Panello — Restaurant in Hoboken

Yesterday my friends and I had terrible experience in this place. My friends and I used to like this restaurant a lot and visited it a lot of times while visiting Hoboken but it is going to be our last time that’s for sure. First, the food was not that great. Rice in paella was undercooked, other pastas didn’t have enough spices in it. Server Jana never checked with us if the food is ok. Later, waitress asked if we don’t mind sharing our table with other people, the fact we didn’t like either but we agreed just to be polite. A few minutes later waitress asked us to leave “ BECAUSE SHE NEEDS A TABLE”, while we were still working on our drinks and sharing our table with other guests. Never ever in my life in the restaurant server asked me to leave. We left over 20% tips prior, we were nice polite and quiet. Looks like this restaurant doesn’t treat customers like guests but like bags with money. Terrible experience, never coming back to this place again, management teach your employees basic customer service. Recommendation for potential quests - avoid this place not spoil your evening, there are so many great and better restaurants...

BOTTOM LINE: Review your Bill.

This 2 star rating is strictly based off of some food being good. The pasta was well done, the eggplant burrata honestly was delicious. You get the gist.

I’ve never experienced more insulting ownership in my life. Enough for me to sit here and write this review.

Our waitress was new, the risotto was never fired, so it came late, and the steak was drastically over cooked. None of this is why I’m here. Our check came and the bill was 12 dollars higher than expected. Our 7 waters cost 14 dollars (the menu said 1 dollar each). The steak cost 44 dollars (39 on the menu). This issue was quickly elevated to management since it was our waitresses second day. When the owner came, I pointed out the discrepancy and he stated that meat costs have increased. I recommended he change his menu prices because my expectation was to pay X. Longer story still long, it ended when the owner stated “pay what you want” “do you go food shopping?” “it costs hundreds of dollars to change my menu” “there’s a lot of things I should do”.

Bottom Line:...

Amazing food, and even better service! My wife and I reached out to multiple restaurants about hosting a small post-wedding dinner just as Hoboken was opening up for outdoor dining. While most restaurants either wouldn't return our calls or weren't willing/able to think through the logistics of such a reservation (within the city's guidelines, of course), Frieda at Panello was incredibly accommodating. She went above and beyond to work with us in this time of uncertainty and gave us the perfect dinner to cap off an incredible day.

In addition to their thoughtfulness, the food was fantastic! We started with a custom antipasto platter, shrimp skewers and baked artichokes. For our entre, we ordered an assortment of Pizzas (#CovidWedding) and the Penne Vodka to share. All the food was amazing, but I kid you not: the Truffle pizza was one of the best pizzas I've ever had. We'll be back for that alone, but all around, we give...