Pizzalley’s Chianti Room is situated in a prime location in St. Augustine, and the atmosphere is inviting and pleasant. However, our dining experience was marred by several issues that left us feeling frustrated.
Service Issues:
Upon arrival at 2:55 PM, a time when the restaurant was not particularly busy, we expected a timely greeting and service. Unfortunately, it took an unacceptably long time for our waiter to approach us and take our initial orders. This delay was surprising given the number of open tables around us. As our wait continued, we found ourselves having to remind the waiter about our requests multiple times, which only added to our dissatisfaction.
Children’s Experience:
One of the most disappointing aspects of our visit was how our children were treated. While other families at nearby tables received coloring pages and crayons to keep their kids entertained, ours did not. After noticing this discrepancy, we asked for coloring materials but ended up waiting for quite some time without any response. Eventually, one of our group members took the initiative to retrieve the coloring pages and crayons herself, which should not have been necessary. This lack of attention to families with children made the experience feel less welcoming.
Plant-based Menu and Pricing Concerns
As a vegan family, we were initially pleased to see that the menu offered customizable options. We ordered a vegan pizza, and while our waiter suggested a vegetarian pizza without cheese, we were able to request different vegetables to suit our preferences. However, we were taken aback when we received the bill: $27 for a 10” gluten-free pizza that contained only tomato sauce, a sprinkle of broccoli, mushrooms, pineapple, and a few pieces of eggplant.
In stark contrast, friends dining with us paid the same price for a 16” pizza loaded with an impressive array of toppings—pepperoni, sausage, cheese, vegetables, and specialty ingredients (they ordered half Garbage Can half Pig’n’Fig pie). It felt as though we were being penalized for choosing healthier options. Charging extra for a simple vegan pizza with minimal ingredients is not only unreasonable but also discouraging for those seeking plant-based meals.
Conclusion:
While Pizzalley’s Chianti Room boasts an attractive location and a pleasant atmosphere, the combination of poor service, inadequate attention to children’s needs, and exorbitant pricing for simple vegan options left us feeling dissatisfied. This experience does not align with what one would hope for in a family-friendly restaurant. We cannot recommend this establishment based on our visit.
Harry’s is in my top 3 favorite restaurants of St Augustine. There is a reason this New Orleans style restaurant has an outstanding reputation for its delicious cajun food. Everything on the menu looked amazing, and everyone in our party was impressed with their meal. The service was excellent, the ambiance was unique as the restaurant is in an old two story house, but theres not a great waiting area so if its raining, everyone is just standing around the host stand. Outside seating is preferred if the weather allows for it. They also had plenty of offerings for those with dietary restrictions including a separate gluten free menu. We got the gluten free Boudin balls which are cooked in oil instead of fried and they were delicious!
UPDATE: I sent this review to the email address they provided same day as they requested in their reply to this review. They acknowledged that they got it and have said nothing since. Do not be fooled. They have done nothing to help me here. I will update this review if they ever reply or do anything.
Terrible experience. Bad service, not safe, below average food. The waitress did not write down our order and was very frantic. When the food came out, my mom’s (Celiac) was not the correct dish she ordered. It came out with plantains (fired in a shared fryer) and not on an allergy plate. Our waitress went back and came back in less than 2 minutes with a new one on an allergy plate. We think she just moved it to an allergy plate and removed the plantains. However, the dish was still not what she ordered and when she told the waitress, she said yes you did order this. My mom very nicely tried to jog the waitress’ memory on how we ordered and the waitress said “whatever” and walked away. Did not offer to get my mom anything else or apologize for any misunderstanding. My mom did not feel comfortable eating what she ordered so she ended up splitting my filet (also Celiac). It was a below average filet and we both felt bad the next day (likely cross contaminated). On top of that, no one at our table of 6 ever got a water refill throughout dinner
We stopped in twice for a quick appetizer and drinks and it was amazing! The guacamole and oysters were DELICIOUS!!! Their hibiscus margarita is was so flavorful! And both times the service was 5 stars our servers were funny, accommodating to my dietary needs and allergies and attentive! No wait time. Pricing was reasonable and worth what we ordered!!
