Made in Italy — Restaurant in Venice

October 19, 2024 - Two for dinner before a 75th Anniversary show at the Venice Theatre!!

Must have fumble finger deleted my pictures, so get right to the point??

We had a reservation but while empty were put in the 'bar' area up against the bar in a two top with my left ear AT the edge of the bar..... a 4 to 8 knot breeze from the overhead A/C buffeting our table. We asked to move at least the 4 feet our of the downdraft..... (two more couples arrived at that table and were re-seated. ) No 'ding' for this just mentioning it as an area for improvment. We make a reservation to be courteous and for the establishment to also plan, but are actually expecting a 'good' or okay table - not an overflow or backup..... This was my first visit here......First Impressions?

SERVICE was absolutely stupendous, helpful, swift, attentive by Lauren P. WOW. She was available always (had a bunch of tables) and zone defensed her area like a pro!!!

Cocktails were good per the boss (Grapefruit basil martinis) a bit NY $ at 27.90 - thank goodness not $14 a piece?? I had Heineken NA a bit pricey at $5.50 (for no alcohol no labor no liquor license justifying beverage)

We got an Avocado & Shrimp Salad to split and that was perfect proportion.... my wife took the shrimp (they were just okay and unseasoned, might have been nice to sauté or Bay season them) The salad was nice with a very nice avocado and fresh greens etc 7/10

My wife ordered the Lobster Ravoli which was very nice. The ravioli were not overcooked and el dente. the sauce and plate were very good and smartly spiced and seasoned! 9/10

I ordered the Vegan Penne Tartufate that has vegan penne with porcini mushrooms, vegan sausage, and truffle cream. Overall I liked this dish and would order it again with two quips. 1) the penne was just okay and my wife who has been here before told me AFTER I was eating this the penne, specifically is not made fresh or maybe its the go to 'pot' pasta and is just reheated and not "prima pastina" (first cook) , I dunno I might ask to get a less "done" pasta. But is was not bad and tasty. 2) Love the mushrooms, and the cream sauce and the side of vegan cheese was awesome and the vegan sausage effect is nice.....however it was kinda a finely processed texture and mixture......(the picture I seem to have deleted/lost showed this) a grated/fine sized component. Less processed or chopped mushrooms and materials would be awesome. 8/10

We are definitely coming back!! An EASY walk to the Venice Theatre and at least out of season parking abounds and was easy. REALLY want to re-review and slip in that next...

I’ve been going to this place for years. I must say. I’ve never had a bad or even a slightly bad meal. I’ve always ordered take out. I’ve always picked it up. It’s always done when they say it will. Everything on the menu is great. Now why I gave only 3 stars for service. Maybe if you’re dining in, it might be different. I’ve picked up from here far over 20 times. Over the years, different people working. But no matter who it was or the time of day or night , or day of the week. It was never what ,( as they say, In The Weeds.) by a long shot. Maybe, 3 tables and 4 to 5 eating at the bar. The bartender always some sort of the same. Young Blond no personality is talking ether to another employee. Not ordering but gossiping,or what looks to be possibly a manager . Giggling and laughing,but not paying attention to the door. There has never been a hostess at the hostess stand. You don’t see a server in the whole place? Sometimes after 60 seconds. Sometimes after five minutes. One will wonder out of the kitchen. Look you dead in the eye and keep going. Then after a bit 2 more will come out, and if your lucky say. Can I help you? Then 2 or 3 more come out. Now none of these servers have trays or food of any kind coming from the kitchen. Only leads me to believe,everyone in this place is ether goofing off or board to tears. I only continue to go because the food is great. I’ve been involved with the service industry enough to know. This is a management problem. I don’t know if it’s managed by owners or a restaurant manager. But I’d imagine that’s why it’s never packed. Oddly enough. There is another restaurant just doors away calmly Taste of Italy. This place is always packed with people waiting. Their food is also good. I myself just prefer some of the specialty dinners at Made in Italy. Some servers and even managers have forgotten. Tips , Stands for. To Insure Prompt Service. Get it...

Our family experience at "Made in Italy" was far from pleasant. Upon arrival, we were greeted by an indifferent hostess who offered us seats in a section of the restaurant with no air conditioning. The place looked cute, but considering the Florida July heat, this was far from ideal.

The hostess told us all other tables were reserved, even though it wasn’t prime dinner time, and assured us that customers would be arriving in 15 minutes.

We decided to stay because we were recommended this place the day before, the hostess promised that food would be done promptly, we had kids, and we had a three-hour drive ahead. Plus, no other places were open due to the 4th of July. However, after an hour, the same tables that were supposedly reserved remained empty.

The food wasn’t prompt either.

The food itself was another letdown. The chicken with spinach and potatoes was extremely salty, as was the Margarita pizza. The Caprese salad was very average, certainly not what you would expect from a place called "Made in Italy." The kids were okay with their spaghetti and meatballs. Kids spaghetti and meatballs was European portion for adults. While the portions were large, quantity does not make up for quality.

To top it off, we found a hair on a side plate, which was the final straw.

It was our little one’s birthday, and we had planned to have dessert with a candle, but after the overall experience, we didn’t want to stay any longer.

In contrast, the day before we visited Venice Cafe Restaurant next door. Their Caprese salad was creative and delicious, and the service was amazing. The hostess and staff were so welcoming and friendly from the entrance till we left, frequently checking on us to ensure we had everything we needed.

Overall, our visit to "Made in Italy" was not worth the hype. It felt like tourists or one-time visitors are not as important to the restaurant...