I've been looking forward to an opportunity to dine here for a while, due to the interesting building. The inside of the restaurant is interesting also, not just the outside. Unfortunately, the food and service don't live up to the atmosphere. One and done for us. First bad sign was how long we waited at the hostess stand before a hostess approached. A bartender acknowledged us as we walked in - but a restaurant that's serious about service or food doesn't leave you standing there. And the place was mostly empty. The food was ok. The Arancini risotto balls were pretty good. All the food was rushed, like they were in a race to close the kitchen (but it wasn't late). Our salads arrived while we were still eating our app, and our entrees arrived while we were still eating our salads. The salad was no different than you'd get at a cafeteria or chain restaurant. For my entree, they were out of the snapper, my first choice. I had the Chicken Picatta, which was ok. No big complaints, but nothing remarkable. My wife had the stuffed peppers, which ironically were very undercooked and the meat sauce was nearly room temperature. We both had cocktails, which were good, but not good enough to have another and linger around. The waiters were nice enough, but ours (and the other one nearby that I could overhear) sure seemed to be learning their first time server jobs. These were not experienced waiters that make recommendations, describe the dishes in detail, the way the food is prepared or sourced, etc. I wonder if they even have a single experienced waiter on the staff at all, who could help train the rest? Very interesting building, but the food and service didn't live up to our expectations. read more

La Banca - Chicken Piccata - Italian Near Me - Milton, West Virginia

See all

We had high hopes for La Banca in Milton. Their space is inviting, the atmosphere warm, and the staff genuinely friendly. Service was good, and the overall vibe made us want to like it. Unfortunately, the food was a huge let down. We started with appetizers that came out lukewarm at best. The "stuffed" meatball wasn't actually stuffed, just topped with a sprinkle of shredded bagged cheese that didn't melt properly (you know the kind, where the cellulose keeps it from ever really blending in). The meatball itself had an odd, overly chewy texture that didn't feel right. Both of our salads were gross. The lettuce tasted unwashed, like actual soil--definitely not rinsed properly. My Caesar salad was especially disappointing: more of that shredded mozzarella (not even Parmesan) and just two sad croutons tossed on top. For mains, we ordered the lasagna and the chicken piccata, and there's no doubt both were microwaved. The piccata sauce was steaming but had cold bits near the center, but the dish made no sizzle even though the chicken was so blisteringly hot it scorched my mouth. The sauce had completely broken into oil and cream parts, another tale tale of microwaving :( .The lasagna had similar issues: ice cold in the middle, scorching hot on the edges, bone-dry, and topped with more of that cheap cheese that wouldn't melt. Flavor-wise, nothing was outright terrible, but the lack of care in preparation, questionable freshness, and clear reliance on microwaves really crapped on any potential. It's frustrating, because the service and environment make you want to root for this place, but the kitchen just isn't holding up its end. Disappointed but they can improve! read more

See all

Just ate tonight for valentines. I think they gave us a new waitress for a party of 10. 25 min to get a beer. Chicken was overcooked and burnt. Took 2 bites. inedible. Waitress did not even offer to take it off the bill. One and done. I will mover go back. read more

My husband had heard great comments about this fairly new restaurant and as we moved to this part of the country recently from out west (Phoenix, San Diego and previously Philly) we were excited to find an Italian restaurant that was better than the average to below average restaurants we have tried along the Ohio and Kanawha river corridors. La Banca did not disappoint! This is our new favorite restaurant. From the minute we got ou of the car we were sucked into the old school mobster theme yet with a fresh pinstripe suit (metaphorically speaking). La Banca has been installed inside the old Milton Bank. Break out your Tommy guns. From the heavy iron outer doors to the brass banking security plaques you are feeling it! We walk in the door to find a great looking fully stocked bar to the right. An enormous red tilled cylindrical wood pizza oven (I'm thinking Jimmy H woulda fit nicely).. it is 3 levels with an elevator and all in black and white. Classic old-school yet fresh. Black leather booths lots of air and space. Now the menu is varied with fresh choices and classics For my husband a great wine list. For me an excellent martini and I chose a Bartender's choice cocktail flight. Sammi our server/ bartender set me up with two different types of mojitos a passion punch (loved it) and another of her originals made with elderflower and tequila. Both her creations were the best! We had a charcuterie board to start which was perfection He ordered a Marguerite pizza which was average. Good crust and toppings but the sauce was a bit too sweet for his taste. I ordered the chicken Picatta (one of my lifelong fav's). It was almost perfect! The lemon caper butter sauce with shallots and linguine was 9/10! Followed by Tiramisu (of course). Best meal we've had in years! Top this all off with excellent service and a caring and knowledgeable (soon to be mother) bartender/server Sammi Honestly we thought she was the manager or part of the ownership as she was so invested in our dining experience. Brava- Bellisima One more thing... she even changed the background music when she overheard heard us mention that all that was needed was some Dean Martin or Sinatra in the background! read more

