Roberto Italian Restaurant — Restaurant in Virginia

I have been to Roberto's a few times over the years because a friend lives nearby and we have had birthday dinners there. At best it is mediocre Italian food. Tonight though it was truly horrible. Knowing I don't like their Italian food, I decided to order a Lamb Gyro, something associated more with Greek places but Italian restaurants are serving them too. I grew up in NY, have been eating Gyros all my life and this was the worst one I've ever had. I only ate it because I was very hungry, but it was garbage. The meat might have been lamb, but really could have been anything, it was fairly tasteless, but even worse was the Tzatziki sauce which tasted like just some mayo with a little garlic powder in it. It tasted like no Tzatziki I've ever had before, but the rotten cherry on top of all of this was the stale bread it was served on. This pita was hard and brittle and most definitely stale, maybe they thought heating it would disguise that fact but it did not. AWFUL Gyro. This gyro with no sides was $6.95, and sweet potato fries added $4.95 and they were good, the only good item I've ever had there. Maybe the waiter was new, but my friends finished and I was still eating, he comes over , asks if we want dessert (although I'm still eating)and then asks if I want a box for my fries even though I'm still eating. Of course I said "No, I'm still eating", but does it makes sense to ask someone still shoveling food into their mouth if they want a box for it ?? So to sum it up, if you don't care what you eat and it seems many people don't, you won't mind this place. I love food, love to cook, avoid chain restaurants and love all types of food, but this is mediocre to bad. The prices are way too expensive for what you get. It doesn't have a nice atmosphere and it isn't in a nice area, right near the airport and surrounded by seedy looking motels. Honestly thinking about how bad this place is, I have no idea why my friends bother other then that it's close and when ordering actual Italian food , they give you a lot. Quantity does not equal quality. I won't...

Wound up at Roberto's by accident and what a fortunate one! Walked in the door, expecting a long wait like every other place we'd tried that Saturday night, because there were eight people ahead of us waiting to be seated. One of the patrons actually greeted us by telling us to "come on in and join the family". It's obvious this place has a lot of regulars but the way the staff interacts with their customers. That makes for an appealing atmosphere.

We were seated quickly, the staff was super friendly and attentive all through our meal.

We asked for a recommendation for an appetizer and our waiter suggested the garlic knots. At other places, you expect a handful of bread balls rolled in butter and garlic powder. Not here! The portion size is HUGE. You can easily see the knots are hand made and they are topped with a delicious sauce of real garlic and parsley. The marinara dip was fantastic and not overpowering. I literally had to move the platter to the other side out the table to avoid eating the whole thing.

We ordered a Sicilian pizza and weren't disappointed! Lots of gooey cheese, more of that yummy marinara, and loved the meatballs!

Dessert was a couple of cannolli that came plated like you'd expect from a high end kitchen and SO GOOD!

Drinks were refilled quickly and with regularity.

We left with take home food - half a pizza, garlic knots and a cannolli - full bellies and smiles - all for less than $45. You just can't beat that deal.

We'll be back! And since it's just a few blocks off my route home, I foresee swinging by for take out orders occasionally,too!

Well worth...

Took a chance on Roberto based on favorable reviews. IMHO the only thing the reviewers got right was the portion sizes, which are very generous. The exception being the calamari. Not only was there barely enough for two people, it was tough and rubbery with a small plastic dispenser cup of marinara. The entrees were edible, but nothing to write home about. One baked spaghetti entree was served without the requested protein which was later provided on the side. The six dollar small house salad contained nothing that justified that cost. The biggest issue overall was the price point of the entrees, appetizers, salads, and drinks compared to the location, food quality, and dining experience. Hard chairs were very uncomfortable and there was absolutely no atmosphere in the dining area. Although devoid of any charm, the restaurant was clean and the server was friendly and helpful, but those are the only positive aspects of the dining experience. Service was mostly timely, although the entrees took quite a while to show up, even though there were no more than five or six other small parties in the restaurant. The nail in the coffin was the surprise 3.5% NCA (non cash adjustment) to pay with a credit card. If it was posted on the menu, on a sign, or mentioned by the server I must have missed it. But it sure showed up on the bill when presented. If the food quality, pricing, and dining experience had been more positive, I might have overlooked the surprise ending. But that was just too many strikes...