Andiamo Italian Ristorante - Eagan — Restaurant in Eagan

Updated review: I came back to Andiamo after writing a positive review last time. I was really pumped to get some good gluten free options. You can see in the photos from my last trip here why I was excited to order the artichoke dip again since they used the gluten free Italian style bread cut really thinly like restaurants generally do when they provide a gluten free option for artichoke dip.

They brought out my artichoke dip, and my friend and I immediately made eye contact like, What Is That? They had taken an Udi's style gluten free bread loaf, cut some slices in half and served it (barely toasted) with the artichoke dip. Not at all what I had last time (again, see image) and not at all what I expected as a gluten free option for the bread on the side of artichoke dip. It was weird and definitely unexpected.

So let's set the scene first: Both times that I ordered this dish, it came out marked as GF, and both times, I was upcharged as is the common expectation for gluten free items.

I didn't ask to speak with a manager or anything, but I was super curious why they changed the bread type, especially since nice gluten free Italian style breads are available and quite common for gluten free options. I asked our server, and they said that they have always used the sliced bread with the artichoke dip.

In other words, either the bread in the picture from my last visit was full of gluten and they called it gluten free, upcharged me, and served it anyway knowing it's an allergen, and I miraculously (and thankfully) didn't end up horribly sick, OR they were simply not willing to admit to a change in the menu this time.

Neither option is great on them.

A manager did come to talk to me even though I didn't ask for that, and they actually had the nerve to tell me that my friend and I were wrong and that they've always served a loaf of sandwich bread cut in half as their gluten free bread option with the artichoke dip. Specifically because I didn't ask to speak with anyone and he voluntarily came over to us, I got a little heated and told him that he could just stop right there telling me and my friend that we were wrong about the experience. It was unnecessary for him to come over and be like, "Yeah, you're wrong, but I'll take it off the check." What was the point? I didn't ask for any of that. I was prepared to just pay for it and not come back again because the food quality had gone down.

On top of telling me that I was wrong about my very real experience that my friend and I had last time, I have a photo of the "gluten free" option anyway (attached with the original review here), which the server tonight looked at and said it was their gluten option...which raises a huge concern.

Either they a) fed me gluten and charged me for gluten free AND I had a miraculous experience and didn't get sick (thank goodness) or b) they did at least once serve a more appropriate Italian style gluten free bread and didn't serve me gluten, mark it as GF, and charge me for gluten free.

Either way, no one wanted to take responsibility, and the manager who spoke to me actually came over to argue even though I hadn't asked to speak to anyone at all.

Obviously, it's not good practice to pass allergens off as non-allergen foods. And I certainly would not ever order or recommend what amounts to a back woods truck stop attempt at a "gluten free" option. For goodness sake, just buy the gluten free Italian bread. It's,...

We enjoy coming here often. The food is really good. Service is always spot on. Not many places to get Italian in the area and they are an excellent choice. Lots of options, check menu pictures in the photos. Only slight complaint would be that most Italian restaurants offer a salad with entree's. No big deal though, the portions are large.

Edit: June 2024 - This place, like many other restaurants, has seemed to go downhill since the pandemic. The last time we were here the service was terrible, our waitress stopped by our table 3 times during the hour, one of the times we had to ask someone to go find her. She didnt ask how our food was, she forgot to bring out the bread basket, we didnt bother to ask. The artichoke dip was not very good at all. They try to pair it with kalamata olives and some sort of citrus maybe? Whatever it is, it does not pair well together and tasted very off. The main dishes (penne al forno, and fettuccini) were just ok. The portions of pasta is certainly smaller than it used to be. Lastly, we were charged 4 dollars for a side of alfredo that was roughly about a half a cups worth and 3 dollars for a side of marinara that was about the same size. What a complete rip off. The restaurant could also use some sound reduction, as even at 20% capacity it was nearly impossible to have a conversation.

Overall, the portion size, quality of service, and nickle/dime pricing has totally changed since we used to enjoy coming here. I doubt we will ever come back or visit any of the...

Overall it was a good experience and we'll probably be back. We had reservations and were greeted and seated promptly. The waitstaff and service staff were courteous, prompt, efficient and professional. The atmosphere was quiet to start, but then as it got closer to the dinner hour, was vibrant. The Happy Hour specials are a good value. The wine pours were standard; not generous but not stingy either. We started with the Calamari; the standard of appetizers. The portion was more than enough for two. But a little greasy. Not objectionable though. We ordered a Margarita pizza which unfortunately was way undercooked. If you order a pizza, ask for it to be well done. Although it tasted fine, it was not enjoyable. The sauce was a bit acidic and the mozzarella was the processed kind you get from Sam's Club or Costco. The crust wasn't house-made so keep that in mind too. Also, the pizza was overrun with basil. The pizza was the only reason for the 4 Stars and not 5 for food. We also ordered the Eggplant parmigiana because it is not standard fare. If you get this right; everything else will be OK. They got it right. Light, crispy and flavorful, the way I like it. Be aware though, the side order of spaghetti was plentiful and could make a nice meal for a small child. As a side note, the table next to us ordered an item off-menu. They were accommodated and were very pleased with their selection. All in all it was a good evening and we will return...