Classic food done right. The charm of going to Roma is tradition, a place that stood the test of time and kept it's values. If you want new, modern decor,with trendy food. go to a chain restaurant. If you want good food, great service, rich with history then go to Roma. Chef Guy makes the best tiramisu I've ever had. I used to go to Mario's just to have his tiramisu. It's so good. The perfect flavors of coffee, cocoa and mascarpone custard. Creamy and delish.
(5)
Aron B.
I've experienced *far* better. I had been looking forward to trying this place out, especially since I had a $10 off $15 coupon, and after looking at their online menu, was looking forward to trying their chicken cacciatora. ::sigh:: Look, I didn't get sick or anything. It was edible. But for crying out loud, this is the kind of "Italian" food that gives Italian food everywhere a bad reputation. The kind of food that depends on (lousy) oversaucing. The kind of food that doesn't even look good on the plate, much less taste good in the mouth. It's generic. It's positively pedestrian. It's (::shudder::) Olive Garden-esque. It's not like I paid a lot after the coupon, either. $10 out the door, and that's including a way-too-generous $3.57 tip, basically since I'd never be going back there, and I was using a pretty hefty discount. Honestly, though: while that's a pretty cheap way to try someplace out, I'd have been far better served using that $10 to get a far, far better meal at, say, Giovanni's, or Bacco, or myriad other places. Not only would their food be better, but their facilities and service would be better, too. *Yes*, I'd be paying more, but it would positively be worth it. I guess this shows that not every aged dining institution has aged well. The best way I can describe this place would be "functional". Ergo, two stars. For me, though? I won't be wasting my time or money again, here, discount or not. Sometimes, you get what you pay for. Here, discount or not, you won't be getting what you pay for, unless you're *after* substandard fare and experience. If so? You're going to be right at home here. Can't recommend it at any price. Sorry.
(2)
Elizabeth L.
Looking for great old style-feel Italian... then Roma is your place! It is located on the corner in Eastern Market. There is street parking(1 hour parking 9a.m.-9p.m.) up and down both sides of the street as well as valet. The restaurant is a decent size with a variety of rooms. Very old school Italian feel. Yes, the decor is out-dated, but that's half the appeal. It is Detroit's oldest Italian restaurant, so why would you want to remodel a place with history? Our server was Sam and he was da-bomb! Awesome guy! I would ask for him if you have the chance. Sam was attentive and went out of his way when he could. I had wine earlier in the evening so with my dinner I had ordered a dirty martini. When I asked if they had blue cheese olives he said no, but for me, he said he would stuff some. (Whether or not he was just saying that, i appreciated it!) Because I like mine on the dirtier side he gave me a straight up Kettel and brought me a side glass od olive juice. He said so I could get more for my money and I could make it as dirty as I pleased. For dinner I had ordered the Chicken Parm and my dining partner had ordered a veal dish. Minestrone comes with the entrees, but we had also ordered to split the Roma salad. The soup came out first and was good. Flavorful. Not the best I've ever had, but definitely a top contender. The Roma salad which cam out next, was amaze. Egg and chickpeas were included in the salad tossed with this tasty creamy style dressing. So So So good. I could have just had the salad and been satisfied. Out entrees came out and portions were crazy large. I mean my chicken parm had to have been like a 16 oz piece of chicken smothered in mozzarella cheesey goodness and sauce. I had the side of spaghetti to accompany my meal. Sauce was great, not super sweet like some Italian restaurants. A top sauce contender for sure. My partner said his veal was a bit over cooked for his liking, but he still said it was very good. They also have an Italian all-you-can-eat buffet on Monday's for $18. Yes, I am marking my calendar now for that :) Great food, Great Service, Cool atnosphere. Love Roma Cafe!
(4)
Chris M.
It's been a very long time but with a little help from Groupon, we were able to have a nice dinner date. Arriving early due to my work schedule means an empty restaurant, except for a first date seated near us. The waiter, as charming as ever, approaches us quickly to say hi and offer drinks. The place hasn't changed since my last visit, some 10 years ago. We ordered a Caprese salad and calamari and relaxed for a bit. The cheese is very fresh and the calamari portion is large and really crispy. We couldn't help but enjoy listening to the first date conversation which is too loud to ignore. She wasn't sure about going back to school and her last 5 boyfriends cheated and we really thought the guy would head for the hills but didn't. OK back to the food. After a while both order baked pastas, which came out quickly. Really good stuff. The meat sauce, sweet and rich, and the cheese piping hot. It feels like this place still cares about what is served. Being the creep I am, I once again make my "It's her birthday" joke and we order a Tiramisu (I paid for it) and out comes the candle. Very cheesecake like but really nice ending to the meal. Overall, I'll be happy to come back and if there is another Groupon even better. I didn't forget to make sure that our amazing server is taken care of pre Groupon.
Glad we went once, would not go back again. The bread was excellent, but that's all. The soup looked and tasted like it came right out of a Campbell's can. My wife and I had 2 different veal dishes - the veal was tough and not that flavorful. The spaghetti sauce on the side dish was thin and watery. The vegetables on my veal dish were way overcooked to the point of being mushy. The entrees should have been priced in the $8-$10 range for the quality. All in all a disappointing experience.
(2)
Chris L.
This is one of the best Italian American restaurants I have eaten at. I visit many high end restaurants - but this place has a special spot in my tummy. Based on other reviews, your experience must very greatly depending on what you order. The calamari and the sausage - amazing. Sausage is made fresh by a butcher down the street and then simmered all day. The best I have ever had. The freshly prepped Roma salad, again classic Italian American fare, expertly done. Eggplant parm - simple and perfect!!!! Service - spot on, very attentive. I have been to Roma's at least a dozen times over the past 15 years during travel...still a reason to stop over in Detroit for me. Love it!!!!!!!!!
(4)
Liz W.
I have been waiting to write this one up awhile. Be prepared for snark. I was fairly appalled. I just cannot fully put it into words. For some reason this place was truly awful and yet my husband and I had a rollicking good time. I could easily make better food than this. In fact I could make this exact food. It is all jarred and canned tasting and the pasta is premade frozen. The price point is not cheap but you do get big portions. I never understand the appeal of giant portions of bland Gordon Foods/Sysco type fare though. If I wanted fake tasting Italian I can buy my own Classico and frozen ravioli thanks and I would not have to trek downtown, pay for a valet (who deserved every penny, nice man), tip a server and sit in a dusty musty restaurant. I mean c'mon at least redecorate but hey, think about a renovation too. I mean seriously. My husband and I were giggling. Like loons. It was so horrifically bad. The food was just a joke. The service other than valet was not anything to recommend either. It was the most unenthusiastic experience, not a smile or a friendly word. Think about being served by Lurch from the Addams Family. Honestly, we just could not stop laughing, they probably thought we were stoned. This just happens to us when we go somewhere ridiculous. I expect this kind of food in a coney restaurant type Italian dish but they are proclaiming homemade everywhere on the menu, acting like this is upscale. Yeah. I'm kind of giggling still. Avoid, unless like my husband and I you can muster some humor. Nah, still skip it. Even if we had been stoned we would not have wanted food like this.
(1)
Amy H.
Looking for a nice family-run Italian place to carb-load? This is the place to do it! The tables have loaves of bread that they will kindly refill over...and over...and over again. Ask for olive oil for healthy fats to go along with the carbs ;) I got plain ole spaghetti 'n meatballs to go along with the free bread, and it was solid. Very friendly service + free valet. I look forward to coming back for my next carb-load meal. Btw, I ran my fastest half-marathon (Detroit Free Press Int'l) thus far the day after I carb-loaded here :)
(4)
Michael A.
Bye Bye Roma Cafe. I predict you'll no longer be around now that Detroit has a whole load of new restaurants opening. Better ones. Cleaner ones. Tonight I booked a large table. We were asked to switch seats so the waiters could get by. Lame. We are not big people. The garlic chicken was clearly once-frozen and out of a freezer bag (because you could still see markings from the bag). The chicken was hard and flat and tasteless (Where's The Garlic?). I tried the other entrees and they were equally bland. The wine from Italy was delicious and at $33 a bottle a good value. As for the chairs, they are the same chairs you use at Wendy's. The decor is dated and not in a good way. They lost my coat at coat check (later found). The coat check lady (think a non-amusing Mrs Doubtfire) looked at me as if it was my fault. I'll never go back. Bye bye. Your time is up.
(2)
Tim G.
I don't know about "true Italian" or "authentic", but this is a Detroit landmark that you should visit before it goes away like so many others (Lelli's, Larco's, Muer's). Roma still has some of the best sauce in town. The Roma salad is great. The servers are attentive, although they have a "I've been here for 50 years" attitude. You'll still see Detroit celebs (Dave Bing today) and the food is still better than most. I agree that the food is... not as homemade as you might be lead to believe, but you should go at least once.
(4)
Katie B.
OMG THE LASAGNA, OMG. I dreamed about it for about a week after. I had never been to Roma cafe before we went 6 months ago, it's about an hour away but worth the drive.my family raved about the soup and salad for starters, I didn't care for either, which was fine bc the entrees were amazing. To be honest with you, it's the sauce. Their meat sauce is out of this world. I had chicken al a tosca? Or something? A bit rich, I'd probably just go with the chicken parm next time. For about an extra $5 or so you can get cheese all over your food (baked al a Roma) and a side of lasagna instead of the pasta side. DO IT. Pure heaven. Didn't get to try dessert bc we had birthday cake, hopefully when we return for our anniversary next week
(5)
Karleigh W.
My boyfriend and I go here for dinner every chance we get, but usually before a Red Wings game. The service is always super friendly. Reservations are a must! The food never disappoints. Best minestrone soup and caesar salad! Take time to look at the old pictures on the wall, since Roma is Detroit's longest open Italian restaurant. Can't wait to go back soon!
(5)
Neil Y.
Why is it that only Brian S. and I see this place for what it really is--A TOTAL DUMP! Old Detroit my right eye! Old School Italian?---BULLSH*T! This place needs a match and an insurance policy. Food quality is nowhere near homemade. The owners clearly are lying to us as there was nothing scratch made about this meal. $15.50 for spaghetti and meatballs and it comes with two pinball size meatballs. The meat sauce was downright atrocious and the pasta was from a box. No kids menu or kids pricing so my kids split a $16.00 order of frozen tortellini. Two glasses of house red wine was $16.00 for some swill that came from a box/bladder. Wife's filet dish came cooked part rare/part medium/ and part well done but mostly disgusting. Service is lousy, bathrooms are phone booths and the place is falling apart. You would better served eating the pasta at a Big Boy. Best part of the experience: Really polite Hispanic gentleman at the valet. Favorite part of the experience: (It was a tie.) Waiter starts taking or order and as my wife is in mid sentence he bolts and comes back 5 minutes later. Waiter began to plate the table and instead of walking around the table he reaches over and DROPS the plate in front of my daughter after knocking the bread into my lap. Don't be swayed by the gift certificate from restaurant.com or the Entertainment coupon. As my esteemed colleague Brian S. noted, go to Giovanni's, Vince's or Roman Village. All present better prices and considerably better food. I am in agreement, this is possibly Detroit's worst overall restaurant and the owner should be ashamed of themselves for the experience they provide.
(1)
Melissa C.
I've been going to Roma for a long time and figured it was time I wrote a review of my absolute favorite restaurant of all time. I just moved back to the homeland after living in downtown Chicago for the past 5 years and despite having some of the best restaurants in the country at my disposal, I still couldn't help but CRAVE Roma's amazing meat sauce. It got to the point where I would order quarts of the sauce "to-go" whenever I was back in Detroit for holidays and freeze it to take back to Chicago with me so I could have a taste of home while I was away (It never got easier to explain to TSA agents why I have 2 qts of frozen pasta sauce in my carry on). NOW (and I don't mean this in a bad way), when you go to Roma, you're NOT going to get some modern, trendy, chic dining experience with snazzy plating and ingredients listed on their menu that you've never heard of. It's old school Italian - what you see is what you get. For starters: the bread is waiting for you on your table when you sit down and it's amazing. I don't know if they make it in house or get it from a bakery in the area, but it's been exactly the same for as long as I can remember. The Roma Salad is simple, fresh, and crisp - even in the dead of winter it somehow tastes like the vegetables were picked that morning. It definitely helps that it's tossed by your waiter right in front of you. Despite how simple the salad appears to be, I've tried to duplicate it several times and I never come close to the way they make it in the restaurant! The minestrone is always good too - it's got a little spice to it and great flavor with tons of chunks of vegetables and some noodles. Roma's signature dishes are out of this world - basically anything that comes with their meat sauce on it, veal parmesan, sausage and peppers, paglia & fieno, among others. I've seen reviews that are critical of their sauce -- it's true it is different and you'll never find anything like it anywhere else -- but believe me, you will be thinking about it weeks later. I used to always get the gnocchi with meat sauce as my main dish, which I absolutely love. This past Friday night I was feeling particularly adventurous so I ordered the petit filet, but Sam, my favorite waiter, suggested that the normal size filet was better. Sam has never steered me wrong before, so I trusted him...and I am so glad I did. The filet came out covered in a sauce that looked suspect at first, but I took one bite and I was BLOWN AWAY. The filet was so tender and juicy with a nice crust around it and perfectly cooked to medium as I requested. The sauce turned out to be some sort of mushroom and butter sauce that was so, SO good - I couldn't help but try to soak up the sauce with each bite I took. BONUS - I was able to sub a side of gnocchi with meat sauce for the spaghetti that usually comes with entrees so I got the best of both worlds. I usually can't even finish a small filet at most places but I was not about to let a morsel of that amazing filet go to waste. I'm drooling thinking about it. My husband got the veal parmesan, a staple, and he said it was amazing (as usual). We also got a bottle of wine and the prices were very reasonable. I have to assume that any negative reviews for this place have got to be because people didn't order the right things - I know this to be true from bringing friends for their first visits to Roma Cafe. Here's an unsolicited tip for any restaurant you are unfamiliar with and/or trying for the first time: Ask the waiter what they're known for or what their specialty dishes are - 9 times out of 10 you will have a better experience ordering the specialties of the house rather than the dish you picked out when you looked at their menu online or something. Negative comments about the decor or location seem ignorant to me - Roma Cafe is the oldest restaurant in Detroit...that history and old world vibe are part of what makes it special. Now go give Roma Cafe a try and tell Sam I say Hi while you're there! :)
(5)
John B.
