Italian Grill & Pizzeria — Restaurant in Picayune

Went again last night after avoiding coming back due to a previous bad experience. Well, last night guaranteed we will not be returning. After being seated it took about 10 minutes before our drink order was taken. My tea came about 5 minutes later, my husband's beer was warm by the time it reached the table about 15 minutes later. My in-laws joined us after that time and it took over 10 minutes for their drink orders to go in. Once again, the tea took about 5 minutes but a drink from the bar took about 15. We ordered 2 orders of calamari for appetizers. It took about 20 minutes to get one order, then another 10 for the next order to come up. We all ordered our food at the same time while waiting on the appetizers. Mine and my husband's food came out in about 20 minutes but my in laws food did not come out until we were finished eating and after my FIL said to cancel the order. While I tried to be understanding that there was a radio show going on and more people than they are used to, still over half the restaurant was empty and they should have been prepared. We all witnessed our waitress having conversation's with her coworkers while we were waiting, but she didn't waste time checking to see if we needed drinks or anything. During the 1.5 hours we were there, our drinks were refilled 1 time. When it was time to eat, we opened the napkins to discover cheap plastic utensils. Finally the check comes, with a 3% fee for a credit card, although I was paying cash. On my in laws bills, my FIL had ordered the Philly Cheesesteak and was charged additionally for the peppers, onions and mushrooms, that were included on the sandwich on the menu. For an $80 meal I would expect real utensils and better service. The food is decent but not worth what lacks in...

Ate lunch there today. Host wasn't very friendly. Not really thrilled about the butcher paper table covering. Very uncomfortable and kept rolling and crinkling up. Lunch was $86 dollars. At least serve me on a real table setup please. Bruschetta as an appetizer was just OK. Over garlicky and soaked in oil. Ordered the kids 10 inch cheese pizza. Looked good, but I didn't try it. Kids are it though. Wife ordered lasagna, but instead got a ton of sauce with a bit of pasta and meat in it. Server even commented on the amount of marinara. I ordered the veal with pasta, and got a bowl of olive oil with some angel hair and an oddly lemon flavored piece of veal. When I tell you that every bite was like drinking a half cup of oil, that's exactly what it was like. I have had authentic Italian food made by a woman that couldn't even speak English. This wasn't it. Server was friendly, and kept drink filled. Had to ask her to remove plates, but they are all very young. The pizzas they brought out to other customers looked good though. It just seems that they think authentic Italian means drowning out poor chef skills with oil and marinara sauce. Would I recommend eating here? Maybe if your taste buds are well educated to good food. Atmosphere is decent so...

We dined here tonight (which we have several times before), but this visit was very disappointing. I ordered the chi Jen marcela, my husband ordered lasagna and our friend ordered Alfredo pasta. My chicken was absolutely TERRIBLE! I couldn’t even cut it due to its rubbery texture. When I was finally able to taste it, I had to spit it back out. This caused me to lose my appetite. My husband’s lasagna was also not good, as he had to pick the noodles out of the meat. (We’re hoping it wasn’t soured). Worse yet we weren’t compensated for the inedible food. The servers are all very young and not properly trained (not being their fault). However, they do try their best.

Also, all meals were served with a salad. When we were not offered a salad, we asked why. We were told the restaurant had to decide if they wanted to stop offering salads with meals or raise prices 10%. So salads lost. They are no longer served with meals.

We will not be returning anytime soon. And I will not recommend this restaurant...