Sapori Veri

Great Italian restaurant! They can make gluten free pasta dishes. Lovely service. Highly recommend this place.

I called in after work to double-check that the kitchen was open, as I was craving a Gluten-Free Carbonara. The lady I spoke with said the kitchen closed at 8:30pm, and since I had an hour, I let her know I'd be there in 20 minutes. When I arrived, I was seated and asked how long the pasta would take. She said 30 to 40 minutes, so even though I didn’t really feel like it, I ordered a Caprese salad just to have something to nibble on. When the salad came out, I noticed it barely had any bocconcini or basil—just a few shreds and tiny pieces. I politely asked if more of both could be added, and she was happy to take it back. It came out again with slightly more bocconcini and still just a bit more shredded basil. I ate some of it while waiting for my main. Once the Carbonara arrived, I noticed straight away that the gluten-free penne was uneven—some soft, some hard. I cook gluten-free pasta at home and order it out often, so I know the texture well. This was definitely undercooked. I let the lady serving me know I didn’t feel comfortable sending another dish back, and I was happy to pay for the salad but not the main. She kindly offered to cook the pasta longer, but by then I’d lost interest and just wanted to head home. Shortly after, I believe the head chef came out. No greeting—just straight into it. I explained the situation calmly, but he cut me off, seemed upset, and said I was “complaining about everything” and needed to pay. I asked to speak to the owner or manager and was told they weren’t available. Eventually, he let me finish. I explained that I eat gluten-free pasta regularly, I know when it’s not right, and I’d already said I was happy to pay for the salad. I wasn’t trying to get out of anything—I just wanted to share honest feedback. He shared he had been cooking for 15 years and I appreciated that but mentioned I eat gluten free pasta and he does not. In the end, he let me leave without paying, but the experience left a sour taste. I came in genuinely hoping for a good meal and left feeling unheard, dismissed, and like I was the problem. I’ve worked in hospitality most of my life—I mentioned that to both the lady serving and chef. And I eat out quite often. I’m familiar with Italian food and what it should look and taste like. The Carbonara actually had good flavour, and the salad could’ve been improved with proper basil leaves or even a more generous amount of the shredded kind to balance the dish. But overall, it was a disappointing experience that could’ve been handled with a lot more grace and professionalism. I remained polite and cooperative, and even offered to pay for the entrée, which I ate half of. But after two failed attempts from the Entree and then the main, I lost my appetite and couldn’t continue. Lady was nice - not her fault... Should the owner be open to it, I’m happy to have a quick phone chat to clear the air—if they’re the kind who actually care to go that extra mile. **Update** - owner rang me right away and offered complimentary Desserts provided I give their venue another go. Much appreciated - shows genuine care towards their business and customers. Unsure when I will visit again but at some point before the end of the year 🙏