Piazza D'Angelo — Restaurant in Mill Valley

Restaurant Review: A Birthday Celebration with Mixed Service

This was a very special birthday celebration, and it started with great promise. Upon arrival, we were greeted promptly and warmly by Marco, the maitre d. His professionalism, hospitality, and attentiveness truly set the tone for what could have been a perfect lunch.

Unfortunately, the service from our assigned server did not match that same level. It took nearly ten minutes before she acknowledged our table, and even then, there was no introduction or guidance on the menu—just a rushed request to place our order. We ordered an appetizer, two entrées, and drinks. a bit unfriendly too.

The food itself was excellent, beginning with perfectly fried calamari. However, the lack of table service quickly became noticeable. Plates weren’t cleared before the entrees arrived, forcing the food runner to squeeze them onto an already cluttered table. When I requested a glass of wine to pair with my meal, our server simply gestured to the food runner instead of assisting personally. Thankfully, Marco stepped in and graciously brought a tasting of the wine I had in mind.

Throughout the meal, the server never once checked in or asked if we needed anything. I had finished eating while my partner was still enjoying his entrée, when she abruptly reappeared to clear my plate and ask if he wanted his food boxed to go—far too early and lacking tact. The dessert menu only appeared thanks to Marco once again noticing our disappointment. Upon learning it was a birthday celebration, our server comped our dessert, but offered no birthday wishes or acknowledgment.

The food was undeniably wonderful, and Marco's impeccable attention and care kept our lunch from being a complete disappointment. His presence alone would be reason enough to consider returning. However, the inconsistent service left us feeling let down on what should have been a joyful occasion.

This feedback is offered as constructive criticism, with the hope that better staff training and attentiveness will make every guest feel as valued as Marco...

We've been to Piazza D'Angelo several times over the years, but hadn't been in a while due to covid. We finally got the chance to go this week for dinner and it was... disappointing.

We started with calamari, which was extremely tasty. Unfortunately, that was essentially the high point of our meal. We got the bianca pizza, which was mysteriously bland and not baked thoroughly (+ way too much arugula).

My sister got a pasta dish and was disappointed by the quality of it. She remembered their pasta being fresh, but this time around it tasted like it had been sitting out for a few days. Her dish was also bland.

Finally, my dad got the saltimbocca, which he couldn't even eat because of how tough and overcooked it was.

To top it all off, our server made it pretty clear he had no interest in actually waiting on us, which was pretty bizarre. I rarely give such a low rating to a restaurant, but this place has gone way down hill since we last visited and really needs to make some...

Well here's the thing, how do you think they should have handled it? I've dined here since it opened (80's). It's a busy and vibrant place. I ordered this pasta dish for $23, it had zero taste:

Cappellacci Di Zucca-- House made filled cappellacci with butternut squash, grana padano, pine nuts served with butter, sage, balsamic reduction and a touch of tomato sauce.

My dining mates sampled it and agreed, it tasted like watery pasta, they said, "send it back!" I grabbed the waiter and told her that she should tell the chef that something's wrong with this dish and she asked if I want something else? I said just keep it simple, spaghetti with butter and parm, she seemed genuine. Presented with a small bowl of spaghetti, $16 charged. If it were my restaurant, I would have just given the diner some noodles. 🤷 On the plus side, service was good, seating in the parklet is warm...