Le Castagne

Review
My fiancee and I went to have dinner because she was craving for some really good Gnocchi and this was the place many have recommended. So we went on a Friday night and was seated almost immediately. The staffs were very hospitable and the ambiance was perfect. I'll get straight to the point. Food was GREAT and compliments to the chef, but in terms of the service, it was "HORRENDOUS!" I too am in the service industry for a very prestigious restaurant and I was extremely not impress with the service at all. We waited about 12mins before our dinners were cleared and had to go to the bar to retrieve our check because no was checking up on us. I knew the exact time bc I took my phone out and timed the whole incident. There was one gentlemen that was very helpful, he was very cheerful and was eager to help with dessert selections. I would go back to give it a 2nd shot just bc the food was exceptional. I hope it was a just a bad day and would love to give the service a 2nd chance...
Posted by Boi: Oct. October 11th, 2010 at 2:15 PM

Review
I would have to really stretch my memory to recall worse service from a waitress. We were seated quickly, but no offer of drinks and a long wait followed--we finally got another visit, at which time we had to initiate the delivery of a wine list. The menu we were seated with had no drink offerings, nor had anyone asked if we'd like a drink. The wine list came slowly, and the food was at our table long before the bottle of wine we'd ordered. By then, it seemed silly to bring the bottle, but bring they did w/no apparently no concept that they had poorly timed everything. The combination pasta we had seemed a novel concept--try any 3 pastas on one plate. Sounded great! Unfortunately two of the pastas were overcooked, and one was very salty for no clear reason....a salty cream sauce? The lamb dish was tasty, but looked more like an appetizer alone on the plate. The waitress seemed clueless about wine, yet was willing to talk quite a bit, lost in the topic. After the food was gone, we were offered our second piece of bread. Really? We were left to wonder, had this been a mechanic's garage that closed and became a restaurant, only kept the same staff? I can only imagine the staff at this place never eat out as they were so completely off beat w/ the tempo one expects from a restaurant. We'd initially thought of eating at the bar, where the server waited alone w/no one to serve. As we approached the bar, she turned away, without a greeting or smile, and went to do something. That was a sign of service from the bar that pushed us to the table--no improvement. The waitress was clearly the worst of it. At the end, she asked how things were...she didn't see anything wrong apparently, and was hoping for our great reports. When we explained in detail the series of blunders, she gave us a look which could only be joined by the caption "Oh well. Hmph". She then asked if we'd like dessert, then left the table. I left a 10% tip, which I still regret....Please avoid ruining your night and wasting your money, and find another restaurant to dine at. It was our first meal in this most interesting town, but hopefully not a sign of things to come.
Posted by M: Oct. October 2nd, 2010 at 7:21 AM

Review
Haven't been there for a while, but the meal was very sketchy. Salads were fresh and cold, wines by the glass were good, but entrees didn't measure up. The pasta dish was hot and prepared as shown on the menu. The pork chop stuffed with pepper shooters was luke warm and almost no taste. When I mentioned the temperature problem to the waiter, he took it away, I assume nuked it and brought it back. Never said a word. I know it gets good reviews, so maybe I would try it again.
Posted by Charles: Apr. April 20th, 2010 at 8:25 PM

Review
We went to Le Castagne for restuarant week. The food was good, but not the best we have had. Actually liked Sotto Varalli and Bistro Romano better. Rice for the Rice Pudding was crunchy. The Mushroom and Proscuitto appetizer was not in what I envisioned puff pastry....more of a pot pie type of crust. Veal Milanese was not much more than a breaded, fairly benign veal cutlet with grape tomatos and fresh mozzarella with greens and balsamic, nothing special
Posted by Cary: Jan. January 27th, 2010 at 1:03 PM

Review
My wife & I try to dine at Le Castagne at least 2x a month. The food is excellent. We try to order something different everytime we go. So far we have not been disappointed. From appetizers to desserts the quality of the food cannot be beat. The staff is very attentive and always available to provide whatever is needed. The wine selection is superb. The manager is hands on - from filling water glasses to clearing tables he is always keeping an eye out. That is rare. We always recommend Le Castagne to our family and friends and have made many of them regulars as well.
Posted by Lee: Feb. February 28th, 2009 at 2:25 PM

Review
The food was excellent but the service was terrible. it appears that they have over filled the dining area and bar and the wait staff cannot keep up with the assigned customers. I think the wait staff try but most are new to waiting tables or overwhelmed with work. I never could get my water refilled, we waited for 15 minutes after we were done before anyone came to out table. I would go back just for the food but they need to work on getting some more help or replacing the current help with one that know how to wait on tables.
Posted by Mike: Nov. November 17th, 2007 at 9:57 PM