I recall seeing this restaurant on Google a few times whenever I searched for "Italian restaurants near me," but never had the opportunity to experience it. However, on 7 May 2025, my family and I finally tried this restaurant for the first time and I was impressed. Considering that this business is identified as a café, I presumed that the dining area would've been slightly towards the smaller side, but whenever we walked in, I was incorrect with my judgement and was thoroughly fascinated with how spacious it was, not to mention, the décor was very nice and provided a relaxing atmosphere.
We arrived pretty late in the evening (~45 minutes until closing), but I was glad that they still accommodated us with a smile. Yes, I have been to restaurants before where the host(ess) gives you a dirty look and reminds you of their closing time, also when they kick you out of their establishment 5-10 prior to closing - that wasn't the case here for either scenarios. In fact, Rudy, was the employee who greeted us, escorted us to our table, and was our server that evening. Rudy did such a remarkable job that evening; his attentiveness was impeccable and he was very efficient - my hat's off to him for displaying exceptional customer service and relations.
There were so many things I wanted to try on their menu, but we ended up ordering the Crab Stuffed Shrimp, Greek Meatballs, Toscana Soup (soup of the day), Seafood Fra Diavolo with White Wine Garlic Olive Oil, Chicken Piccata, and Penne ala Vodka w/Chicken. Out of these entrées, I felt the star performers were the Crab Stuffed Shrimp, Chicken Piccata, and Penne ala Vodka w/Chicken. Whereas the others didn't make it to stardom, it was still adequate nonetheless. However, I will add that I've had much better Toscana Soup and Seafood Fra Diavolo before - unfortunately, I had to add some sodium chloride to my Seafood Fra Diavolo because I felt it was lacking some flavor. I also would be remiss to not mention the bread and butter that was provided to us at no cost...let's just say, I was grateful that Rudy brought out a second helping without us asking for more - it was that good.
The price-to-quantity/quality ratio was reasonable - I can see why locals love coming here to dine or just to socialize. Although, I didn't feel like having wine that evening, I noticed their wine selection/collection is robust and the pricing is fair (remember, businesses still have to make money on their end). Overall, I liked my first experience here, as depicted in my 4-star rating. Although, there were a couple entrées that didn't necessarily hit the mark, I am still interested in returning in the future to try some of the other menu items. I/we will definitely be back down the road and I highly recommend this business...
Read moreI took a close friend out to dinner here to celebrate her birthday. I brought my 11 month old twins, they often accompany myself or their babysitters In restaurants and they are well behaved babies. The food was great and my server was very nice. My issue comes with the management. Upon ordering dessert for my friends birthday, we were approached by management and told that my children were disturbing everyone, there had been many complaints, and one table wouldn’t even order until we left. My children had been quietly playing and eating their rice and carrots for most of our meal. They had let out an occasional excited squeal. They were happy and making happy noises like hi, coos, ahah. No yelling, no screaming, no fussing. The management asked us to leave - brought dessert in a to go box and quickly brought the check. I paid $100 for our meal and I left a $20 tip - it’s not the servers fault- I’ve worked in restaurants for 20 years- I’ve managed restaurants -this was definitely a terrible call by management. they had a table that didn’t like children and they decided to take it out on us because they believed I’m sure that this other table was going to buy more expensive things. I feel very much discriminated against. This is very upsetting. I would’ve totally understood if my children were out of line.... Ive worked in restaurants for so long I understand how stressful it can be to hear a crying baby ......but my babies were not crying they were happy they were not disturbing the peace. The mess that they made with their snacks I cleaned up myself. I’m extremely disappointed in this restaurant as I’ve often enjoyed it and recommended it to many others but I will never...
Read moreWe started coming here about once a month or so about 7 years ago when they were first under new management & introduced ourselves to the new owner Linda as fellow Desert Shores residents. We were there with our Wine Club. She has never in all this time ever acknowledged us or even pretended to know we exist. Her partner Malik? did. He was always very cordial. We brought our east coast relatives here when they came to town. We raved about G.V. to everyone & left a 5 star review. Over the years it became apparent this is a VERY CLIQUEY PLACE. You're either in with the in crowd or YOU ARE NOT! One time while we eating at the bar Linda was siiting a few seats down with some patrons & a special dessert was brought over to them. I remarked that it looked delicious. I was told by the regular blonde bar tender that it was not on the menu & was just for them. Excuse me. Last night we went back in & sat at the bar around 8. The place was emptying out & we were the only ones sitting at the bar. Same blonde bartender. I ordered a glass of wine & before I could finish it we had an appetizer, a salad & dinner, had 2 to-go containers packaged & the bill paid with in 30 mins. While we were finishing one course another was being shoved in front of us & the other taken away. To say we felt rushed was an understatement. We stayed to finish our wine. Felt like we were being thrown out. Why did/ do we return? The food is always delicious. I like to sit & sip wine & enjoy a meal. Never have I felt so disrespected & so unappreciated at an establishment. With so many great places to eat near by ,& within walking distance I don't see any point...
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