Poesia

11/05/09

Romantic and Dreamy

by CR77 at Citysearch

I am delightfully impressed with Poesia. At first bite of their heavenly cuisine, I was swept away to fond memories of my mother's cooking that eternally blended garden-fresh herbs and produce into perfection; although, Poesia's menu is far more sophisticated than my mother's. Despite being a busy restaurant, Poesia's culinary creations (like my Mom's cooking) envelop the hand-crafted quality of artisan delicacies that is never compromised of freshness or flavor. Poesia is truly authentic Italian cuisine, every bite of their delicious fare conveys the true essence of Italy.

Poesia's ambiance is dreamy. An external staircase leads to an enchanting restaurant up among the trees. This beautifully remodeled restaurant used to be a Victorian home and is now transformed into a warm and romantic "tree-house," which boasts exceptional food, a divine wine list, and memorable cordiality. Upon arrival, my family and I were welcomed in the true Italian way with fervent hospitality, as if we were old friends. Although, we did not have reservations, we were ushered to their cozy bar where the owner was very charming and graciously suggested a beautiful red wine, just before being promptly seated. We were attended to with the utmost of care, enjoyed ourselves greatly, and our laughter was endless. All the while, chic Italian films played on the wall throughout the night, and evoked a feeling of being transported into a romantically sublime Italian film. Our whole dining experience was uplifting, and the atmosphere, food and wine was yummy! My family and I have found a new restaurant to reminisce, laugh, and create many more treasured memories...

• Pros: Truly Authentic Italian Cuisine
• Cons: I didn't discover Poesia sooner...

06/20/09

Stay away

by tonynj845 at Citysearch

I read quite a few review about this restaurant on Yelp and City Search. I saw more positive than negatives ones so I'm wondering how many relatives and friends the owner is telling to write these reviews? I was so very disappointed. First busboy brought us tap water in an old fashioned reused bottle with greasy finger prints all over it - the water was at room temperature - right there and then I should have known it was going to be a bad experience. I had to ask for ice. Then came the bread which I had to ask for, not the best kind of bread I would expect from a restaurant that charges these prices. The waiter came to take our drink order. He wore more cologne than should be allowed in any public place, especially not in a food service establishment. I ordered a vodka and soda which was 98% soda and ice and was charged $9 "rip off." The dinner menu was very limited. I ordered the mixed green salad $9 three forkfuls and I was done "rip off." For my main dish I ordered the Half Chicken in spicy lemon sauce. It was more like half of a Cornish game hen (very sad for the baby chick) $19 "rip off." Bottom line if you want good food and good size portions find another restaurant. As I have stated this place is a rip off!

• Pros: We were seated fast!
• Cons: Very small portions, expensive, noise.

04/25/08

A new must-go Italian restaurant in the Castro

by peterhaan at Citysearch

New restaurant in the Castro. Quite extraordinary, authentic hard-to-find plates here, such as bacalao, sardines with fennel and celery, burratta. Very engaging service, fun wine list, reasonable prices, good service, while forties B&W Italian movies play on the back wall from a DLP embedded in the soffit, without sound. Full bar, novel items like Bay Leaf Grappa. Somewhat noisy when busy---less than most--- but well worth it. Major head waiter, a sensitive owner-operator too. Very Very Italian and mediterranean. One short outdoors flight between Castro and Hartford. This is where Ming?s great Snowpeas reigned in the late 1970?s and early 1980?s and many other lesser effots have failed. Suppor them, they are very real!! It's going to be a regular for me!

• Pros: Very unusual and satisfying dishes and ambiance
• Cons: difficult parking of course, weird staircase up to it.