Buona Sera

I had a real nice date with my wife at this place. The server was awesome from the start. She complimented the color of my wife's dress so they immediately liked each other. Our cocktails were delicious, scallop appetizer was perfectly cooked, and the entrees came out hot and well seasoned. We were too full to stay for dessert, but we would definitely go back!

My friend and I came here after attempting to go to Carson’s… At 6:30 on Monday, the host at Carson’s told us they were not taking any more names because it’s trivia night. We were discouraged, but drove one minute down the street here, and it was… The best thing that could’ve happened to us! I’m SO HAPPY Carson’s refused to take our name!!!! We had the most amazing meal… I’m enjoying my leftovers right now as I write this! Maybe the best Bolognese I’ve ever had? We sat out on the patio, with such a great view, the most peaceful atmosphere, and the most incredible service from Lindsay— next time, I hope they can pause, and maybe even share a drink at the table with us! They had the most amazing energy, incredible company, made us feel so loved and welcomed, and taken care of! We just kept saying how grateful we were that Carson’s didn’t have room for us! We discovered our new favorite restaurant! Can’t wait to go back!

The food was good with a nice variety to choose from. The appetizer has a really nice selection of good meats and cheeses .My colleague that ordered the rack of lamb said it was very good. The others had meatballs, shrimp scampi?, and the seafood di mare. I had the veal parmigiana. Overall the flavors were good, but the veal and shrimp were overcooked and chewy. The view by the window overlooking the lake is very nice. Our waiter was very friendly and helpful and at one point the cook came out to ask how everything was. Overall we enjoyed ourselves.

Fantastic restaurant on the lake, which is snowcovered at the moment. Food prep and presentation was impeccable. Nice seating, where you could have a private conversation. Adirondack theme, nice artwork throughout. Homemade mozzarella - amazing.. Seared scallops were divine. Everything was so fresh and flavorful. Highly recommend.

Beautiful restaurant at south end of Lake. Waiters and waitresses are amazing. I had a scallop appetizer for dinner as my appetite is low due to recent surgery. My wife had veal chop, friends had Chicken parm and chicken marsala, penne alla vodka, we all loved it. Entrees are huge.

Started with two appetizers the scallops and the meatball both were very good! We ordered four entrées, the Bolognese with Pappardelle was outstanding, the chicken Parm was excellent, the Veal Francese was also excellent. The only somewhat of a miss for us was the penne pasta with sausage and broccoli rabe it was good but really needed some kick of flavor in the sauce, too bland. We had two desserts both were excellent, the tiramisu and the cannoli. We definitely will be back!

We are so exited to have this fantastic new restaurant so close to home! I had the Chicken Francese which was out of this world delicious and one of the absolute best cosmopolitan cocktails I’ve ever had. My fiancé loved his pasta with shrimp. It was so nice to be seated near the window overlooking the lake (even on the rainy day we were there.) LOVE the old classic music (Frank Sinatra, etc) that was playing. Made the whole experience just that much better..very relaxing while waiting for the carefully crafted meals to be prepared. It was great to see more and more people walking in for dinner on a Saturday night at a new place! We will be back for certain and I wish the owners and staff much success!

