All Reviews
Malcolm Lowry
3 months agoMy wife and I were excited to hear that a new Italian restaurant was moving into the old Lily's Restaurant in the Lake Wylie area. And, to make things even better, we were told the new owner is from NY! Jackpot! Our quest for fine Italian dining is finally over, or so we thought. It was a busy Wednesday night when Maxine sat us at our table. Within minutes, we both had drinks and a bread basket with bread that was Outstanding. Next is when things began to go downhill a bit. The wait staff was very courteous but definitely over worked. It took a long time to get their attention. When I did, I asked if the chef could make an appetizer portion of fried calamari and was told no problem. Loving calamari like I do, I thought I had gone to heaven. What I got was soft, almost mushy calamari that was too salty to eat. I had to send it back, and upon arrival the 2nd time, it was less salty but still really soft for my liking. The marinara sauce was the savior, and that's why I was able to eat it. When the Caesar salad arrived, the lettuce was not crunchy/fresh as expected and was swimming in dressing. We both agreed it was inedible. Huge disappointment. Finally, the entrée came. My wife's linguine and clams were, as she said, tasteless. She couldn't taste any seasoning which it was lacking, and my seafood Fra Diavalo wasn't much better. Again, the sauce saved me from having to send that back. After all this, we decided to skip dessert. To summarize, in our humble opinion, our quest for fine Italian dining continues. These are minor issues that can be fixed and would mean the difference between every other "authentic Italian cooking" restaurant in South Carolina, and a fabulous place to dine. We're still looking for the latter and I'm here for 5 years already, and still looking. A nice addition to the menu might be a great cold Antipasto, baked clams, and baked Ziti (but you'll have to invest in an oven that can bake). A frozen lemon sorbet inside the lemon casing would be a nice touch, as would Molinari (or Lazzaroni) Sambuca. For about $2 more a bottle, it sure beats Romano. As far as prices go, I would say it's on a par with everyone else. Speaking for myself, I would have no trouble paying over $100/person for fabulous food. Mediocrity will continue to satisfy the neighborhood, but excellence has no boundaries. I sincerely hope you make this a destination restaurant! Good Luck. I suggested to my wife let's give this place another chance after some of the kinks have been worked out.
Austin Myers
3 months agoLobster Nachos looked like they came from a dollar store then thrown in the microwave with frozen lobster. Took 45 minutes after receiving water to even take our order. Fish taco came with a pound of lettuce and a small sliver of grouper. No fans or umbrellas on the porch. Too expensive for something a 12 year old can make.
Ellen Vance
3 months agoPlanned to try Taverna this evening. We had a party of four (which included my 90 year old disabled mom). After waiting about 20 minutes, a group of 5 came in behind us with no reservation and loudly spoke about working their connection to get seated. Sure enough, the restaurant chose to seat their “friends” instead of our group. We left and won’t be going back. Poor start for what we hoped was going to be a good new restaurant.
R M
4 months agoDelicious as always! I should have posted a long time ago. Great greeting at the door, great service, allows shared plates, portions are large, such a delightful restaurant, one of our faves.
Kai Clarke
4 months agoIncredible food, service, and experience. Not lots of places to park, but very important to always make a reservation! Italian appetizers, seafood, Italian main pasta dishes with Chicken, Beef, Shrimp, Seafood, etc. Favorites like seafood fettuccine, chicken parmesan, spaghetti and meatballs, etc. Never had a bad meal and there are lots of meals to choose from!
Lilly Ann Burrow
5 months agoour server was awesome! (young girl with dark hair) but we were very disappointed with the food. we ordered Nona’s meatball for an appetizer and had high hopes. it came barely warm with cold ricotta just plopped on top. then i ordered the veal parmesan and my boyfriend ordered the penne pasta with a bunch of meat and a brandy sauce. the veal parmesan was HUGE, pretty much a whole baby cow haha. it was super good, but my boyfriends meal was disappointing. the “filet” steak was shriveled meat and 2 pieces of boiled shrimp. we ordered drinks from the bar, an apperol sprits for me and a basil hayden on the rocks for my boyfriend, and there were black pieces IN the ice. that indicates the ice machine needs a good cleaning. overall, we didn’t have a horrible experience and we didn’t complain. our food came out at reasonable times and so did our drinks.
R Diana
a year ago1st experience (over a year ago) the host was kind of rude when we called to inquire about a table because it was somewhat close to closing time. We came anyway. Food was good & our server was great. 2nd experience (more recent) our server was excellent & even provided some recommendations. We were not impressed with the pork chop. Not really sure how to describe it, but the flavor just wasn't there. Honestly, the bread plate was our favorite thing so far. Still open to coming back. I'll try a pasta entree next time. Impressed with the portion sizes I've seen at other tables.
Mery M
3 years agoIt was my first time going to this restaurant and had such a great experience! First of all the service was excellent especially by Fred the bartender. He was friendly and knowledgeable. I had a chocolate and cream martini which was like my liquid dessert and also the appetizers were delicious!! The calamari was one of the best I had. I will be definitely be back soon to try new dishes.