Just Ok. I've had better. The lasagna was a little bland for all the hype I heard about this place. There is an old world charm and character about the place but the neighborhood that surrounds is a little scary so valet is essentially a must. My wife had the ravioli and she was very satisfied. Unsure if it's a try again as maybe I simply didn't order the best thing on the menu.
First visit. This place is sad and disappointing. Very run down building overall, cold air blasting from the heat vents, waiter forgot to place parts of our order, his phone rang multiple times while he was taking our order and he stopped to answer it, he put his hand on my back twice in an inappropriate manner, and he was walking around eating a dessert in the dining room. Food was not the worst but it just wasn't very good, and it is overpriced for the quality. The place has been around for so long and I bet it was wonderful at one time, but now it's just another old, sad Detroit relic.
(1)
Elizabeth H.
I wish the place lived up to all of the positive reviews because what I experienced was, uh, not so much. and location plays no role in how good food or service is. i was there this weekend for my aunt's birthday. my cousin picked the place as she goes here for business lunches, why, i do not know, but...ok. anywho, i appreciate the complimentary valet service and the valet was pleasant and friendly. while i like the old, authentic overall look, it's very outdated upon entry. but i was more perplexed that while it appears you are entering a fine dining establishment, (maybe) looking where you walk is most important. the carpet is stained with food. not high traffic wear and tear but food. no one swept, and it looks like it hasn't been cleaned since it was installed. i was very cautious. very. there were about 20 of us overall and we were seated in the back banquet room. i was afraid my chair was going to split in half it was so rickety and weak. i switched to 2 other chairs and they were just the same. ok, that's fine, whatever. there were big bread platters already on the table with sesame bread sticks and butter and cheese. i was looking for the olive oil and garlic. never got any and after a request, they don't serve it. ok. menu's come out. what. the. heck. the cover looks nice but once you open it up, the glue that keeps the paper menus together is no longer sticky. also, why would you continue to serve menus that have food/water stains, torn sheets, and stickiness? i don't understand it. ok. lots of orders were taken from baked lasagna, eggplant parmigiana, green beans, asparagus, steak...all around a huge order. again, we were a huge party. started off with 20 and at the end ended up with 25 ordering. based on what we ordered, the food came out WAY too quickly for it to be fresh, homemade, authentic food. the baked lasagna looked amazing. i ordered the eggplant parmigiana that came with minestrone soup. the soup was good, no seasoing, had to add salt/pepper. my mom had salad with fish and green beans. the fish looked nicely cooked, the green beans were flabby and oversteamed. the salad was seasoned well with pepper and olive oil. very good and probably the only freshly made to order dish (other than probably the steaks. going by what i observed and those i spoke to who were sitting around me) the asparagus was so overcooked that they were gray green and also flabby. no bite to it at all. the spinach. absolutely out of the can spinach that have been sitting in the pot too long and overcooked. the eggplant had soo much cheese and tomato sauce. I'm a huge cheese fan so that was good. the tomato sauce, not so much. i believe they were canned. the overall impression from those i spoke to was that none of the dishes were freshly made. i have yet to experience a restaurant where the pasta is made in house, along with the sauces. everything was just overly done. and i found that everything had NO SEASONING. why is it that ethnic restaurants have no seasoning? i mean really? i had to put salt and pepper on my eggplant, soup, and side spaghetti?! it was just tomatoes in their own juices. ugh. i can't deal. the only saving grace and bump to the 2nd star was the service. our server was so cool and friendly. people wanted substitutions or extras, he was like, 'yes, no problem. i can do that. no worries'. he was very friendly and outgoing and helpful. no problems at all. i mean, for how big our party was, he was on it with drinks. had an issue that they didn't clear the table before they brought out the cake...but whatever. another server sang to my aunt. it was great. service was definitely better here than what i expected. I've never heard of this place or knew it was here until this weekend. based on the website, which is high quality, i thought the actual experience was a let down. the family time was worth the time spent at roma's and i, nor some others, would ever voice our disappointment in front of my aunt. there is no way i would come back for the food. and that's too bad. that website was false advertisement.
(2)
Barbara P.
End of an era Roma Cafe is the oldest restaurant in Detroit. Opening in 1890 this once proud restaurant has withstood much in our history but is now on its final decline. The food used to be top notch; now it is mediocre. It used to be a special treat; now it is punishment. We went there for a special occasion; our children were visiting from out-of-town. The restaurant was not busy on a Friday evening and the atmosphere was seedy at best. The service was excellent and the fish entrees were good (especially my pickerel.) The steaks and the veal were just fair. The soups and the vegetable medley were canned and the vegetables were totally unappetizing. The bread (usually delicious) and the bread sticks were stale. The pasta was mushy and disgusting. The meal was expensive. We were very saddened by the decline of one of our favorite restaurants. This restaurant was long a favorite of locals and travelers alike. Not anymore. Don't waste your time here; you can get a better meal at Denny's. We will not be back.
(1)
Michael B.
A real gem. One of my favorites in Detroit. The servers are top notch, best in the city. The soup and house salad provide an amazing start. The best dinners in my opinion are pasta arrabiata or the cheese ravioli. Sometimes simple is the best.
(5)
Michael S.
Went for lunch. You pretty much have to valet your car as there is not much street parking. I had the cannelloni: it was good, but nothing special although I must admit that was my first time having cannelloni so I do not have anything to compare it to! Everyone else at my table said their dishes were ok, but again, nothing special. I would have given 4 stars maybe if it were cheaper, but at the current prices (pasta dishes around $16) I do not think I will be returning.
(3)
Likesto D.
I have been coming here a few times a year for the past five years. It has been an inconsistent experience. Recently, I have been having a craving for Italian food so I came here 3x in one week. I really wanted to support this long time Detroit establishment. My first two visits were ok...I was happy they didn't forget the sauce for my calamari like before. However my third visit will truly be my last. I called in an order of the half and half. Half Linguine clam and half fettuccine with shrimp. The lady on the phone sounded annoyed I had ordered it and told me it would cost more than the $15 for half and half. I said ok...I didn't mind paying extra. She then came back and said it would be $16 so I said that's fine. When I came to pick up the food she was rude to me and made me feel like I was trying to rip them off or something. Normally my food comes with soup and a good portion of bread. This time, no soup, and like the butt 3 slices of bread....really? Now what made me upset was that i have only ordered this one time before. I came a year ago and couldn't decide between the two so the host was like do the half and half! It's not on their menu.....it's like some secret thing u can order. So I was like ok great idea! He charged me $15 and gave me soup and I was happy. This time when I ordered it I was made to feel like some cheap person trying to rip them off........I felt so bad I didn't eat all of my food. Threw half away cuz it just didn't feel right. So sorry Roma cafe, I will no longer be coming here anymore. I will drive the extra few minutes to go somewhere else.
(2)
Christian H.
I love Veal Parm, and they have the best one in Metro Detroit.
(4)
Tara A.
Severely over rated. Locals know the name/place and because of that I think people exaggerate the true quality. Everything from the marinara to the bread to the veal is less than mediocre. Don't waste your time with the legendary folklore tales of gnocchi and pasta - it's a total loss.
(1)
Sarah M.
Starting out with the valet: the valet person was polite, didn't mess with my car settings, and knew how to drive a stick. Win! Walked in to the place and there were only about 7 other tables, so I can assume our amazing service was partly because there weren't a ton of other patrons. Food prices were a little steep, but for what myself and guest ordered they give you enough as far as portion sizes are concerned. My chicken dish was delicious, and my guest thought her veal parm with eggplant was very good as well. We had attentive service, the wine was the correct temperature, and we didn't mind the outdated decor. We especially enjoyed looking at the old pictures in the lobby of what the Eastern Market used to look like in early 1900's. We didn't visit the bathroom so I can't speak on that. Overall, out waiter was attentive, didn't mess anything up, was polite, fast and kept us on time and on track for our evening's plans. Would recommend to take a romantic date!
(5)
Shannon B.
Both our steak and chicken came out raw. When you're paying $30 and $19 respectively, that's unacceptable. I'd like to not die of ecoli, Monsieur. The alcohol and bread was delicious though!
(2)
Thomas B.
Rude wait staff!
(1)
Debbie Z.
Outta this world fresh mozzarella and tomato appetizer - quite yummy. Went here to celebrate one of my friend's birthday and had quite a nice lunch! Ordered the appetizer and my and girl friend ordered lasagna and split. OMG - to split it was humongous. The wonderful waiter split the one dish into two and both of us could not finish our lasagna. Since it was her birthday I let her take all the leftovers! This was a day that the big snow was to arrive around 5ish, so we wanted to get out of there in enough time to get home safely. We both took the afternoon off! The ambiance is a little dated, but that's part of it. It sort of reminds you of the gangster days! The waiter was Italian as well as a lot of the patrons! I am sure that Hoffa has been there - talking about gangsta!!! Anyway, they have valet parking and when we left the valet pulled up with my car - it's like how did he know we were on our way out???? I definitely will be back to Roma Cafe, when I don't know. It's a little pricey but quite cozy! Great place to go to in the "D"!
(4)
Mark M.
Great old style Italian. Loved the Roma salad, pasta and meatballs and it is one of the few places that have sweetbreads. Janet the owner stopped by several times to see how our meal was ...will be back.
(5)
Laurie S.
Horrible, horrible service all the way around! It was our first time there and we were barely greeted by the hostess. When it was time for us to be seated, I was standing near the dining room away from the rest of my party. The hostess comes to me and says to me very rudely, "Get your party and I'll seat you". I thought I must have misheard her, considering it's her job to get the party. So I said "Excuse me". She said again, "Get your party and I'll seat you". She was rude and clearly was not interested in doing her job. The waiter was terrible! Forgot our salads. When he brought the entree's we asked him and he went back to the kitchen to get the salads. Then tried to take our entree's away while we ate our salad...??! He then forgot again to bring out the sides of pasta with the entree's. When he came back he only brought 2 of the 3. It was ridiculous. Based on this type of service we will never visit Roma Cafe again. With Mario's and a lot of other great authentic Italian Restaurants in Metro Detroit there's no need to bother with this place.
(1)
Joe T.
Have been a regular customer for 40 yrs nothing like it lots of history good old fashion waitstaff some of them have 40 yrs of being part of a great establishment Lots of stories from the old days one of Frank Sinatra's regular spots when he was in town the Roma salad can't be matched their meat sauce is the best in the land and the veal picante which has a slight kick to it but is fantastic with a side of pasta with the meat sauce great northern Italian food to share with friends over a bottle of wine
(5)
Chelsea M.
Went here last night for a family dinner, my dad spoke highly of Roma Cafe, although he hadn't been there in twenty years. The decor hasn't changed since then. Although the place is outdated, I wasn't too bothered by it, but the pictures on the wall weren't hung straight and I thought that was a little funny. Our server was very attentive and funny, providing great service from start to finish. The bus boy was also great and filled up my water glass frequently. The minestrone served before the meal was good, not great. I had gnocchi and enjoyed it although it was nothing special. My mom had the lemon chicken and said it was sub par. The chicken looked raw and rubbery, definitely not worth the price. It was an alright dining experience, nothing to rave about and not a place I would recommend for great Italian food, however, I've had worse.
(3)
Andrew B.
This is the second time we have been for dinner. It is very old world style and the waiters attitudes reflect that, in a good way I think. I like the brashness to a point. Ran out of our selection of wine and the waited 'upgraded' to another choice at same price. Food is good and the portions are generous enough to share or take home for another meal. Having a rest.com certificate helps defray the cost. Only complaint are the very, very uncomfortable chairs.
(4)
Joseph M.
Don't bother with this place if you are looking for good Italian food in Detroit. I was excited to try a new Italian place and I was quite disappointed with my dinner. The minestrone soup was decent but the baked spaghetti was pretty awful. The pasta was cooked perfect but the sauce and the cheese were just thrown on top of the pasta and broiled. There was a pool of water under the pasta and I couldn't get the sauce which was hardened and stuck to the cheese to mix with the pasta. I can't believe I had to pay $15.50 for this below average bowl of pasta. The restaurant is in an old building and it really could have used better lighting to hide the awful walls and moldy sealing panels.
