Caruso’s Italian Kitchen — Restaurant in Treasure Island

My goodness, I came here to write a complimentary review of Caruso's after having a truly delightful time there last night. The food and service could not have been better. I'm truly shocked to see that the family of about 12 people who arrived just prior to closing last night has decided to try to drag down the rating of the restaurant by writing poor reviews en masse. My family and I were at the table directly adjacent to the two tables they piled into and could hear every word that was said. The girls working there were not in any way rude to that party. In fact, they were actually quite patient considering the party showed up at closing, split entrees and demanded special treatment. They haggled over every item on the menu to where it literally took the server about 30 minutes to take their order. We were kind of amused by them, to be honest, as they threw a huge tantrum when the restaurant ran out of bread (at closing time, on a sunday). We did leave before the conclusion of the drama as it was quite late, but I'm quite confident that the servers were not rude or uncivil to them after we left. They were planning to demand a discount on their bill when we took our leave, due to the bread situation. Their entitlement and vindictiveness in maligning such a lovely little establishment is shameful. That being said, we loved our meals and the service was...

Good Food, but Rushed

We were the first customers of the day—early for us. I think the servers meant well, but everything was rushed. I felt like I was in a fast casual restaurant rather than a place where I would spend $125 for the two of us. Slow it down a bit and let us digest for a minute before dropping the next course.

The food was good. We started with the recommended Bruschetta. It isn’t typical. Instead, the topping is in an accompanying bowl. The topping was delicious—how can you go wrong with tomatoes, basil and garlic in balsamic vinegar? We then shared a bowl of their special tomato bisque and it was delicious. We also shared a Caesar salad which my wife thought was too garlicy (I’m not sure that’s possible), so I ate her share. The server had asked me if I did or didn’t want anchovies on my salad so I said sure, but on the side. I had no idea that I’d be charged an extra $2.50, especially since it didn’t say that on the menu. Shame, shame.

For mains I had the Pasta Pescatore which was good, but a little oily. My wife had the Chicken Piccata which she enjoyed. We accompanied those with some wines by the glass from their decent collection and they were fairly priced.

I might go back, but I’d be clear with the server about not...

Don’t bother if you don’t have a reservation. Called to ask if I needed a reservation and was told “no, come at 7 and we should be able to seat you.” Went at 7 and were sat pretty quickly- there were 3 open tables. Hostess/waitress gave us 1 menu (for 4 of us), and said she’d bring more. After 10 minutes, another waitress brought water and bread- never said hello or anything. 10 minutes later we still have no menus, and no one has asked for a drink order- nothing. First waitress finally comes back, starts to hand us menus, then says ‘oh, you have menus’ and walks away. After a few more minutes my husband waved her down and politely asked if we could order, and she asked if we had a reservation and walked away. She was obviously frazzled, but she was straight up rude. Then she went to take an order from another table that sat after us- I over heard that they did have a reservation. We left. Complete waste of time!

Caruso’s- don’t waste your customers time. If reservations are required, then say that. You’re not doing anyone- including the frazzled...