il Giallo Osteria & Bar — Restaurant in Sandy Springs

I was taking a walk through the shopping center trying to decide where I was going to dine and I saw that they had a large party outside and the inside seemed packed too. So I assumed it must’ve been good. One of the servers promptly asked me was I picking up or dining in. I said no I was just checking out the restaurant and I’d go to the bar. That was my first mistake. I sat down for a minute or two which I know sounds crazy to complain about since I’m a bartender and have been in the industry for the past few years but the bartender was present, looked me in the eyes without saying anything, paced around, had no drinks to make, and was running glasses in the dishwasher instead of welcoming me, the ONLY person at the bar. He finally sat a menu down and said are you ordering a drink? No Hi, hello, welcome, etc. I quickly but kindly responded that I had never been to the restaurant and would like to review the menu. He just stared at me blankly as an ok, then continued to pace around for the next 10min while the dishwasher ran doing everything possible to not speak to me, check in on me, offer water, menu suggestions, wine, nothing. This is common service at most restaurants nowadays of all levels so not surprising but still disappointing. I find it sad I cannot find a new bar position let alone a serving position at most bars and restaurants because of racial profiling and or what have you; I am a 27 year old black male. I have a lifetime of experience in the culinary arts and almost 10 professional years in the food industry. The bartender was a tall white man maybe in his late 20s to 30’s-40’s I wouldn’t know anything about him because he didn’t give his name. I don’t know if he was having a rough day or what but all it takes is a Hi and welcome as a service industry worker, and especially as a bartender, to set the standard of service and customer experience. If someone says it is their first time at your restaurant you welcome them in and describe the menu. It’s just incredibly sad to see people in pivotal positions at restaurants, especially fine dining presenting restaurants, that probably wouldn't hire actual experienced customer service forward service staff. I don’t expect servers/bartenders to talk to me while their busy or take all their time when they have tasks because I work in the same field in the same positions. So I get it. But it just feels incredibly awkward being a first time guest and just having this awkward standoff experience as the only person at the bar. I wanted to speak to a manger about it as I tried to wait a little longer for him to come around and check on me but he never did. And I decided to leave as he picked his bus tub up to take dishes to the back. I’m all here for cleaning up the bar but maybe square away guests first? It felt disrespectful honestly, but I try my best to not make judgements based off of my feelings. I figured it was pointless to complain about it because the staff is usually a reflection of the managements expectations, consideration and training style. I couldn’t review the food if I wanted to because I was not served at all. Again I don’t know if its because I’m a young black male, he was having a rough day/week, underpaid and overworked which is typical in the industry, or something else but if I’m not an expert at anything I’m an expert at restaurant service from FOH to BOH and the service at the bar was non existent. Hopefully he isn’t fired or anything which I’m sure wont be the outcome, I’d hate to see a fellow industry worker out of a job, but customer service training would take him a long way at whatever level he thinks he’s at. I don’t think I’d check this restaurant out in the future. I got better service at Wingstop down the lot which was still spotty, expectedly, but at least I wasn’t ignored...

I have been to il Giallo several times for networking events, lunch and dinner. They have impressed me more and more every time I go there. Nothing more than the last time I was there for a lunch meeting last week.

As usual I was early to my meeting, arriving to il Giallo at 11:00 for a scheduled lunch at 11:30. I had my 10 month old daughter with me and I did not realize that the restaurant did not open until 11:30. I was content to pace outside with my daughter enjoying the beautiful day. To my surprise a very welcoming gentleman (I would find out later was the general manager) opened the door early and invited me in to sit down while I waited for my lunch.

Once inside, everyone was pleasant and obviously very focused on preparing everything for the day to come. I was asked politely by one member of the staff if I needed anything. The bartender waited a little while and again very pleasantly asked me from afar if I could use some water or anything for my daughter.

Needless to say the service and food was spectacular. I left feeling wonderful. The general manager greeted me once again on the way out. The most impressive part to me was the fact that the person who you would think would be to busy with other intricacies of the business was opening the door early for me and greeting me on the way out. That may have been because a staff member was not there that day but still it was quite impressive.

I look forward to going to il Giallo again soon and working with them for future events with...

Recently attended on back to back nights (Thursday and Friday). Same incredible service and attention to detail on both occasions. Steps of service well attended at this jewel in the crown of Sandy Springs dining. From the second you are greeted at the front door by the maitre d (or the super nice Valet attendants out front), to when you are sat and all the way thru your meal until you leave...this is classical Italian dining in an upscale but relaxed atmosphere. ALL of the pastas are made in house...so delicious...if you have never had fresh pasta, you haven't lived. I can personally recommend the tagliatelle (braised short ribs...YUM) and the gnocchi (gorgonzola and speck...WOW). Now, the risotto is with calamari in ink...so delicious. Bold and biting flavors. There is also an extensive wine list. Treat yourself and get the Barolo. Closed the meal with a double espresso, chocolate gelato (amazing!) and the ricotta doughnuts...seriously? Yes. Get them. Don't ask questions. Just eat. Reservations recommended for Friday or Saturday night. If the kids are with you, take them over to the short wall that separates the kitchen from the dining room and watch Chef Jamie and his crew work their culinary magic. Footnote: If you need some protein in your diet and aren't feeling the pasta for whatever reason, get the Milk Braised Pork Shank. It is delicious and decadent and filling and has a wonderful depth of flavor with the sauce...