(1)
Valerie R.
We spent the night in the ER diagnosed with food poisoning from Roma Cafe. BEWARE. Stay away from the chicken-it is not fresh. It is also an extremely dirty and outdated establishment. I can only imagine what the kitchen looks like.
(1)
Fabjola K.
The food was good and the service good. One person didn't like their veal Marsala. My filet mignon was really good.
(4)
Michael P.
Legendary Detroit restaurant. Located in a historic house near Eastern Market. Home-style and Al a carte meals. True Italian cooking. Michelle and owner Janet are absolutely great people and show fantastic hospitality to their guests. Most of the staff has been here for decades. Highly recommend the calamari!
(5)
Henry S.
Old country charm with consistent food and service. This is a Detroit landmark establishment that has not lost it's charm. Facility is close to eastern market and handy from the Wayne State U. My favorite is the lake perch, stopped this week for lunch and was very pleased with portions, temperature and preparation. The soup and salad are also recommended and select the spaghetti side dish as the sauce is unique. Attention to detail in service is appreciated.
(4)
Denice B.
We visited recently because of a wake. Never been there before. The place is rather dated and dingy, but my brother swore by the place. The shrimp appetizer was good! Nice flavor. I had the salad which I could have, should have had as the main course. I ordered eggplant Parmesan. It was just ok. I only ate a few bites. My hubby ordered the ravioli. One bite and he said it tasted funny like oysters. He could not eat it. He tried our daughter's spaghetti, and said it was awful. He ate the Minestrone soup and liked it very much. He filled up on bread. The service is VERY attentive, and the server tried to help find him something else to eat. I would never go back. This place needs Kitchen Nightmare's intervention.
(2)
J M.
Their best days are behind them. We were there Saturday for lunch. Ravioli was not homemade- not even close. Shrimp was ok but sauce tasted like a frozen dinner- waiter was nice enough but frazzled -and so old- felt like he ought to be in a condo in FL
(1)
Tracy B.
Should have turned around when we walked in and the place smelled like a urinal. But we had been dropped off so we went in and ordered. Stale breadsticks, lukewarm "minestrone," calamari made from something that had obviously never been in the ocean, sticky pasta, etc. The wine was fine. Skipped dessert.
While I'm not a regular, I have dined here for nearly 50 years. Good news first.... great service; well made drinks; excellent waiter; great bread; super salads; unique minestrone; and the entrees we had last night were outstanding (veal and beef medallion dishes). The bad news is that the place does not look or feel clean. You can see years of dust in the air duct vents. The paint and wallpaper looks as old as the restaurant. It makes you wonder what the kitchen is like. This place needs to take a lesson from great old places like Antoine's in New Orleans. Keep the place immaculately clean and keep the old style, but paint and repaper in the old style once in awhile to keep the place both in character and clean. Times have been tough in Detroit, but there's no excuse for dirt. This gem needs polishing, not modernizing.
(4)
Daniel C.
I really enjoyed my experience at Roma Cafe. I visited the restaurant on a week night and was pleasantly surprised to see they had both a valet and secure parking. The restaurant wasn't busy but there were a decent amount of diners. My first impression of the interior was positive. Granted the building is old and the interior was dated, it gives this place lots of character. I was promptly seated and served right away. I ordered a glass of white wine, the minestrone soup and linguini with white clam sauce. I have found it difficult to find a restaurant in Michigan that serves linguini with white clam sauce, let alone one that makes it spot on. Anyone who's Italian grandmother used to make this for them will appreciate how authentic the Roma Cafe offering is. I absolutely loved it. All in all, I enjoyed the atmosphere, the service & the food, all at a reasonable price. For all those who never had linguini with white clam sauce do yourself a favor and stop in here. You won't regret it!
(4)
Marc F.
Very old-fashioned Italian restaurant. Everything was just like you remember it from years ago. The service was great, the food was great, and unlike some current trendy Italian places, the prices were reasonable. Definitely worth another visit!
(5)
Lynn H.
We've visited twice since my previous review, and in both instances our food has been excellent and our service competent. This is the real deal: An old-school Italian restaurant with traditional (American-style) Italian cuisine served by be-Tuxed Italian waiters in a 70's-style Mafiosi setting.
(4)
Michelle H.
Best gnocchi I've ever had. The place could use a bit of a sprucing up, but the food is divine.
(4)
G Y.
I don't like rating a restaurant so low, but I was NOT impressed by much here. My Husband and I visited for restaurant week, so I'm hoping the lack luster meal was a result of that. But for spending $60 on one meal it was sooo not worth it. The atmosphere and decor of this place was so out dated, you could smell the carpet though parking is available in a structure right next door! I ordered the sausage and my husband ordered the Calamari appetizer. Mine was too blend of a sausage and the sauce was too lend and bluh... his could have been crispier. The meat was super dry and quite overcooked. Being the carb lover that I am, I thought the bread that was brought out was very delish - it was my favorite part of the meal. Finally came (what I thought should have been) the good stuff. I ordered the grilled chicken with lemon and wine sauce which accompanied with a plate f pasta with tomato sauce on it. Unfortunately the chicken looked like crap, if I wasn't afraid to ruin my husband's appetite I would have said it looks like someone has thrown up all over the chicken! and the pasta was floating in tomato sauce... the dishing was so ugly. My husband ordered the Fish winch wasn't seasoned that much at all and was just breaded. And the desert was the only good part we ordered Canolli and ice cream which were both very delicious! that might be the only reason for me to go back.. we pretty much dished the food and took it home and it went all in the trash.. for two adjunct this was a waste of $60 and false advertisement... So sad I wasted y money on such a crap
(1)
Adriano M.
Cafe Roma is alright.....I know other post were not the fond of Roma, but remember the location where this place is, it's a miracle anyone would even go here. You cannot compare Roma to a Nice Italian restaurant in the suburbs, Roma is a old restaurant that's still puts out a decent meal. I personally would not go here for dinner just because of location and I would prefer better quality food but for a nice lunch with friends.... It's prefect!! Besides keep giving downtown restaurants a bad rap and there won't be any left for you to review, this is Detroit. For the food... Great bread, the perch dinner was tasty and the calamari appetizer was great...service was good however believe me there are no Italians working in this place....maybe that's the problem.
(3)
Emily C.
I had not been to Roma Cafe in years but it was always a place my family went to when I was growing up on special occasions. I remember it being one of the best Italian restaurants. Well.....not anymore. The place was packed with people, the tables were so close together I kept getting a waiter's butt in my face every time he served the table next to us. They must have had some A/C issues because the place was so stuffy. I had no idea it was such a big post Tiger's game stop, because I can't imagine eating an expensive Italian meal after a game. Apparently a lot of people do, because the place was full of loud, obnoxious, drunks. There were two couples at the table next to us and the men were so drunk they were swearing, arguing with their wives/girlfriends and one guy actually fell out of his chair. Of course this is not the restaurant's fault, but I couldn't believe they were still serving them! Even though this was a "date night" we didn't talk much the entire time because I was tired of yelling across the table, it was so loud in there. So the atmosphere sucked, but I thought maybe the food might make up for it. I ordered the seafood pasta at $25 and was told they were out of scallops. I didn't see anything else on the menu I really wanted since most of the pasta dishes had meat, cheese or cream sauce so I went ahead and ordered it anyway. It was very bland, the clams were weird, the shrimp was crunchy, and most disappointing at all, nothing was homemade or fresh. I could tell the little bits of carrots and green beans were right out of a frozen bag. I could have made this dish myself and I'm not a good cook. I don't know where they get off charging $25 for this dish. I didn't even miss the scallops because I'm assuming they would have been crunchy as well. My boyfriend had veal and said it was just okay. On the plus side, our service was great and the food came out fast so we could eat and get the hell out of there. I can't believe without my Living Social deal this would have been an $80 meal, 2 entrees, 2 glasses of wine and a dessert. What a rip off!! I live right down the street from an Andiamo which is in the same price range and 10 times better. Actually I think I could get better Italian food at the Olive Garden or maybe even Pizza Hut Tuscani pasta. Anything would be better. I am so mad we went here. Not worth it!!!
(1)
Pete D.
Love this place just not the food. My first visit was over 20 years ago on a first date with lovely young lady and it was great. That was then not now. I went to Roma before a game but sadly not the same great food, but I still have great hopes for this Michigan original. Go see for your self
(3)
William C.
I had the house salad and meat ravioli, the salad could have been good except that it was drowning in dressing. The ravioli was served slightly warm almost cold and was not cooked completely. The meat sauce was bland and tasteless. The waiter did not return to ask about the food, or ask if my drink needed a refill, The busboy came and cleared the table that was that, I would suggest that if you want italian food that you plan to go elsewhere
(1)
Kathy K.
By far, this restaurant has it all! From the moment you walk in the door, until Kasim is your waiter. He is so very kind and knowledgable about the food. Thank you for making our dinner amazing. Kathy K
(5)
Karen C.
The food was just ok. The staff was friendly. It's a family owned restaurant and the oldest restaurant in Detroit. That night, the ceiling was dripping water because of the rain. They waiters started poking at it and the whole tile crumbled down. It was disgusting but didn't ruin my appetite. I ordered the veal which was just alright. The spaghetti that came with it wasn't that special either. My brother ordered the chicken marsala. The sauce was runny but tasted ok. My bf ordered half pesto, half marinara pasta. The pesto was not good and the marinara was just ok. It was nice that the waiter accommodated for him being a vegetarian. All in all, the food was just ok. Nothing to brag about. Over priced for what they gave you.
(2)
Laurel M.
I was really disappointed by Roma Cafe last weekend (Sat night). I called over a week ahead to make a 5:30pm reservation, which they wrote down as 5pm. When we showed up at 5:30pm, my husband was told our reservation was made for 5pm and since we didn't show up they would "try" to get us a table. There was absolutely no acknowledgement that they perhaps had made a mistake, and ultimately they ended up "punishing us" with over an hour wait which made us miss the first part of the Tigers game. They gave us no updates on how long it would be, and the only reason I didn't have our 4 person party walk out is because I figured the wait anywhere else would be just as bad so we better suck it up. Needless to say, I will not be going back unless they can confirm reservations online in the future. The food wasn't great enough to make up for their extreme lack of good customer service.
(1)
damian a.
I really wanted to like this place. Allegedly the oldest italian restaurant in detroit, I've heard a lot about it and was excited to be trying it. We went before the opera last week, and the valet and shuttle service from the restaurant to the opera house is very handy. That's about the extent of the good though. The atmosphere (old italian restaurant feel) and music were really nice, and i was hopeful, but the food ranged from bleh to mediocre, with a couple good things. The cannolis and the minestrone soup were good. Sausage and peppers were ok, but i've had much better (especially at Lino's). The gnocchi was not good, and the eggplant parmiggiano was pretty much just caked cheese and sauce. It didn't taste that great either. It was just adequate. The worst part was the service. It wasn't "bad" or even unfriendly. It was just rushed. Every time the waiter talked to us he sound like he was impatient and wanted us out. My father in law paused for about 10 seconds to decide between two things and i thought the waiter was going to have a stroke. We may or may not be back, but I don't know. It might be worth trying on a slower day to see if anything changes.
(2)
T W.
Best part of the meal was the calamari & spumoni ice cream. Very disappointed with the baked polenta in meat sauce & the lasagna. Far too much cheese and the meat sauce was too salty. Was out of balance and did not taste like authentic Italian with crisp, clean flavors. Our neighboring table ordered the shrimp and scallop saute, which smelled good, but she rejected it and asked to order something else from the menu. Staff was very nice and welcoming but it won't be enough to bring us back to eat here. It was just ok, probably won't come here again.
(2)
Kristine P.
I was excited to try Roma Cafe as I have heard that it is "the" Italian restaurant that transcends all others in the metro area. We didn't have a reservation, so we waited for about 30 minutes for a table. When we got seated, we were put into a very crowded dining room. The tables were so close together it was hard to get to our seats without being crowded. The waiter we had was not very attentive and was pretty aloof. We definitely didn't feel rushed, we felt ignored. My date and I weren't formally dressed, but we were not casually dressed either. The veal dish I got was dry and the sauce was nothing to write home about. I really did like the salad though. Now, I went there a second time and had a slightly different experience. I went with somebody who is a regular and knows a lot of the staff. We were seated in a much nicer room, and our waiter was much more attentive. I had the chicken parmesan, which was surprisingly very tasty, but I'm just not a fan of their pasta sauce. Just not as much flavor as I'm used to. I don't know if I would go back -- the food is just a bit over priced for what you get. It definitely feels dated, but steeped in tradition. If this is what you enjoy, then go to Roma for sure.
(2)
Libby T.
The Roma's of my youth was such a classic spot. Went back a few months ago and the food was terrible and the atmosphere totally depressing. Definitely passing next time.
(2)
Aaron A.
