Orofino — Restaurant in Fredericksburg

5 stars for Jefferson (our waiter) and the culinary team, zero stars for the host's hospitality solecism. We won't be back, and neither will our friends and family.

My wife and I were beyond excited for our 5pm reservation at Orofino on December 1st. We'd heard rave reviews and couldn't wait to experience downtown Fredericksburg's culinary gem firsthand. We even had the pleasure of celebrating our engagement at Ristorante Renato, another Fredericksburg favorite.

Running a bit late, we called 10-15 minutes ahead to apologize and see if they needed to reschedule. The host nonchalantly assured us, "No worries, the next reservation isn't until 6:15pm." Relief washed over us, replaced by a nagging suspicion that morphed into full-blown anxiety as the evening progressed.

Upon arrival, we thanked the host for his understanding and keeping our table. He "corrected" himself, saying the next reservation was actually at 6:30pm, giving us "plenty of time." This double-talk only amplified our unease.

Jefferson, our waiter, was a saving grace. His genuine warmth, professionalism, and attentiveness were top-notch. We commended him profusely. The food was equally impressive – the Ravioli Lombardi, Pizza Tropea, side Mistacanza, and Tiramisu were all divine, prompting us to leave a generous 40% tip.

Then came the bad.

The same host who assured us twice over the phone and upon arrival that we had ample time, proceeded to haunt our table (tucked away in the back, mind you) at precisely 6:00pm and 6:15pm. Each reminder, dripping with forced cheer, felt like a passive-aggressive nudge towards the exit.

I understand reservations and capacity. I even respect late reservation cancellations. But being made to feel like my hard-earned leisure has a timer attached, dictated by a two-person party we never met, is unacceptable. Time management is the restaurant's responsibility, not the burden of the paying customers.

This blatant disregard for our dining experience, coupled with the host's disingenuous demeanor, completely overshadowed the stellar service and food. Orofino, you just lost two potential loyal customers...

I saw the reviews and I was really excited to try it, but after my experience, I don't really know if I will go back. The place is amazing, when you walk in it feels like you are walking into Italy, but it took us few minutes to locate the main door because it's so confusing, but once inside the hostess took us to the private table we had reserved few weeks before. It was really nice of them honestly. The presentation is really nice and casual, but i was expecting more upscale type of restaurant, for how much you paying you at least expect cloth napkins not a pile of paper napkins, the waitress was a little hard to understand, I know they are trying to keep the real Italian experience, but the waitress had a very thick accent and on top she spoke so fast, it was hard to understand, we had 6 different people checking on us which it was great, but I think they need to be train better because I had to help the bus boy to pick up the plates because he did not know how to take several plates at once. The food it self was OK, the menu was short, the did not have pasta by 7pm on Saturday night so our choices were only steak and salmon, which believe me, it was the first time i got ask what temperature I want my salmon. I thought fish needs to be cooked through not medium rare, it was weird. For a $28 plate you got 8oz ribeye, 2 sparragus wrapped in cured meat and 6 little baked potatoes and a big purple flower, not worth the price, the tiramisu was OK, but maybe next time the can put less cocoa powder on top, that will help swallow the rest of the dessert, because after the first bite you needs water to get all the bitterness out your mouth. Will i ever go back? I don't thinks so. I think...

My wife and I have been routinely dining at Orofino since they opened many years ago. We've always enjoyed our fine dining experiences there. Their Italian/Sicilian food has always been exquisite and simply put, phenomenal! So, when it came time to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary on Sunday, June 23, 2024, we chose Orofino and reserved a table using their website. Piece of cake!!! [We dined there on June 25.]

Now, I have never before written a review of any restaurant in Fredericksburg, but since this meal represented a milestone, I wanted to let everyone know how great our anniversary dinner was! We were warmly greeted by Danilo Orofino. He escorted us to our private table in the "Back Room" and introduced us to our waiter, Luka Z., who immediately wished us a "Happy Anniversary." Let me tell you... Luka was amazing!!! He thoroughly reviewed the list of regional selections (this month was Sicily) and recommended the Pesce Spada Grigliato (Swordfish smothered with oregano, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, S and P) served with potatoes and broccoli. It was "crazy delicious!!!" Luka treated us like a king and queen...can't say enough about the guy. For dessert, based on Luka Z's advice, we had Cannolo Siciliano al Pistacchio (cannoli)...It was beyond heavenly! As we left, several staff wished us a "Happy Anniversary!" We were so, so pleased with our meal, Luka our waiter, and the friendly staff that made our night unique and special.

If you're looking for a fine dining experience and superb italian food, visit Orofino. Tell 'em Bill sent you. Oh, and by the way, ask for Luka Z.!

WS,...