This place was and *expectation exceeder*. From the moment I called to inquire about a dessert request for my Moms birthday, my expectations were first exceeded by a woman who recommended we do a little dessert plate for my Moms birthday; I didn’t even think of doing something like that, i was going to ask for a canoli with a candle, but, I was offered an even better option.and my Mom texted me saying she felt so special and that it meant a lot to her. We came in last night for my Moms birthday, and from the very beginning we felt like valued guests. People from the kitchen and the restaurant even came outside to tell us to come on in even though we were early and they were minutes away from opening; we actually got distracted by the AMAZING view of Saratoga lake, but we’re grateful for the invitation to come inside since it was very cold. Oh let me also mention they had an outdoor seating area that was still decked out in pretty holiday lights, even though it seemed to be closed for winter. We were greeted with smiles, a BEAUTIFULLY decorated holiday wonderland, with pretty lights my two year old oooed and ahhed over (we did too, actually). we were in an upper part of the dining area that had stunning views of the lake- even though we did not request this extra amazing area of their beautiful establishment, I have a feeling they gave that area away to us knowing we were in for my moms birthday. Our server, Lyndsey, from the start to the finish of our dining experience demonstrated incredible, VALUABLE service; genuine care, knowledge of the menu, and it helped that Lyndsey also told us what is yummy; she felt invested in our experience and for this reason we felt like valued guests. THE FOOD. We had some appetizers- I think it’s safe to say we all wanted to drink the sauce that came with the u10 scallops, and, my mom felt the same way about the **heirloom tomato, limoncello sauce** that came with the shrimp appetizer; Lyndsey our server informed us this was a new menu item, our clean plates confirm it is a keeper. All of us enjoyed our entrees; I had an amazing, juicy pork chop with a butternut squash risotto and balsamic glaze. My parents both had pasta dishes, and my partner had a ribeye steak. Their menu was straight forward and simple, and the quality of ingredients and preparation is evident. The bonus is, the owner came out and greeted us and wished my Mom a happy birthday- my Mom, I could see it on her face how special she felt to be able to shake the Chef/Owners hand; he was very genuine and warm, just like everyone else we met; he was also wearing an apron which tells me he’s a team player with his kitchen staff. PEOPLE, this is not the place to come to and just “get whatever”, this is the place to engage with your server, and allow them to give you an amazing experience; trust them, they know what they are doing. This is the place to try things you might not always try, because everything we ate here and experienced here felt so intentional, and, if a restaurant is telling you they are a scratch kitchen, understand everything you are eating- including the pasta- was made in house, and there’s a quality in that that is rare to find, and that means a lot of work and heart went into what you’re about to eat. It’s not just about WHAT you eat, it’s about HOW it was made and served; our experience- from the service and the food, to the cozy, homey setting and amazing views of the lake- felt like an experience provided with love, and we will be back again. This was a TREAT. THANK YOU.

Everything was beautiful . The staff were so nice, friendly and fun. My birthday was amazing. The food was Excellent! Large portions, perfectly cooked, And reasonably priced. The desert ( cake) was yummy. Oh, the bread was delish. lol. We will be back. Thank you. Maxine Ahmed

My friend and I went to see a performance at The Little Theatre (SPAC). Afterward, I suggested that we have an early dinner at Buona Sera, an Italian restaurant overlooking the south shore of Saratoga Lake that neither of us had been to. We were seated at a table by the window which afforded us an unobstructed view of the lake. Perfect. Our waiter, Doug, said this was his first shift. He did a fine job managing our table and the others around us. The disappointment lies in the management's lack of customer care and the food. Both of us ordered the Carpaccio which was a nicely plated combination of arugula, prosciutto, fried goat cheese balls (interesting!), shaved Parmesan, and toasted pine nuts. Impressive. My friend ordered one of their specials - Shrimp and Scallop Fra Diablo served over linguini. She was happy with her selection. My Veal Marsala arrived while I was still eating my Carpaccio starter. A real no-no. The gal who brought our entrees left it on the table where it sat for the 10+ minutes it took for me to finish my appetizer and became barely warm. Reader, take note. I requested that the spaghetti served with my veal be set on the side of the meat instead of under it. I asked them to add a bit of garlic and oil to the pasta. I did not want the veal and what tasted like jar sauce (no Marsala flavor was evident to me or my husband who ate my leftover meal) to be on top of the spaghetti. Doug sheepishly returned to our table after taking our order and told me that the chef/owner said there would be a $10 up charge to accommodate my request. Excuse me? I told him to tell the chef/owner not to bother. It wasn't the amount of the charge, it was the idea that there would be an up charge at all. I order Veal Marsala this way all the time and never did any restauranteur add a ridiculous fee for such a simple request. Plus the veal was tough and flavorless, and the two spears of asparagus were missing their tips. This entree was uninspiring. My friend ordered chicken to go for her husband. It arrived on a plate, not packed up ready to take home. We ordered desserts to go and the person who brought them to us dropped one - which had to be replaced. The cannolis were among the best I've ever enjoyed, with crisp shells and a delicious filling. Kudos to the pastry chef! The best part of our experience was the view. With a plethora of Italian restaurants in Saratoga Springs and the surrounding area, my friend and I agreed we won't be returning to Buona Sera.

We spent day at Races... being from out of town. Asked for recommendation for Italian cuisine. Drove 15 minutes only but after dining here would have drove an hour for the veal. We started with meatballs ..marininera sauce was delicious. The veal parmesan was perfect with a huge helping. Service was great ...will be back next trip for races.

