Amici Italian Restaurant

Reviews 3

JE

Jennifer Hubbel

I was so disappointed in not only my food but the entire experience here. After literally just sitting down to a my group, the waitress came over and got my drink (water). This was quick and after she came to give it to me she was already asking if we were ready to order. Im not sure I had time to even put my purse down much less look at a menu. When we did order, I went with the Pesto Pasta Genovese. This is described...per the menu..Your choice of pasta tossed in a fresh, basil pesto and topped with diced, fresh tomatoes-$16.99. I dont like heavy sauces so this sounded perfect. I ordered it and asked if I could also order shrimp. I was told it would be a $1.00 extra per shrimp for a total of 6 shrimp so I agreed. She never asked what type of pasta. After she got the rest of my groups orders I simply asked if I could have my dish over angel hair. She told me it is served with penne. I proceeded to explain that the menu does not specify any pasta and she again told me it is served with penne. I then read the "your choice of pasta" from the menu and she said well it should say penne because that is how its prepared but then said let me make sure and write that down...very condescending. Im sorry but I was just going by what the menu said so how am I in the wrong? While my water, and 3 of the other guests at my table went empty, she proceeded to hang out with another table. Finally the bus boy got me some water after I asked. The food for the entire table (we had 6) took close to 30 min. The bread and salads though came out prompt. When I received my dish, of course it was served over penne. I did not say anything as at this point I wouldve just eaten it. However, she noticed it as soon as she put it down in front of me and again said see it came over penne, and then proceeded to talk about how frustrated she was with the kitchen. My new meal came out within 5 min and looked nothing like any pesto sauce Ive seen. It had some green flakes of basil and the sauce was tasteless and looked more like a white wine sauce. I ate the shrimp and had a few bites of the pasta and gave up. It was one of the most disappointing dishes Ive ever had at a restaurant....especially for over $20. I have never sent anything back though and would just rather be disappointed then a big complainer as I used to be a server and know how it can be. When the rest of the group was done and the server noticed I hadnt touched much of it she asked how mine was. I simply said that I was just expecting more of a green pesto sauce and it just wasnt what I had expected but that it was no big deal. She then said, did you notice the original dish with the penne how green that one was. She said the chef had to add more stock to mine which is why mine wasnt as green. Since when is pesto sauce made with stock...anyone???? I have never been made to feel that I cannot read a menu or order correctly which is what my experience felt like. The only reason I gave this place 2 stars instead of 1 was because the balsamic dressing that came with my side salad was good. Needless to say that alone wont ever bring me back. So to the waitress with the short blond boy cut in the bar area, please be nicer to your customers. If there is a mistake on the menu, I get that...it happens, but dont go out of your way to be condescending as if I read it wrong. And I would hope that the menu gets fixed or they just take the entire meal off because any pesto made with stock and taste like that should be rethought.

WA

Wayne Sarno

The only item missing from the dining experience at Amicis, is a small live band, playing "On an evening in Roma"! This is truly a unique experience in St. Augustine and has been for many years. It begins when you step out of your car in the parking lot, the lights about the trees, the italian aroma of the kitchen waifting over the parking lot, all add to the dining experience. You are greeted promptly at the entrance pleasantly and courteously and led to your seats. The inside decor is that of an Italian residence complete with carpeting and tables made of stone. The servers make every effort to greet you promptly and take your drink order. They have a well stocked bar to include single malt scotches, rare in many establishments, and a full wine list. After giving your order from a rather complete menu, you can feast upon real Italian bread, a rarity in many restaurants these days, roasted garlic, and extra virgin olive oil conveniently located on each table. The lighting is subdued and compliments the other decor of the restaurant. We have yet to order an entree the we do not like. We have been frequenting this restaurant for many years and have, at one time or another, had most of the entrees on the menu allowing for changes over time. The Chicken Marsala is one of the best I have ever tasted and recommend it highly. All of the pasta dishes are excellent as well, and the sauce is to die for. I love all of the sauces but one of the best ones is the garlic and olive oil which is a delight to the taste buds. The desserts are shown via a cart and you may make your choices from there. We love the cheesecake with a fruit dressing and/or chocolate sauce over all. The servers are courteous and professional and will grant your every need but they are not obtrusive. If you want a great dining experience, a good and well stocked bar, a full wine list, and friendly atmosphere, be sure to try Amicis. We have a family tradition in our family, whenever we are in St. Augustine and even when we visit other areas of Florida, we always come to Amicis for their wonderful cuisine and friendly service. It is like "coming home".

A

A Private User

We were extremely disappointed. Taking the advice of a local, we ventured into Amicis and were greeted quickly and pleasantly by the hostess. We walked passed the shelving that displayed several awards and blue ribbons. Upon being seated it took several minutes for the server to acknowledge us. We ordered a bottle of wine and an appetizer from their evening specials menu. The server arrived with the bottle and placed it on the table, however, I couldnt help but focus my attention on the servers three fingers that not only gripped the top of the glass, but actually folded over the lip of it. I asked that the server bring back two new glasses, which she did, after she fumbled her way to remove the cork from the bottle. The appetizer was very good, so we were willing to overlook some things and attributed them to nervousness, perhaps a she was a new server. We ordered two pasta dishes, my wife a Lobster Pasta with white wine sauce, and I, Seafood Marinara. Our salads arrived a few minutes after our appetizer was finished. The dressings were near solid instead of the flowing creamy liquid we were accustomed to and couldnt eat more than a couple of bites. Although the menu states Fettuccine as the pasta with my meal, 15 minutes after we were done with our salads, the server returned to ask me what type of pasta I would like. Although I was a little worried that so much time had passed I figured how long would it take for pasta to be added, so I ordered the penne. About 30 minutes later the server returned to apologize that the kitchen was backed up and it may take a little longer than usual. I should mention that by now we were one of about 8 tables, most of the others had already completed their meals. We finally received our meals, the "marinara sauce" was more like a V8 poured over the pasta. My wifes meal was over cooked and tasteless. The server offered a free dessert, because "I feel bad"....we said no and couldnt get out of there fast enough. If this is the areas Award Winning Italian Restaurant, we will stick to Meeghans or Harrys, and when interested in Italian well wait until we leave town.