Highly recommend.
Gluten free options! For those of you like me with gluten, dairy and soy allergies!
I appreciate they have gluten free options, but it would be even better if they offered a gf menu with the options listed out rather than relying on staff who don’t seem to confidently know. The gluten free wrap they offer isn’t bad, but the fresh catch sandwich was dry and lacking something which I believe was tartar sauce. Altogether, the food didn’t blow me away. The ambience is very nice.
Vey very disappointed with the seriousness taken with food allergies. I am thankful we caught the carelessness before my children ate their food. My children have celiac disease & are gluten free because of this. I also explained this to our server. We ordered the shrimp & grits that is listed as a “gluten free option”. I explained that we need the item to be gluten free due to their gluten allergy. When our food was delivered the “gluten free” shrimp & grits was served with cornbread on the side of the bowl. I asked our server if the bread was gluten free & she replied that she was pretty sure it was…. Well it is not. Besides obvious cross contamination issues a gluten item should not be a side item on the same bowl as a gluten free entree. I spoke with the manager and she said she would talk with the kitchen staff and the employee would be reprimanded & that she had tried previously to have the cornbread removed. My son would have easily been hospitalized if we had not caught this. We will not be back & I am hoping the staff and kitchen staff will be more cautious & careful with allergies. This is beyond carelessness & unfortunate. I hope this will be taken seriously throughout the restaurant.
I have celiac disease and our server Jacob guided me to the best steak and stuffed chicken. I struggle to find safe places to eat and my taste buds are high diving themselves ty Jacob your the best
Really good italian restaurant! They do have some gluten free options listed on the menu. I had the italian pot roast with garlic mashed potatoes and mixed veggies. It was delicious! And the portions are very generous.
This is an excellent restaurant if you love Italian food!! I am gluten free and they were able to accommodate very well with fettuccine noodles! My husband ordered the chicken Parmesan and he said it was delicious! We would absolutely be back the next time we are down here!!
I have been to Romano’s a few times and always enjoy. Coming from the north east and just outside nyc, it’s a joy to have food that feels authentic. I also opt for this restaurant due to my dietary restriction, as they have gluten free pizza. The only reason I did not give full 5 stars is that we were dining in and my pizza was delayed due to take out orders. I appreciate that the waitress was upfront and I made the choice to still place my order. However, I think the orders placed by those dining in should take priority. Additionally, my father ordered lasagna and it came out well before my pizza and he asked to bring it back when my meal was ready. Possibly being nitpicky, but it did cost a star for me.
As tourists- each meal is a surprise. This had the added advantage of being fairly pleasant.
Tucked quietly and discreetly near the lobby of the Casa Monica Resort is to the Costa Brava. It was 3pm on a Wednesday and we were famished (having skipped lunch and had an early breakfast).
The atmosphere is very impressive. The staff is friendly and super welcoming.
My wife, daughter thoroughly enjoyed each tasty bite of their delicious meals.
My daughter was delighted with her gluten free hamburger. Perfectly prepared and presented. ($16)
My wife found her fish (grouper) & chips the best and most satisfying fried fish she’s ever eaten. She loved every morsel and despite my best efforts- refused to share even a crumb with me. ($22)
My turkey sandwich was good - but I wasn’t as satisfied with the seasonings and consistency of my meal as the rest of my family. ($17)
I will say that despite my personal disappointment- we all left with our cravings met and our stomachs filled. Based upon my wife’s recommendations- I probably should have ordered the fish.
This place was an absolute gem, it is the perfect lunch stop! We had a few allergies to work around (dairy and gluten) and the server and kitchen were extremely knowledgeable, even making substitutions and explaining them to us so we knew the food was safe! The oysters and the catch of the day (swordfish) were both delicious and the drinks were good. Will be coming here again!
Accommodating Gluten-Free
