Toscana

This was my first experience at Toscana and I'm just not quite sure how I feel about it. We had a reservation for a large party at 7:45 to celebrate our friend's birthday. When we arrived the hostess informed us that our table would be ready shortly. Typically, this would not be an issue as we could grab a drink while we waited but there was not room for us to stand to do so. Instead, we were told to stand in the back room so that we did not "block the front of the restaurant because it stressed the manager out" which I thought was odd since it wasn't our fault our table wasn't ready. We finally were seated at 8:15. This was frustrating because with a reservation for every guest that doesn't show they will charge you $25 each. Our server was quick to take our drink orders and get us started. She was super friendly and helpful in us making decisions on what to order. Due to our wait, we were given complimentary appetizers and dessert which were delicious. The prosciutto and bruschetta were super fresh. For my entree I ordered the carbonara which was so good! The food definitely made up for the timing issue at the beginning of our visit. I would like to try this place again but hope that they can have the reservations figured out.

What a great find. The family feel of this restaurant goes beyond any other Italian restaurant we have experienced in Charlotte. When the owner joins in to help serve the tables and makes sure you are having a pleasant time, you feel special. The food was great, no pictures as I forgot to take them, it smelled and looked so good, we dove right in.

I realize there are possibly greater Italian fares served elsewhere, in many hot spots throughout town...BUT this ole place still holds the top spot for me, primarily because I love their patio dining, which is somewhat reminiscent of the European cafe scene.I'm also hopelessly addicted to their "Buttera" pasta dish. I just can't seem to stray away from it either...no matter how many times I've tried.Anyway, I chose to celebrate our 28th anniversary here...again, because of the romantic European cafe vibe...plus the weather was gorgeous!We started with their Fritto (AKA Calamari)...and the batter was PERFECT! I also love how they mixed in the Zucchini. For our entrees, I chose the "Buttera" (AGAIN), and my hubby chose "Penne", which came with these amazingly plump and juicy shrimp. As for our dessert, they treated us to a Tiramisu for our anniversary! Sweet!!I really enjoyed my Toasted Almond Martini as well...though I thought the 18 bucks pricing was a bit ridiculous. To be expected, but it seemed they've amped up the pricing on the menu (both the foods and the drinks) quite a bit. One thing that seemed to be missing was any overhead music with their near-perfect patio scene. Why, I wonder? It did help that we heard music being played next door. Maybe that's why?? In any case, we thoroughly enjoyed our foods, including the anniversary treat...so Thank You!!

Great food to leave you with a big smile on your face and a warm happy tummy.Service spot on and nice feel and kj

Candidly, I was teetering between a 3 and 4 for overall rating but opted for a 4 strictly because of the Buttera dish. I have been here about 5 times and I will say the service has not been consistent. At times the staff seems like they don't want to be there and seem to rush you/not really care about questions, etc - that has been a big turn off. There is a female bartender who is fabulous, however. As for the food, it's been a little inconsistent, as well. I've ordered the Cavatelli a couple of times and it's been better good one time and not so good the other. We also had a larger party and some ordered the same dish but you could tell some were sitting there for a while, likely waiting for the other dishes to be done. Not all looked to be the same freshness when they came out. Some of the dishes so seem a little overpriced for what you get, but the ambience of the restaurant and space is overall really nice! What I will say is - order the Buttera if that strikes you as something you may like. It's not necessarily something I would normally order per se, and I am SO GLAD I DID. It was so good I ordered some for take out a few days later! Add a little red pepper if you like a little bit of spice.

Saturdays nights are to be avoid at this restaurant. Service hectic as super busy. Food came hot but a simple carbonara was lack of taste and purely salt if that's possible. I had better food in the past and somehow disappointed. $$$ is not really making the cut for me.

Recently had a chance to dine at this Italian restaurant. It was a company Christmas party so I got to see lots of different entrees. Since it was my first visit I wanted to taste the pasta & sauce. It was just delicious. Seriously delicious. The meatballs were so delicious it brought me back to my childhood memories of homemade. You can taste the difference! I did enjoy a bite of steak from a friend who sat beside me. The steak was so flavorful and tender . The food was just delicious. There really isn't any other way to describe this meal. The desserts were just incredible ! Tucked away in the speciality shoppes at South Park, I highly recommend you call and make reservations, cause I'm certain you'll need them ! The food was delicious the ambiance is warm and inviting and the wait staff are spot on fantastic! This place is amazing! Two thumbs way up!

Everything is excellent! We moved from CT... our favorite Italian in Charlotte, highly recommend!

Excellent service and wonderful Italian meal. Came here with my colleagues for dinner. They were extremely busy which was a great sign. We got one of each appetizer and were all delicious. I ended up ordering the halibut special with crab meat and pasta. Halibut was perfectly seared and cooked. Looking around at empty plates everyone else liked it as well. Dessert wise the canolli was my favorite. Flavorful but not too overtly sweet. Awesome little Italian gem here in Charlotte.

What is not to love about Toscana? Delicious Italian foods with impeccable service.I don't know why I don't come here more often. This time we were seated in the back room next to the fire and it was so cozy. I have to ask to be seated back here again next time.