Pro's - A year ago, we had take out from here and it was phenomenal, so we couldn't wait to go to the restaurant! We had reservations last night and we were seated when we got there 10 minutes early. Staff extremely friendly. Food was good overall. You could see everyone was enjoying the feeling of an italian family gathering. Loud and happy! Cannoli's were amazing! Wine was good! Plates, glasses etc were taken away quickly..they were very attentive in that way and had plenty of waitstaff.
Con's - Food was not as good as the food we ordered for takeout. I had baked manicotti, it was good but it wasn't baked. It was nicely plated, however, it was literally manicotti put on a plate with mozzarella placed on top, melted either in a microwave or quickly in an oven. Not overly hot like you would expected it to come out of an oven and I've ordered this dish many times so I know what it should have looked like. Overall it tasted fine, but I expected much better. Our caesar salad was lettuce and croutons, no cheese, however others were served with it. We paid $45 for a bottle of wine that we looked up on line when we got home, because it was good, only to find out it cost $12.72 to $13 in a store, that is quite a markup. Don't fall for "this is our house favorite". There are cheaper bottles, I'd advise buying one of them. Tomato sauce on my partners plate tasted like canned gravy, did not taste homemade at all, my rosa sauce was just ok. My biggest complaint was they totally rushed our meal, which I hate. They brought bread to the table, we didn't even get it buttered before our salad came out. Not finished our salads yet when our bruschetta appetizer is placed on our table. I was still eating my bruschetti and our entree's were delivered... within 40 minutes we were done eating. I get it was a Saturday night and crowded, but to be rushed like that made the experience not so great. We did have to actually slow them down! As we sat finishing our wine, they came to the table to ask if we wanted anything else and i told them we do, but we are going to finish our wine and then will most likely get coffee and dessert.. so he walked away and said he's stop back. With that someone comes to the table and starts taking things off the table, like our bread, water bottle, which i had to tell her to please leave it in case we want more. We were able to take our time then and relax a little because we controlled the rest. I don't know that I'd go back and that was disappointing.. Don't rush patrons out! Overall, if you have kids and want to get in and out this is your place... Pizza looked amazing from that we could see. But if you want to go out with your significant other and enjoy and relaxing meal, I...
Read moreA very strange experience tonight. We arrived around 7:15 pm, about a 5 min wait for a table. Seated and brought menus, water, and a big bread basket. Off to a good start. The initial bread basket had bread only, no focaccia but the 2nd basket had focaccia. It was the highlight of the meal. Very nice chewy Italian bread, and the focaccia had a lot of garlic. Very tasty.
I asked the guy bringing our bread what the vegetable of the day was, and he said he wasn't our waiter. Ok, I assumed he'd tell our waiter that someone at their table had a question and would come over soon.
Nope, we waited a solid 30 min for someone to arrive. An older blonde woman was greeting the tables around us and even said something to us about the weather and something else a 2nd time. Each time I was about to ask if she was our waitress but she scooted away quickly before I had a chance. I made eye contact with the bus boy a few times but he didn't send a waiter over. We were way in the back by a window which was very chilly. There was a space heater on the floor but I never saw it or heard it turn on.
I wasn't able to get anyone's attention. They were cleaning up a big party next to us, and scooting around cleaning up, saying big friendly goodbyes to them, but we were invisible. Finally a blond guy named Anthony came over and I tried to ask what happened. I said, "I thought maybe she was our waitress but she never came over" and was waiting for some kind of explanation and/or apology. But he said, "She doesn't speak English." A strange lie since I heard her speak English several times. No apology for our wait, but he clearly either forgot about us or there was some confusion about whose table it was. But he knew we were annoyed since he rushed us through dinner quickly with brusque service.
We ate so much bread while we were waiting that I knew I wouldn't finish my meal, so I ordered a pasta I could easily reheat rather than the veal I planned to order. And I really didn't want to order a pricey item after what happened. I ordered the stuffed shells and was shocked at the portion - 3 stuffed shells. ($18.) Pretty standard entree, nothing special. My son got the kids penne and meatball ($18). He also barely touched it since he was also full. My entree came with a salad. I got a Caesar and it was ok. We each only ate a few bites of our food and got a box and...
Read moreSeven years ago, I stumbled upon a quaint Italian restaurant, the Fiorello Cafe, which left an indelible mark on my gastronomic memory. Recently, I had the pleasure of revisiting this culinary haven, and it was as if no time had passed – the experience was just as enchanting.
The moment you step into Fiorello you're transported into a world where traditional Italian warmth and modern elegance coexist harmoniously. The ambiance strikes a perfect balance between cozy and chic, making it ideal for both casual lunches and special occasions.
Now, let's talk about the star of the show – the food. The lunch buffet at is nothing short of amazing. Each dish is a testament to their commitment to quality and authenticity. The ingredients are evidently fresh, and each recipe brims with flavors that are both robust and refined. The meatballs were my favorite.
The selection is wonderfully diverse, offering something for everyone without overwhelming the diner. Every dish is executed with a level of skill and passion that is palpably evident in every bite. The buffet format, surprisingly elegant and constantly replenished, ensures that each dish is as fresh and inviting as possible.
What truly sets this place apart is the remarkable consistency in quality. It's rare to find a restaurant that not only impresses on the first visit but also maintains its high standards over the years. This consistency, coupled with the inviting atmosphere and the exceptional food, makes Fiorello a place that doesn't just feed the body but also nourishes the soul.
The Fiorello Cafe is a shining example of what an Italian restaurant should be. It's a place where every meal feels like a celebration of Italian culinary excellence. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning aficionado, this restaurant is sure to leave you dreaming about...
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