordered the beef carpaccio and she ordered the mussels as an appetizer. We decided on the wine and after hearing the specials we both decided to get the homemade spinach pasta with shrimp and truffle oil sauce. Everything was ordered all at once. Bread with a pico de gallo was brought out. Delicious bread. Unfortunately, things went rapidly downhill from there. Our appetizers and wine took perhaps 15 minutes. From that point we were completely ignored. My empty appetizer plate sat in front of me for more than 40 minutes. No water was brought to me and I had emptied my wine glass and it was not offer to purchase another glass of wine. I noticed a couple sitting next to us who had arrived nearly 30 minutes after us were already on their main course. At this point, I flag down another waiter to ask if our appetizer plates could be removed. Then, I flag down our waiter and asked him what was going on with our main course. At this point I was getting notifications from my parking app that the 90 minutes I had put on the meter was expired. He blamed my friend saying she took a long time to eat her appetizer! I told him that my dish sat in front of me empty for 40 minutes and why didn't he come over and ask me if we were ready for our main courses. Basically, he was just argumentative about the whole situation and within a minute we had our main courses but at that point I had really lost my appetite because so much time has passed between the appetizer on the main course. It tasted good but I really couldn't eat it. I noticed pretty much everyone else around us especially couples were getting much better service than we were. As I said no refills of the water, no asking if I wanted more wine. Once he took the initial order he completely disappeared and no one else came to our table until I flagged him down pretty much at the end of my parking time. Very disappointed. Next time I want Italian food I will go to Osteria on Sunset. Been there a dozen times and never...
Read moreFratellino: A Taste of Italy in the Heart of Coral Gables
★★★★★
Fratellino is an absolute gem on Miracle Mile, transporting you straight to the heart of Italy with every bite. From the moment you step inside, the warm ambiance, attentive service, and mouthwatering aromas create an unforgettable dining experience.
Food: Simply exquisite. Every dish is a masterpiece, showcasing fresh ingredients and traditional Italian flavors. The handmade pastas are a must-try, whether you opt for the delicate fettuccine with prosciutto and peas or the hearty lasagna overflowing with rich Bolognese sauce. The seafood risotto is another standout, bursting with the flavors of the Mediterranean. And don't even get me started on the tiramisu – it's the perfect sweet ending to an already perfect meal.
Ambiance: Fratellino exudes a cozy and intimate charm. The interior is adorned with classic Italian decor, creating a romantic and inviting atmosphere. The soft lighting and gentle music enhance the dining experience, making it perfect for both date nights and special occasions.
Service: The staff at Fratellino are true professionals, providing impeccable service with a warm and welcoming demeanor. They are knowledgeable about the menu and wine list, offering thoughtful recommendations and ensuring that every guest feels pampered and well taken care of.
Overall: Fratellino has become my go-to spot for authentic Italian cuisine in Coral Gables. The food is consistently outstanding, the ambiance is inviting, and the service is top-notch. If you're looking for a truly exceptional dining experience, look no further than Fratellino.
Additional Notes:
Reservations are highly recommended, as this place is very popular. The menu changes seasonally, so there's always something new to try. The wine list is extensive and well-curated, with options to suit every taste and budget. I can't wait to return to Fratellino for another unforgettable meal. It's a true culinary treasure in...
Read moreWhile I would love to rate higher, this place wouldn't exactly deserve more than two stars... I would personally rate it 2.5 stars if I could. The food: We went into it enthusiastically, and we ordered the carpaccio, the porcini pappardelli and the caneloni
The carpaccio was flooded with lemon, and was a bit thick, but otherwise enjoyable The pappardeli was not kind enough to have the same fate, it's good on paper, but the execution was simply terrible The pasta was undercooked, not even al dente, just undercooked, proper cooking is something that is crucial for pappardeli since undercooking makes it harder to eat it. The sauce was also very runny, and had a weird after taste because of the truffle oil. The caneloni definitely faired better, but it still wasn't up to par. It felt more like a crepe than caneloni, being toasted around the edges, though honestly it was pretty good And all this for... $98 for two people Quite expensive, ESPECIALLY for the quality of food served Staff: Honestly one of the best parts, the staff was really friendly, and had great service, 5 star staff really! Atmosphere: The place is pretty cozy, but there were no tables available inside, and due to this we were sat outside.... where outside? Closer to the sidewalk? No, we were actually sat right in front of the TMobile store next door This wasn't a huge deal breaker, but... it isn't the best outlook. The biggest thing bringing this review down is the food, it wasn't unedible but it was honestly not worth it, especially for the pricing... I would've honestly rated it better were it not for said pricing...
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