See all

Good food and service. One of better Italian restaurants around. Good atmosphere. Will be back to Try some other stuff on the menu read more

See all

We absolutely LOVE La Banca! Have ate here multiple times and it always tastes so great. We loved the Bruschetta app so much! read more

La Banca - Eating, Dinner View, Restaurant, Seating - Italian Near Me - Milton, West Virginia

1st time experience last night for a bday dinner date with the hubby. Atmosphere was great and servers were friendly. The shrimp Alfredo was the best I've had in a while. The Twin Tenderloin was delicious, that brandy peppercorn sauce is . I highly recommend the Italian sweet cherry Margarita (yum). The fried cheesecake & tiramisu were phenomenal. The only thing I could have passed on was the garlic bread & fresh rolls. lol. We'll be back. 5/5 stars! read more

See all

The food is cooked just as requested - service is excellent- and love the atmosphere.

Food was good, service was great. We had a sweet waitress named Sydney. We'll go back. read more

Amazing!!!! Only thing that could be improved was the service. Our server was extremely nice but wasn't around as often as we would have liked. Again just a very minor thing. Other than this they were incredible! read more

After being blocked from your social media pages due to our review, I thought it best to share our experience where it can't be deleted and blocked. We had high hopes for our anniversary dinner at the newest craze in Milton. I ordered sweet tea ( which was unsweet with about 3 spoons of sugar resting in the bottom of the glass) and my husband had an espresso martini, which came to us in a chipped glass....blood on your lips really added to the chocolate finish of the flavor. We ordered 2 steaks, medium well (both were still mooing when they got to the table) and last time I checked, instant mashed potatoes aren't polenta, as advertised. Of course, my standards are probably too high, being a professionally trained chef...in Italy...for two years. But I digress. If Fazoli's is closed and Olive Garden has a wait, head to La Banca...but stop by your banca first, as the menu is exorbitantly high for the quality of food. Or better yet, go to Shonet's down the street. Much better food and service. read more

Where's bar rescue????! I have been many Italian places private and chain, and this is by far one of my worst experiences. Slapping cream and cheese together does NOT make it Alfredo and how do you ruin the most simple dish on the menu? Not to mention I had to FISH for my chicken in a sea of cream sauce. My friends got no refills, had over salted sauce drowning theirs too, and the bar was loud and obnoxious where all the waitresses gathered. Our waitress was so inattentive we spent half the dinner w the manager and less than a quarter with our actual waitress. At the end our waitress made a snide remark that a unsweetened tea "had been drank so she couldn't take it off the bill", a $2.50 drink, but we had never gotten a single refill for it the whole time. I am not one to say boo for no reason and the manager was great but the rest of this experience was just disappointing. They used sauce to cover their mediocre food and ruined perfectly fine food. Considering this mild place was drowned in sauce, it really sank when there was no offer for comp discount or dessert by the manager when we voiced issue- then when our waitress DID offer a discount- the bill went UP. I AM NOT KIDDING. do not eat here. Go out of town or to a chain restraunt and believe me- I hate to say that. Keep it simple yall cause this is a small town fail. read more

