Claiming Maio's food is "not good" would be exceptionally kind. Based on the professional setup of the website and outward appearance of the restaurant, my family's expectations were far too high. The setting is beautiful, with a romantic European feel. Multicolored cobblestone walls surround a small but elegant building with a wrap-around porch. The tables and chairs decorating the exterior are high class pieces of furniture. This restaurant is clearly all about outwardly appearances, as the cheap patio furniture and tacky plastic table cloths within, clearly demonstrate.
My family was initially perturbed by the vast differences between the online menu and the cheaply printed copies they presented us. While we are aware that the menu changes from week to week, it was utterly unacceptable to suddenly change the rules of service. We called the restaurant ahead of time, as well as checked online, and were told that their "family style" brunch allows their guests to choose two entrees and three sides. However, in reality, we were only allowed one entrée and two sides, unless we chose to compromise by accepting half portions of two entrees. While the waitress was kind and understanding, the owner was brash and dismissal of our inquiry. She refused to comprehend that I was displeased with the change in the number of choices, and repeatedly assured me that the menu changes all the time. Additionally, their website claims ice tea and lemonade are included in the total price ($9.99 per adult or $5.99 per child), while in actuality, drinks were an additional $2.00. Aside from the blatant false advertisement, the water was tepid and the plastic glasses were greasy.
Our second disappointment was that the food, except for the salad, was NOT family style. Our two half-portioned entrees were served on a large plate with one small portion per person. This could have been overlooked if the food were even mildly satisfactory. Our meal was by no means restaurant quality, or even slightly resembling Italian food. The tilapia was overcooked, slightly dry, and greatly lacking in lemon sauce. The lasagna only had one layer of ground beef with very little red sauce. Unless Southern Style hash browns are supposed to be dry and tasteless, southerners will be insulted by this dish. The Huevos Rancheros was simply scrambled egg topped with low grade bottled salsa. No taco or beans. While the menu states a choice between Caesar Salad and Antipasta Salad as a starter, we were deprived of the option and presented with a bowl of Caesar Salad. Sadly, this was the highlight of our meal, as the salad was the tastiest part of brunch. This was served with air dry bread and enough basil-less Insalata Caprese for two. My family of five did not appreciate this.
If you choose this venue for its outwardly beauty, at least sit outside and enjoy the view. Otherwise, if you're going out for Italian, find a real Italian restaurant or, better yet, do the cooking at home. One thing that counted in our favor is our Groupon. Paying half price for this subpar food was the only reason I left without complaining...too much. read more
