Trattoria — Restaurant in Newport Beach

My goodness, where do I start?

I called 5 minutes prior asking if there was availability for two on Valentine's. The gentleman on the phone said "yes, come on down!" Walked in a little after 7 p.m. The lady addressed us and immediately asked if we had reservations, I replied "no, but I just called". This is a small restaurant of 11 tables, 7 inside with 4 on the front patio. There were 5 empty tables when we arrived, 2 inside and 3 outside. She said that we could only sit outside. Throughout our dining, there continued to be turn over and empty tables available inside. Meanwhile, my elderly Mother with stage 4 cancer and I remain outside... OK fine. Strike 1.

Because we were sitting outside, my Mom ordered hot water to stay warm, the same lady (I assume the owner operating with her husband and the only food servers), replies with, "the kitchen is crazy, and there is no room to boil water"...hmmmm OK. Strike 2

Ordered the calamari for an appetizer, and it came out within reasonable time. It wasn't greasy, and the tomato sauce which accompanied it was good, but overly salted. The portion was very small and so were the rings of calamari...a bit shocking actually... more like little morsels . Strike 3

Also ordered the Veal Saltimbocca which is one of my favorite Italian dishes. $31!!!!! First, it took more than 20 minutes to arrive, and the restaurant was half empty. The plate was laid 3/4's on our table with the edge hanging off. The veal was so thin and tough, therefore it shouldn't have taken that long to make. It was so salty, way too lemony, and hardly any flavor of sage. The prosciutto overpowered the little pieces of veal...it was all wrong. Strike 4

I also ordered a glass of Chianti, which never showed, but appeared on my bill. When I pointed it out, the lady responded with, "dear, you could have told me". Sorry, that is not my job. Strike 5

In addition, our glasses of water were not once refilled, nor did anyone ask how our dinner was.

Unfortunately, I can't give zero 🌟 s. Not sure how this place has decent ratings and are still in business. I get they are a small restaurant in a touristy location, but maybe that's how they make it, by ripping off tourists who will never go back... like us. If you are charging those prices, there should be a certain level of service and...

Quaint Italian restaurant on Balboa Island's main drag (Marine Ave). Old world decor. Excellent and very attentive service by an older gentleman, who I presumed to be the owner. Prices are very reasonable given the quality of the food, size of the servings, and the location.

The warm lightly toasted Italian bread was perfect, especially when dipped in olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and also when slathered with the whipped butter.

My wife had a seafood risotto, which was very much like cioppino over risotto. Very tasty. Her green salad was also quite nice, with crisp mixed greens and tomatoes, and a nice, light vinaigrette dressing.

I began with the warm chorizo appetizer. This actually turned out to be almost a meal in itself. An entrée-sized plate of thickly sliced chorizo and grilled bell peppers and finely minced tomatoes, all lovingly embraced by a light tomato-based sauce, this savory appetizer went down with ease, leaving me somewhat full, already.

My caesar salad was also excellent, with crisp dark green romaine leaves and a zesty caesar dressing that lightly coated the romaine leaves (just the way I like it).

For my main dish, I had the lobster ravioli, swimming in a creamy tomato-based cardinale sauce. The soft little pasta pillows were packed with lobster and cheese, and were very yummy.

This was our first visit, and we plan to...

Overpriced for mediocre food. I'm not one to pick the Olive Garden, I prefer authentic Italian food but I would have preferred it over this place. First, the server (owner) was not friendly at all, hardly said a word and once he gave us our food he did not return at all. The powdered parmesan cheese he practically threw on our plates was not real cheese, it might have been KRAFT or some other brand but it was definitely not real cheese. I am shocked to see many people give this place 5 stars, I'm sure they're either paid, his friends, or they haven't had real authentic Italian food. If I could give 0 stars I would. Definitely not returning to this place. Don't be fooled by their website that makes the place and food look fancy and authentic, it's nowhere near that!! Garlic Bread 1/10 Spaghetti w/meatballs 2/10 Fettuccine Carbonara 3/10 Customer...