Dave B.
Yelp
My wife and I went last night for an early dinner. It was a our first time eating at LaRosa's. Even though the place wasn't busy we were sat in the middle room next to the only other couple there in very close quarters. It was next to a door, although glass paned, which let in light, it was uncomfortably close to the other table and that door. In addition there was a hand sanitizer station right next to my wife's chair and head.
As this was our first time at the restaurant, placing us at, what I would consider one of the worst tables in the house, was not a great start to our evening. Normally, I would ask if there are other tables options, but decided to try it out.
Our waitress, who was excellent, promptly greeted us, took our drink orders and delivered our drinks. We then ordered an appetizer, the Burrata with prosciutto.
I then went to the restroom to wash my hands and decided that if the appetizer hadn't come when I got back to the table that I would ask for another table. I looked into the room with the bar, which had a number of hightop tables along the wall and in the windows that would have been preferable to where we been placed. There were more people in there and it was little bit livelier. I understand the establishment wants to spread tables over the servers to be fair and not overwhelm them, but for first timers we were underwhelmed.
Unfortunately our appetizer had arrived so it would've been too much of a hassle to change tables.
Our appetizer, the Buratta was excellent.
We ordered our dinner. My wife got the Milanese and I got the Chicken Parmigiana, pretty basic but that's what I felt like. The portions were good sized and hot. I can't tell you how many times I have received food at fine restaurants where the food temperature has been warm at best. This is a sign of good service. This food didn't sit there. They got it right out to us and it was the perfect temperature.
Our meals were taste wise ok maybe a little bland. Cheese cake dessert was disappointing, dry and clumpy.
Overall: Our server was excellent, the food was a B- that reflects the tastiness and it was expensive, our table a D.
After comparing notes when walking to the car we always ask ourselves "Would we go back?" "Would we tell our friends you gotta try this place"
Answer: Maybe(which is good because a lot of places we've gone to for the first time are hard NO's for a return)...but not for a long while. We would try something else, food wise and definitely request and recommend a hightop in the bar room and in the window if available, or anywhere except were were placed.
At first glance, I really wanted to like this place but first impressions, as a first timer: food taste, table and price, leave a mark so we'll give it a little time and maybe try it again down the road.
