Il Girasole — Restaurant in Delray Beach

We met a couple for dinner last night and I was underwhelmed by the experience.

The place was packed; as usual, but the noise level was unbearable. I don't have a hearing problem, but wow, this place is insanely loud!

When the waitress finally got around to taking our orders, I ordered something on the menu and asked her to hold the capers and sun dried tomatoes. She made an unpleasant face to express her disdain of my preference. I wasn't asking her professional opinion because she isn't a chef.

After waiting almost an hour, the two gentlemen got their food. Of course they felt impolite to start eating without the two women. The waitress also brought out all the sides a little sooner than the entrees (which tasted stale). Eventually, we all finished our dinner and were feeling rushed to leave because the noise level was affecting the quality of the evening.

I know everyone likes to say, "but the food is good" as an explanation for going there, but that is a...

I heard excellent things about this place and was excited to try it. They food is pretty good, but not great, especially for the high prices. Service was slow and inattentive. Some staff were very friendly, but our waitress was a little on the sour side, which was a bit of a turnoff. They had a fig salad that was very good but was simple for the price. The Chicken Frances came out super rubbery. The seafood terrine was good, but lacked flavor. We had a chocolate gelato dessert that was excellent.

Overall with the misses on execution and delivery, I left a little disappointed. It probably would have been a better experience if we had the friendly waitress that we felt comfortable engaging with instead of the one we received who ignored us for long periods of time and then seemed a little hostile throughout...

Nice quaint restaurant with white linens and a very friendly staff. Wilma was a delight (front of house, inside joke, look at my name).

I had the buttons bucatini amatriciana while my companion had the veal piccata with the veggie side course. Both meals were great. My meal nicely spiced (heat).

Usually (our experience) other restaurants allow the diner to substitute the veggies for pasta, unfortunately this restaurant does not. If you want pasta, it's extra (and ranges in price).

Definitely call ahead for reservations. If you tend to be cold, bring a sweater or jacket. Fine for me (former New Englander), though not my companion.

Will I return? Yes. Though will have to remember that entrees include veggies not...