I took my girlfriend here for our first Valentine's Day together. I was looking for my "Lady and the Tramp meatball moment." Instead, I came away underwhelmed. I believe much of my issues stem from the prix fixe menu that was available, but there were other problems as well. The service was average at best. I forget our servers name, but she rattled off the entrees, brought us our bread, and then expected us to order. We were both a little shocked. Personally, I felt rushed all evening and I had to work against the servers to slow the evening down. The ambience was less than ideal. Italian music played oh-so-faintly in the background. The lights were up all the way. No candles on any of the tables. We at least got the wine glasses promptly (though the provided wine key had a really loose hinge), though our wine was so-so (a custom labeled zinfandel I had got from a different place. Great label, average wine). These issues were important to setting the mood for the evening, but we still had to eat. I had high expectations for the food, especially given the large number of very positive reviews from other Yelpers. However, the food did not live up to expectations. The gnocchi I ordered was pillowy soft, exactly the way it's supposed to be, with wonderfully flavorful sauce. Alli's dish, a chicken piccata, was long on chicken, short of pasta, and the lemon sauce was only okay. In short, the presentation needed work. Again, I think the problems with the food stemmed from the prix fixe menu. Under normal circumstances, I'm sure Ristorante Guiseppe serves wonderful, authentic, full-blooded Italian food, but this time, the experience felt rushed, cheap, and quick. In summation: not the Valentine's Day ambience one is trying to create. I am very willing to give it another shot, but I would not recommend Ristorante Guiseppe for a special occasion.
What is the sentiment of this review?
negative