Cuoco Pazzo Trattoria — Restaurant in Mount Pleasant

We visited this restaurant on Valentine's Day to celebrate our wedding anniversary, and while the evening started on a great note, the experience took an awkward turn.

Our waitress was initially very kind and even brought us wine samples to help us choose, which we really appreciated. However, the issue arose when our order arrived. There was an extra portion of pasta for our kids, which I hadn't ordered. I mentioned that we had only requested one portion for them to share. The waitress quickly responded that she would take it back and said something unexpected--that she would pay for it herself. At first, I didn't even hear this, but my family did, and when I realized what she said, I called her back to let her know we'd be happy to keep the pasta and pay for it. I wouldn't want a server to be penalized or to pay out of pocket for a mistake. However, she kept insisting that she would take care of it, repeating that she would pay for it, which made the situation feel very uncomfortable.

The whole interaction left us feeling awkward, and we weren't sure if this was due to a restaurant policy where employees are held accountable for incorrect orders. To make things even more uncomfortable, as the restaurant was closing, we noticed two staff members (probably chef) staring at our table from the kitchen door, which only added to the odd atmosphere.

While the food itself was alright, the overall experience left us feeling uneasy instead of enjoying what should have been a special night. To ensure the waitress wasn't negatively impacted, we left a generous tip, hoping it would make up for any potential loss. Ultimately, while the service started off great, the way the situation was handled made it a very unusual and awkward...

I gave my hubby a half dozen great restaurant options for tonight with have over in Charleston and half in Mt. Pleasant and he chose Cuoco with its fab menu and great reviews as he was in the mood for Italian. He chose perfectly 🥰🥰🥰

Upon entering, we were warmly welcomed and seated in a cozy booth. Jim was our waiter, and I will say if you are lucky enough to have him as your waiter, you'll be thrilled! He is very attentive, engaging, personable, and what every hospitality business wishes to have in an employee. He explained everything clearly, knew the specials without hesitating, made great recommendations, and helped with any need/question we had. When my hubby inquired about the hard cider he had served him, he went & found out and brought it back written down for us.

As mentioned, my hubby had a J&K Farmhouse Cider and I had two glasses of Moscato.

We were served a warm basket of fresh bread with EVOO & pesto sauce which was perfect🥖

We chose the app special which was mushroom caps stuffed with meatballs and finished with pomodoro sauce, a nice cheese blend, and chiffonade basil. Soooo yummmyyyy!!!

For our main course, I had the manicotti and my hubby had the lasagna. Both were scrumptious and we brought a little back to hotel with us to enjoy tomorrow.

We were full but still bought desserts to go including chocolate mousse and tiramisu.

Also bought a jar of their homemade pomadora sauce home with us.

All around fabulous...

Been here many times over the past couple years and this was a very frustrating visit. Maybe an off night?

Ordered manicotti - came out cripsy pasta on the ends but barely above room temp and a bit dry on the sauce. (Maybe cooled too long or sat under a heat lamp, almost sent it back). Got a half sweet, half unsweet tea and was thirsty so i had 3 glasses. Was charged for 2 teas and told by the server that after 1 refill they charge again. (First time in all my visits of being told this and restricted). It's been such a long time that i was charged for refills on tea or soda that i'm just surprised. Servers face was also annoyed when i asked for my third glass, he laughed in annoyance, wasn't even a comedic laugh but out of frustration that i would drink so much. Salad is always charged full price of 7-8 dollars even when just wanting as a side salad (most restaurants include or mark it half cost with entree). My party also got a Manicotti and felt the same way. Server didn't ask if they wanted any refills on their tea. I had to ask each time for my refills.

I used to find this one of the best Italian in the area but it's lost all appeal to me. I often don't mind dropping 30-60 bucks on a great meal for just my ticket (or more with drinks) and maybe the server was annoyed i didn't order an app or dessert but to me i still spent 30 bucks to enjoy my dinner...