What a mixed experience! We were warmly greeted as soon as we walked in, and shown a seat. Our waitress was an older woman (only in comparison to the rest of the staff...I don't mean this in a pejorative sense), extremely pleasant, and my friend and I were expecting a great evening. We ordered drinks, an appetizer to come out with our salads, and entrees. All good so far. The drinks came out (from their special drink menu...yummy). Then the salads came out, delivered by a different woman (we'll call her #2). A bit later, our original waitress brought out salads (again), with our appetizer. She didn't realize someone else had brought out salads earlier...but, obviously not a big deal, and we all laughed about it. That was the last we saw of her...#2 woman delivered our meals, and brought the cracked red pepper we requested. The meals were delicious (fortunately, since NO ONE ever came back to ask if they were okay), but I really would have liked a glass of red wine to go with my meal...I considered getting up to go to the back of the restaurant to get it myself. I drained my water...never got more. When my friend and I were completely done, the original waitress returned to the table to collect the dishes. I noted to her that I was disappointed she had never come to check on us during our meal...she said it was because waitress #2 had brought our food, which mixed her up. Really? You forgot about us because someone else wanted the food to get to the table hot? No apology...just divert the blame elsewhere. We ordered coffee and dessert anyway (it was a real point of deliberation after we had been ignored all evening), and of course, she was Johnny-on-spot with the bill. We gave her the credit card, and when it came back for signature, it was less than half the cost of our actual evening. Again, she never came back for it, so finally my friend went to the back of the restaurant (to stand with her by the cash register) to make it right (no need to punish the restaurant for the waitress' lack of service, although it would have been nice to have the coffee & desserts comped, perhaps, but that was never part of the discussion, since of course, she wasn't responsible for anything). Again, no apology (this is the original waitress)..just an excuse about being busy and she must have rung it up wrong. So - great food, but our experience with the service makes me question if we'll go back. If you do go, I suggest you ask to be served by someone other than our (comparatively...
Read moreWe have been to Manolo's on many occasions and have been quite pleased. Several months ago, we purchased a groupon and it was fabulous on all accounts. We recently purchased another groupon and things were much different this time. Unlike before, we were given a separate groupon menu, which didn't include some of the items we were able to get before, which was a disappointment. When the meals came, it was quite obvious the portions were much smaller (again, we've eaten there often and this was our second groupon experience). On the groupon menu, there were prices listed-but the portions did not in any way seem proportionate to the size meals we got. The mozzarella stick appetizer came with 4 small mozzarella sticks (the price on the groupon menu was $7.99, making each little stick $2???) We were just about to purchase another groupon, but after this visit, we decided not to and I was a bit disappointed as we had such a great experience before, I purchased a groupon for my brother and his wife who are new to area-am a bit embarrassed now, as what I explained to them is not what they're going to get when they go. The food was good, as usual. Service was very slow. The price of the meal (without groupon) was stated as $94. No way. I'd say we still got a good deal on the food/groupon, but in no way felt it was the discount stated on the groupon. The meal basically came to about $10 a person-oh-the dessert-the spumoni was on menu at $5.00. it was approx equivalent of one large scoop. The cannoli (valued at $2.75 on menu) was about the size of my ring finger-we couldn't help but laugh when it arrived at the table-my son excitedly waiting for it....we wound up going to Sergio's right after to get some cannoli's (regular sized!). Sure hope they change their groupons-doubt we'll be purchasing another...
Read moreThis is one of two highly rated Italian restaurants in the Zephyrhills, or even Pasco county area that deserves respect on public websites. Manolo's has always been excellent in customer service. The food is beyond reproach as being delicious. If something isn't 100% perfect, they will fix the issue quickly and without problem. If a waiter or waitress was a problem, tell the owner and you won't have to worry about bad service again. Indifference will not be tolerated.
I state two restaurants, Manolo's has an open floor plan and is true family oriented. Cousins, extended family, if you have 50 people to feed, this is a great place to go. Even has a banquet room for those BIG families or special occasions. Food is great and live piano on Friday and Saturday evening.
If looking for a bit more intimate then DiMaggio's is an excellent choice. New renovations are amazing but the price is a bit more in my perspective. So family or intimate, both places offer amazing food and excellent service.
As for the $7 complaint listed below, get over yourself. It's $7. I'm sure everyone using a computer and reading your ridiculous response has "misspent" more than that before. Those coupon selling companies shouldn't be able to scam restaurant owners and Manolo's willingness to honor the coupons the first year is commendable. No small business owner should have to be forced out of business by not being able to make a profit because of some overarching scam. They have enough problems with federal regulation and taxes driving them out of business. Support your local establishments that serve real Italian and not some frozen processed box food chain like...
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