Michael Alberini's Restaurant

We have always come back to Alberini’s because in the past it has been excellent. Tonight, not so much. In past experiences, we were asked if we were celebrating something special, and if we were, the staff would be extra attentive, and on one occasion we got a free dessert. I’m gluten intolerant, so they gave me a rich chocolate gluten free torte. The food has always been top notch, and matched the prices, which are not cheap. Tonight, however, the service was not great. We were not impressed with the waitress. She slammed things down on the table, and treated us more like we were at Denny’s. Alberini’s is supposed to be fine-dining, not a diner, and the prices are reflected in that. As such, a waiter/waitress should behave accordingly. She was friendly enough, but had no finesse. My salad was served without the Gorgonzola, and my husband said the pasta he ordered was not good, at all, and didn’t finish it. My father in law couldn’t finish his pasta because it was so over-poweringly loaded with garlic.The waitress never asked if we were celebrating something, and she told us point blank they don’t have gluten free desserts. Funny, coz I’ve been there several times, and have always had the gf choc cake. She blamed the chef for not adding the cheese to the salad, and said, ‘it’s because he’s new.’ The wine we ordered was nowhere near a full glass, but we were definitely still charged full price; The staff at the desk slouched, and were wearing jeans. Not a good look for a fine-dining restaurant. We ordered the deep fried calamari, which didn’t compare to past visits. It was way too salty. Maybe the new chef is the problem, here. Overall, though, it was sloppy service, and I would have rather gone to Denny’s, than pay close to $300 for ‘diner’ service, which is disappointing because it was my birthday celebration. . We won’t be back.

Great gluten free options! Delicious food.