Le Castagne Ristorante

10/19/09

poor service, average food-ZERO stars

by csiv at Citysearch

We recently had dinner at le castagne with family visiting from europe. The service was terrible from the moment we walked in the door. The hostess had trouble locating the reservation although it was confirmed. The wait staff was disinterested and seemed bored with their duties. The waiter who came to give the specials had difficultly describing them and acted as if he didn't know what the food was via his delivery and pronounciation. The wine steward or waiter or who ever he was had no idea who ordered the wine, poured it into a carafe plopped it on the table and walked away. We ordered Pelligrino which was poured , only to have tap water poured on top of the Pelligrino. When it was brought to the attention of the wait staff, there was no response or apology for incompetence.

The wrong appetizer was brought for one of our party and no apology. She had to wait so long for her dish everyone else was finished. Food very forgettable.

When the bill came the tip was added into the itemized bill and missing from the credit card slip. When we questioned the waiter and he said it was a computer error, we would be signing a credit slip that was $53 less than what was actually inputed into the computer. How many guests would had added additional tip not realizing that 18.5% was actually added and they didn't know???? Unfortunately we couldn't express our displeasure by forgoing the tip as it was added.

We will never go back there, it was a disgrace.

• Pros: none-
• Cons: service, service, service , food

07/27/09

just right!

by gcasazza at Citysearch

We went here the night before our daughter's college graduation. It was "just right" in that the service level, food quality, and overall atmosphere made us feel that we were experiencing a "special" night.

Prices were on the higher side, but for what we were looking for, the restaurant really worked well.

• Pros: excellent food, attentive service, not pretentious.
• Cons: pricey

05/31/09

TERRIBLE!!!

by Gibbs123 at Citysearch

I recently dined @ Le Castagne for my third and last time. Every other experience I had with this restaurant was outstanding...until last night. I was totally confused by the new wait staff...all of whom seemed like they have never served a table before. All of our three courses took decades to get to the table, and moreover we could not get the attention of one person that worked there to refill our cocktails. The food was not as I remembered it. The pasta was bland and my wife's $37 veal chop was over done! When we finally made it to the door after paying our bill, we noticed that the hostess along with management were relaxing at the bar with drinks in hand!!! Not a good look for a restaurant billed as "fine dining" Sadly, I have to say, my once favorite Philadelphia restaurant has gone down the tubes. Management should be ashamed!!

• Pros: NOTHING
• Cons: EVERYTHING