Roma Italian Bistro — Restaurant in Minden

We are new to the area and tried this place after seeing the many wonderful reviews. However, it was quite the opposite experience for us. The building is lovely but the staff did not match. Upon arriving, we had to wait 6 minutes for a waitress to even approach us. Once she did, she said sorry, no one told me I had a table (at this time, there are 4-5 tables total in the building) As we were seated, we saw 4-6 servers consistently sitting down at a table right in the main dining area with their feet and dirty shoes propped up on chairs (where customers would be sitting) They were consistently on their phones and chatting with the Manager as well. They looked unkept and not unified at all, with some dirty pants and shirts untucked. It states that they are “kid friendly” however, that was not the case for us. Every time our children spoke or got up, they stared at us. (Not because they were loud or unruly but because they were only children in the restaurant) We ordered the mozzarella sticks for appetizer and while they were tasty, the plate they arrived on was chipped on the side. Whenever we were done with the appetizer and bread, our dirty plates sat on the table. When they brought the main course, we asked her to please take the dirty plates away so we could have more room to eat, she proceeded to yell to someone else to come get those plates. We then ordered a large pepperoni pizza and Chefs pasta for dinner. They were both delicious and a great size however, the pizza plates arrived with a chip and a crack right down the middle. When needing a refill, we noticed our waitress was sitting on a bench at the front of the restaurant eating dinner or accompanying a male while he was eating. My husband proceeded to stand up after trying to get anyone’s attention after 3-4 minutes, our waitress looked at him and walked outside to tell the gentlemen goodbye. My husband then went to the bar to get our drink. Whenever we were done, we asked for boxes. We watched her go to the bar, chit chat then come back about 3-4 mins later with our boxes (we were her only table). Then we had to ask again for the check then wait until 5-7 minutes to come pick...

I know experiences can change in ratings for places in businesses will too overtime. Aromas Italian bistro was the first high end dining establishment that I knew of in Minden Louisiana over the first year it was immaculate. They ironed out the kinks and their recipes for their dishes as well, over the past few years, they have had ups and downs as far as their waiters and waitresses along with their kitchen. I believe some places get complacent and stop striving for greatness, especially once the. “New” wears off this place would be five star in my book if they had a legitimate front house manager. The chef should not sit on the menu that is out there and I would definitely try new recipes each week to mix up the monotony of always cooking the same thing have you front house staff push the specials and sometimes bring things in that you normally wouldn’t cook or sell on your menu advertising is a thing and signs in front of your business are free. Once again, I know everything cost but this restaurant in my book should be one that stands the test of time in this town. I would hate for it to close or become something else that being said, I do love this restaurant and I will come back many times, but those are just my recent...

Above average Italian food, with good portions. Popular dishes with my fam...were...pizza (great crust and sauce), crab ravioli (although no longer real crab), combination platter of mussels/clam/etc, good bread. Pink sauce is the best!

Service has been in decline, though. Fried calamari are pale tan-white, instead of golden brown. The last meal I ordered was grilled shrimp/steak kabobs (two skewers, $17+ no sides), that were over charred and dry. No apology from waiter when I brought to his attention or offer to change order or refund. I ate two of the shrimp and one piece of steak (only 2-3 pieces on skewers). Waiters..btw.......are sometimes unkept. Peeps, we are giving you 10-30% tips, thats good money! Is this restaurant more bar than dinning..?..I dont think so. This is what happens when clientele dont know what good homecooked food is, and are more concerned with portions; perhaps there are really no other dining options except a couple mexican restaurant dives, a burger-bar joint and a Kafe' on other side of town. Roma's in Ruston is better location thus far.

Tired of giving away money for not much more than convenience and occassional good...