I come in annually for the NAIAS and like to find new places to eat. As an out of towner, I actively search local postings about what/where is the best place to eat. I'd heard good things about Roma. The people that told me good things about this place were telling the truth. The food is top tier, the wait staff is knowledgeable and friendly, and the atmosphere is quite perfect. The restaurant was BUSY. With a buffet option, and with good food, obviously word has gone out. It was shoulder to shoulder walking to and from, and the people all are after the same thing. Again, as an out of towner, I can't say much about the location - quite a "shady" area of town... I'm spoiled and sheltered though, so maybe it was just me. If you're in town, go. Call and get a reservation if you don't want to wait too long.
(4)
Paul S.
My favorite Italian place in Detroit. The restaurant is tucked away in a pretty obscure corner of Eastern Market, but I think it's definitely worth a visit. Between the dim and intimate atmosphere and the great dishes, I'm a fan of this place. I like the heavier more traditional Italian dishes (lasagna, cannelloni, etc.), but their veal, steak, and fish dishes are also really good. The prices are a little high, but it's a cool spot for a date or family dinner. Not necessarily an everyday restaurant, but worth checking out.
(4)
Lesley K.
Wonderful old-school red sauce place. The Monday night buffet can't be beat. The salad, bread and spaghetti with meat sauce is comfort food at its best. The waiters are sweethearts. It's a great place for a family dinner celebration.
(4)
Lindsey G.
My great aunt & uncle who have lived in Detroit their whole life said that this was the one place they had to take me to when my mom and I visited. This place is amazing. Old school Italian through and through. The waiters are in tuxes for gosh sakes! Great little rooms, wonderful bar, it looks like they also had a venue for hosting larger events but I couldn't see it from our seats. The food was also amazing. Pesto pasta, chicken parmesan, even the bread was fantastic. We had a reservation for lunch and the restaurant was packed. Their claim to fame is that they are Detroit's Oldest Italian Restaurant and it doesn't seem like much has changed since they opened - and that's a good thing. If you're in Detroit - go!
(5)
Barry S.
Shithole. that is that the place is. Sauce here = ketchup and ground beef.. The tortilini was inedible. So overcooked that it was unbelievable. The lasagna was nothing but one pasta layer and a bunch of microwaved cheese. Do you self a favor and go to La dolce Vita. This place is terrible. I'm not sure how anyone who knows what italian food is can enjoy this place, certainly no italians can like this place. Not to mention it was so damn cold in there the waiter didn't put ice cubes in my water. (he really did but go with my exaggeration). "o hi barry what did you get for lunch yesterday?" "O i got a lump of cheese with ketchup. for 18$." "o i wouldn't go back there again." "i'm not." ^ that is the conversation i would have if someone asked me what i had for lunch the day after i went to this place.
(1)
Amy H.
We decided to go to Roma for New Years Eve since we had a Restaurant.com certificate. We were so excited to finally try this historical Detroit restaurant! Our mouths were watering with the thought of Italian food recipes that have been around for over a hundred years! We had made a reservation and were impressed we got seated so promptly. A huge pet peeve of ours is when you make a reservation and have to wait and wait for a table. We were seated at a table for two in the packed dining room and I took in the decor. It is a bit dated, but I could care less about that if the food is up to par. We started feasting on the bread basket, which was delicious, and ordered calamari as an appetizer. The calamari came out so quick and it was good, but not anything unique. I ordered veal parmasean and my husband ordered a pasta with proschuitto and peas with a light cream sauce. Both dishes were good, but not blowing us out of the water. We were wrapping up our dinner and looked at our watches and I was shocked. We got seated, served (with an appetizer) within 45 minutes. Now, I like prompt service, but I felt a bit rushed. I usually have 2 glasses of wine when I get Italian food and I had finished about 3/4 of my glass. We got our bill, paid and were back to our car a hour from when we parked it. Prompt and great service, absolutely, but I felt like they were just trying to clear our table. We will probably go back at some point, but we will stick with our favorite east side Italian place, Antonio's in GPP as our go to restaurant.
(3)
Janis C.
Yesterday was my first visit in twenty years. I must say that driving into this area during the day one sees what appears to be an embattled war zone. Abandoned, ravaged and crumbling buildings with multiple "tags" on them. The streets in much need of pothole repairs and debris littered. The outside of the restaurant itself is inviting and quaint looking. The valet attendant was polite and professional. The inside is a timewarp. Light fixtures from the sixties. Dark wood paneling reminiscent of the seventies. Actual cloth napkins and tablecovers. Waitstaff in black suits. Some of the diners were dressed to the nines. Giving a Sopranoish effect to the room. We started with salads. Which turned out to be one of the best salads I have ever encountered. Fresh and crisp with a flavorful light olive oil dressing. Served with a crusty, thick and tasty bread. I enjoyed my veal parmesan. The spaghetti side was just alright at best. My S.O. was happy with his choice of sirloin steak. But also thought the spaghetti side was just alright. We ended the meal with coffee and tiramisu. Both were good. I agree with other reviewers that pricing is a tad high. On the other hand the portions served are huge. I took home enough for another meal. Service is somewhat slow. So be prepared for a relaxed dining experience.
Location/Parking: Right near Eastern Market not far from I-75. The area is a bit industrial and gritty and parking is on the streets. They do have valet parking so you shouldn't have to worry about your car. Just don't park too far away if you decide to park on your own. Pricing: A little bit pricier than let's say a chain such as Olive Garden. Ravioli was roughly $14.00 and the Veal Parmigiana $22 or so. Cleanliness: It is really clean and has that Italian "scent" of all the spices and ingredients....makes you hungry just by sniffing. Service Quality: Accurate but very rushed. They seem to want you in and out. I can understand because thee place isn't all that big and they want you in and out. It isn't fun feeling rushed while eating a well-cooked meal. Ambience/Atmosphere: Old school Italian that doesn't really exist elsewhere in Detroit. The place is very old, but with that old-world charm. Doesn't seem like the place has been updated in ages but that is what gives it the charm. Crowd: Seemed more old-school when I was there and yes, there seemed to be a good amount of older Italian guys with amazingly hot young women on their arms. **The meat ravioli was amazing and so was the veal. I can't decide between the two whenever I go back. The Roma salad was pretty tasty too...I think the waiters make them up while you wait or that is the impression that I had.
(4)
Lauren W.
This is just one of those rare Detroit gems that MUST be visited! Roma's is your classic old school Italian family owned place. Love the mobster feel -- complete with dark wood paneled walls and red accents. The waiters are all over the age of 50, but serve with great pride. My fave is the salad. All the pastas are delish too, but if you're feeling a lighter meal, salad is the way to go! If you claim to love Detroit and its history, this place is a must-try.
(4)
Cara S.
My 2nd favorite italian restaurant! Fish, chicken Parma and eggplant Parma are outstanding! All male waiters, over 100 years in business! Valet parking available. Reservations I highly recommend! Great wine selection! Pasta sauce taste just like my grandmas! Amazing!
(5)
Cocos B.
The first time I came here I didn't like it too much...it was basic but I think maybe slacked because we got there right before closing time. Since then I have been there twice and had progressively better times... The service is excellent and this last time we had a small wait but it was no problem to sit at the bar for a while and chitchat. The bread was FANTASTIC...and I love that they give you a side of spaghetti with everything. There were 4 of us at dinner and we all felt necessary to sample one another's dishes LOL. So I tried the Minestrone, Prime cut Filet, Veal Parmsean, Calamari, and I, myself, ordered the French Fried Shrimp. Each dish was fantastic, even the calamari, which I am not too much of a fan of in other places. The ambience is great. It's an older place and very charming. Family owned so the service is very good. They know how to take care of ya! I will definitely go again when in the area and probably sample a few more dishes that I hadn't tried yet...
(4)
Vicki C.
My family has been going here since way before I was born - I was even baptized on a Saturday so they could have the meal after at the Roma (they're closed on Sundays). We always went here or to Joe Muer's for birthdays and other family holidays. We still go as a family at least a few times a year. The food is the best Italian in the entire Detroit area. I realize that is a bold statement, but I'm stickin' to it. I'm part Italian, so I'm pretty finicky about Italian cuisine. There's something about the meat sauce at the Roma that just transcends all other local places - it tastes like the Bolognese in Italy. There's a touch of nutmeg (which I normally can't stand) that just rounds out the meat and tomato flavors perfectly. Everything they make it super-fresh (the Eastern Mkt. location facilitates this very well) and since they've been cooking for over 100 years, they know what they're doing! The Roma's meat entrees are great too: "How's the veal in this place?" "Best in the city!" (The Godfather). The saltimbocca is my favorite, but the marsala is delicious as well. The chicken with artichokes is very good as well. The meals are ENORMOUS - you will definitely need a doggie bag, and you'll have enough for 2 more meals. All of the entrees come with soup, and also pasta if you get a meat dish. However, I would recommend getting the soup wrapped up and just taking a couple bites of the pasta, so you can order the Roma salad to share to start the meal. Each waiter makes it himself - the basic recipe is the same but with an individual touch. The quality of the ingredients is what transforms a plain salad w/ vinaigrette into a special treat. If you have room for dessert (yeah, right), I highly recommend the cannoli (filled to order) or the spumoni ice cream from Alinosi's - both are delicious. So, if the food is so incredible, why only 4 stars? I liked the decor as a kid, because it was the scene of so many happy family memories, but as I've gotten older, the place feels as if it lacks intimacy. The bar has a good feel, but the tables are very oddly positioned in that room. Always feel like I'm eating on stage or something in the other 2 rooms, it's the weirdest feeling. The newer waiters don't seem very friendly, but the old guys who have been serving at the Roma for over 25 years (I think there's only 1 or 2 left at this point) are sweethearts. Granted, they've watched me grow up, so that may have something to do with it. Don't even try to eat here on a Saturday night without a reservation. Not gonna happen. It's worth planning ahead to take a trip back in time and dine on the best Italian food in the Detroit area - buon appetito!
(4)
Pam L.
Detroit's oldest restaurant located in Eastern Market was a wonderful experience. My first time there. Hubby has not been there in 25 years. Some of the best Italian meat sauce I have ever had and I ordered the Gnocchi which was perfection. Definitely HOMEMADE! I also ordered eggplant and chicken parm and it was delightful. Huge portions. I ate for 3 meals!! Minestrone soup was some of the finest I have had. Hubby had some of the finest frog legs Roadhouse Style he has had in years. Excellent waiters in tuxedos offer fine service. No long wait for our food. You don't have to dress really fancy anymore to dine in a place like this which is nice. Lots of locals and downtowners dining there. Get there early to avoid the crowd or make a reservation. We will be back!! Nice Coupons available online. to get a discount too.
(5)
Xiang C.
after having been spoiled by chicago-style and new york-style italian cuisines, i decided to find the places to go to in detroit land. my favourite italian restuarant is GIULIOS CUCINA ITALIANO in livonia michigan, however, it is local and i am curious about detroit land. several of my friends raved about ROMA cafe and i was so excited to eat there, having spent so much at bert's in eastern market and not knowing it was only a couple blocks away (walking distance!!!) from bert's marketplace. so i get there and immediately charmed with the building and outdoor decor. you go inside and realise it truly is one of the oldest restaurants in town. they have kept up that charm wonderfully. since i usually eat alone (this first time with a new acquaintance --- let's face it, blind date from a another friend) i sit at the bar. immediately i meet the REGULARS! they are all inviting and charming. there is one family which is a mother and son and friends and another table (booth) --- there are three booths in the bar area --- and the other one is occupied by the family (three generations!) the bartender was excellent. our server was a bit on the pushy and annoyed side. he was friendly - but pushy and wanting to 'hurry us along'. it was a big day downtown with the game and getting people in and out. the crowd got to be pretty thick in the bar to watch the game previews. and dining area was full! will give roma's another try. when i go into italian restuarants, i opt for the eggplant parmagiana or lasagna. my accompaniment chose a white sauce dish. the salad was good. the bread could be improved. my soup was excellent. next time, will go there alone. or with a bunch of girlfriends. cheers, xiang cclc
(4)
Matt A.
Just attempted to dine there. Dangerously over crowded and filthy. After waiting 30 minutes past reserved time with no end in sight we left our groupon on the hostess stand and picked up sushi for dinner at home.
(1)
Michael D.
Great staff, food authentic atmosphere is oldschool!
(5)
Bryan S.
My wife and I visited Roma Cafe to celebrate our anniversary. The service was great and we thoroughly enjoyed everything from our appetizer of mozzarela on tomatoes to a nice cheesecake. The veal parmigiana and veal marsala were fantastic. There was just one problem. The veal marsala wasn't my wife's first choice, the chicken marsala which we had to send back because it was way too dry was. I'd love to recommend this place based on the veal alone, but the poor chicken kills it. Worth the price for the veal, but you're taking a chance if you order the chicken.
(3)
Tracey C.
My husband and I have been dining here for the last 20 years. I must say that the last few times have been very disappointing. Ordered the cannelloni which was very dry minimal pasta sauce. Just a dry and very underwhelming pasta dish. I love the Roma salad nothing negative except for the price. Too many great restaurants in Detroit to be wasting my money here.
(3)
Joan W.