La Banca - Bland Alfredo - Italian Near Me - Milton, West Virginia

I rarely give reviews but this place was amazing!! The perfect atmosphere! Our waitress was the sweetest and the manager Jordan was absolutely "the goat". There's no better date night restaurant to go to than La Banca. Food was great. I would HIGHLY recommend this to anyone for a good night out or even a date day! read more

La Banca - Italian Near Me - Milton, West Virginia

See all

Had a great experience at La Banca! The staff is extremely friendly and accommodating. My wife and I started out with a handcraft cocktail, each was beyond comparison with any we've had in the area. The food is equally if not more impressive. Amazing ambiance. read more

I gave the 2 stars for the young lady who waited on us, who was wonderful. Apart from that, the food was awful. My salad tasted like chemicals and was obviously unwashed. I ordered lasagne and was told they didn't have it. The pasta I ended up ordering had a runny sauce with little flavor and overcooked, chewy chicken. For a Friday night, it was surprisingly empty, which should have tipped me off. I agree with the other reviewer who recommended Olive Garden. Do not waste your money on this restaurant. read more

We made a 7:30 reservation at La Banca on New Year's eve which also happens to be our wedding anniversary. They were understaffed as our server had the entire first floor by herself plus at least one additional large party in a private room. When she first came to our table she shared her stress and that she didn't even want to work that day, but had no choice. We told her we were in no hurry so she could focus on the other tables and the private party. When we were first seated, there were no place settings on the table. Even by the time our appetizers arrived, we still had no utensils so we asked for them so we could eat our appetizers. After waiting a while (and while our hot appetizer cooled), our server brought a salad fork and a cocktail napkin and said she would have to "roll some silverware". We also had to ask for plates. We ordered a bottle of Bella-Glos Pinot Noir, but a few minutes later our server returned to let us know that all their red wine had been placed in their walk-in cooler. Who puts red wine in a cooler? We were also given a list of entrees that they were out of (by the time of a 7:30 reservation???), one of which was the filet that we'd ordered so we had to settle for the porterhouse. We also ordered a soft drink which never came until we walked to the bar and ordered it from the bartender. Oh, and as for the utensils, just before our entrees arrived I observed another server get two utensil sets from a box at the host station by the front door. I walked to the station and got two sets out of that nearly full box, which means there was no need to roll more sets as our server had claimed! Aside from the foregoing, the food was good. However, we were very disappointed by what we had to go through otherwise. We expected much better service from this restaurant. Sadly, because we like to support local, non-chain establishments, we don't plan to return to La Banca. read more

-1 except you can't do that. Food was cold, half the food never was served, couldn't get a drink, the waitstaff said server was in the bathroom, hair down on servers... I don't know how many more little complaints I can list! This could be endless! read more

What kind of restaurant only serves a very small amount of their menu on a Sunday before 4pm? Why even be open if you don't serve even appetizers at that time? Probably won't be back. Good luck staying in business long. read more

La blanca ?? ....... La bullshit. Trust don't even waste y'all's time coming here because the food and service is pathetic

My wife and I love Italian restaurants, and we were looking forward to trying. We love the feel of the place, great use of a cool space. It passed the test, the marinara sauce was good which is how I initially rate all Italian restaurants. The noodles were cooked right and the wine was good/cheap. Bread good. Salads nice but could be smaller bite size. We will be back. read more

Very disappointing experience after expecting a quality restaurant in our small town. I understand that there is a learning curve and the staff are still getting acquainted with the SOP but customer service takes very little effort. The service is subpar. It's not what you say but how you say it....The food needs a little more love. Chunks of garlic in a dish is not appetizing but it is a shortcut to mincing. Our appetizer was warm at best and the garlic bread was not warm at all. Also Tiramisu is not cheesecake and should not have the same consistency, soaking the lady fingers longer would definitely add to the flavor. Hopefully the next time I return there will be a staff and dishes that represent this small town. read more

