I was there to celebrate Easter with my 8 yr old. My daughter was so excited to go to a “fancy” restaurant with white tablecloths. We arrived during lunch time and the place was empty, there were no customers. The guy who walked us over to our table had the worst attitude, he was extremely unpleasant, didn’t say a word to us, didn’t ask if the table would be ok nor informed us who our waiter would be…. I believe his name was Raul, probably around late 50s, Latino, broken English.
After the Raul guy left, I flagged down an older gentleman and asked if I could order a pizza since pizza wasn’t an option on the menu. This second guy decides to go ask the Raul guy about us ordering pizza and Raul responded with “ that is not my table! ” loud enough for my daughter and I to hear. Mind you, there were no customers and no reason to have gotten upset. Finally a third guy comes around, also seems annoyed, and doesn’t let me know that he’s our server his name was Marco. Marco doesn’t greet us, no small pleasantries only asks “what kind of pizza do you want?. At this point I wasn’t given a menu to see my pizza options, wasn’t asked if I wanted an appetizer or asked about drinks: I basically had to flag down the busboys to get any service.
Long story short, we were served mostly by the busboys who were by far extremely nice and helpful. I asked one of the busboys if he would get my tip and assured me it would go to the waiter. I said the waiter he hasnt done much, you’ve been doing all the work” But he quickly defended the waiter saying he was busy because it was going to be a busy day: not sure why the server was busy no one was there until 30 mins after we arrived, and it was a one couple being served by a different waiter. As soon as the place started to get filled I noticed that the waiters were extremely pleasant and attentive to the “non Latino” customers, both waiters were Latino. And yes, People of color can be racist and stereotype other people of color even when they are the same ethnicity.. I think they thought I was on a budget or wasn’t ordering a large meal so the tip wouldn’t even be worth it. In the end I complained to the hostess and she was above and beyond understanding and kind. Our family has celebrated an anniversary and a graduation at this place and we have never had any issues. It's too bad this happened because I will never go back. Towards the end Marco was being more attentive but that was after I asked the busboy who my waiter was and why he was MIA.
BTW - The Raul character needs to stop complaining about other waiters taking his tables, I was able to hear all the whining about this when he complained to the hostess. Completely childish and unprofessional.
I also noticed that they sat us at a table on the corner away from the main dining. Not sure if this was strategic to have us out of the way, but it was definitely suspect. Many pretty tables in the middle of the dining room and we sat in a booth at the corner. Completely...
Read moreAs a first time patron of Cucina Biagio in Harwood Heights, IL, I can confidently say that this restaurant has elevated the standard of Italian cuisine to unparalleled heights. From the moment you step foot inside, you are enveloped in an atmosphere of warmth, sophistication, and authenticity.
Let's start with the ambiance: the decor is elegant yet inviting, with rustic touches that transport you to the heart of Italy. The dim lighting sets the perfect mood for a romantic dinner or a celebratory gathering with friends and family. Whether you're seated in the cozy booths or at one of the intimate tables, every corner of the restaurant exudes charm and elegance.
Now, onto the main event: the food. Each dish at Cucina Biagio is a masterpiece crafted with care and precision. From traditional classics to inventive creations, every bite is a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. The menu boasts a diverse selection of appetizers, pasta dishes, seafood, and decadent desserts, ensuring there's something to please every palate.
But what truly sets Cucina Biagio apart is the impeccable service, led by the outstanding manager, Tony. Tony's passion for hospitality is evident in every aspect of the dining experience. He greets guests with a warm smile, ensuring they feel welcome and valued from the moment they arrive. His attention to detail is second to none, as he effortlessly manages the bustling restaurant with grace and professionalism.
Throughout the evening, Tony makes it a point to check in on each table, ensuring that guests are enjoying their meal and addressing any concerns promptly. His genuine warmth and hospitality leave a lasting impression, turning first-time visitors into loyal patrons.
In addition to Tony's exceptional leadership, the entire staff at Cucina Biagio deserves praise for their dedication to excellence. From the talented chefs crafting culinary delights in the kitchen to the attentive waitstaff providing top-notch service, every member of the team plays a vital role in creating a memorable dining experience.
In conclusion, Cucina Biagio is more than just a restaurant – it's a culinary destination where every detail is meticulously curated to delight the senses. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a taste of Italy, a visit to Cucina Biagio is sure to exceed your expectations. And with Tony at the helm, you can rest assured that you'll receive nothing but the best in hospitality. Five stars all around – bravo,...
Read moreMy aunt and I stopped for lunch. I am leaving 2 stars because it was delicious. We ordered the thin crust Quattro, which is spinach, artichokes, mushrooms, onions and mozzarella. Very tasty. Service, however, was terrible. There was a party in the small room, but that is no excuse for our own service as the rest of the entire large restaurant was completely empty when we arrived at about 3:15. After one of the waiters sat us, we waited about ten minutes for our waiter to come by. My aunt and I go to many restaurants and have both been servers in our past at one point, so we understand if things are a little busy. We're easy people to please. A bit of a wait never really bothers us if the following service and food is still good. Our waiter gets to our table but did not introduce himself... which is honestly not that big of a deal. We both ordered water with lemon and our pizza. He snapped at a busboy to bring water, but we never got the lemon. We didn't bother to ask for it again either, since we didn't see the waiter again until we were done. We did not receive a bread basket (another table that was seated shortly after us did, but we were not even offered one). We sat undisturbed until a busboy brought out our pizza about 20 minutes later. After, no one ever stopped by to check how we were doing, if everything was okay, if we needed anything else. When we finished eating, my aunt had gone to the restroom (which she did say was very clean) and the waiter finally reappeared and simply said, "Want a box?" After my aunt returned, we were given the check, without being asked if we wanted coffee or dessert (at an italian restaurant!) It was $23.10 total for a 14in pizza only, half cheese, half the Quattro. We got our leftover pizza (about half of it) in a gigantic oversized football pizza box. Signed the receipt, left the tip in cash (we still tipped 15%, because we know what its like to be servers) and left. No one thanked us or said goodbye on our way out. Our receipt said our waiter's name was Marco. I would hope that a relatively upscale italian restaurant with good food would command better service. It wasn't worth our time today and we left...
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