One of my favorite restaurants ever the staff is amazing. The food is awesome if you want a nice dinner this is the place to go.

Great food, great service, great view & reasonable prices. What else do you need? My wife and I stopped by on a recent trip up to Saratoga. Started off with the Meatballs - absolutely delicious. Next up were the best Braised Short Ribs I've ever had. The Chiffon with Strawberries & Cream was the perfect ending to a great night. Wine selection was excellent. If you're planning on being in the area don't miss out on this gem.

The food was amazing and the view was beautiful! Our server was great. We definitely will go there again!

We met Matthew, Buona Sera's new bartender, and he was fantastic! He kept the bar running smoothly even as the holiday crowd picked up--great holiday music, (thank you- I personally love hearing the sounds of the season) excellent drinks, and seamless service for both guests and waitstaff. His confidence, personality, and happiness made the night memorable. A wonderful addition to the restaurant!

Good food, great ambiance, staff is help and friendly, love this place. Next time try another dessert

I have been here three times now this summer so I feel like I can give a well-rounded review. It seems like over the years the building has expanded beyond the capacity of the kitchen so don't be surprised if you see empty tables but are told there is a wait. At least during the summer they get a LOT of large parties, families of 6-10 so the kitchen and waitstaff can get slammed. Don't come here if you expect to be doted on and have your perfectly coursed meals. Having said that everything I've ordered has come out fairly quickly and PIPING HOT and the food if not Michelin quality is very solid. Everything I've ordered has been extremely fresh and seems like a lot of effort is put into every dish considering it's a pretty varied menu. If you are up to just experience a bustling local restaurant that clearly has a lot of love put into it by the owners come to Buena Sera. Also very nice flowers out front.

Our waiter was fantastic and the food was just as great! Went there with my family. The waiter had a great sense of humor and was very attentive. He made us feel so welcome! The food was VERY good! The broccoli and tomatoes in this dish were such a pop of flavor that added to the savory flavor of the pasta and shrimp. Pieces of garlic throughout the dish that were cooked in the sauce and were an extra burst of flavor. I would recommend this new place to everyone. I am a foodie and love great service and this place did both fantastically!

Absolutely fantastic! The food and service are great. If you have not enjoyed an evening at Buona Sera you're missing out!

I believe the ambience needs a little help up by far. The food and the service makes up for it. Young people run it and they've done a great job. Highly recommended.

We came here in our way to friends home in Malta ....so glad we did. The scallop appetizer was phenomenal, our entrees of a shrimp Luigi special and cauliflower penne was to die for. ...we ordered the house made bread with roasted garlic which into itself was also amazing ! Used this bread to soak up all the bread from our dishes..was well worth the extra carbs !!! My dirty vodka martini was on point...a must visit f your in the area !

Relaxed atmosphere, good Italian food. Sort of a lake view through the parking lot. Servers were pleasant and friendly.

Julia has been amazing getting our reservation booked, proactively going above and beyond the usual service. Ambiance, service and food great! Wholeheartedly recommend! Julien, Tom & friends.

Although the location is scenic by the lake. The exterior and interior need remodeling. The temperature of the interior is unacceptable, difficult to breath in the rear lake view area enclosed glass area. I would encourage accessible windows, what happens if there is a fire, or even a side door? This isn't an exaggerated concern - the waiters literal sweat was not just visible on them but actually dripping onto our table and the surroundings!!! I've never seen that, I said to them I'm so sorry to ask but are YOU ok in this heat?? The wait times for anything was unusually long and not sensible. One couple was already waiting for service prior to us showing up and yet some of our items came first? The drinks were as if an inexperienced person made them. We sent them back... The food was subpar, the sauce for Italian food should be delightful not rancid... the food was overcooked, not flavorful and was not fresh - a stocked freezer and YouTube could have produced better results. The cost for just a short time was astronomical- well over 100$ for what was not even $20 worth in my opinion. We left... early and will likely never return.

