D'Avolio Kitchen & Retail — Restaurant in Town of Amherst

After years of working in the general area, I always heard such great things about D’Avolio. So much so that I came in recently to get a Christmas gift basket and made the decision to stop back in to eat as well. We went on a weeknight - didn’t expect how busy it was but that’s fine! We were in absolutely no hurry and didn’t mind that there was a wait once we were seated.

However this was a less than stellar experience all around. After the approx 15 min wait after sitting, we were able to order drinks. Those came quick and were delicious! We were then asked if we were set with the menus, to which we replied yes and were then told we had to circle things with marker. Whoops! We were never told, so we didn’t realize to do so. No big deal.

It took about 10 more minutes for help to circle back once we circled our menu. Again, really not a big deal - just wish we had known.

The food is where it all went south.

The beans and greens I ordered came out first and was like watery, peppery broth with a scant amount of “green” and popped beans. Definitely the lowest tier of beans and greens I’ve tried, but still tolerable.

My main entree? An absolute abomination. I ordered a sandwich on foccocia with chicken cutlet, roasted red pepper spread, artichoke, and FRESH mozzarella. My partner got a steak sandwich.

We waited with anticipation, sipping our drinks which were great…

And let me tell you I am still in shock of what I was served.

The food came and I instantly saw the overly salted, cold sad sub roll that was passed as… foccocia?! That was the first strike. From there, every single element was bad. My fresh mozzarella was just a sliced piece of deli mozzarella, not even bothered to be melted. The chicken cutlet was cut up into strips, likely to deter me from how dry and freezing it was. I bit into the sandwich and really didn’t think it could get worse.

It wasn’t just cold, it was frozen. As if the bread has just been defrosted, and my artichoke practically had frost on it. So cold I couldn’t even taste flavor. I’m not sure what or if all of it was frozen, but something definitely was to make it this cold. It’s as if they slapped everything on the sandwich and meant for it to go into a warmer or over or something, and just simply forgot. Freezing and so unenjoyable! Then to make matters WORSE, my red pepper “spread” was just a marinara sauce poured all over the sub. It was like eating freezing cold chicken parm sub with unmelted cheese. Just absolutely horrible.

My partners sandwich was at least toasty warm and enjoyable. I really don’t know what the mix up was, but someone in that kitchen dropped the ball big time.

Unfortunately our server was busy and never stopped back, and I am just not one to march up to the kitchen myself to send my food back. So I reluctantly ate and we waited, and waited for the check. I popped into the bathroom when it came off course, so I wasn’t able to give any feedback. My partner paid and we left very unsatisfied.

I unfortunately will not be back and will not be recommending anymore. Truthfully this was so bad I wish I could return my $100 gift basket, but alas I know the oil and vinegar are at least the big selling...

D'Avolio, when I first started shopping on Main Street, focused on their sale of olive oil and vinegar. It seems that the focus now is on the restaurant alone. When the store opened on Transit I was glad as it is closer to me home. As a long time customer I am frustrated by the fact that when I go in to shop NO olive oil is available. I was at the Transit store today and they didn't have one bottle of plain olive oil. They blamed it on the storm but really!!! They didn't have a few days of oil stocked in the store. A couple of months ago I went in there were only 2 varieties to choose from. And a couple of months before that there was NONE again. Is this a premium olive oil store...are is it just a restaurant. I was told today to call ahead to see if they have any in stock before coming out. They want be to call ahead to SEE IF AN OLIVE OIL STORE HAS...

UPDATED REVIEW We've always loved the oils. Honestly, our first visit here for lunch was entirely underwhelming and disappointing. After writing a review that reflected that experience, the owner contacted me and invited us back for a 2nd chance saying what we experienced wasn't typical. We accepted and returned. Atmosphere is nice. Service was friendly and attentive. The ordering process went smoothly with the write on menus. Food came out in an appropriate amount of time. We got an antipasto for an appetizer and a chicken wrap with side salad and 12" pizza for lunch. Everything was good. Would not have recommended after our first visit but would now definitely recommend. I guess we just had some bad luck the first time. I suppose it happens. If you're looking for something a little different with some special touches, try out D'Avolio....