Roma Casual Italian & Greek Dining — Restaurant in Virginia

In these uncertain times, I sought a familiar comfort, something that might anchor me to the past: a simple meal from Roma’s, where Italian and Greek flavors meet. I ordered ahead, three 10-inch pizzas—one vegetarian, a primo pepperoni, and the trifecta—hoping that they might deliver not just nourishment but a taste of the world before everything changed. Yet, when I picked up my order and took the pizzas home, I found myself reflecting on more than just the food. The vegetarian pizza had its own peculiarities: The basil, tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, and onions seemed to gather in the center, leaving the outer edges barren. As I ate, I found myself rearranging each slice, trying to balance the flavors, a quiet act of compensation. While the crust was crisp and well-cooked underneath, the top lacked that final kiss of heat, leaving the mushrooms and onions undercooked—like promises half-kept. In another time, this might have been a small inconvenience, easily overlooked. But now, in the shadow of a world post-COVID, even something as simple as undercooked vegetables carries a heavier weight—a reminder of the fragility we now live with. We live in an age where food recalls and rising concerns about foodborne illnesses make even a simple meal a gamble. How much trust do we still place in the hands of those who prepare it? These aren’t just culinary missteps; they represent a quiet threat, an unsettling vulnerability we can no longer afford to ignore. We constantly adjust, trying to recreate the harmony we once took for granted. Four stars again, though my satisfaction was tempered by these subtle reminders of how even our simplest pleasures have changed. The trifecta pizza—a medley of meats and cheeses—was better, though not without its flaws. The sopressata, intended to be robust, came out chewy in a few bites, as if unsure of its own texture. Yet, I can’t deny that the overall flavor was good enough to grant it four stars. Still, the unease lingered. The primo pepperoni, perhaps the simplest of the trio, was a bittersweet experience. While it was cooked through, the saltiness overpowered the flavors, a hidden hazard for anyone mindful of their health. The pepperoni, that familiar indulgence, suddenly felt dangerous. There was also something missing—perhaps a little more sauce, perhaps the dream of stretchy cheese that never quite materialized. Four stars again, but the joy was dampened by the knowledge that too much of what we crave can sometimes harm us. But can I place the blame entirely on Roma’s? Or is this just a reflection of the times we live in? The once casual act of ordering takeout has become fraught with anxiety. We wonder now not just about the flavors, but about what lies behind them—artificial additives, ingredients we can’t pronounce, a loss of the authenticity we crave. There is a certain disconnection between us and the meals we consume, a gap that feels harder to bridge with each passing day. Even the service—though polite enough—lacked the warmth I once expected. The food was handed off swiftly, almost mechanically, with a "here you go" that lacked any real engagement. Once, tipping was a gesture of appreciation, a recognition of service well-rendered. Now, it feels like a hollow exchange, something automatic, without meaning. I find myself wondering if it’s not just the food that’s changed, but the very nature of how we interact with one another. Roma’s, like so many places, has become a reflection of the times—a reminder of the distance that now separates us, even when we’re supposed to be sharing a meal. In the end, Roma’s earns its four stars, no more, no less. I never expected a gourmet experience, and for what it was, it met expectations. Yet, as I finished my meal, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something deeper has shifted. We no longer just eat for pleasure or convenience—we eat with caution, with questions that go beyond taste. And while I’ll likely return to Roma’s in time, I wonder how much of what we once trusted will ever...

We went to Roma in Stephen’s City for the first time last night, and while the food was good, we were really upset about the service.

My boyfriend placed the order online and I was picking it up on my way home from the gym. When I arrived, one of the two girls at the front pulled me aside and showed me what the receipt for my food would’ve been if I’d called and ordered on the phone instead of online. “There’s a 30% upcharge online,” she told me. I asked if that was listed anywhere on their website because we totally would’ve ordered over the phone if we knew that, and she said no. Okay, that’s annoying that there’s no disclaimer on their site, but I thanked them for letting me know and said I’d call next time.

Then comes picking up the order. It’s not quite ready yet, so I wait with a few other people. They give a man in front of me who was there before me his food and he leaves. Several minutes pass and then I hear the two girls at the front gasp and say “oh my god we gave him her food.” I was standing right there, but instead of apologizing to me or telling me anything, they just started giggling about it. One girl said she’d call the guy and see if he would bring it back — something that’s absolutely a health hazard and if they’d tried that, I would’ve spoken up. The other girl just laughed harder at the suggestion of her coworker.

I watched as they remade my entire order for thirty minutes, except for my appetizer of mozzarella sticks, which they apparently didn’t give the man in front of me but also didn’t remake for me— so they sat for thirty extra minutes while they remade the rest of the food and were cold when I got home. At one point, a man working there asked me what order I was waiting on, and I said, “the one I think you guys gave to someone else? I just overheard that though, no one has told me that.” And he just goes “oh yeah yeah we’re remaking it,” waved his hand dismissively and walked away.

No one ever apologized for giving my order to someone else and having me wait there for thirty minutes while they remade it. My order was rushed and they got some things wrong. The appetizer was cold. And the girls who worked up front were just laughing about it.

I took my food and thanked them and left. I’m not someone to start a scene or anything and I understand what it’s like to work in a stressful food establishment. But a verbal apology would’ve at least been nice.

The food was good, but not worth the bad service or the wait. 2/5...

Been going to Romas for over a decade and I’ve noticed portions have really shrunk since then. I love their calamari, pizzas and pasta dishes. The sandwiches are also good, except for the Italian sub (should be cold, not warm or room temp meat) I’d contribute “Short sightedness” on behalf of the owner/manager for trying to save on food costs, while increasing prices and shrinking portions of some items. People will come back a few times, as we have, and then start to look for new places that will satisfy their needs and stomachs. I’ve left there hungry before….. and that’s unusual for an Italian place! Not offering rolls and having to ask for them, charging for more, not good service when this is a restaurant that should include rolls for all patrons that would like them. I understand not wanting to waste them but this is obviously a cost cutting measure. Chicken portions are so tiny, grilled or fried tenders are super tiny! Like a toddler sized piece (which isn’t adequate for adults or big kids!) of chicken. Service could be better if wait staff checked in more often for drink refills and or taking trash and clearing the table some. There’s more socialization with staff and less attention on patrons. I love Romas and hope it improves on some of these things. Short sightedness is the downfall of many places. Happy customers with happy tummy’s will return over and over! I’m torn and will continue to occasionally revisit and check on any progress in these areas. Also, seeing owners and employees eating in the kitchen where food is prepared is not a good look for customers, just a suggestion. ServSafe rules should be considered and followed to ensure there’s no contamination...