Vieni Ristobar — Restaurant in Holly Springs

The experience started off fairly well. Our server was very nice, not pushy and very accommodating. It went down hill from there. There was a GIANT roach on the floor next to our table and crawled on window. We brought it to the attention of our server. She immediately said she would get the manager over in just a second. The manager, Brittany, never came to our table. She went to the window with a black glove on and a towel from the kitchen, either killed it or picked it up and walked away. Not a word to us. NOT. ONE. WORD.

At that point, our party decided to pay for the appetizers we HALF ate and leave. Nothing against the restaurant, just a decision. The sever, still super nice, again said she would get the manager, Brittany. I was expecting the manager to AT LEAST come to the table to apologize or say SOMETHING. Nothing. The server brought the check, and apologized.

On the way out, I asked the manager her name to be sure I gave the correct name on the review, on the way out the door. I had my 14 and 16 year old nieces with me and they noticed the look of disgust on Brittany’s face as we were walking out. Brittany also rolled her eyes at my 16 year old niece. That had to be the thing that stood out for me the most. What they experienced. Totally unacceptable.

I understand that sometimes insects can make an appearance in restaurants. However, we don’t have to continue to patronize the establishment when cleanliness is called into question. What I don’t understand is the attitude and the look of distain from someone in management, that came from our decision to leave. There was no need for that, at all.

Needless to say, it was our first and last time at this particular...

We wanted to like it.

The positive: great wine/cocktail menu. The veal was very tender and delicious. The red sauce is exceptional. Our waiter was very attentive.

The negative: we waited an hour 15 for our entrees. The table next to us, arrived, ordered pizza, paid, ate, and left all while we sat there. The Caesar salad is not on par with what you’d expect. The bar high tops have seating that puts the table top at your belt - it’s not comfortable.

Overall - I wouldn’t go again if I had to sit in the bar area. Since they still don’t let you make a reservation or call ahead, we probably won’t risk it. Plus, an hour 15 for two simple dishes is too much. Especially in those very uncomfortable bar stools.

—— previous review below ——

They need a reservation system. In the age of COVID, it’s no longer snooty; it’s a reasonable expectation.

We called and they told us it will be 30-45 min wait tonight. With waiting areas no longer used, no congregating outside, and so many easy table-reservation systems available, this should be a no-brainer. Especially when it’s sub-40 degrees.

We don’t want to stand outside or sit in our car for 45 min. And we don’t have to. We made a reservation at the Thai/sushi place just down the street.

We hope to try their food...

Ok. So I gave it 3 starts because the customer service is excellent! However this place could be so much better but the food is so bland. The caprese salad… the tomato’s need to be cut thinner and the mozzarella thicker, it also needs salt and finally chopped basil than it would be perfect!! The warm Burratta was just not a good idea it was a melted mess that tasted like nothing and the crostini’s were to hard, they need just a little tiny bit of softness to them. I don’t know why bruschetta isn’t an appetizer… it would only make sense. The mushroom pasta was bland as well, more seasoning, more cream and probably some fresh parm would have made it. Again the place it’s self is great! It’s just the food really needs some love and I would rather wait longer for my food and it taste amazing than a place just trying to be quick and rush food out. I had a guy there maybe a manager ask me how everything was and of course I smiled and said it was great! No one is just going to put down their fork and tell them how we really feel in those situations. So here is my review, I really hope...