We were in Eastern Market area for a photo shoot. Several of the people recommended going to Cafe Roma for lunch. The next time I see the people that referred us, I am going to ask when was the last time that they ate here. Before I share all that was not good, I do want to say the service was impeccable. However, this place is sorely in need of an update, the decor, server uniforms, and menu felt like something from the 60s. All white male servers, really in this day and age? The food was really unimpressive. I ordered their chicken with archichoke and aparagus, which came without the asparagus. My colleague ordered one of their ravoli dishes, which the pasta was over done and mushy. Both dishes and my side of spaghetti were blah; the garlic and oregano were definitely MIA! The food came out incredibily fast, seriously within 10 minutes, which after we tasted our meals led us to the conclusion we were eating food from steam tables versus fresh meals prepared to order. The Tiramisu was like eating yellow cake with a few layers of icing. The chain Italian restaurants have more flavorful foods.
(1)
Paul M.
Wretched, burnt tasting sauce on mushy spaghetti served with cold, dried-out chicken. What a dump. Worst tasting Italian food I've ever been served.
(1)
Keith M.
I am SOOOOO Over hearing all the great things about this place, it must be a tradition thing, because I really can't figure it out at all. Way to expensive, and if you really know Italian food...or any food...you would know that it's supposed to be hot, when it's cooked over heat. It's supposed to be hearty and full of life and zest. It's supposed to be inviting and a family type atmosphere. This place is packed, and not all that tasty, or warm, family friendly, or wallet friendly. The salad was good, the wait staff were dressed nice...just a huge let down. Sorry!
(2)
Antonio R.
The food here is awesome. If you come on Monday they have an all you can eat buffet that is $17. Great food and a great price. You have to check it out.
(4)
Jenny J.
Love this place. The wait staff is very attentive, the food is amazing and fresh. The meat is priced at Eastern Market prices. The waiters have always made our visit special. An experience you will not find at other chain Italian restaurants. Be sure to wear something nicer than jeans and a t-shirt. The first time we went that is exactly what we wore, but the attire of others dining says otherwise. Regardless, we were still treated like kings and queens. The valet parking is nice, but if you are cheap you can still hoof it.
(5)
Jonathon C.
Great Italian dining! Supposedly the oldest restaurant in Detroit, nestled in the historic Eastern Market area. Good service and even better food. Definitely gives off the mobster vibe, especially with the secret door in one of the walls. A nice place to take a date or just have solid dinner with friends.
(4)
Matt B.
In the world of Italian eateries, there are many originals, and many imitators. Roma Cafe is one of the originals, doing traditional Italian classics up in a manner that would evoke images of sitting in a small family home in Rome, or Milan, or Sicily (whatever suits your fancy), and being served a big heaping plate of food by some old Italian grandmother with the words, "Mange, mange!" My roommate, who is not a huge fan of Italian, has argued that the food here is some of the best Italian he's ever had...and I agree with him. When I was there last, I got a plate of spaghetti with meat sauce and italian sausage, and I could tell just by looking at it it was going to be good. Rich, red sauce, with tomato flavor that tasted like they'd crushed perfectly-ripe tomatoes that day (given their proximity to Eastern Market, they likely had!), savory meat mixed in and just enough oregano, onion, and garlic as to give it a slight spice, but nothing overpowering. The pasta itself was flavorful, mixing nicely with the sauce, but again, the flavors married, rather than overpowering one or the other. Then came the sausage -- and this wasn't hot Italian sausage, and it wasn't sweet, either. It had a little spice to it -- thyme, garlic, onion, and sage, but it wasn't overpowering, nor was it so muted that it was invisible behind the pasta and sauce. The best way I could describe it is intense -- you KNOW what you're eating, but again, it doesn't steal the show. So why do I give the place 3 stars if the food was so amazing? Well, the service is the main reason why. While the place hearkens back to 1920s and 1930s style dining (all the waiters are in tuxedos, and there isn't a waitress to be seen anywhere), the service is more like 2000s dive than anything else. The waiter we had seemed inattentive, uninterested, and really didn't seem to care, almost like we were occupying "his valuable time" or something. He had put on airs a bit, and it was off-putting enough that I will think twice before returning there. Best Italian in Detroit it may be, but if the service is substandard, I don't want to go there. That said, you may not have the experience I had, so if you really like tasty Italian, Roma Cafe's probably it.
(3)
M D.
It baffles me that I have to write this review based on everything I've heard and read about the beloved "Roma's". I have heard it was good but....I was disappointed GREATLY. We went as part of restaurant week. I wanted to go there in order to support a place that has been part of Detroit since the late 1800's. It is so removed from high traffic areas that I admire it's sense of commitment to the city. But....that's all I can say I admire about the place. The place is tired. VERY tired. In fact, it's downright dirty. The table linens are stained (understandably after I watched a waiter take the edge of a menu to brush off food from a table that another customer had just finished a meal at and then proceed to put two fresh napkins on the used table cloth for the next people to sit down to). I'm not sure but I think that is a health violation of some sort. It's ok that he brushed everything on to the floor though, because it was unnoticeable on carpeting that is soooooo filthy that it just radiates a sense of dirt to the place. We went as part of restaurant week on a Monday. We ordered Veal Marsala. The veal was tough and combined with its dark edges, looks like it was probably left over from Saturday and tasted reheated. We took a look at their buffet beforehand though, and that was less than desirable. I've had better marsala at other places in Detroit, and even Italian buffets. Places I'd mention here but don't want to mention so as to let you know I'm serious about how offensive this place seems to be and not promoting other places. Oh, and the 50 year old 6'1; flirting waiter with the bad moustache who is offensive with the interuptions of conversation and a bit sleazy (as my date put it) adds to the whole negativity thing. (Granted we observed other waiters that seemed to be quite good, so was just luck of the draw I guess.) I'd save your money and go somewhere else until Roma's does an overhaul. It's time Roma's. Stop living off the past and renew your reputation by putting some money back in to the business. I'm not panning you, I'm just saying people should not spend that kind of money for that experience. Good canoli (which WERE good by the way) only go so far.
(2)
b b.
Love it! Sometimes restaurants aren't all about the food. The food here is good, not great, but Roma has the atmosphere and the ambience. The waiters who have worked here for years, all have distinct personalities and a few can even sing some arias. Some look as if they would be right at home in a Scorsese flick. There are two eating areas and a bar. The bar dates back to the 20's or earlier while the other rooms are a combination of the worst of the 60's and 70's but somehow it works. On a busy Friday or Saturday it's like eating in a New York City neighborhood cafe. Dress code is casual, lots of old Grosse Pointers and Eastsiders frequent the place. Very busy on hockey and baseball nights. As far as the food goes---typical Italian fare: pastas, veal, chicken, seafood and steaks---strip steak Siciliano(not on the menu so just ask) is especially well done, the perch is always good and the pasta servings are generous and tasty. Try the house salad, it is made by your waiter and it is very good. Nice wine list and full bar. You never know who you will be rubbing elbows with, many sport stars, team owners and local news celebrities frequent Roma. It's worth the trip downtown and it is safe. Usua
(3)
Alex I.
Jordan W has it all wrong, Roma is not even downtown, it's in Eastern Market. Anyway, Roma is only there for one reason: it's been there for a hundred years. It's not like the food is anything special. Same deal with Mario's, although it's a little bit better than Roma. It's a stinking plate of macaroni and gravy, big deal.
(2)
H B.
Delicious Italian food. Sweet "old timer" waiters with their "tuxedos". Service is hurried, I'd agree. The building is ANCIENT and it feels ancient (in every sense of the word). But, the food is so tasty, I look past that.
(4)
Joe T.
This is probably a pleasant survivor of an old and quaint Italian classic of a more vibrant Detroit of the past. My buddy and I popped in on NCAA Final Four Saturday for some "grappa" to drink and some calamari to share, and they were both excellent. It's just a short walk from the street vendor area of the Eastern Market. Ambiance is very warm with dim lighting and old furniture. This place is family owned really knows how to take care of their customers and the clientele is very laid-back and friendly. I would highly recommend having a family dinner or even an intimate dinner here. Though I only had the grappa and calamari - the ambiance and service was more than enough to bring me back here for a complete meal experience. I probably wouldn't expect the best and most authentic Italian food here - but with the great service and old school ambiance and fair prices - it's still a noteworthy restaurant in Detroit.
(3)
Tim E.
Brings back memories of my youth, when relatives would take me there. The quality remains or has grown since that time. The sauces on the food I got were perfect, my friends pesto linguine was cooked perfectly7. I would definitely return...
(5)
Bill B.
We made a reservation and were never seated. They lied to us for an hour about being seated and had an attitude about it. One of the more bizarre experiences I've had at a restaurant. Summarizing Seinfeld: anyone can take a reservation, but the key to the reservation is holding it. We won't be back.
(1)
Gerrit L.
Really great, bread, soup and salad. This place is a real italian classic (old school). The waiter was kinda odd. We ordered drinks, he brought a heineken for himself and chugged it. We checked the bill and he didn't charge us for his drink. We thought it may be an entertainment charge. The lasagna had mixed reviews, veal cutlet was ok. I will be back when it gets cold. We had a discussion about the possibilities of hoffa being buried in the basement. We thought pretty good!
My Spouse and I went here about two years ago to celebrate Something (I'm a typical guy. I have no memory of what we were celebrating?) We were the only two customers in there after braving the weather warning and white-out conditions that almost sent us into a freeway barrier...but we made it through. They sat us in the center of an elegant small room that looked like time had forgotten it..but in a good way! The lights were dimmed after we were seated adding to the experience. The waiter fit the bill as well, handsomely dressed in a suit and very old school. Towel over the arm and everything while pouring the wine. We were a little worried about how they would react about two gay men having a romantic dinner. Especially after hearing two larger gentlemen speak in mob movie-like voices, but everything was fine and we had a blast! The food was fantastic and I look forward to returning in the future.
(5)
Chuck H.
Italian food doesn't get much better than this. We held our rehearsal dinner here for lots of out of town family and everybody loved it. The staff was very accommodating and we can't wait to go back.
(5)
Anon A.
I heard this place was great from many people, but I beg to differ. We went here before a Tigers game this past weekend to celebrate my fiance's birthday. The atmosphere of the restaurant was nice (except for the tight quarters), but that was the highlight of our experience. We had reservations for 5:00pm, and by 5:30, we were already done with our meal. From my observations, you appearantly had to be a "regular" to be shown any sort of respect, otherwise, the waitstaff wasn't very attentive or friendly. The dish I ordered was bland, and they green beans were tough and rubbery. I was really looking forward to having a nice time and enjoying a great Italian meal at this classic establishment, but I cannot say that was acheived. I would not recommend going here.
(1)
o o.
Roma is a Detroit classic. Now granted, you will not be getting high end continental or innovative Italian dishes but you will enjoy the atmosphere and great service. The food is good and some of it is really good such as their Roma salads. Steak Siciliano is very good, the perch and pickerel are also nicely prepared. Large portions. If you go ask for Dave.
(3)
Modestly I.
Four and a half, really. I love this place -- it's definitely an experience. The service is outstanding: all the waiters here have been here for decades, they aren't just working here between acting gigs or trying to get record contracts with their bands. These are professional, career waiters and they genuinely understand good customer service (most restaurants could use a lesson from the waitstaff at the Roma Cafe). I really like the food here too: I love the thick, somewhat sweet tomato sauce, the sizzling cheese on top of the eggplant parmigiana and the pasta. From what I was told, this is Detroit's oldest Italian restaurant and the decor doesn't look as though it's changed in years, but that only makes the experience richer. The prices are very reasonable, especially given the portion sizes.
(4)
Brian G.
Wow - went with high expectations - all kinds of good reviews. What a disappointment. The service was very good, it has a quaint old world feel, prices are fair and the bread was good. But they fail on FOOD. One pasta was limp with insipid sauce and canned mushrooms. The meatballs were bad ... just plain bad Their vegetable was a grean bean reminiscent of my middle school - frozed crud while just blocks away from a farmer's market full of fresh vegetables. To be fair only tried pastas, maybe I hit them on a bad day. But regardless the food was just plain bad. Avoid.
(1)
Sarang K.
Was the food fantastic? Yes. Was the service amazing? Yes. Is it my style of food? Hmmm... However, I guess I'm just more of an 'oriental' food type person, food with more of a 'kick'... I guess I could have asked for some hot sauce :) I also believe the food was also a little sodium heavy. Several hours later, I'm quite parched. It could just be that I haven't drank water for a bit... but I'm not convinced. But now for the real review portion, not just the conclusion. I got there just before six on Monday night for the Monday night buffet. For some reason, I had thought that they serve the food to us, rather than it being an actual buffet. But it was a regular buffet with over a dozen different dishes! Including a green salad, mayo-based salad, anchovies, prosciutto wrapped honeydew, veal parmesan, lemon chicken, spaghetti in meat sauce, penne in meat sauce, soem kind of chicken stir fry, sausage in a salty sauce, just whole sauce, green beans, and some kind of potato. Also, the higlight of the meal... Cannoli! Holy Moly! I want to upgrade to 4 stars just for the cannolis alone! Not only that but when they set up your table, they give you a whole half mound of bread that is QUITE fantastic with some breadsticks underneath (salty) and butter. Oh the butter. LOVE. The service - I've seen some people complain on yelp and other ratings websites but my experience was fantastic. Maybe it was because someone in my party had been going here for over 20 years, but I could not complain. They were very well seasoned employees and service came not necessarily with a smile, but certainly with a lot of energy, enthusiasm, and pep. Our drinks usually were refilled without ever having to lift a finger. The bathroom. Was unfortunate. Mostly clean, but someone before me had made a... well something natural... but it was unfortunate that it was not properly cleaned. Sigh! Nevertheless, this was my first shared meal with friends I met through yelp and it was a fun-filled night with talk of veal, 9 dollar cupcakes, sugar comas, paula dean, and more laughter than many people get in a week!
