"1. At around $60 per person, I believe it’s reasonable to expect a certain level of quality in the food. Our meal began with a baguette that clearly came from the Safeway next door, accompanied by butter in tiny single-use plastic containers. It’s hard to understand why a proper Italian restaurant wouldn’t serve fresh bread.
2. The appetizers were disappointingly small and over-priced at about $12 each, particularly given their lack of quality. The Bocconcini was drenched in balsamic dressing, which was somewhat tasty, but the mozzarella balls had melted, turning the dish into more of a soup.
3. The Caesar salad also fell short in quality. The croutons were clearly from a bag, there wasn't enough dressing, and the romaine lettuce was not cut properly, leaving large chunks of the stem. These are basic details that even Olive Garden manages to get right.
4. I ordered veal piccata for my entree. The pasta seemed like it came straight from a box, which I would consider unacceptable for a reputable Italian restaurant. The veal itself was poorly prepared, containing more sinew than I would like—ideally, it should be none.
5. As for the atmosphere that other reviewers have praised, I found it puzzling; it simply doesn't exist. The space is very small and dim in an uninviting way, with hard chairs that make lingering uncomfortable. The entire place lacks the ambiance needed to distract from the cramped quarters.
Overall, this was perhaps the most disappointing restaurant experience I've had in Burke. It seems to be propped up by locals and fond memories from before the pandemic. If you're considering a visit, I would recommend heading to Villa Bella instead."