Even though it was Belmont track week, our service by Lindsey was great! The food was delicious. We tried the chicken Marsala and chicken parmesan. Our friends had the penne chicken and baked chicken but sorry no picture. We were seated up by the windows to look out at the lake. Definitely get the bread board or 2. The portions are big but save room for the carrot cake, it was outstanding. We went early for dinner and parked close to the door due to the rain. I would say if you can back your car in so you can pull out as it is a busy intersection. It was really busy when we left. We will definitely be back!

Food, drinks and dessert were excellent. Server - Noah was fantastic. Definitely going back.

Food and service were both very good. I had requested a table with a view of the lake and we were given a nice location. I was a bit disappointed to find, though, that the restaurant really isn't truly lakeside as I thought. It overlooks a boatyard and parking lot. Still, we did have a view of the lake. The other disappointment was that the noise level was very high. I had difficulty hearing our out of town guests.

I just found a bit pricey, and I'm not crazy about an à la carte menu. I also found a bit noisy in there, but I did enjoy the view of the lake.

Food, and Service were both very good. The appetizers were excellent and the Chef's Pork Special was outstanding. The only downside was the Chicken Parmesan was not up to standard.

ABSOLUTELY AWESOME DINNER AND SERVICE. Riley is a rockstar. She's personable and attentive. Chicken Francese and the shrimp pasta dish was exceptional. We can't wait to go back!

Food was below average for the price. Service was bad. Ordered dessert and sat there for 20 minutes. Apparently dessert manager didn't see the order and waitress was nowhere to be found. Won't be going back there, very disappointed.

Food and service were excellent. Our server as engaging and helpful. Portions were generous and of outstanding quality. We celebrated our 44th wedding anniversary there with another couple and all of us had an outstanding meal. Two qualifications that I hope the restaurant's management will correct. (1) When we made the reservation we were asked if we were celebrating a special occasion. However, apparently no note was made of this because it went unmentioned by our server until we told him and nothing "special" was done by the restaurant. (2) We left the restaurant initially in error neglecting to bring our leftover containers with us. Returning less than 5 minutes later, we found that they had been trashed or lost despite the efforts of our server to retrieve them. The manager in charge that evening seemed uninterested in helping. And a note on the restaurant's website to the owners/management detailing this experience appears to have gone unanswered. Having said that we will patronize this establishment again and trust that these incidents cited were unintended oversights that will be addressed.

Second time there and loving it. Great food, Great service, Wonderful menu. Waiter Michael a true professional.. Looking forward to many more delicious meals!!

Fabulous food! Staff is friendly ! I have had many meals here and none was slightly good! Each meal is OUTSTANDING!

Great little spot on the lake. Highly recommend the meatball appetizer. Service was great. Food was great view was even better.

All four of our meals were very good. Eggplant parm, chicken Marsala, a chicken dish for the onion allergy and Bolognese with Gluten free penne. We had several allergies. One with Celiac and one with allergy to onions and garlic. They were very accommodating. The waitress was excellent had a lot of personality and very willing and able to be sure our allergies were addressed.

We have been there 3 times in a month. Love the authentic Italian choices - meatballs are best you will find in a restaurant and the scallop appetizer is delicious and unique. We like to eat at the and the bartender makes it fun!! Well worth it!

It was fabulous our server Reilly was amazing drinks to a new level. I would highly recommend it to anybody.

view is a plus. Food was good, service excellent. You have to pay for bread. Not happy about that. Calamari should be an appetizer. I had the bolognese. Husband had the special, shrimp, scallops over linguine in Fra Diavlo sauce which was very good. The bolognese was a little watery. It was thicker last time we were there.

This is our 4th time visiting BUONA SERA and it was better than ever. We were celebrating my birthday and I am glad that we chose BUONA SERA. The Veal Francese was literally to die for. My husband had the Lamb special and he loved it. Our server Shanan was LOVELY !

Great food, martinis were unique and delicious. Vibes were surprisingly strong. Service was excellent paired with the atmosphere. View of the lake was lovely.

Finally checked this place out and am glad we did. The location is perfect, staff friendly and accommodating and the food was good. It's a great neighborhood go to and we shall return. We came for the roast chicken but they were out that evening, Will definitely return. The bar was busy and comfortable. More busy than the dining room which says to me they are not yet known. I definitely recommend if you want a good, not over the top, meal and a very pleasant evening.

Food was great. They are clearly new and still working on service... but worth a second try!

The food is amazing! Staff is friendly, and the ambiance is welcoming. I would recommend this restaurant to everyone.

