Brick Oven Cafe — Restaurant in Kenner

This was our very first time at this restaurant, we found it through our Trade partner "Crescent City Trade" (which is a bartering company).

First impressions were very unassuming. The place could be spruced up a bit. New paint job, front door fixed, so it opens easily, and the bathroom needs a complete make over. Over time, things that need some TLC. Doing this would make the place feel fresh and more inviting.

We were greeted by a very welcoming hostess/waitress that made you feel like you were coming into her home in a very good way. Once seated we shared with her that it was our 1st time there and she explained the menu and that the food is all prepared in house, no pre-packaged items.

We ordered the meatball appetizer, because she said they were home made and we split the Brick Oven Chicken off of the lunch menu. We also ordered the Gumbo, which I taught was a bit odd in an Italian restaurant, but I wanted to try it since it was made in house. I actually asked, why they offered Gumbo in an Italian restaurant and she stated that because many of the patrons would ask for gumbo, she said probably because they are so close to New Orleans, which kind of made sense.

When our food arrived it was great size portions considering it was off the lunch menu. The food had a great presentation and smelled amazing and was hot and fresh.

As for the Italian dishes we ordered. THEY WERE GREAT!!!! truly home made and VERY well seasoned. They tasted amazing. The gumbo did not make my top ten, but I am a native New Orleanian and have had many gumbos in the past 50 years. The gumbo was good, but as I told the waitress, I would recommend they stick to the Italian food, which they have perfected.

I would HIGHLY recommend this restaurant to anyone looking to eat authentic Italian food.

GREAT...

Came here for a birthday dinner. Super disappointed. Never been here before and wanted to try it. Arrived and sat down quickly, but did not see a server for over 5-10 minutes for drinks. When we finally saw a server, he stated that bread would be out shortly as it was in the oven. Another 5-10 minutes went by before receiving our drinks (1 bottled beer and a water). Placed our order (kid spaghetti, manicotti, small Caesar salad, and veal florentine). Waited and waited and waited. Finally when the server came back, we inquired about the bread and then we were told it was a charge for bread. That’s not how it was originally presented, but we were hungry and food was taking forever so whatever. Got the salads and the kid spaghetti about 15 minutes after ordering. Then we proceeded to wait 30-45 minutes for the rest of our food. There were 4 tables in the entire restaurant with people (and none were large groups). We were told the assistant chef didn’t show up and that the owner was the chef and was arguing with everyone. We were about to leave from the frustration. Finally got our food and was told that if we had waited for food a certain amount of time that we could get a discount. Then, server came back and told us oh that could only go towards drinks and said we could get another round of drinks. Well, let’s also mention that I am 9 months pregnant and cannot drink. So we stated we wanted another beer for my husband and to comp my salad. Also, not to mention that I had to change my 2 year old in the tight bathroom that had no changing table for a child. Not family suitable. Food was lackluster....

Unfortunately this experience was terrible, waited 20mins for drinks to come out. We placed our food order same time as drinks and still waited an hour for food told our server that we had a flight to catch and we needed to cancel our order if food dosen't come out with in 5 min after already waiting 45min, she completely disregarded this then brings our food 15mins later. Then I proceed to tell her I need the check and Togo boxes. We finished boxing our food proceed up front after already handing her my card. And where do I find her? Taking another tables order! Come on! After that I spoke to manager which I explained that we waited an hour and that we have a plane to catch and we need our bill to leave, me thinking after telling him this and how dissatisfied we were he would maybe give a 25% off or something nope full price and I'm not one to stiff someone I come from 14 years of service industry so it's rather taboo in my opinion unless of course the experience was absolutely terrible well guess what it was and if the owner reads this you should probably have that lady Cheryl bus tables or run food but unfortunately she is not cut out to be a server. Also if the experience was that bad and guest let's you know you should probably comp something or give discount a simple im sorry about that just dosen't cut it after spending $176 for food that was all taken togo. And yes we...