Difficult to locate in the shopping center with only a small sign in an upstairs window. Inside it is a surprisingly large restaurant that is fairly elegant. The menu is extensive and reasonably priced. Food is excellent and portions more than adequate. Service was professional...and friendly.More
we tried the chicken marsala, caprese, salmon pasta and the artichoke appetizer and nothing really stood out as fantastic. Service was attentive and pleasant. Strip mall location near the freeway so plenty of parking.
6 of us came here for dinner for my birthday. (My grandmother, her boyfriend, my mother, my girlfriend and her friend) We ordered a round of limoncello, 2 appetizers and a glass of wine. (At this moment we are ready to spend some money on...a great dinner. Everyone else has been here multiple times and I've heard nothing but great things) We opened some presents and my grandmother decided to order some wine for the table. (She loves wine and has wine cellar of her own) The server was excellent and very kind. My grandmother found the bottle she wanted on the menu and ordered it. The server said okay, then came back after a couple minutes and said they didn't have it. The server then said she had two other suggestions. My grandmother chose one. Upon opening the bottle, the server poured a taste and gave the cork to my grandmother to smell (per usual). My grandmother didn't like the smell or the taste, in addition, she also noticed that the cork was dry. She commented on it and the owner (ALEX) walked up and asked what the problem was. My grandmother told him that she wanted a different bottle. Alex said he has never heard of someone returning a bottle of wine (ridiculous) and asked what he should do with the bottle, he said "because it was corked" he can't take it back. We had a lengthy exchange in the middle of the restaurant about exchanging an open bottle. He said if you order a bottle, you now own it. I asked why would you allow her to taste the wine and let her smell the cork if you don't care what she thinks about it. (Mind you, we aren't at an action.) My grandmother asked if she was supposed to drink something she didn't want, ALEX (the owner) said yes. My grandmother said she didn't care about the money, but she just didn't want to drink something she won't like. Alex just kept repeating, "well what am I supposed to do". He stormed off after telling us for the 4th time that he didn't know what to do. We all sat at the table speechless at what just happened. We got up, payed our tab and left to go to a different restaurant.More
I recommend Gourmet Italia because the food is delicious and we could taste the freshness of the food on our tongues. They get their vegetables and herbs fresh from their garden. The spaghetti sauce is also very fresh, straight from their garden. The portion is...splendid and just the right amount. The workers were constantly checking on us with a great attitude. You should definitely try this authentic restaurant.More
Had a party of 6 for dinner after a day of wine tasting. Server was wonderful, sharing the story of the family establishment and a bit of their history. She was helpful in making dinner selections as well as drink. Had a wonderful meal, as...did everyone else in the party, all with different dishes (too many to mention here) one of the best meals out I have had in a very long time. Would highly recommend to anyone in the area!!!More
Second time we’ve eaten here and had excellent food and service both times. Unfortunately we will not be returning. We asked our server about vaccination status as nobody was wearing a mask. She replied that she was not vaccinated. We were not comfortable with this...scenario. You would think they would have a safer policy in place or at least warn diners of the situation.More
Chose to go here since we couldn’t travel to Italy for anniversary dinner. Loved the location, wait staff and menu. Sicilian food mix and local wine.
Two of us ate lunch on a surprisingly busy Saturday. Jennifer, as the only server, did an amazing job of balancing the needs of a large number of tables. We had not been to the restaurant for a long time and were grateful that with...the expansion the quality of food had at least been maintained - always the acid test of a chef and management. We had made a reservation, but walk in was easily available at lunch - maybe not so at dinner. Pricing tends to the higher side with a proscc at $12 and Bruschetta at $16. But the value was there as the bruschetta was an ample serving of a wonderful preparation. The Insalata Fattore and the Tortellini alla Benigni were both outstanding dishes from apparently the freshest of ingredients. Parking is exceptionally easy in the large lot of the shopping development.More
WE GOT FOOD POISONING! THE OWNER IS AN AWFUL PERSON! We purposely went here because we had someone recommend it over another place, and now I regret it. When we were leaving this young man was unconscious on the floor and the staff was acting...completely normal, we asked if he was breathing and the employee said they called 911 and didn’t answer the question. We asked 2 more times before the young woman answered that he was breathing. This couple entered the restaurant at the same time as us and were trying to leave at the same time. We waited to make sure the person was ok and responsive as we are both medical first responders and once the fire department, arrived we left. Thinking back, I am thinking that this young man was also sick from the food! We were heading back to our hotel which was only 10 minutes away, but we barely made it across the street to target because we were hit with diarrhea, nausea and extreme stomach pain. This was extremely embarrassing and we were so sick and weak from this sudden onset of diarrhea. We were in the