This is our new favorite restaurant. We have been there 4 times. Every time, the food is delicious. It is fresh, arrives to the table hot, and the portions are generous. Every time we go, we also request Patrina as our server. Patrina is personable, knowledgeable about the menu, and makes our dining experience fun. We have made our next reservation and, of course, requested Patrina!

Interesting place. There were a lot of cars parked out on the dirt lot so we figured it had to be good. When we walked inside it was pretty empty. Very quiet inside. I don't think the set up was very good for the type of restaurant wants to be. Servers seemed hit and miss. The table next to us had a great server. Our severer couldn't even pronounce the menu items yet tell us much about them. Prices were high. Food was par. Just didn't feel it. Not saying don't go. Definitely try it out if you're interested. I just didn't get a sense of home from it.

What a disappointment last night. Was so looking forward to trying this new restaurant. For starters, the wine poor is the worst I've ever experienced. If I have to ask for another ounce or two. Truly a place I don't want to visit. I felt the entrees, and more importantly the app specials were overpriced. Shrimp Bisque, $18.00?? The veal scallopini was very dry. If you closed your eyes and tasted this entree. It tasted like a pine tree. Honestly, you can't make this up. With all the other options in Saratoga, this is a hard pass for me. They truly have work to do to gain my business.

All Italian dishes were delicious!! Our server Riyleigh was absolutely amazing!! She was attentive and funny! We even met the owner. Nice view of the lake.

My husband and I have had dinner here twice. First time was over the summer and just the two of us . Tonight we went with two of our sons. We will definitely be back. Everything we've had from appetizers, salads, bread boards, entrees and desserts, were nothing short of awesome deliciousness! Some people have told me it seems a bit pricey but the portions are extremely generous and almost everything on the menu is homemade on premises and it shows in the taste and presentation of the food. Highly recommend this restaurant. If you try it , I guarantee you'll return!

What a nice surprise on Lake Saratoga. Food was solid, service was on point, and the view was awesome. Will be back soon.

Food is always tasty with a homemade flare. Best Italian food in the area. Scott at the bar makes really good drinks and is very knowledgeable of the menu items.

Second time in 2 weeks that we had dinner there. First time we went with another couple and sat in the bar area. Scott was our server (as well as bartender; he makes a killer old fashion) who was attentive and fun but also knew when to be more discreet. We all LOVED our dinners. The ingredients are so fresh and the dishes are creative and perfectly prepared. The very best French onion soup; creamy mushroom risotto topped with a delicious piece of salmon; short rib ravioli in a mushroom Demi glaze sauce with amazing scallops cooked to perfection. And Danielle's desserts are to die for. Daily specials are extensive and their happy hour (at the bar) is 20% off food and $2 off drinks. Last night the hubs and I sat at the bar, bantered with Scott and met Jimmy the chef/owner. Again our dinners and drinks were outstanding. And they have live music some nights! Very happy we found this new place on the lake!

Amazing food!! We had the scallop appetizer, veal Marsala and veal Parmesan. All fabulous. Very good service. We'll be back!

Food was excellent, server named Richard was very good at explaining that they are a cook to order restaurant which means food to table can take some extra time. The place has been remodeled and has a very good appearance. Prices are very fair for the quality of food. Very nice menu. Only drawback Is the place is loud, very loud.

Well service started out ok Did take our drink Order. Order dinner had short ribs w pasta noodles, she suggested to ask for extra sauce, but the short ribs was cut into little pieces, not like it falls for the bone. Extremely disappointed. But the Ambience was the view w wonderful And asked for dessert I'm a huge fan of homemade tiramisu and I order w cappuccino We Cappuccino came out and few minutes later our bill w No Dessert

Excellent food, drinks and ambience and great Chef specials!! Red sauce and meatballs were absoltely delicious!

Food was very good, both fresh & tasty and the service excellent. Excellent variety of classic pastas. We had mussels & clams in a fra diablo sauce to start. Paul had Pappardelle Bolognese & I had cheese ravioli with large flavorful shrimp in a white sauce. Nice Chianti by the glass & great expresso and affogato for desert. I also like the bar. Nicely busy with a friendly, local vibe. We got there in time to enjoy the lake view. Love have a great authentic Italian close by wit a lake view.