Mariano's Italian Eatery — Restaurant in Louisiana

Let me start by saying that I went during my lunch hour. I walked in at approximately 12:15. I sat at the bar. There were two other at patrons at the bar, also. The restaurant had about 6 or 7 tables with costumers, and only one server.

The server came by after a few minutes and told me that she'd be right with me. 15 minutes passed by and no contact. Not even a: I'm sorry we are really busy .Here's a menu. What would you like to drink. Nothing. I sat there as I watched some table's food sit at the pick up window for at least 10 minutes.

After another 5 minutes I stopped the server and had to ask: Can I put an order in? Please. At approximately 12:45, she finally took my order. I ordered a calzone and a sweet ice tea.

The food came out, right about 1:00. I don't know what kind of Italian eatery is this, and yes, I'd have read prior to ordering, but....Has anyone ever heard of a calzone that has no ricotta cheese in it?! It came with Mozzarella only, and a thin layer, at that.

I was starving and I didn't have time to go somewhere else. Otherwise, I'd have sent it back.

Now, I'm appreciative of the server apologizing and telling me that she was swamped and without any other help, but...You have to ask yourself: How long does it take to hand someone a menu and ask them what they want to drink? Specially, when the customer is sitting at the bar not even 4 feet from the menus and drinks!

I've read other reviews, giving praises to this establishment. While this may be an isolated incident; I'm definitely...

A Real Hidden Gem! He uses pretzel dough for pizza which is unique and very good. If you do not find this food to be excellent then you know nothing about Authentic Italian Food or you simply do not like Real Italian Food or you are a Jealous Competitor, making you sad. All others use : chicken pepperoni, not beef. Sauce from a can which is too bitter or too sweet have lots of water at bottom of dish that dilutes the sauce not all genuine fresh ingredients No, I have no affiliation to this restaurant or any employee. I live in Laplace area about 17 - miles from there. I lived in the Philadelphia area for 30 years where the Italian immigrants settled in the South Philly Market area and there is nothing close to this in the 16 years I have lived here. Anyone giving less than a 5 star rating needs to put All other Italian restaurants claiming to sell Italian food in the NOLA through Baton Rouge area at a 3.5 maximum if they are being honest. You, know it all, idiots with less than a 5 star need to stop with you higher than thou attitudes and put credit where it belongs...

Okay so if you're used to NYC or NJ pizza, this isn't it. Get that out of the way first and foremost. Now that you've done that...this place is really good. On this trip we got the loaded cheese sticks, cheesesteak pizza, and the taste of Italy pizza

The cheese sticks were good. Basically like a smaller pizza unsauced topped with cheese, bacon, and jalapeno with sauce on the side. It was a nice combo and they were crispy.

The cheesesteak pizza was very good. Huge pie and even though the dough is not like the city at all, I still really enjoy it. It's not like the difference between NYC pizza to Chicago or anything that drastic...it's just different. A ton of cheesesteak meat and other toppings.

The Tasty of Italy also had really good flavor. There were A LOT of sun dried tomatoes on this one. I know many people who would be thrilled about that, I took probably half of them off. Still a very good pie.

We have been back since, i'll write an update soon. Got some different things that...