Very good food. I'm not normally into Italian food but this place was very very good. A little on the pricey side but I expected that. And for the reviewers on here who said it's not where it's listed as being, yes it is. It's hunkered down behind Fountainhead Towers on 116th Street. You cannot see this restaurant from Coastal Highway. If you like Italian food I would highly recommend this establishment.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
John Lettieri
Not located there.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
KBcommuter
When we first arrived inside, the noise was absolutely deafening. Loud music blaring, tables jam packed with people shouting over the music. Was half tempted to just leave. Was not the ambiance my husband and I wanted for dinner (please consider taking music to lower volume). The hostess said they had an outside area. So grateful she offered it! The outside area is a tented portion of the parking lot but nicely dressed up with tables featuring decent linen and plates. The food was excellent as was our server. The gentleman was attentive without being overly annoying. The salads were evenly dressed and well proportioned. Bread was liberally offered. My ravioli and ricotta had a perfectly blended and delicate sauce. My husband had the special- crab meat in a pink sauce that was outstanding. Their wine and cocktail list is weak (whites were a small lot and reds quickly escalated to very expensive for some rather basic selections). We managed to find a delightful red under $50 (Tatone). Overall, a good experience. Suggest again to be mindful of music volume- it only increases the noise.
DonAndGwen
Always loved this place BUT were more or less forced into ordering our entire meal right then and there. Sometimes an appetizer and salad fills us up?? "The chef HAS to know your entire order in order to prepare". Screw the chef! Also, they said we could NOT order a single glass of wine. We have before!!!
N J
When asked if you want bottled water or tap water do not order bottled water unless you do not mind spending $9 A bottle..
bbeeAlbanyNY
Second time we’ve been here and excellent yet again. He had the dish that’s like lasagna but isn’t and I had the tortellini with prosciutto and fresh peas in a cream sauce: yum!! Limoncello cake made a nice dessert. Salads are dressed beautifully. Wouldn’t bring the little kids here though; a little too fancy.
Fawn B
This was the second time my husband and I celebrated my birthday here. The food was as amazing as before, but the service was completely different. The first time was amazing: The staff was attentive and gathered with the owner who sang Happy Birthday, and the complimentary dessert was delicious. I felt like we really celebrated. This time, despite arriving 10 minutes early for our Friday night reservation and beginning our evening by ordering a bottle of wine, we were rushed out less than an hour after arriving. When the waiter arrived and I said how much I like the ambience there, he replied, "Oh, it's going to get very noisy soon because we have SO many reservations." That comment seemed odd, because we had reservations and it's not our concern or desire to be warned how busy you will be. The person who helped our waiter bring our meals said, "It feels like I just seated you. Are you sure he (the waiter) isn't rushing you?" Indeed he and the support staff did as our dinner continued. We had to tell them four times not to take our plates. I literally retrieved my wine glass, which still had wine, from one of their hands. When it came time for dessert, I told the waiter I wanted dessert because it was my birthday. The waiter recommended two and I selected one. He brought it with a candle and sang Happy Birthday under his breath in record time. My husband had to catch his attention to order a coffee. As soon as I finished dessert, the plate was removed and we were given the check without being asked if there was anything else we would like. We had literally been there less than an hour. The owner visited many tables around the restaurant, but not ours, so perhaps the waiter determined we were not that important. My summary: The food is delicious but if you plan to spend time enjoying your meal or celebration, make clear to the waiter that you do not want to be rushed. We should have said something, but based on our previous excellent experience we kept thinking perhaps the support staff were inexperienced and that the waiter was unaware what was happening. It was clear when he gave us our check the minute we finished dessert, for which we were charged unlike last time, that was not the case.
zelda769
We love this place. We ordered the $150 garlic-rubbed porterhouse and it was delicious, a distinct exterior crust coupled with medium rare interior. Maybe they're a little too proud of this entree but on a special occasion, it's worth a try. What is it about Romania that turns out such great waitresses? This place seems to specialize in them and all are smart, professional, beautiful, helpful, knowledgeable, etc. A very classy touch was the owner introducing himself to each table. He gave us recommendations on the cooking of our porterhouse and it was spot on. We're going to return again and again.
