To start, I want to say that my previous review from prior to the pandemic should be read first, as this venue was one of our favorite places to dine and dance.
We made reservations several days in advance for dining on Friday June 3rd 2022 @ 7pm, with friends. It was immediately obvious that reservations were unnecessary, as the restaurant, as well as the bar area was empty, something we had not seen in the past.
The wine my wife preferred was no longer on their list, so she asked to sample two similar brands, as she wished to order a bottle. After some time waiting, the waiter came back stating that one bottle was available, although the other was only available by the glass. She ordered the bottle and was asked to read the number of the wine she had selected from the menu. Something we have never experienced.
Appetizers:
**GRILLED OCTOPUS**, Marinated octopus /tom confit /garlic/ kalamata olives
$24 (NOW VIEWING THE ONLINE MENU, THE PRICE IS $18 !!!!!!)
**MAMA'S MEATBALLS**, ricotta / parma / marinara
$14 (Same price website and menu)
We found both the octopus and meatballs to be average at best.
**APPLE ARUGULA SALADS, Baby arugula / dried cranberries / almond / gorgonzola cheese / herb dressing. $14 (Same price website and menu) Very tasty
The Entree's is where all four diners were flabbergasted to say the least.
**CAST IRON SEARED JUMBO SEA SCALLOPS, Served over herbed risotto & vegetable
$42 (NOW VIEWING THE ONLINE MENU, THE PRICE IS $36 !!!!!!)
Virtually uneatable, as the amount of cheese melted into the risotto was overwhelming and to add to the cheese melt, added cheese was sliced and placed all over the plate. Additionally, the emulsified risotto tasted reheated. Upon scraping as much cheese off the scallops as possible, they tasted undercooked. There were two orders of this "cheese dish" and both diners rated them as terrible.
**SHELLFISH RISOTTO, combination of various shellfish. $42
Once again, due to the enormity of cheese and emulsified risotto, another terrible dish.
**10 OZ. PRIME ANGUS FILET MIGNON, served w/ roasted garlic mashed / grilled asparagus & shiitaki demi. $49 (NOW VIEWING THE ONLINE MENU, THE WEIGHT STATES 8oz, which it appeared to be)
This entrée would have been good as the meat was tender, although it was ordered "medium", unfortunately it was overcooked "well done".
We also ordered a side of spinach, which was immediately sent back as all agreed it was so bitter that it was uneatable.
The service was nonexistent, as our waters were never refilled and additional drink order forgotten. After complaining, the waiter stated that we should have said something earlier, as they are short staffed and he worked in the city till 5am and got no sleep. We asked to speak with a manager and was told by the waiter that there was none. Then to add insult, we find out that there is a 3.9% fee for using a credit card, which is NOT on the website. We ask for a copy of the bill and were told that Ristegio's does NOT supply a copy of the bill. We could either have it texted or emailed. Upon supplying a Google disposable text number, I received a text containing the subtotal, non-cash fee and the tip. I asked for a copy of the "breakdown", what was actually ordered and billed. The waiter stated that Ristegio's does not provide a breakdown and ask why I wanted it. I asked how long he was employed there, to which he responded, since the beginning. I had to have them retrieve the breakdown and allow me to take a photo, as they didn't have a copy machine.
Attached are two photos of the bill and the empty dining room with only four tables occupied.
Needless to say, as weekly diners, unfortunately one of our favorite venues will never be patronized again. read more