The Tuscan Vine — Restaurant in Sagamore Hills Township

We went to this restaurant for the first time tonight with another couple and we were very dis-satisfied with the service. When we arrived there were open table’s setup for 4 but the host had us wait for a table to be setup right next to the bathroom which should have been our first indication of problems. The host sat us but did not give us menus and the table had no silverware. After 5 mins a server came over and gave us the menus and silverware. She then left without taking any drink order and did not come back for almost 15 mins. When she did come back we ordered drinks which took almost 15 mins to get and when she delivered them she left without taking our food order. Another 10 mins goes by and the server finally came back and took our food order. After another 15 mins goes by our server comes back and brings just 2 of the 3 appetizers ordered. After waiting 7 mins we inform the server to cancel the other appetizer. Wouldn't you know it she comes back 5 minutes later with the canceled appetizer and ask if we want it, we said NO and she leaves looking mad. Now we wait another 20 minutes to get our main dish, or I should say one of us gets their meal while the rest of us have to wait another 5 minutes to get ours. This was just crazy to bring dinners out piece meal instead of all at once. It really felt like amateur night. All in all we left 2 hours later totally dissatisfied. We tried to explain to the owner the problems we experienced but he was not very receptive to what we were telling him. He blamed the kitchen and they were half the problem. The other half was our server. She causally walked around but never came to ask if we needed anything, or to explain what causing the awful wait, nothing. To top it off the canceled appetizer showed up on someone’s bill that didn’t even order it. That only made matters worse. All in all the whole staff appeared to be new to the restaurant business. They said they opened 5 weeks ago but it was an awful experience. My suggestion is to wait 2 months before going here and maybe they will have enough training to run a restaurant efficiently.

**To the owner who responded below that we arrived without a reservation, sorry to contradict/correct your response, we DID have a reservation and the service was...

My wife and I stopped in at around 6:30pm on Friday. There were several open tables, but the hostess (who then became our waitress, named Leslie) acted extremely reluctant to offer us a table. Quite possibly because I was envoking my legal right to carry a firearm since their establishment does not have signage posted in a conspicuous location on the outtermost entrance of the building while wearing shorts with boots, and my wife has dyed hair with piercings and tattoos. She cited a party of 15 that would be coming in, and that they were "very busy, when in reality they really weren't. She never actually introduced herself. We got her name from our check. When we ordered, we each asked for a water with lemon and immediately ordered since we had plenty of time to review the menu whilst waiting. My wife got the salmon with a side salad, and I got the veal parm with a side salad. It literally took her 30 minutes just to bring our waters out. She offered no bread and butter while we waited, but another server randomly came up and offered us some. Our meals finally came, along with our side salads (rather than prior to the meal, which is typically customary) My wife said the Salmon was OK. Not good. Not bad. Just OK. My veal parm was downright BAD. It was more chewy than beef jerky, but at least beef jerky has FLAVOR, and my pasta was overcooked. Our "side salads" (at $8 a piece, mind you) were nothing but a small bowl of shredded lettuce that barely tasted as if it had any dressing at all. The waitress never once returned to check on us or provide refills. At one point the manager approached us as we went to leave and asked how everything was. We told him of our poor experience, and he informed us they had lost a server AND a cook the day prior and that "things were tough." He also made it same as though he was already aware of the VERY poor cuts of veal, because he stated "we're trying to get that changed quickly." However, he genuinely didn't seem to actually care. My wife and I enjoy restaurants at least 3 to 4 times a week during our weekend travels in Ohio and every state that borders it. We like to support local by going to the one-off, non-chain restaurants. But we have to say! This was by far the WORST dining experience we have ever had....

Let me say first that I would like to see a successful, long run for a nice restaurant in Sagamore Hills. But based on my experience last night (a Saturday dining at 6:30 with my son), the Tuscan Vine won’t survive unless they step it up a bit. We were there for two hours—an hour and a half waiting at a table void of any food except two Italian dinner rolls and some chunks of butter. Oh and a glass of red vin, decent for the very reasonable price. We must have looked pathetic sitting there because another table of diners brought us slices of birthday cake from their celebration!

The servers were super nice, and apologetic for the lengthy delay. My son’s soda was refilled three times. The restaurant is nicely appointed with linen tablecloths, well spaced tables, and a grand piano adding to the ambiance. Prices are within reason for authentic Italian pasta ($17-$25/entree). But I dine out for more than a plate of food. My overall experience left me with no desire to return.

May I suggest that the food presented resemble that on the restaurant website… some garnish or a touch of color. While waiting ( esp given that the food is taking so long to prepare…) some little courtesies would have been nice—a few vege nibbles perhaps, a side salad (lettuce, a radish slice, sprinkle of grated cheese … add a buck to the entree price if that’s too much added cost!), some dipping oil for the bread. Feeling welcome and cared for is what it takes for...