restroom for over 30 minutes before we felt that we could make it back to the resort. I called the restaurant that night to tell them me and my wife had gotten sick 30 minutes after eating and was told the owner would call the next day, I didn’t hear anything. When I called back the manager apologized and offered to refund the meal but to call the next day to speak with the office manager about it. I called back today and spoke to a nice woman who was trying to figure out how to refund me since I paid cash and don’t live in the area, and then I got a call from the owner. The owner called me and immediately began telling me I was rude and had an awful attitude towards me. I had been nothing but kind and had explained that this is out of character for me to want my money back, but we were both sick and it RUINED our date night! On top of it, I spent a lot more money on anti-diarrheal medication and electrolyte drinks to try and combat the food borne illness we were struck with. I explained everything to the owner, Alex, and he just kept saying what a horrible person I was. Do yourself a favor and just avoid this place. We did not deserve to have our night ruined, and yet, we don’t deserve to get our money back according to the owner.More
Gourmet Italia is wonderful, from the service to the food. Make a reservation because it can get crowded. The place is pretty big and there is an area for large groups, I think you have to book that in advance and pay a fee. We...love all their Italian offerings. They have great calamari and each pasta dish is great. They have a nice selection of wine and some great salads as well. We love all the appetizers, we have between us tried them all in our visits here. The service is real nice and you are not rushed. If you are in a hurry, let them know or you may be waiting a bit, which is fine, they are not ignoring you. Try this place. You will love it.More
My last review of this restaurant was 9 years ago and at the time it was an amazing dining experience. Lat night not so much. we had reservations for 6:30 and got seated at 6:55. We ordered a glass of wine ($14.00) and they brought...some bread (more like baguetts). We ordered our dinners and said we would share a salad. It took a long time for the salad to arrive. The salad was served on separated plates (not requested) and was really mediocre as the tomato was store bought and barely ripe and flavorless. This time of year fresh tomatoes are in abundance. Our dinners finally arrived after a long wait. Mine was very good and served hot but my wife's Manicotti came very cool and had to be sent back. Her dish was very good also after being reheated. 9 years ago this was a dining experience. Since that time they have really enlarged the place and it is nothing like the quaint restaurant it use to be. The furnishings are much more modern and light colored and the tables are too close to one another. The couple at the next table was maybe only three feet away. The acoustics in the place are so bad that we could not hear one another talking. Everybody else must feel the same which causes them to speak louder and louder and that only creates a vicious circle. Now the kicker. I don't mind spending money on a good meal and dining experience. Having said that when the bill came (in excess of $100) they charged $3.00 to split the salad when I didn't even ask them to split it. Really Alex? That never happened in Italy. This has been the one place I always recommended to anybody looking for a great night out. Sadly that won't be the case any longer.More
Our family was ready to celebrate Mother's Day at Gourmet Italia. Made reservations, showed up on time. Much to our dismay, we found ourselves, like other groups, enduring an extended wait. What!?!? We asked others how long they were waiting for their own reservations; we...were told some folks were still waiting for AN HOUR after their reservation! WHAT?!?!? Sorry, Gourmet Italia, but that type of overbooking is utterly disrespectful of patrons. Your food is good, but it doesn't warrant that lack of consideration for patrons. Thankfully, Trattoria Toscana was doing a soft opening at their new location. While waiting outside at Gourmet Italia we called Trattoria; they said they could take us right away. Glad that we moved our party to Trattoria, where we were treated with respect, so that we could respect our family's Guest of Honor on Mother's Day!More
Took a friend out for a celebratory dinner. Started with lemon drop martini, very tasty. Celene was our server and did an xlnt job. Salad was ordered next. Had an insalata Fattore, mixed greens, kalamata olives, slices of mozzarella and tomatoes. Lightly dressed with olive...and vinegar. So very good and fresh. My entree was Amatriciana and was xlnt. Spaghetti with a spicy red sauce. Yum. Finished off with a glass of oaky and buttery chardonnay.More
This restaurant is the tops. First class service and food. The wait staff is very friendly and courteous. The food is truly a reflection of the chef! Top notch! The ambience is very cozy and is perfect for couples, whether it's a first date or...a 50th anniversary celebration. My only comment is that while we all love music and it can be wonderful to dine with, this venue is a little small for the volume of the music. I suggest turning it way down, so your patrons can still have a decent conversation.More
Perfect place to go when wanting xlnt Italian cuisine. You know you won't be disappointed! Started with a lovely glass of chardonnay and salad. My main course choice was eggplant Parmigiano and I ate every single bit of it.😀 just be aware if you are...in a hurry this is not the right place for you. But if you enjoy a relaxed atmosphere where you can linger and savor every moment and your food and company then it is for you.More