Slow service, staff. The menu does not describe the meals as being accompanied with a house salad but they do. We were unaware of that and ordered salads from the "starters" side to come out prior to our meal and were charged an additional $7.00. We requested them taken off our bill (they were not). We ordered risotto balls which were cold in the center so we asked to have them heated up. They were accompanied with a garlic butter dip which had crystallized from being microwaved and was cold. We asked if we could just have some butter for the bread but were told that they didn't have butter??? Our salads were not fresh but old and limp from being prepared ahead and refrigerated. The dressings which we ordered on the side were thick and not pourable. My Fettucine Alfredo was ok, unremarkable. I ordered a side of meatballs and they were obviously pre-made and microwaved. They were cold and inedible. My friend ordered the Chicken Picatta and commented that the chicken was over cooked and the sauce over-seasoned. The Bloody Mary was excellent. My friend ordered a glass of wine that was served in a plastic stem glass. I would not call this a fine dining experience although the prices suggested it. I have heard that they have great pizza, so maybe they should stick with that??? read more

Great potential but extremely disappointing. When my wife and I dined at La Banca we were expecting a great experience after seeing the buildup in Facebook. We arrived for our reservation and promptly received a friendly greeting and we're seated. Our server brought us some very nicely designed brochure type menus that seemed very classy compared to lower scale restaurants where the menu doubles as a place mat. For a drink I ordered a bottled beer ($5) and my wife opted only for water. The water was served with a pitcher and two glasses of ice. The beer came without a glass and I had to drink straight from the bottle. Maybe I should have requested a glass but it should not have been necessary. We then both ordered the Linguini Alla Scoglio ($34) and I also ordered a Classic Greens House Salad ($10). The server asked for my preference of dressing so I said Olive Oil & Vinegar. If there was some sort of House Dressing available she did not offer it. She offered an Italian dressing so I settled for that. I was surprised that Olive Oil & Vinegar was not an option. Shortly after ordering, someone came to our table and asked if everything is OK. Well, I guess he wanted to make sure our water and beer were satisfactory. When I received the green salad, the serving was very small, the leaf lettuce seemed to be somewhat limp and warm as if it had set unrefrigerated for too long. It wasn't terrible but it did not meet my expectation. And, the salad dressing seemed to be nothing more than store bought bottled dressing that had been poured into a small serving container. But the big surprise came when we received our entrees. The entrees tasted good but for the cost of the meal, the entrees were incredibly small. We ordered the same dish so we compared them. My wife had 7 mussels and 7 clams in her dish as well as two shrimp and some calamari. My dish had 7 mussels, only 1 clam, some calamari and no shrimp at all. There was also some spinach and cherry tomatoes over a very slight layer of pasta with a thin but tasty sauce. Perhaps some bread would have been a good addition in order to sop up the sauce but none was offered and I ended up spooning the sauce like a soup. For dessert my wife ordered a tiramasu ($8). It arrived with a garnish of 3 wilted basil leaves which was odd for a dessert. But I tasted a bite of it and it was delicious. So, to sum up, nothing was terrible but, the experience fell far short of what I expected from this restaurant. With tip included the dinner for two was more than $100 and I was still quite hungry when we left. Great job on the building restoration though. So overall we did not feel that the product lived up to the expectation. Will we return? Undecided. read more

Ok was so excited to go to this restaurant for my wife's birthday, saw mixed reviews, the Ambiance is very nice and decorated nicely. Food is priced well for ala cart. But that's where it stops. We order the stuffed mushrooms thinking of splitting so we don't get full for our meal. When they arrived me an my wife just look at each other. 3 small " little bigger than a quarter" mushroom an topped with sausage, No flavor, no seasoning very blah tast, When our main course arrived i had spaghetti an meat ball yes only one and again small, noodles were cold an the sauce was the worst thing I've tasted. Overly tomato an no seasoning no meat anything what so ever, wife had the lasagna an hers also cold in spots like it was microwaved, again no seasoning, an her lasagna noodles were soggy to the point they fell apart. But when we asked about bread she said there was a charge for it. Just like if you wanted a side salad it was $10. When i called they said was reservation only so i was thinking up scale, when we left about 6 there was 15 plus stables open an no one in line thinking why reservation, If you like to drink they have a nice bar. But trust me the food will be the death of them. Iv had better Italian food from lower end restaurants. After talking to friend they had the same experience with other menu items. This is a shame read more