The Amalfi Llama

This was our second visit. The margaritas were so so and small. The Caesar salad was great, and we split two for four people. The mushroom pizza was a great appetizer but too rich as an entree. Everyone enjoyed their entrees: NY strip steak and salmon. Also loved the potato puree. On our previous visit the Branzino (fish) was bland and boring, and I wouldn't order it again. Lovely restaurant and the servers are fantastic. The downside was the loud music making table conversation impossible.

Food is amazing service was even better. Rihanna was extremely sweet and attentive and made our dining experience wonderful. Been here a few times and the food is always on point. Steaks are great, calamari one of the best I've had and don't forget the gelato. Don't forget the martini with the caviar bump worth it. Shout out again to Rihanna for the great service.

Our family gathered for our nephew's UCSD graduation and we were lucky enough to find this wonderful place - chill ambiance, aesthetically-pleasing setting and furnishings, attentive service, carefully prepared drinks and a delicious and innovative menu! We are from Peru and after speaking to one of the managers understood why they chose the name -- Italian-influenced dishes (Amalfi) prepared with flaming ("llama") techniques used in Peruvian cooking. Of course, double entendre as our national animal is the llama. They had no difficulty accommodating our party of 18! Just perfect.

1) Location, location, location . UTC mall, ample and safe parking.2) Rest: Big, modern, open concept and very tasteful decor.3) Food: Outstanding!! Tuna Tartar, lobster arrabbiata and center cut filet are a MUST. 4) Service: Excellent. 5) TIP: 4pm early dinner, avoid the crowd, it does get busy on weekends.

Food was alright, definitely have had better. Definitely have had worse, service was great, waitress was very attentive and sweet- even after the table next to us were downright mean to her. My one negative is that it is LOUD, don't get me wrong i love some music, but if I'm paying more money and not in a sports bar i want to be able to hear my conversation. Not quite sure why every place in UTC has to blare the music so dang out.

The name of the restaurant is unique, of course, and I understand the restaurant group has other restaurants in Mexico, as well as Miami, Florida. I like the way The Amalfi Llama is located on the "quiet side" of University Towne Center, which makes for easier parking without all of the frenzy. There was a moment of confusion when I arrived and the hostess thought I had requested the patio, which I did not. Nonetheless, I found a table in the dining room which was comfortable. Rodrigo was my assigned waiter, and he was kind and efficient. Sommelier Matt poured the Spanish Vina Arana wine. There are special wine glasses available, but they are on request only. Rodrigo gave me a personalized little tour of the restaurant when I had concluded my meal, and I also chatted with friendly and welcoming Luciana.

Larissa our waitress was excellent! She made sure we were doing ok during our meal! She even brought us an anniversary dessert! This restaurant is located at UTC mall and I had pretty high expectations for their food. The ambiance is very nice and grand.Minus 1 star because the food was standard. Not unforgettably good but not terrible.

I celebrated my friend's birthday here at The Amalfi Llama and she decided on this spot for lively atmosphere and menu options of Italian cuisine. It is located on the other end of UTC where Corner Bakery Cafe, which means more open parking! I loved the interior of the restaurant and the greenery near the tables! The vibe is loud though so I would not recommend for big groups because you will not be able to hear anyone except the person besides you. The downfall was unfortunately the food, as our Lobster Mac and Cheese was not in fact cheesy and tasted quite fishy. I wasn't a fan of the choice of elbow macaroni and the lobster pieces were plentiful but were just dry. I had a bite of my friends filet that she did not finish because it was quite salty. It was tough to cut but extremely rare on the inside. I will say the pizzas are great, just nothing spectacular. The calamari were a favorite at the table, but I thought they were soggy throughout. Service from our waiters were friendly and kind! Wait time for the food was longer than expected. Upon tasting what we ordered, we were disappointed but too hungry wait longer for any adjustments. I think the menu could use a change of items and provide more specials to make their story more unique.

Food was great and service from Jesse was even better! Good place for celebrations. Will be back to try out more food. They also had a DJ during dinner who played great music.

Food was perfect the vibes were great, and we were paid extra attention from the server IVAN, he kept us upbeat the entire time and had great energy, request him ! Also the food was flavorfull !