1 /5 Beth Bryant: I almost never write a bad review for a local restaurant but feel like its my duty to let others know they shouldnt waste $100 of their hard earned money at this restaurant.
My husband and I were very excited to visit this long standing restaurant in Royal Oak. I actually thought, its been there a long time so they must be doing something right. I have visited many years ago and the food was delicious, service was good and vibe was that of an authentic Italian, family run business.
Last night however seemed extremely reminiscent of an episode of Kitchen Nightmares. We were greeted and seated promptly to an almost empty restaurant at 5:30. Several others joined within a few minutes. Weather was cold and windy, so thought it might have something to do with it.
We quickly ordered Bruschetta, Pasticcio, and Spaghetti AlAmatriciana. Bruschetta ok, bland tomatoes (but its the winter), liquid quickly saturated the bread and made for a soggy bite after the first couple.
The pasta dishes were absolutely inedible. The Amatriciana was so gamey and overcooked, it definitely felt like it was a pre-made sauce and possibly frozen. As my husband tried to eat it, I could smell the meat across the table. If youre wondering, I have ordered this before and made it myself and it should not smell or taste the way it did. The guanciale wasnt crispy, rendering its delicious fat or anything resembling how it should taste. The Pasticcio was definitely made and frozen. It was cut into a square and covered in a creamy meat sauce to disguise rubbery, chewy pasta on every single side of that cube. Unacceptable quality and so disappointing.
We will not be back ever and I feel like Luigis vision has turned into a tired restaurant struggling to survive.
