Ynot Italian — Restaurant in Virginia Beach

The service really made this experience terrible. When we arrived (5 pm on a Tuesday) the restaurant was almost completely empty and the seat yourself sign was at the host stand. We were going to be a party of 5 but only 2 of us were there and they really didn’t have any tables quite big enough already for us to seat ourselves at. We stood there for a bit looking at the 2 servers who were just staring at us like we were idiots for standing there when the sign said seat yourself. So we sat at a table. Then one of the same servers, Alyssa, came and greeted us. I told her there was going to be 5 of us and she never offered to move us to another table until 2 more of our party showed up and she saw just how cramped it was.

When the last of our party showed up, Alyssa took her drink order and the disappeared for a couple minutes until a 2 top of a mother and daughter (obviously regulars) came in. Before they were even completely settled at their table, Alyssa was there with their drinks and silverware. And then she proceeded to chat them up for a bit. In the meantime, I had ordered appetizers while waiting for my mom to arrive and my husband and I had to share an app plate and silverware and my mom was waiting for her drink while Alyssa continued to catch up with these regulars. When we were finished with our appetizer, Alyssa finally brought the 5th set of silverware, app plate, and my mothers drink.

We ordered our food and waited. When our meals came out, my meal was missing. I had ordered a caprese salad as my meal. Alyssa said it was going to be right out. Things happen and I understand that. However, I was a little shocked that it didn’t come out until everyone was finished eating since the only cooking involved in the dish is lightly toasting the bread. Alyssa never even apologized for the wait and rushed off before anyone could ask for boxes. It was obvious that everyone was finished eating. We waited for her to return - which was not a short wait. I didn’t start eating my meal because we didn’t expect her to be gone so long and we were ordering desserts since we were celebrating my husband's birthday.

When she finally came back, she seemed annoyed that we needed boxes and took our plates and boxed our food. There was still no apology for my food being so delayed even after seeing that I didn’t touch my dinner at all.

Where we were seated, we could see the entire floor and kitchen. We could see the other servers going back and forth to their tables, but other than the 20 minutes or so Alyssa spent talking to her regulars throughout their meal, she was mostly hanging out talking on the far side of the kitchen. I’m not even sure if she put my phone number in for the rewards because there should have already been a lot on there.

Overall, the service was some of the worst I’ve received just about anywhere and the fact that we seemed like an annoyance to Alyssa...

Ynot has been a family favorite for as long as we've been in Virginia Beach, which is now 25+ years. We love their pizza and have been there countless times.

I want to relay an experience I had there recently. At the outset, I want to say the service was beyond attentive, and the pizza slices my kids got were all delicious as usual.

I ordered eggplant parmesan, a dish I love. I asked for the side of pasta to be substituted with vegetables, and they gladly accommodated me. The portions were beyond generous, and it looked appetizing, but unfortunately the breading was as soggy as could be and the taste of flour predominated. I forced myself to eat about half of it before I hit tilt.

I politely mentioned to the waitress at the end of our meal that the dish was not up to their usual standards in my estimation. She listened patiently and with a smile, and told me she would see what she could do for us. Shortly thereafter, the manager came to talk to me. He offered to get me something else, but since I was full I declined. I told him I wasn't angling for any freebies, and that I usually don't complain about such things, but if I failed to provide feedback then they wouldn't have the opportunity to correct the issue for other customers.

In the end, they discounted the dish altogether, which reduced my bill by close to $20. I wasn't expecting that, but it was certainly appreciated.

When the waitstaff and the management listen to complaints patiently and politely, and then take extra steps like this to ensure customer satisfaction, I think that should be rewarded.

So, in all, I give kudos to Ynot. I might not order the eggplant parmesan again, but we'll definitely...

Ynot - A Slice of Comfort in Chesapeake Ynot in Chesapeake consistently delivers a reliable and satisfying Italian dining experience, making it a solid four-star choice for a casual meal. It's the kind of place you can count on for a good pizza night or a hearty pasta dish without breaking the bank. The atmosphere is typical for a family-friendly Italian restaurant – bustling but comfortable, with a relaxed vibe that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. While it's not a white-tablecloth establishment, it's clean and well-maintained, creating a welcoming environment. The menu is extensive, offering a wide array of Italian classics from appetizers and subs to pizzas and full entrees. Their pizzas are a definite highlight, with a nicely balanced sauce and good quality cheese that melts just right. The crust, while sometimes on the thinner side, generally holds up well to the toppings. Beyond pizza, the pasta dishes are generously portioned and satisfying, with comforting flavors. Don't overlook their garlic rolls – they're a delicious start to any meal. Service is generally efficient and friendly, with staff who seem to understand the flow of a busy restaurant. You won't typically find yourself waiting too long for your order, even during peak hours. While Ynot might not be pushing the boundaries of innovative Italian cuisine, it excels at what it does best: providing consistent, enjoyable, and value-driven Italian American fare. For a dependable and delicious meal in Chesapeake, Ynot is a...