Criniti's Kotara

We had a reservation and we’re a few minutes late & the table wasn’t ready - still dirty with dishes etc we were given a menu to peruse (in a dark corner near the POS) there were minimal GF meals so not ideal for coeliacs and we waited almost 10 minutes for our table, we were seated and then the table was wiped and clean water glasses were taken away. No water was offered. We ordered drinks and dinner, questions regarding GF meals were answered but not confirmed, drinks arrive, then dinner we had to request cutlery & additional Parmesan , we got cutlery but no Parmesan. Throughout our meal no one approached us to ask us how our meal was. The pumpkin risotto was bland but the 3 meat rigatoni was wonderful and a large meal so I requested a take away container which was received. Still no customer service. Yes The meals are large & yes it’s pricey but so are all other Italian restaurants in Newcastle. The atmosphere was noisy and very busy. Would go again on a quieter night / day but certainly not during school holidays.

Pleasant front of house. Lovely starter. Mains arrived whilst eating starter and left on table despite being asked for some time to finish starter. Ordered spaghetti meatballs with gluten free pasta, pasta and sauce arrived as meatballs not gluten free, was what I was told as the plate was left on the table. I am not gluten free, I prefer gluten free pasta. When I asked for the meatballs I had to wait and they came separately confusing all involved. Trying to pay with a voucher seemed like a complete inconvenience despite making this known when booking. First experience and will probably be our last, disappointing.