Norma G
Overpriced and overrated. Used to be better when it was smaller and cozier. Won’t be returning. Too many other good places.
rich k
We have gone here every time we come to OC and usually twice in a week.We thought of it as our fav restaurant here. This time the menu was shortened. Clearly fewer apps to choose from as well as the main dishes. Two of the three mains were different from what we ordered and we were charged for two sides when only one was ordered. It was very crowded and the first part of the meal was rushed and the mains seemed to take forever. If the owner would take more time ascertaining a more balanced and reliable experience for ALL customers instead of giving such special attention to only a select number of customers, perhaps our experience would have been as good as our past experiences. We won't be going back a second time this week, but when we return we give it another try because of how much we liked it in the past
Service was good. Food was just ok. Presentation was poor. One of us ordered chicken parm. On the company website it shows $30. Pretty sure the menu price in the restaurant was the same. Paid the check and left. When I got home I saw I was charged $34. Deceptive pricing
Mblockner
This is a classy friendly restaurant. Small and loud. Our first time and we will be back had timbsla and ravioli. Great taste and sause is wonderful. Keep it up we live this place. Our first time and spreading the word
Voyage632759
We have driven hours to OC, mainly to eat here. The lasagna (maybe called Timballo Abruzzese) is among the best thing I have ever eaten - paper thin noodles, veal, and super tasty sauce. I don’t know where he gets his tomatoes, but they are outstanding. The owner usually makes his way around the room to check in. Has ties to Tutti Gusti’s, which was a long past great OC restaurant. I love this place!
budsk1
The short rib special was a disappointment. 8 small pieces of beef in a tomato sauce. $40… you gotta be kidding! Rockfish special good but worth $50??? Caesar salad $20??? A very small portion of penne with each dish. Better value Italian restaurants out there.
Tailhunt66
I frequent here quite often and have never had a bad meal - ever! The Timbala (Lasagna) is amazing, The Owner makes you feel welcome and makes sure things are going right. The food is just amazing and the staff is friendly and accommodating.
Very good food. I'm not normally into Italian food but this place was very very good. A little on the pricey side but I expected that. And for the reviewers on here who said it's not where it's listed as being, yes it is. It's hunkered down behind Fountainhead Towers on 116th Street. You cannot see this restaurant from Coastal Highway. If you like Italian food I would highly recommend this establishment.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Not located there.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
When we first arrived inside, the noise was absolutely deafening. Loud music blaring, tables jam packed with people shouting over the music. Was half tempted to just leave. Was not the ambiance my husband and I wanted for dinner (please consider taking music to lower volume). The hostess said they had an outside area. So grateful she offered it! The outside area is a tented portion of the parking lot but nicely dressed up with tables featuring decent linen and plates. The food was excellent as was our server. The gentleman was attentive without being overly annoying. The salads were evenly dressed and well proportioned. Bread was liberally offered. My ravioli and ricotta had a perfectly blended and delicate sauce. My husband had the special- crab meat in a pink sauce that was outstanding. Their wine and cocktail list is weak (whites were a small lot and reds quickly escalated to very expensive for some rather basic selections). We managed to find a delightful red under $50 (Tatone). Overall, a good experience. Suggest again to be mindful of music volume- it only increases the noise.
Always loved this place BUT were more or less forced into ordering our entire meal right then and there. Sometimes an appetizer and salad fills us up?? "The chef HAS to know your entire order in order to prepare". Screw the chef! Also, they said we could NOT order a single glass of wine. We have before!!!
When asked if you want bottled water or tap water do not order bottled water unless you do not mind spending $9 A bottle..
Second time we’ve been here and excellent yet again. He had the dish that’s like lasagna but isn’t and I had the tortellini with prosciutto and fresh peas in a cream sauce: yum!! Limoncello cake made a nice dessert. Salads are dressed beautifully. Wouldn’t bring the little kids here though; a little too fancy.
