senza is not a restaurant. — Restaurant in Etna

My friends and I recently visited your establishment to enjoy dinner and support a local family business. We wanted to share some honest feedback directly with you, rather than posting an online review. We agree that you are not a restaurant...restaurant. But it has and said, “if it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, and walks like a duck… It’s probably a duck.” This may claim not to be a restaurant, but in reality it sure looks, acts, and smells like one.

Service: Our server, Matthew, was wonderful—attentive, upbeat, and helpful throughout our meal. Unfortunately, we encountered some challenges with another server whose demeanor felt dismissive and unapproachable. On several occasions, we had difficulty getting his attention, and when we did, the response was not as welcoming as we had hoped. We understand that busy nights can be stressful, but a consistently warm and responsive service is key to a positive dining experience. This was not a busy night.

Food and Timing: Overall, we enjoyed the quality of the food, though the timing was somewhat inconsistent.

The burrata was exceptional (5/5)

The antipasto platter was very good (4.5/5)

The hanger steak was delicious (4.5/5)

The scallops were good (4/5)

The tiramisu was very good (4/5)

However, we were less enthusiastic about the fried chicken with sweet honey sauce (3.5/5), as we felt the sweetness did not complement the eggplant and chicken as well as we had hoped.

While our appetizers arrived quickly (within 10 to 15 minutes), the main courses took nearly an hour after that. We arrived at 5:30 PM and left at 8:15 PM, during which Matthew was absent for about 45 minutes—likely due to kitchen duties. We appreciate the hard work required in the kitchen, and a more balanced pacing might enhance the overall experience.

Wine Selection and Corkage Fee: As wine enthusiasts and collectors, we were disappointed by the limited wine list. Additionally, the $45 corkage fee was exorbitant in comparison to the cost and value of wines served by the glass or bottle. A broader selection and a revision of the corkage fee might help foster customer loyalty and encourage repeat visits. In our case, I doubt the four of us will return.

Final Thoughts: I am sharing this feedback because I believe in supporting local businesses and hope to see you succeed. In my experience, thoughtful adjustments in service and offerings can go a long way in building lasting customer relationships. We truly enjoyed several aspects of our meal and would love the opportunity to return if these concerns were ever addressed.

Thank you for taking the time to consider our feedback. We wish you...

Summary: Amazing food, excellent service, beautiful atmosphere. We’re definitely coming back and bringing friends!

Detailed: Atmosphere This place is so cute! When I walked in and saw the flowers in bud vases on every table, it immediately made my day. It has a cozy, modern art-deco feel, and tons of little details that I think are thrifted or vintage. The napkins are colorful and many are different patterns. The coffee comes it in adorable stoneware mugs with a vintage looking cream and sugar tray.

Food

The coffee is amazing. I wish I had asked what roast they use. The food is wonderful. I had a croque monsieur and my boyfriend had the ropa vieja. They both came out artfully plated, but I was too excited to dig in to take a picture, sorry. The croque was delicious. They layered Gruyère and ham a few times between homemade brioche. That brioche is the absolute best bread I have ever had. It’s unbelievably soft, it basically melted in my mouth. The ropa vieja was also delicious. The two eggs were perfectly cooked. The carnitas were incredibly tender. The seasoning was perfect. Even the rice’s flavor is worth noting. We were both very pleased with the food.

Service

The service was incredible. We were greeted immediately after walking in by a guy (whose name I didn’t get) who felt like an old friend. He was attentive, incredibly kind, and seemed like he genuinely enjoyed his job, which made me happy.

Prices

I felt everything was about market price or slightly higher for brunch, but the quality made it really worth it. They also request no gratuity. I think the prices were all very reasonable.

We will be coming back. This has been added to the hidden gems I get to introduce people to (this...

I’m almost speechless. I haven’t had a good food experience in Pittsburgh in years, since New Lawrenceville happened, since Cure closed, since forever.

The menu was incredible, I had decision paralysis. I ended up with two small plates that blew my hair back. This salad was, without exaggeration, the best salad I’ve ever had in my life.

Additionally, my friends and I were not planning on a more upscale dining experience that day. We rolled in, sweaty and wearing trash clothes. We were treated so kindly and given so much attention. The staff is exceptional.

The care and attention put into the menu was similar. As the waiter was explaining how they decided on menu items, I could tell this food was a very intentional labor of love. I will absolutely be back- gnochetti with yellow fin tuna?? Yes please!

How lucky are we to have this...