06/13/08

Great food and ambience!

by greenfairy

I came here with my two sisters and had a blast; I will definitely take my boyfriend here. Parking is tough in the neighborhood, so I suggest you do the valet service- it's only ten dollars (we were there on a Thursday, don't know how much it will be on the weekend). Definitely make reservations because it gets really busy. Although inside was very nice, we sat outside and it was great how they had heat lamps for when it?s cold- but I only suggest you eat outside if it's NOT WINDY. Also, the restaurant is set on a little hill- so it felt a little funny sitting slanted and all. But after you drink some wine, you won't care! Monday through Friday they offer the pre-fix menu for only about 30 dollars. You get soup or salad; choice of appetizer and main course. It was great!!!! Everything was very flavorful- but don't expect the portions to be big, I thought it was perfectly sized. But that shouldn't matter because you already get a little full from the salad and appetizer all to yourself. What was really fun was watching the Brazilian dancers dance on the bar. Our waitress was very nice to us but she seemed to lack at the end with giving us attention and service. But other than that, I totally recommend this restaurant. Go here for a great atmosphere and delicious food. Great place to bring your close friends or romantic partner.

• Pros: Affordable valet parking, delicious food, pre-fix menu, ambience
• Cons: Lacked a little service at the end of our meal

12/08/07

Opportunity

by desaracho

My wife, son and I were walking in North Beach and as we walked past this restaurant it looked nice. The hostess, Lenha, was very courteous, after chekcing with the appointment girl they told us that without a reservation we could only stay until 8:30pm, it was 7:45 so we decided to go in, thinking that we may be in for a pleasant surprise. The waiter seemed like he was having a bad day since we started, he took more than 5 minutes to show up. In the meantime we looked around the place and at other patrons, no menus, nothing else except wait and hold our hunger. After the order was placed at around 7:55, at 8:25pm our 3 year old son asked me with great concern why it was taking so long to bring his spaghetti? I just wished the manager would have been present to hear and see his comments, I could not have reflected the situation better; nothing came to our table until 8:40pm, the waiter apologized and said that our tickets somehow got misplaced, a $10 dessert was on the house; nice gesture. The bus boys were very polite and courteous, (managers take note for development, area of opportunity). The spaghettini was good, and so was the rib eye, I have had much better for much less, but I guess rent is high, portions are hearty and taste healthy, meaning not heavy with grease or fat. There were other dishes that looked great, like short ribs and one that looked like a pumpkin. I would like to go back to have a second opinion and make a more balanced judgment, a bad day cold happen to anyone and it would be unfair to make an opinion based on the afore mentioned circumstances. I would go again.

09/17/07

Horrible service

by whydoyoucaresomuch

Went here on Saturday night and spent over $200 on food and wine. It was obvious from the beginning that my server (Sepideh) had every intention of rushing us through the meal. Pouring the full bottle of wine out instead of just serving appropriate portions and leaving the rest on the table was the first sign. Telling us that we "should order now because the kitchen is really busy" was another sign. We were still looking at appetizers. Dessert was interesting. Getting the bill and having her check it for money before the dessert even arrived was pretty rude. She then stood in the doorway outside watching our every move. We paid to get her off our back and it was confirmed that she didn't really care what kind of service were received as she snatched it up, dropped it back off and walked out the front door with a "good luck" from her friend. I know about working in a restaurant and needing to get somewhere afterwards, but damn. The busers were much more kind and attentive. They deserve her job.

The chefs know what they're doing and the food is good, but it's way overpriced.

I've been here before, but this was the last time. There are much better places to eat in North Beach.

• Pros: Warm heaters outside
• Cons: Bad service from the waitress