Cafe Fiore Cromwell — Restaurant in Cromwell

We're on tour and had been driving for 5 hours. We were 6 and decided we'd enjoy something more specific so we came here. We wanted to sit outside and enjoy some sun before we went back out on the road. We were greeted by a waitress, I'm not sure of her name, and here is where the bad experience starts. We asked: "we were wondering if we could sit outside" Waitress replied (with a BOTHERED tone): "I can't do that because I have a party in the back and I'm not going to go back and forth" We were all taken back, confused, but we had already crossed the street, decided to eat here because of the good reviews and so we stayed. We figured ok surely she's not bothered by us asking. She COULD HAVE just said "I'm sorry outside dining isn't available right now." And we would've understood with no problem. So we're seated and one of us asks for the restroom, waitress replies (again with a BOTHERED tone): "it's where you see the sign" We honestly all just sat quietly. It was just uncomfortable at this point but we had less than 1 hr to find a new place, be seated, eat and from experience that takes minimum 1 hour so finding a new place was a no go. Simultaneously as this is happening 2 people had just walked in and sat down right next to us. They witnessed this entire interaction and so they got up and left! Something we should've done but we were really hungry at this point. We placed our orders and (note she only mentioned to ONE person that their entree came with a HOUSE salad, so we all assumed we didn't get a side salad). So we mentioned to her that we would like separate checks.

She replied "I'm not going to do that because it takes up too much time and I have a party in the back"

Ok, since we all come from NYC, we all understand that it's not always an ideal request as a server but we weren't ordering 40 plates. It was just 6 entrees and a SINGLE drink. One ticket was actually going to be shared by 2 people. So moments later we got her attention, we asked her if we could then speak to the manager because it felt like she just didn't want us there. At this point we were the ONLY people dining other than her party in the back. I then interjected and said: "If splitting checks is going to take too much time away from your party then you can charge us now while we WAIT for our food." We chatted for a bit amongst ourselves and surprisingly her mood seemed to sort of change. She brought bread and then asked us what salads we'd like for our meals either house or Caesar! So we were confused again because moments ago only one person was offered a salad (just a house salad). So we placed our salad requests. Here's where the good experience comes in. After she brought us bread to share and then quickly came out salads. Just as we finished our salads all of our entrees came out. She offered us Parmesan cheese and checked up on us a couple times. Interestingly I had her in my vantage point and she wasn't at all looking like she was being pulled in different directions because of the "party". . And this isn't a fast casual place. It's a decent dining experience and if something is not possible there's a way you say it to assure that regardless if you can or can't do something you make your GUESTS feel welcome.

I've worked in food service for many years so I know how much hard work goes into customer service but starting off with an attitude doesn't help. Especially if your guests aren't the ones being rude.

An honorable mention is that she had said a couple times she was the only one on the floor working and yet I saw her by the bar for extensive periods, not in the back with her PARTY. 🙄

I'll say how I would've handled this whole thing, easy. I would've said "give me a moment and let me ask the manager if the patio is available" Then I would've asked my manager "I have a party of 6 you think I can have some support or is inside dining the only option?" That's it. Simple. In the end food was def great, the bussers were friendly, eatablishment was clean. But that waitress was fortunate we...

My friend had been to Fiore in Cromwell once before and suggested we go for dinner. We were greeted when we walked in by a very pleasant woman who seated us immediately. Our water glasses were filled. And then it fell apart.

We reviewed the wine list and menu. After about 10 minutes, our waiter came to take our drink order. We each ordered wine. And then we waited. And waited. Two larger parties were seated after us. Both parties received bread, drinks and apps.

And our wine was...???? Our waiter was...??? Totally ignoring us. He never even looked at our table again. I guess he felt that we clearly weren't going to produce as large a tab as a larger party and weren't worth his time.

But he should realize people CAN write a detailed negative review! That is, I COULD write a detailed review if anyone ever showed up at our table again. My review is purely based on HORRIBLE customer service.

I had been to this location when it was Baci Grill MANY times. I'd been to Baci for fund raisers, wine tastings, family dinners and dinner with friends. Brenda, the manager, was EXCELLENT. The service at Baci was excellent. The food (because I actually was served!) was excellent.

And now I have nothing to review, food or beverage -wise.

All I can say about the current manager was that he was very apologetic. He offered that our drinks would be free. Let's review - we ONLY HAD WATER. And, we had been patiently waiting for almost 30 minutes before I finally sought out the manager. The restaurant wasn't even full.

Unfortunately, we never had an opportunity to order food or get the drinks we did order. We were so mad that we left after speaking with the manager.

While I hate writing something so negative, this is a detailed review of our experience. I've never been so disappointed in service, or lack thereof, at a restaurant. Ever. I will tell everyone I know about our poor experience. I was taught years ago that every disappointment is told to at least 3 people.

You're reading this review, so I've already touched far more people...

I recently hosted a 60th surprise birthday party at Café Fiore in Cromwell and I couldn't be more pleased with the experience.

From the moment I started planning, their phenomenal manager, Lena, made me feel like their only customer despite having a competing, much larger event taking place the same day in their banquet room.

Lena’s attention to detail and dedication to ensuring everything was perfect truly set the tone for the event. She was a true partner throughout the event execution, from opening early to allow me time to decorate, to ensuring the “surprise” was executed exactly as I requested.

The professional staff were exceptional, providing impeccable, timely service throughout the lunch. They were attentive, courteous, and went above and beyond to make sure every guest felt special. The food was absolutely delicious, with each dish surpassing my expectations in both taste and presentation. They provided gluten free options and ensured guests with dietary restrictions were well cared for throughout the event.

Overall, Café Fiore provided an unforgettable experience from start to finish, and I highly recommend them for any special occasion.

A heartfelt thank you to Lena and the entire team for making this celebration...