(3)
Mac F.
There's Italian, and then there 'Eye' talian, basically, Italian-American food, and that's what this place does. There's a difference between the two, so if you're expecting authentic Italian cuisine, go elsewhere (as you should anyways), as this place does not serve what Italians eat. All in all, very, very substandard. And when you think of the prices (this place isn't cheap), you realize that this place is not only not good, it's something one feels obligated to warn their friends about. Overall, the entrees my dining companions and I ordered all suffered from the same flaws. They simply weren't executed all that well, and they didn't taste good. The wait staff was extraordinarily pushy. Take into account the rather pathetic decor, and you have on your hands an experience that truly makes you want to ask for a refund. Put simply: this place doesn't do anything well, at least not that I was able to see.
(1)
Ernie M.
We've been here many times over the last 40 years, but this is my first review. To start, the service was impeccable. We were there with a group of 10 with reservations. We were immediately seated, and Dan the maitre'd had everything perfectly organized. Steve the waiter was near perfect. He kept track of 6 separate checks without error. Everything was served properly and promptly. This kind of service makes a dinner delightful. Now about the important issue---the food. With ten people we had many different menu items from filet mignon to shrimp. Every one was extremely happy with their choice----unusual with a group of 10. The minestrone soup, house salad, vegetables and pasta sides were delicious. I ordered the French fried shrimp and asked for it lightly breaded and it came out superb. My wife had the pickerel and it too was great. Eveyone who ordered a veal dish was really happy. This is exactly what you would expect from a restaurant that has been in the same location for so many years. We'll go back again--and again--and again--and again!!!
(4)
Emine S.
I have to agree with the comments posted here. I visited Cafe Roma in my birthday and it was because I had received a coupon from work. I walked by the restaurant often as I left my yoga classes on Friday and the parking lot was always packed and valet constantly busy. From the outside it looks like a typical historical Detroit building. I was a bit apprehensive when walking up, but as soon as I walked in and saw the waiters in suits and felt as if I had been warpped into a speak easy. I knew I made a good choice. I was waiting for two friends of mine to arrive and decided to wait at the bar. The bartender was so friendly and knowledgable of the area, drinks, and knew how to maintain a great conversation. He wore the uniform that mirrors those of bartenders from the 20's. Hearing the history of the restaurant and how it is familynowned made me apprecaite thisblittle gem even further. My girlfriends showed up and we headed to our table. We ordered calamari and escargot, not the best, but I was so satisfied with the ambiance it didn't matter. For our main course we ordered the mostacolli with most sauce and paglia and fieno both divine. We finished with an okay cannoli and some limoncello. The server was rushing us a bit, but all and all I had a fabulous night there.
(4)
Adam H.
Everything was fantastic. Staff and bar tenders always available to help out. Lasagna was delicious and the shoe string pasta with Alfredo sauce was just as good for the wife. Will go back again even without planning a day around eastern market.
(5)
Marie T.
Awful, awful, awful. I had eggplant Parmesan and could not find the eggplant. A nothing tomato sauce over a lot of breading, with maybe 2 paper thin slices of eggplant, covered with uninteresting cheese. I will never eat in this stinky over-rated iconic restaurant again. Time for this place to close.
(1)
Steve K.
The best red sauce joint around. Fantastic service, amazing history, great food. My favorite restaurant. The staff is amazing...when I'm there by myself, 3-4 waiters stop by and ask how my family is doing, when we arrive there late at night with our daughter in tow they automatically give us a table in the bar (the only place with booths, and they know she likes to lie down after dinner while we have a drink). Perhaps the best steaks in town, the best meat sauce on the planet. You haven't been to Detroit until you've been to Roma! If you're there on a weekend and have a member of your party celebrating a birthday, let your waiter know...I don't want to ruin the surprise, but it's defiantly worth your while;)
(5)
Lori K.
This place is an experience. Old school glamour, traditional italian food, the waiters are all italian men with black and white suits on, the dining room looks and feels like it has not been revamped in many many years.. It is very loud, with many old faithfuls and bit parties..the food was good. We were out of there for $60, and were stuffed. The bread they serve on the table was very good, and there was a lot of it, a big loaf. You can't go wrong with fresh bread and butter. We had salad and soup (minestrone), along with our entrees, pesto gnocci and cheese ravioli in cheese sauce. We took more than half home, portions were huge. The food did not blow me out of the water, but I loved the vibe, very unique experience as opposed to most restaurants around downtown. We will be going back, it was fun. They make you feel like family.
(4)
Rikki W.
We went here for our office holiday party. I don't see what the big to-do over this place is. After waiting 20 minutes (with a reservation) we get rushed to a tiny little table in the corner for 6 of us. I could barely fit, good thing I'm not overweight trying to squeeze between the wall and the table....I felt quite cramped even when we all physically moved the table out a bit. The tables and chairs look straight out of the 1980s. Place definitely needs a facelift. The waiters all wear old school tuxedos and are very gregarious almost to the point of being uncomfortable. Really no need to go on and on about having "lovely females" at the table..it just is weird. Once ok, that's nice..but 2 and 3 times is just making me uncomfortable. In addition, it's like the waiter didn't seem very attentive as I tried asking him a question and mid question he ran off to do something else! Anyways, the wine selection wasn't very good either. It just seemed there was a lot of hype about this place being authentic, old school Italian but not a lot to back it up. The fried calamari was bland the salad was boring and the lasagna just didn't taste all that. Acceptable but nothing special. In fact, I enjoy the lasagna I make at home way more than this. The place is super busy though so it must be doing something right. I just didn't see what that was.
(2)
ILove M.
I love going to this Detroit classic. I always know when I eat at Roma. I going to get great food and top notch service. Roma Cafe has never let me down. In the 20 plus years I have been going there .
(4)
Emily E.
I went to Roma recently with some friends from Europe. At first they were surprised at the location of Roma (on the outskirts of Eastern Market) but once we walked in we knew this wasn't a typical Italian chain restaurant. While I have been to Roma on special occasions and knew what to expect, my friends were pleasantly surprised. The old-world Italian restaurant feel was wonderful. We received great service from a stupendous very traditional waiter and chatted with other restaurant patrons sitting near us. The food hit the spot (huge portions) full of great flavor and lots of cheese. Everything came out quickly and we were all pleased with our meals (Roma salad, cannelloni, and lasagna). Overall, not the best Italian food I've ever had but definitely several steps above the standard fare. Worth stopping by for the ambiance. Also worth noting we went for a late lunch so crowding was not an issue at all.
(4)
Ron C.
Dined here last Night , to beat the Valentine Crowd of this weekend. I also bought the Groupon a week ago $40 worth of Food or Wine for $ 20 [ Sweet Deal ] We arrived at 6:55 pm and were Promptly Seated and "PAULIE" was our magnificent Server! A + I ordered the Petite Fillet , Minestrone soup , & a side of pasta A+ My Bride ordered the Chicken Marsala , Minestrone and a side of pasta B- as the Marsala sauce was too thin & runny and lacked that bold color & taste The Sturdy Bread they Serve was also a A And Dave Rozema was seated near us and gave us a hearty hello always good to see a TIGER
(4)
Therese C.
I came in to the Detroit area to visit for the holidays. A small group of us went to the Eastern Market and we decided to do dinner while we were there. After living in Texas for 7 years, I suggested Italian food because you can't get any that's good in Houston so we stopped at Roma. The food met my expectations. I ordered the calamari dinner, which came with a side of spaghetti and soup. All of it was very good. The problem came when the waiter charged me for a spaghetti dinner plus a side of calamari. Instead of paying $19.50 for the meal as shown on the menu, I was charged for a spaghetti dinner and the calamari, which totaled $24.75 before tax. I pointed out this mistake to the waiter, but he refused to correct my tab although he made the mistake. After being out of work for several months and facing a lot of struggles, I just didn't have the fight left in me to raise a stink so I paid it. Needless to say, I was very disappointed with my experience at Roma. Frankly, I don't think I should have needed to push my point, the waiter should have done the right thing and corrected it. Suggestion to reviewers: be careful with the waiters, English is not their first language. As far as I'm concerned, a good restaurant is about more than just the food. The service must also be good and this means the customer's experience should be important to the staff.
(2)
Tom H.
Classic Italian joint in Eastern Market is something to experience. The food is adequate and the scene is enjoyable.
(3)
D R.
Dis-a-point-ed. Was very excited to try Detroit's oldest Italian restaurant. Driving up, the restaurant looked appealing, old school in a good way and even had a group of heavy- set, older "Soprano-esque" gentlemen entering which led me to believe this was the real deal. Host/ mgr was very nice and gave us a good table even though my date and I were under dressed. We had planned on stopping in for a quick appetizer and a drink and did not expect there was a VERY limited appetizer menu and the cheapest thing on the menu was pasta with red sc ($15.50). Every other item was 18.50- 26.00. I ordered the Chicken Tosca which I thought would be similar to an item I've gotten at another restaurant. Romas didn't come with the mushrooms and onions I was accustomed to, so I asked to have it added. "let me ask" the waiter said. He came back and said "no, but you can get the chicken cacciatorre" This was a completely different dish?!?!?. I asked what the Tosca came with - just sauteed chicken in sauce?, I asked. "no" was the reply. "What else is in it?" "There is no sauce in the Tosca" he said. $18.50 for chicken dipped in egg and sauteed in butter. I ended up ordering another chicken dish for $20 and it was dry beyond belief requiring a steak knife to get through. Bread on table had two black threads on top and there were long blonde hairs on the table cloth leading me to believe they reused the bread and didn't clean the table cloth after the previous diners. Server was VERY attentive. Too much, which I didn't think was possible or could ever be a bad thing. We must have been his only table. He would ask if everything was alright, walk to the servers stand (10 ft away), then immediately back to the table and look, server stand, table, server stand, table with water to refill my already FULL water, back and forth to the point that I couldn't have a conversation with my date. I want to believe these were problems that could be chalked up to an inexperienced server and my crappy food was a fluke, but I won't go out of my way to return. Tooooo Baaad
(2)
Wally S.
Can I say old school again. And I mean that in the best way possible. The Roma Cafe is "old school" Italian and it's wonderful. It brings back the a simpler time and place. Don't look for fancy nouveau dishes here. No matter what I try, I think they specialty is a nice heavy tomato sauce with a lot of meat and a wonderful taste of olives mixed in. The bread is thick crusted and tasty as expected, the salad is light, cool, and fresh. The soup, that day was chicken, was mild yet flavorful. For my main course I ordered Chicken Scaloppine a la Tosca (ok.. it's a little fancy). Thinly sliced chicken coated with an egg, cheese & garlic butter & sauteed in butter. Awesome.... butter, butter, butter... and a bit of chicken on the side. The chicken was superb, perfectly cooked, the sauce was light and flavorful as it moved across my tongue. I think we need more restaurants like Roma Cafe. Fine food, excellent service, and a wonderful old atmosphere. It's so unique that you fell that Sinatra might just be the next person to walk in the door. This is a place to share food and drink with friends and family. This is what dining used to always be about and still is today.
(5)
Robyn T.
I want to like Roma Cafe more than I think I actually do. Don't get me wrong, they make a mean lasagna, but to be honest, I've found one on allrecipes.com that can top it. My party and I went for Detroit Restaurant Week. I was early so I stopped at the bar and ordered a Cosmo. It was good, I mean really good. The bartender said it was her specialty and I believe it. The rest of the party showed up and we were seated. Now I don't know if we were treated differently because of DRW, but I instantly got the strange feeling we were considered less of a priority to our neighboring tables. When our server reached us, we placed our 3 course dinner orders and off he went. It took an unusually long time for our food to arrive but when it did, it looked great. We ordered lasagna and chicken parmesan. Everything was very tasty and the lasagna was gooey and cheesy (aka perfect). The only complaint was the marinara sauce seemed really thin. And that's a huge pet peeve of mine. The service was average and the food was good, but I probably wouldn't make a special trip. Definitely the highlight of dinner was the history of the building.
(3)
Anna S.
