Gabriella's — Restaurant in Tampa

I HAVE NEVER HAD SUCH A POOR FINE DINING EXPERIENCE IN MY LIFE

Well now that I've got that out of my way, let me tell you why.

I booked a reservation for Christmas dinner (2016) at 7:00 pm through open table for myself an my young child a week in advance. I decided on Pelagia Trattoria because I was spending the holiday in Tampa and the restaurant had wonderful reviews and what sounded like a great Christmas Dinner Menu.

I received a phone call the day before from the restaurant confirming my reservation. When I appeared at the restaurant at 6:55 pm and advised the hostess that I had a reservation, she asked my name, then pursed her lips and shook her head. She then proceeded to ask how many were in my party; I advised her just myself and my daughter and she continued to shake her head. Mind you, at this point I can see right into the dining room which was half empty. She eventually found my reservation after I advised her someone called to confirm with me the day before.

The hostess proceeds to seat me and my child toward the center of the dining room; I then suggested a table more out of the way and the hostess replied with a sigh and a tone I did not appreciate "sit wherever you want, but this table is fine." She asked me if I needed a kids menu; I advised that would be wonderful. She removed the water glass from my daughters side of the table and attempted to take away her silverware and napkin, which I advised we would need.

The hostess walked by me 3 times seating other parties and did not acknowledge us or give us any indication that she remembered the menu. After sitting at the table for 15 minutes, our server appeared; I was poured water and he advised that they were on the hunt for a kids menu and then disappeared. At this time, I was prepared to order both my meal and my daughters - I don't need a menu to order chicken fingers. The waiter checked in on us again and advised they couldn't find the menu and disappeared again.

He came back a third time and asked me if he could get me something to drink; I placed my order and he was about to walk away again. I had to remind him that my daughter would need a beverage as well. 25 minutes in and no order has been placed and no kids menu found and when the waiter came over with the drinks I advised him I'd like to order. I also advised that we would want dessert to go. I placed the appetizer and dinner orders and the server disappeared again before I could put in my dessert.

A food runner brought over my appetizer - duck confit salad. It was good, but I didn't think it was anything special. Nobody checked to see if I liked the dish; nor had anyone brought over bread for the table.

A woman (the manager?) brought over our dinner. My daughter's chicken fingers and fries were very good. However, my dinner: Herb Citrus Stuffed Breast of Pheasant (which I ordered under the advice of the server) was clearly cooked ahead of time and reheated. The pheasant was so tough it could scarcely be cut with a butter knife.

The server checked in when I was done with dinner and I asked him for a box for my daughter's remaining dinner, our to-go dessert and our check. My daughter was still eating at this time; the server TOOK THE PLATE AWAY FROM HER as she was trying to dip a fry into the ketchup - mind you most of her dinner was on a separate dinner plate across the table; she was eating off a salad plate. He then brought over her boxed dinner and our desserts. Then he came back with our check.

Later, at the hotel I noticed my dessert (creme brulee) was just creme - no brulee - it had never been torched!

I was intending to tip rather well considering it was Christmas but I stuck to 15% because the experience was so poor. I will certainly never be giving this business...

This review is translated from a guest related to me that is not on Google. Jan would recommend this place to everyone. The atmosphere is amazing as it is small and cozy with beautiful decorations. The artwork is from a local artist and is top notch. Lighting is perfect and music is just right. The craft cocktails are extremely delicious and original. The barrel aged old fashion is the best old fashion I have ever drank. Be sure to try it smoked from their smoke box. I had the Gambas, mussels, croquttes and grouper. All of it was absolutely AMAZING! The grouper was grilled and tasted so fresh I would not be surprised if it had been caught that same day. The male bartender with the long hair was extremely knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. He made us so comfortable we could have stayed all night. He described the food and cocktails extremely well and was very confident in his recommendations so we went with them and were very glad we did. This is a small gem that is kind of hidden. Highly recommend you check it out. The bartender also said they have live music once a month and that the artist attends as well as the local coffee roaster (the after dinner cappuccino was to die for) and...

Very disappointed .. first thing a person sitting at a table is call a customer.. they are the ones who pay the bills . I came to this restaurant at 12:30 lunch .. i was on a tight time line .. but I was the only person in the restaurant .. the waiter was talking to the cook 10 feet away . I found what I wanted and waited and waited.he still talking to the cook 10 feet away .. I got the eye contact with the cook raise my hand for service . Waiter still talking to cook .. I hope whatever they were talking about was important because I wasn't.. if there was other customers waiting I would understand . But I was the only person there. I ask the hostess if they were open before I sat down . As i left the waiter was still talking to the cook ???. Told the hostess I couldn't get a glass of water forget food .. she offers me a bottle of water ??? Restaurants do serve food don't they .. customer are important aren't they .. service is part of their job isn't it .. myself and friends went to the food court . That I didn't want to go to.. so tired of fast food . Thanks ...