As with the sister restaurants in this group, we were excited to try La Figata based on previous experiences. We we're not disappointed to say the least.
At first approach, it looks like any store front in a strip mall. The signage also makes it look a lot smaller on the outside due to the placement over just the left side. Almost has the appearance of two different establishments until you walk through the front door.
Immediately upon entering, I was greeted by a blond host/manager at the stand. She made eye contact and smiled, which I find rare at a lot of places. Told her I needed a table for 3 without a reservation. She said, "no problem, let me know when you are ready." I arrived slightly early and decided to have a glass of wine at the bar. Super friendly and prompt service from the bartender and she actually wanted to talk, which is such a nice change lately. Many bartenders serve you and go back to looking at their iPhone (then again guests are equally, if not more, guilty of this). Settled the tab and moved to our table towards the rear of the restaurant. It looks like a separate room that can be closed off when not in use or used as a function space.
We are greeted minutes later by our sever, who was cheerful and upbeat. She offers to get some drinks and one orders a beer, the other two order a bottle of pinot grigio that was the same as the glass I had at the bar. The server states that they don't sell the wines by the glass in full bottles. Odd, but no problem, I'll choose another. She hands me the wine list, only for me to find the exact wine I ordered available by the bottle. "Oh, I didn't know we did that" was her response. Cute, but may have proven that she was new. She returns with the beer and bottle of wine a few minutes later and we have decided on our entrees. She proceeds to open the bottle of wine by placing it on the table, attempting to use a server's wine key (opener) with horrible failure. Nervously fumbling to remove the foil, she says, "I'm very new and haven't opened much wine yet." Again, no big deal and sort of cute in some way. My only suggestion to management for this one is: when hiring new (green, never before waited tables) staff, training is key. Have them open the bar wines by the glass to practice. She also forgot to bring a wine chiller or bucket and we had to ask another staff member for one.
Calamari and caesar starters were spot on and delicious. I had the scallops entree and the other two ordered the bolognese. All three dishes looked and tasted delicious. My scallops were cooked to perfection, not gritty/sandy and served with asparagus, mushroom risotto. The three beef bolognese is amazing!
Waters were topped off frequently by a server assistant or bus person. The lighting, music and noise level were all great. Bathrooms were spotless.
I would not hesitate to return to this restaurant when I am visiting family in the area. I have my eye on the ricotta gnocci for my next meal. My family loved it so much, I returned two days later to get them a gift card* so that they would make it a point to come back sooner, rather than later. They went back the next week for a birthday.
* gift cards are for the whole restaurant group, not just this restaurant. They will work at: @ The Barn, Farmer's Kitchen and Table 570...check them all out. read more