I've been to Roma's three times now, most recently with the new Groupon that came out. All three times we've been adequately impressed, but not blown away. I'd really give Roma 3.5 stars. The service is strange. It's very hurried, and almost sloppy. I made a reservation for John and I (my husband), just to be sure that we'd be able to get a seat on their Monday night Italian Buffet. When we arrived a manager guy asked us to wait for the hostess - we stood there for no more than a minute or two and he frustratingly asked a server to seat us. As the server lead us through the crowded dining room to our table, he sloppily grabbed an extra chair and proceeded to attempt to drag it between two seated guests, thusly banging it against both of them and interrupting their meal. It was both funny and embarassing. He did it again later while seating another table - just ridiculous, in a silly kind of way. The service was good-enough for the rest of our meal, however. The food is fantastic. Not uber-gourmet italian, just perfect, homey comfort food. Their meat sauce is heavenly; rich, meaty, savory and sweet. Chicken Marsala was divine - tender chicken with a slightly sweet marsala sauce over light breading. Italian sausage was okay, not that flavorful to me. The veal parmesan was great; tender, lightly breaded and seasoned nicely - paired with the meat sauce and melted cheese and you'll plotz. The antipasto trays and salad is great as well. The salad is lightly dressed and flavorful. The canolli for dessert is always a nice touch. The pricing is a bit much, which is why the Monday night buffet is really a good deal. Veal parm, baked penne, spagetti, chicken marsala, green beans, some other type of beef dish and lots of sides including the canolli and salad is only $17 per person. Most of their dishes on the menu start at $15 and go up. All in all I say go, best if armed with an Entertainment book coupon or a wealthy relative. Get something with meat sauce, too.
(4)
Bruce F.
I like the Lasagna. I've been there a few times over the years for lunch and I always get the Lasagna. It's good, the sauce is good and the service is usually good. The area is not the best, but they do have Valet Parking. If you're in the Eastern Market area and crave some good Lasagna, give it a try. I can go a solid 3 stars
(3)
Joey D.
Absolutely terrible. I no longer live in the Detroit area, so during this visit we thought it would be nice to stop in after almost 10 years. We waited 10 minutes to be sat while workers passed by us and argued over where to seat us. I had mostaccoli, my dad had spaghetti, my mom had filet and our friend had perch. First of all, everything was cold. The steak was butterflied, and half of it was near raw. The perch looked like poorly-breaded coconut shrimp. The meat sauce tasted like a vat of sugar mixed with a few tomatoes - more or less inedible. The noodles were overcooked. Something was floating in one of our coffees. It was just a terrible experience, and I do not plan on making the trek down to that neighborhood again for food that isn't even close to mediocre.
(1)
Ankit M.
Came to Roma Cafe for my parents 30th anniversary. It must certainly be a favorite spot for the locals as I saw three different groups address the waitstaff and hostess as if they've known each other for a decade. Anyways, food was traditional Italian - you can probably guess the entire menu. Our server was hospitable and very nice, but didn't blow me off my feet (I try not to put servers on pedestals just because they wear tuxedos). They were definitely understaffed, because nobody checked on us for 10 mins as soon as we sat down. They ran out of minstrone soup (which was their only soup) AND gnocci by 9pm. That was disappointing since it was exactly the two dishes I ordered. Also, all the pasta dishes we ordered were overcooked (my brother said it tasted like Chef Boyardee). Other notables: the tables are very close to each other (in case you're wondering), and if you're going there for a special occasion, tell them (they'll have someone sing to you and it sounds like the opera - this was the highlight). Overall, I wouldn't come here again. Nothing special unless you wanna go to an average restaurant with legacy.
(2)
Keith C.
Overpriced, dry, sub-par Italian food, in a dumpy building. The best part of the dinner was the minestrone soup that came with our meal.
(2)
Maria B.
Roma Cafe is a Detroit Legend! A legend (as defined by the Miriam-Webster dictionary) is a 'story' coming down from the past...regarded as historical although 'not verifiable'. In other words, the tale of Roma Cafe being this "Authentic" "Old school" "Italian" restaurant is nothing more than a myth. My biggest issue with this place is the food and service. Looking over the sticky sauce splashed menu, i couldn't decide what to order. So i decided to start off with a cup of Minestrone. Nothing says comfort and cozy on a chilly 45 degree day like a cup of soup. The Minestrone was okay, mediocre at best. Then for the entree i ordered the Friday special, Linguine tossed in garlic & olive oil with calamari. An all around terrible dish! How can you go wrong with only 4-5 ingredients??? It looked and tasted like sad leftovers. The linguine were clumped together as if they had been cooked, put in the fridge or freezer, then dropped on a frying pan to heat up, getting wayyyy overcooked and crispy. Yes crispy! A word i have NEVER used to describe pasta. As for the calamari, they were gummy, dry, and def NOT edible! Prob on par with the terrible calamari experience i had at the Beach Grill...what a nightmare! Onto dessert, i had THE WORST tiramisu! The lady fingers were dry, no coffee flavor (which is supposed to be the most pronounced flavor in this dessert), and THEN they had the nerve to top it off with Hershey's squeezable chocolate syrup!!!! A disgrace to Italians everywhere! The canoli, on the other hand, was actually pretty decent. Probably the only highlight of our dining experience. Fresh ricotta was used and the shell was nice and crispy. However, this fuzzy feeling didn't last long once my eXpresso arrived. What 'authentic' Italian restaurant spells espresso with an X? Who does that? Even the local diner by my house and McDonald's for that matter, knows better. I know i'm going off on a tangent, but these little nuances get to me. As an Italian, i was offended by this ignorace. Not to mention that disgrace of a caffenated drink they were calling an eXpresso, which was nothing more than hot water with a hint of espresso. Service was equally bad. Our server was rude, obnoxious, and not in the the least bit hospitable. When taking our table's order, one of my co-workers asked for soup instead of salad and he asks her "are you trying to make my job harder?"....i guess he was the one cooking the soup back there, who knew??? Also, the tables in Roma Cafe are packed sooo tightly that every time our waiter was going by or collecting our plates, his swinging suit jacket kept hitting me and others at our table with whatever he kept in those pockets. Then at the end our meal, it was like our waiter was in an aggressive competition to try and collect everyone's plates, napkins, and silverware, ALL in one visit. I've never seen anyone clank, stack, and rush so much in collecting plates. Was this some new extreme sport? All around, Roma Cafe was a bad experience. Do yourselves a favor and skip this restaurant!
(1)
Nicole A.
My favorite Italian restaurant in the Detroit area! Their minestrone soup is so amazing!
(5)
Eva S.
Normally, when I see a sign that says, "Cafe" I associate it with somewhat casual dining with reasonable prices and decent food. I went there the other day with this expectation in mind. First off, it looked extremely fancy. Doorman, waiters in modified tuxes, and the menu was expensive. I was hungry though, so I ordered one of the least expensive things- the eggplant parm, which is a dish I ordinarily love and is hard to screw up. This eggplant parm though, is really rather gross. I can't eat it. And it's HUGE! I swear to you, this portion for "one" could easily feed three. In addition to the eggplant parm, they gave me a bowl of minestrone soup, which I haven't yet tried, and some bread. Not a piece for one person, no. They gave me HALF A LOAF of bread, breadsticks and 18 packets of butter. 18! For ONE PERSON! Oh, and the bread? Very dry. I had one small chunk and gagged. I'm not going back there, ever. The price was too high for the quality of food, and the portions too large. At least the strawberry shortcake was good, even if they did put the whip cream in the same box, which was melted and making the cake mushy by the time I got home. The strawberry shortcake and the friendliness of the waitstaff were the only redeeming qualities I found in this cafe.
(2)
D M.
I have not been to Roma's in a few years and after today's experience it will be our last time there. My spouse, myself and another couple went for a nice lunch. We both purchased Groupons on line and we advised our waiter before ordering our lunch. The waiter reviewed the coupons and advised the fine print on Groupon stated only one coupon per table. Yes it was our fault for not reviewing the fine print. We asked the waiter if an exception could be made to allow us to sit together, since the restaurant was not that busy in our section. Both the waiter and his boss (a female manager) stated they would not do this. So we asked to sit at different tables.....which is what occurred. From a business perceptive, they have lost four people......not to mention all the friends and relatives that we will talk to. Very bad customer service on their part. My lasagna was a blob of cheese and not very tasteful. Also, the place could have been cleaner.
(1)
Jaclyn S.
This restaurant is only a couple minutes from my home, and it is a shame I haven't been here sooner. Food The food was great. We had the shrimp and scallop saute, as an appetizer. The scallops were amazing, and the sauce was perfect. The shrimp was unusually fishy, which I didn't care for, but my husband loved. For an entree, I got the petite filet mignon and my husband got the lobster tails. The filet was cooked to perfection, especially for a petite. Juicy on the inside, and very char grilled on the outside, it was a perfect combination. The lobster tails were apparently really good, too, but I have not much to compare. At the end of the night, we received two free cannolis. I didn't have any room left, but I definitely stuffed them down. Oh, and the drinks were very generous. Atmosphere Detroit's oldest restaurant, from the outside, doesn't leave too much to be desired, however, the inside, it definitely contains some old world charm that takes you back to Detroit's glory days. Service The service was impeccable. Everything you would expect from a 5 star restaurant. Very attentive and formal. The waiters seem to be, for the most part, Italian immigrants. Their service is almost a performance to make you feel the era and style. I was actually very impressed.
(5)
Tim K.
I know it's long but they deserve it. OK, I have to say that I believe there is a big difference between "old school" restaurants and "new school" restaurants. I think both have their own pros and cons. Roma Cafe definitely falls into the "old school" category. The location is near the Detroit eastern market with the old house appearance and as others mentioned, you can almost feel the old gangsters that hung out here years ago. Wouldn't be surprised if there are some secrets in the walls that we will never know, and probably don't want to know. I'm sure you can look up some juicy history on the restaurant. Approaching the restaurant you will see the red and white striped awnings that make you feel like you have arrived at an traditional Italian restaurant. They offer complimentary valet but you can also park on the street if it's available. On weekends the area gets busy due to the Easter Market. There is a big tradition for some people to head to eastern market for a few hours then over to Roma for dinner and a few cocktails. The wife and I went on a Saturday for lunch. When we arrived (about 11:30am) there was only a few tables of people there. We used the valet even though there was parking spots close by. It was snowing and I also like to support anything that's complimentary (yes we tip good). We were seated quickly by a nice older woman that probably has worked there for years. Waiter was prompt. We ordered a drink and some waters that the waiter got quickly. All the staff we encountered were very nice and willing to help out in any way possible. I heard they have a free shuttle to the Red Wings game but did not confirm. Food: When seated you will get good basic Italian bread. It's basically a loaf of round bread sliced in half the long way and they place it crust up so it doesn't get stale quickly. The temperature is cold so I assume its kept in a cold room or fridge. NO it's not the "new school" warm bread sticks with oil and garlic, just good old fashioned Italian bread. Which style is better...depends on the person. I like both. The wife ordered spaghetti with meat sauce and I ordered the Lasagna. Both meals were over $10 and did not come with any soup or salad. That's quite surprising to me. I would think at least a house salad would be provided. There was a couple next to us that was ranting about how good the salad they ORDERED was. We wouldn't know. To be honest we weren't even asked if we wanted a salad or soup. My wife liked her spaghetti and had some to take home. My lasagna came on a hot baking plate, was good size, and had lots of cheese. The meat sauce was good and meat was ground small with no big chunks. The lasagna was what I would think from an old school grandma from an Italian background. There was no fennel, no sausage, and no veggies in the Lasagna. It was noodles, sauce, and cheese... just the way I like it!! I was surprised how fast the meals came. It was less than 5 minutes which to me means it was already in the oven waiting to be served. We had the Tiramisu for dessert and my wife and I really liked it. I'm not a huge fan of Tiramisu but I couldn't stop eating it myself. We aren't pros at dessert options so not sure how this compares to other Tiramisu. Go give it a try just remember it's all about the traditional Italian feel in a unique location!
(3)
Lorna D.
It's old, it's sweet. A comforting constant in a shifty world. Glad we were in their book-it was absolutely packed, the pace frenetic. Our two-spot was wedged in a corner against a wood-paneled wall as were the other small tables in that room and we settled in, enjoying our bread and wine. Our waiter was attentive and pleasant, just a bit scrambly from all the running. The calamari is a combo of rings and tentacles...was hoping for less of the daunting, grey clusters. Our entrees were quite good, though too pricey for the portion size. Rich, layered creations of sauce and cheese served up in the hottest casserole dishes. My eggplant parm was delicious though a bit salty, and Uncle Butch's cannelloni was devoured with gusto. Intermittently we'd hear a sweet voice singing over the din and sure enough we'd find a waiter bent down smiling whilst serenading a birthday girl-six and sixty, respectively. Aww-more of that, please. More charm, less bustle. Fewer tables, more air-it was stuffy. Lower lights. More romance, please-I found myself missing the old Lelli's. This was a special anniversary dinner, and though it was fun to enter the throng and later get spit back out into the city full and wineglowy, was it special? It's old, it's sweet...it is what it is.
(3)
Paul B.
A part of Detroit history but not the best Italian food I have had. Good food, not great. A bit pricey. Atmosphere is cool and historic. Can valet park so you can get into the restaurant without getting 187'd in the streets of the D.
(3)
Liz B.
I hope this restaurant improves because it's a city of Detroit icon, close to Eastern Market and the entertainment district. I have heard great things about it in the past and this was my first time here. One person in my party had the white fish and said her dinner was great. Two of us who had italian - chicken parmesan and ravioli - were not impressed. It was more like an American version of Italian (sweet and bland) rather than the high quality fresh Italian flavors you would expect from such a well-established place. Our dinners could have been served a little warmer, although none of us sent them back because we didn't want to be late for the Opera. Service was excellent, prices are reasonable.
