Roman Wolves — Restaurant in San Diego

I have gone back and forth on leaving a review of our time spent at Roman Wolves on Wednesday night 3/6. We did not make a scene and it has been two days of sitting on these feelings. If anything this is a DO BETTER learning moment for a new restaurant. Story time- Let me start by saying it was a rainy Wednesday night during restaurant week (which we didn't order) and we had a reservation for 6PM, and by 8PM we were asked to leave our table. A girlfriend and I went to try out this new restaurant and get together since we hadn't seen each other in a while. We arrived and each ordered a glass of wine, then ordered an appetizer to split. We each ordered a pasta, she ordered a second glass of wine. After our meals we ordered the tiramisu (which for $12 was smaller then a post-it or my credit card). After desert I decided to order a second glass of wine and she ordered a third. At this point we were brought our check without asking if we wanted anything else. It sat on the table for maybe 2 total minutes and server came back asking if it was ready. I understand sometimes servers are leaving a shift so we paid as to not hold her up. We had spent $152 before tip. Half way during my second glass and her third and employee came to our table and said "I really hate to do this but we need this table. Can we buy you another glass of wine and have you move to the bar?" Keep in mind there is an empty table next to us and we were actively drinking our wine. This action ruined our night and we left our half glasses of wine sitting on the table and left immediately. On your website you have written "At Roman Wolves, we believe that dining is more than just eating; it’s an experience that engages all senses. From the moment you step through our doors, you’re not just a guest; you’re part of our family." I didn't feel like family being asked to leave my table and move to an overly full bar. Felt more of a dollar sign to your establishment. Also poor planning on your part for table seating and letting walk ins sit knowing that you cant seat outside due to the rain isn't an emergency on my end to give up a table. No where on your website or your menu did it state a 2 hour time limit (and I went back to look). If this is something you plan to enforce this needs to be documented somewhere. Coming from someone who has a degree in Hospitality management, has been in the industry for 17 years, helped open restaurants, and also eaten at MANY restaurants I am floored to be asked to leave my table while actively drinking a glass of wine I paid for at this establishment. I understand you are newly opened, but if you are claiming paying customers are 'part of your family' I truly hope this is a learning curve to DO BETTER and Plan Better.

Food- was comparable to other restaurants in little Italy other than portion sizing. Atmosphere- was nice over all. Service- don't be so pushy to get people in and out, this is the business. Some people will be in and out so quick and some like to enjoy their time and the atmosphere they are in. Also don't stare at tables just because you are being impatient. If you cant handle the highs and lows maybe this industry...

I was really looking forward to going to this place.

It was a good experience as to the food but the way they handle customer service, more specifically at the moment of paying, it is very disappointing.

First, we got there 10mins before the reservation. We checked in and let the person at the door our reservation was at 7. We didn’t get in until 30 minutes after.

The service was good and the food too. The problem was when paying, as customers you rely on the business good faith as to what they are charging you. They never told when I did the reservation that a 20% service was going to be added to the check. It was a $600+ check and I was already thinking about adding a service % since the service was ok even though we got it 30 minutes late after hour reservation.

Then, if the forced 20% wasn’t enough, they add a HOSPITALITY FEE of 3+% which as an explanation from the manager, it is because of the “inflation” and their expenses by printing menus, etc.

In addition to this, they never tell you about the 20% they already added to your check and also nothing about the 3+% they add for the hospitality fee. They say the hospitality fee is in the menu but, who is checking the menu for fees? This is an abuse of good faith as to the consumer. They give you the check PLUS the small check where you ask can add a tip (how we usually do it), I relied on the business ethic and added an extra percentage of tip without knowing we were already being charged 23+% just for being consumers.

As a conclusion we got charged 23+% on tip without being notified about that. Plus they give you the small receipt where you can add a tip without letting you know they already charged you a service percentage. And this even after they sat us down 30 minutes late from the hour of our reservation.

Oh and I forget, you can only be 1:45 minutes there…. They call you to let you know that…

But hey! Free desserts (not so free if they put a 23+% fee over it.

Good food but those details make me to not want to...

I happen upon Roman Wolves during a walk in Little Italy. It's off the beaten path on Kettner and Grape, but it's definitely worth the visit.

During my dinner visit, I had the fiori di zucca stuffed with oxtail and ricotta, the rucoletta salad, and a special of the evening, the braised lamb shank with a class of Barbera d' Alba, and excellent recommendation by my server Andy.

The fiori di zucca were very tasty and well fried to a crispy exterior texture. The creamy ricotta cheese was very flavorful but a little more oxtail mixed in with the ricotta would of been nice. The cacio e pepe fondue underneath was very nice. It had good flavor and a pleasant creamy texture.

I really enjoyed the rucoletta salad. I simplicity was not hinder to its flavor. The baby arugula was fresh, the cherry tomatoes juicy and bursting with flavor, and the Parmesan cheese added that subtle saltiness and nuttiness. The olive oil based citrus dressing simple yet delicious.

The best item of the house was no doubt the braised lamb shank served with a saffron risotto and broccolini. The lamb was the star, not only was it super tender and gently fell off the bone, but was very well prepared, seasoned, and came with a terrific rustic sauce. I truly believe the lamb shank should be on their regular menu. It gives off that old world charm and rustic appeal. Both the brocolini and saffron risotto were both excellent.

The service provided by Andy at the bar. He was well informed and friendly. Vincent, the manager, took a few minutes to come over to ask how my experience was. Roman Wolves offers very...