Ravenna Italian Grille & Bar — Restaurant in Dallas

Adam's service at the restaurant was nothing short of exceptional, a dazzling testament to what genuine hospitality embodies. From the moment we stepped through the door, Adam greeted us with a warmth that felt both comforting and invigorating, as if we were not just guests, but cherished friends he had been eagerly awaiting. His attention to detail was impeccable; every recommendation he made, from the wine selection to the evening's specials, was tailored to our tastes and preferences, showcasing not just his extensive knowledge, but a deep, intuitive understanding of his patrons.

Adam moved through the dining space with a grace that belied the bustling environment, always present but never intrusive, ensuring our experience was seamless and every need met with a proactive finesse. His passion for his role was palpable, turning what could have been a mere meal into a culinary journey that engaged not just the palate but the heart.

What truly set Adam apart was his ability to anticipate our desires before we even voiced them, a rare gift that transformed our dining experience into something magical. It was not just his service but his genuine care and enthusiasm that elevated our evening, leaving us not only satisfied but deeply touched by the experience.

In an era where genuine, heartfelt service is a rare gem, Adam shines as a beacon of excellence. His commitment to creating unforgettable moments for every guest he encounters is a masterclass in hospitality, making our visit not just a meal, but a cherished memory we will hold dear. Adam's service is a reminder of the power of human connection, turning the simplest of meals into a symphony of experiences that resonate well beyond the confines of...

Eat. Here. Now. Backstory (short version)... 1) staying in downtown with wife and teenage daughters, 2) long day, grumpy ladies, 3) late evening "where to go" dilemma, 4) exhaustive search to find "best Italian place" closest to hotel, 5) stumble onto Ravenna. And then... 1) we're greeted by Steven (our warm, kind, funny & attentive server), 2) we are treated to one of the best dining experiences our family has had (ever had). Factoids... 1) Steven is perhaps a hidden jewel in the downtown Dallas fine-dining scene, his service being 5-star-plus-plus, 2) menu is robust and genuine (aka, your "Italian great-grandfather's" recipes, NOT "elitist-culinary-schooled-executive-chef's every-bizarre-ingredient" type recipes), 3) each and every tiny request (remember, "grumpy ladies") was met with expeditious perfection, 4) each dish served was hot, rich, and plentiful, and 5) we delighted in the cozy, nostalgic environment around us... as the day's woes melted away. Last thoughts... 1) when was the last time, after a meal you heard two teenage girls beg, "Dad, when we come back to Dallas, you'll bring us here again, right?!?" and 2) have "The Godfather" (adult beverage)... it's the epitome of a dining experience at Ravenna... and as I sipped it, watching all-the-above unfold, I thought, ... "it doesn't get any better than this." It really doesn't... so, one last time... Eat...

This looks like a nice place to eat, and I have been curious to try it out for some time. I came in with my girlfriend at lunchtime on a weekend and clarified from the beginning that there was a gluten intolerance. I had previously looked at the dinner menu online and found plenty of options that looked to be gluten-free. The weekend brunch menu was different though, and more limited. No problem, my girlfriend just asked if she could substitute the pasta with a salad. The waiter replied with an annoyed, "I guess." As it turned out, the chicken dish she decided on was not gluten-free, but he did make some changes to it, and we appreciated that. That was about the only bright spot in the service.

Our food was great! Both our entrees had tasty sauces over chicken. They brought out some bread for me that was also very good, (although I would have liked some butter, and I didn't want to further inconvenience them to bring some out. There were two other guests in the restaurant. )

The staff couldn't wait for us to get out of there, and neither could we. Our waiter asked me, "are you done with that?" when I was clearly in the middle of my entree. If that wasn't enough, the staff stared at my girlfriend most of the time and made her feel very uncomfortable. I tipped well for the huge favor of substituting salad for pasta, and...