Castello of Niantic — Restaurant in East Lyme

I really want to like this place, but every time I go there, it seems to be the same story. Positives: The restaurant is attractive, clean, and the staff is super friendly if not super efficient. We arrived at about 5:30, it was busy but not full. We were told there would be a 5-10 minute wait so they could "catch up". Ok, it is a small restaurant, but there were empty tables. We asked to be seated and to wait at a table, which we did. While I was waiting I notice there was very little food coming out if the kitchen. A family with children had been there for a while and had the "are we ever going to eat" look on their faces. I accepted the delay, the drinks finally arrived and slowly but surely the meal progressed. No bread was served with the meal, and no water. The house dressing on the salads was over vinegared for my taste. The main courses for the most part were good. All of the pasta dishes had way more sauce than necessary and could have used more pasta, but the flavors were well developed. Eggplant rollentine was served in a lake of red sauce and nothing to soak up the deliciousness with. How expensive is a small dish of plain pasta, or a lump of bread? Why waste the nice sauce? I actually asked for a small side of plain pasta but guess what - it came swimming in another lake of red sauce. Both the pasta and clam sauce and the shrimp scampi were over-sauced and under-pasta (ed) as well. Needless to say the bill, which we had asked to be split, was not, but two credit cards were accepted, which was sort of ok. Castello is an ok local restaurant, but it could be so...

Update 8/11/2017:

Had an absolutely amazing dinner at Castello's last night!

Wonderful outdoor patio dining with warm personable and attentive service.

I saw a Scallop dish posted a few days ago and have been yearning to try it all week. Well last night was that time! Rich, flavorful and light. The Lemon, Tomatoes, Asparagus and Risotto Cake are as visually stimulating, as they are a delight to the palate...

The Canolis that come out of their kitchen rival or better any Canolis I've had on Arthur Avenue, the place by which I judge all Italian cuisine and pastries.

Finish it off with my signature Cappuccino and life is complete.

Bravo... Well done Castello's...

Castello’s of Niantic – 5/7/2016

This restaurant just opened in Niantic and as I walked up to the door my senses were overtaken by the aroma coming out of the kitchen.

If the Canollis are any indication of what comes out of the kitchen then we are in for a treat! A rich creamy cannoli, the likes of which I have only tasted in finer Italian restaurants in the Bronx! I could have sat there and consumed all they can make it was so delicious! Amazing…

As for the rest of the menu… A well rounded mix ranging from a few chicken and seafood entrées, soups, salads, appetizers, calzones, grinders, specialty pizzas and house made desserts! A much needed new venue in the...

I've been to Castellos twice. As terrible as this sounds Im waiting for them to go out of business. The first time I went there the service was descent, however the lobster bisque was luke warm nothing worse than a luke warm seafood dish. After it was "warmed up" the flavor wasn't even there. My son who is an endless pit had no interest in finishing it. We did however order two orders of the goats cheese bruscetta which was quite enjoyable and made me give them a second chance. Our 2nd visit we had some sausage spinach bean dish, it was absolutely awful, no taste, and the bread it was served with was stale. The service was terrible, we waited forever for waters, and we waited forever for refills. I knew after that Id never go back there again, so funny enough at the end we were given a coupon, which we ended up giving it away, after telling the person maybe their pizza is good. I see the desperate sales signs outside constantly and if I have any advice something in your kitchen needs to change, your sales will not bring people in. TASTE YOUR FOOD BEFORE YOU SERVE IT. Thats resturant 101. DONT SERVE MICROWAVED FOOD.

You guys did a beautiful job remodeling the place, its beautiful, but the service and food dont match. I seriously suggest a change in your kitchen and service, start with...