This was the second time my husband and I celebrated my birthday here. The food was as amazing as before, but the service was completely different. The first time was amazing: The staff was attentive and gathered with the owner who sang Happy Birthday, and the complimentary dessert was delicious. I felt like we really celebrated. This time, despite arriving 10 minutes early for our Friday night reservation and beginning our evening by ordering a bottle of wine, we were rushed out less than an hour after arriving. When the waiter arrived and I said how much I like the ambience there, he replied, "Oh, it's going to get very noisy soon because we have SO many reservations." That comment seemed odd, because we had reservations and it's not our concern or desire to be warned how busy you will be. The person who helped our waiter bring our meals said, "It feels like I just seated you. Are you sure he (the waiter) isn't rushing you?" Indeed he and the support staff did as our dinner continued. We had to tell them four times not to take our plates. I literally retrieved my wine glass, which still had wine, from one of their hands. When it came time for dessert, I told the waiter I wanted dessert because it was my birthday. The waiter recommended two and I selected one. He brought it with a candle and sang Happy Birthday under his breath in record time. My husband had to catch his attention to order a coffee. As soon as I finished dessert, the plate was removed and we were given the check without being asked if there was anything else we would like. We had literally been there less than an hour. The owner visited many tables around the restaurant, but not ours, so perhaps the waiter determined we were not that important. My summary: The food is delicious but if you plan to spend time enjoying your meal or celebration, make clear to the waiter that you do not want to be rushed. We should have said something, but based on our previous excellent experience we kept thinking perhaps the support staff were inexperienced and that the waiter was unaware what was happening. It was clear when he gave us our check the minute we finished dessert, for which we were charged unlike last time, that was not the case.
We love this place. We ordered the $150 garlic-rubbed porterhouse and it was delicious, a distinct exterior crust coupled with medium rare interior. Maybe they're a little too proud of this entree but on a special occasion, it's worth a try. What is it about Romania that turns out such great waitresses? This place seems to specialize in them and all are smart, professional, beautiful, helpful, knowledgeable, etc. A very classy touch was the owner introducing himself to each table. He gave us recommendations on the cooking of our porterhouse and it was spot on. We're going to return again and again.
Overpriced and overrated. Used to be better when it was smaller and cozier. Won’t be returning. Too many other good places.
We have gone here every time we come to OC and usually twice in a week.We thought of it as our fav restaurant here. This time the menu was shortened. Clearly fewer apps to choose from as well as the main dishes. Two of the three mains were different from what we ordered and we were charged for two sides when only one was ordered. It was very crowded and the first part of the meal was rushed and the mains seemed to take forever. If the owner would take more time ascertaining a more balanced and reliable experience for ALL customers instead of giving such special attention to only a select number of customers, perhaps our experience would have been as good as our past experiences. We won't be going back a second time this week, but when we return we give it another try because of how much we liked it in the past
Restaurantji Recommends
Service was good. Food was just ok. Presentation was poor. One of us ordered chicken parm. On the company website it shows $30. Pretty sure the menu price in the restaurant was the same. Paid the check and left. When I got home I saw I was charged $34. Deceptive pricing
This is a classy friendly restaurant. Small and loud. Our first time and we will be back had timbsla and ravioli. Great taste and sause is wonderful. Keep it up we live this place. Our first time and spreading the word
We have driven hours to OC, mainly to eat here. The lasagna (maybe called Timballo Abruzzese) is among the best thing I have ever eaten - paper thin noodles, veal, and super tasty sauce. I don’t know where he gets his tomatoes, but they are outstanding. The owner usually makes his way around the room to check in. Has ties to Tutti Gusti’s, which was a long past great OC restaurant. I love this place!
The short rib special was a disappointment. 8 small pieces of beef in a tomato sauce. $40… you gotta be kidding! Rockfish special good but worth $50??? Caesar salad $20??? A very small portion of penne with each dish. Better value Italian restaurants out there.
I frequent here quite often and have never had a bad meal - ever! The Timbala (Lasagna) is amazing, The Owner makes you feel welcome and makes sure things are going right. The food is just amazing and the staff is friendly and accommodating.