(3)
Heidi M.
Hmm, maybe my expectations were too high....maybe it will be better after they finish their renovations (happening the next week)? I respect that this is the oldest Italian restaurant in Detroit, but I'm not sure if the owners and employees do. I wanted old, charming, and filled with character. I got hurried, dirty, and character from the 1970's. If I didn't have a Groupon to save me some green, I would also be complaining that this place is way over priced. The joke there was, "You better hurry up and finish your (insert food or beverage here) or the waiter is going to snatch it from you!" Talk about hovering, could ya give me some room to breath? Regarding the food... -The fried calamari was fair, the red sauce served with it was very good, probably the best part of the meal. -The minestrone soup was good, nothing too special. Lots of rice, not many beans, and no other soup options to choose from. -The baked canelloni had decent flavor but was very salty, greasy, and mushy. The pasta was way overcooked and nothing had any texture. I ate maybe 1/3 of my entree and didn't care to take the leftovers with me. -I thought the wine was overpriced at $8 a glass for a no name pinot grigio. Everything on the menu seemed very heavy. Not many fresh things to choose from. Maybe they need to renovate more than the interiors...
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Valet, Street Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Romantic Noise Level : Average Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Mon, Fri, Sat Coat Check : Yes Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Karen H.
Classic food done right. The charm of going to Roma is tradition, a place that stood the test of time and kept it's values. If you want new, modern decor,with trendy food. go to a chain restaurant. If you want good food, great service, rich with history then go to Roma. Chef Guy makes the best tiramisu I've ever had. I used to go to Mario's just to have his tiramisu. It's so good. The perfect flavors of coffee, cocoa and mascarpone custard. Creamy and delish.
(5)Aron B.
I've experienced *far* better. I had been looking forward to trying this place out, especially since I had a $10 off $15 coupon, and after looking at their online menu, was looking forward to trying their chicken cacciatora. ::sigh:: Look, I didn't get sick or anything. It was edible. But for crying out loud, this is the kind of "Italian" food that gives Italian food everywhere a bad reputation. The kind of food that depends on (lousy) oversaucing. The kind of food that doesn't even look good on the plate, much less taste good in the mouth. It's generic. It's positively pedestrian. It's (::shudder::) Olive Garden-esque. It's not like I paid a lot after the coupon, either. $10 out the door, and that's including a way-too-generous $3.57 tip, basically since I'd never be going back there, and I was using a pretty hefty discount. Honestly, though: while that's a pretty cheap way to try someplace out, I'd have been far better served using that $10 to get a far, far better meal at, say, Giovanni's, or Bacco, or myriad other places. Not only would their food be better, but their facilities and service would be better, too. *Yes*, I'd be paying more, but it would positively be worth it. I guess this shows that not every aged dining institution has aged well. The best way I can describe this place would be "functional". Ergo, two stars. For me, though? I won't be wasting my time or money again, here, discount or not. Sometimes, you get what you pay for. Here, discount or not, you won't be getting what you pay for, unless you're *after* substandard fare and experience. If so? You're going to be right at home here. Can't recommend it at any price. Sorry.
(2)Elizabeth L.
Looking for great old style-feel Italian... then Roma is your place! It is located on the corner in Eastern Market. There is street parking(1 hour parking 9a.m.-9p.m.) up and down both sides of the street as well as valet. The restaurant is a decent size with a variety of rooms. Very old school Italian feel. Yes, the decor is out-dated, but that's half the appeal. It is Detroit's oldest Italian restaurant, so why would you want to remodel a place with history? Our server was Sam and he was da-bomb! Awesome guy! I would ask for him if you have the chance. Sam was attentive and went out of his way when he could. I had wine earlier in the evening so with my dinner I had ordered a dirty martini. When I asked if they had blue cheese olives he said no, but for me, he said he would stuff some. (Whether or not he was just saying that, i appreciated it!) Because I like mine on the dirtier side he gave me a straight up Kettel and brought me a side glass od olive juice. He said so I could get more for my money and I could make it as dirty as I pleased. For dinner I had ordered the Chicken Parm and my dining partner had ordered a veal dish. Minestrone comes with the entrees, but we had also ordered to split the Roma salad. The soup came out first and was good. Flavorful. Not the best I've ever had, but definitely a top contender. The Roma salad which cam out next, was amaze. Egg and chickpeas were included in the salad tossed with this tasty creamy style dressing. So So So good. I could have just had the salad and been satisfied. Out entrees came out and portions were crazy large. I mean my chicken parm had to have been like a 16 oz piece of chicken smothered in mozzarella cheesey goodness and sauce. I had the side of spaghetti to accompany my meal. Sauce was great, not super sweet like some Italian restaurants. A top sauce contender for sure. My partner said his veal was a bit over cooked for his liking, but he still said it was very good. They also have an Italian all-you-can-eat buffet on Monday's for $18. Yes, I am marking my calendar now for that :) Great food, Great Service, Cool atnosphere. Love Roma Cafe!
(4)Chris M.
It's been a very long time but with a little help from Groupon, we were able to have a nice dinner date. Arriving early due to my work schedule means an empty restaurant, except for a first date seated near us. The waiter, as charming as ever, approaches us quickly to say hi and offer drinks. The place hasn't changed since my last visit, some 10 years ago. We ordered a Caprese salad and calamari and relaxed for a bit. The cheese is very fresh and the calamari portion is large and really crispy. We couldn't help but enjoy listening to the first date conversation which is too loud to ignore. She wasn't sure about going back to school and her last 5 boyfriends cheated and we really thought the guy would head for the hills but didn't. OK back to the food. After a while both order baked pastas, which came out quickly. Really good stuff. The meat sauce, sweet and rich, and the cheese piping hot. It feels like this place still cares about what is served. Being the creep I am, I once again make my "It's her birthday" joke and we order a Tiramisu (I paid for it) and out comes the candle. Very cheesecake like but really nice ending to the meal. Overall, I'll be happy to come back and if there is another Groupon even better. I didn't forget to make sure that our amazing server is taken care of pre Groupon.
(4)Kyle Martin D.
You know who is the biggest critic on earth? My 10-year-old nephew, Fezzik (that's not his real name, BTW, but he will throw a rock at your head with little remorse). His diet consists of chicken fingers, chocolate milk and occasionally some pasta, just as long as it's not "gross looking," -- whatever the hell that means. In New Orleans, I tricked him into eating some crayfish. I slept with one eye open that night, just in case he decided to smother me with his SpongeBob pillow. Anyhow, the kid is a history buff, and when he found out Roma Café was the oldest restaurant in Detroit, he was hooked, and demanded that we go there for a late lunch, early dinner. They could've served him fried dog feces (which would be cruel to do, even if he is a complete shithead and deserves it) and he wouldn't have complained. Fortunately, they didn't. Instead, he got a piece of cheese-drenched lasagna that he absolutely loved. Hats off to Roma Café for making my little buddy's day.
(5)Mark L.
Glad we went once, would not go back again. The bread was excellent, but that's all. The soup looked and tasted like it came right out of a Campbell's can. My wife and I had 2 different veal dishes - the veal was tough and not that flavorful. The spaghetti sauce on the side dish was thin and watery. The vegetables on my veal dish were way overcooked to the point of being mushy. The entrees should have been priced in the $8-$10 range for the quality. All in all a disappointing experience.
(2)Chris L.
This is one of the best Italian American restaurants I have eaten at. I visit many high end restaurants - but this place has a special spot in my tummy. Based on other reviews, your experience must very greatly depending on what you order. The calamari and the sausage - amazing. Sausage is made fresh by a butcher down the street and then simmered all day. The best I have ever had. The freshly prepped Roma salad, again classic Italian American fare, expertly done. Eggplant parm - simple and perfect!!!! Service - spot on, very attentive. I have been to Roma's at least a dozen times over the past 15 years during travel...still a reason to stop over in Detroit for me. Love it!!!!!!!!!
(4)Liz W.
I have been waiting to write this one up awhile. Be prepared for snark. I was fairly appalled. I just cannot fully put it into words. For some reason this place was truly awful and yet my husband and I had a rollicking good time. I could easily make better food than this. In fact I could make this exact food. It is all jarred and canned tasting and the pasta is premade frozen. The price point is not cheap but you do get big portions. I never understand the appeal of giant portions of bland Gordon Foods/Sysco type fare though. If I wanted fake tasting Italian I can buy my own Classico and frozen ravioli thanks and I would not have to trek downtown, pay for a valet (who deserved every penny, nice man), tip a server and sit in a dusty musty restaurant. I mean c'mon at least redecorate but hey, think about a renovation too. I mean seriously. My husband and I were giggling. Like loons. It was so horrifically bad. The food was just a joke. The service other than valet was not anything to recommend either. It was the most unenthusiastic experience, not a smile or a friendly word. Think about being served by Lurch from the Addams Family. Honestly, we just could not stop laughing, they probably thought we were stoned. This just happens to us when we go somewhere ridiculous. I expect this kind of food in a coney restaurant type Italian dish but they are proclaiming homemade everywhere on the menu, acting like this is upscale. Yeah. I'm kind of giggling still. Avoid, unless like my husband and I you can muster some humor. Nah, still skip it. Even if we had been stoned we would not have wanted food like this.
(1)Amy H.
Looking for a nice family-run Italian place to carb-load? This is the place to do it! The tables have loaves of bread that they will kindly refill over...and over...and over again. Ask for olive oil for healthy fats to go along with the carbs ;) I got plain ole spaghetti 'n meatballs to go along with the free bread, and it was solid. Very friendly service + free valet. I look forward to coming back for my next carb-load meal. Btw, I ran my fastest half-marathon (Detroit Free Press Int'l) thus far the day after I carb-loaded here :)
(4)Michael A.
Bye Bye Roma Cafe. I predict you'll no longer be around now that Detroit has a whole load of new restaurants opening. Better ones. Cleaner ones. Tonight I booked a large table. We were asked to switch seats so the waiters could get by. Lame. We are not big people. The garlic chicken was clearly once-frozen and out of a freezer bag (because you could still see markings from the bag). The chicken was hard and flat and tasteless (Where's The Garlic?). I tried the other entrees and they were equally bland. The wine from Italy was delicious and at $33 a bottle a good value. As for the chairs, they are the same chairs you use at Wendy's. The decor is dated and not in a good way. They lost my coat at coat check (later found). The coat check lady (think a non-amusing Mrs Doubtfire) looked at me as if it was my fault. I'll never go back. Bye bye. Your time is up.
(2)Tim G.
I don't know about "true Italian" or "authentic", but this is a Detroit landmark that you should visit before it goes away like so many others (Lelli's, Larco's, Muer's). Roma still has some of the best sauce in town. The Roma salad is great. The servers are attentive, although they have a "I've been here for 50 years" attitude. You'll still see Detroit celebs (Dave Bing today) and the food is still better than most. I agree that the food is... not as homemade as you might be lead to believe, but you should go at least once.
(4)Katie B.
OMG THE LASAGNA, OMG. I dreamed about it for about a week after. I had never been to Roma cafe before we went 6 months ago, it's about an hour away but worth the drive.my family raved about the soup and salad for starters, I didn't care for either, which was fine bc the entrees were amazing. To be honest with you, it's the sauce. Their meat sauce is out of this world. I had chicken al a tosca? Or something? A bit rich, I'd probably just go with the chicken parm next time. For about an extra $5 or so you can get cheese all over your food (baked al a Roma) and a side of lasagna instead of the pasta side. DO IT. Pure heaven. Didn't get to try dessert bc we had birthday cake, hopefully when we return for our anniversary next week
(5)Karleigh W.
My boyfriend and I go here for dinner every chance we get, but usually before a Red Wings game. The service is always super friendly. Reservations are a must! The food never disappoints. Best minestrone soup and caesar salad! Take time to look at the old pictures on the wall, since Roma is Detroit's longest open Italian restaurant. Can't wait to go back soon!
(5)Neil Y.
Why is it that only Brian S. and I see this place for what it really is--A TOTAL DUMP! Old Detroit my right eye! Old School Italian?---BULLSH*T! This place needs a match and an insurance policy. Food quality is nowhere near homemade. The owners clearly are lying to us as there was nothing scratch made about this meal. $15.50 for spaghetti and meatballs and it comes with two pinball size meatballs. The meat sauce was downright atrocious and the pasta was from a box. No kids menu or kids pricing so my kids split a $16.00 order of frozen tortellini. Two glasses of house red wine was $16.00 for some swill that came from a box/bladder. Wife's filet dish came cooked part rare/part medium/ and part well done but mostly disgusting. Service is lousy, bathrooms are phone booths and the place is falling apart. You would better served eating the pasta at a Big Boy. Best part of the experience: Really polite Hispanic gentleman at the valet. Favorite part of the experience: (It was a tie.) Waiter starts taking or order and as my wife is in mid sentence he bolts and comes back 5 minutes later. Waiter began to plate the table and instead of walking around the table he reaches over and DROPS the plate in front of my daughter after knocking the bread into my lap. Don't be swayed by the gift certificate from restaurant.com or the Entertainment coupon. As my esteemed colleague Brian S. noted, go to Giovanni's, Vince's or Roman Village. All present better prices and considerably better food. I am in agreement, this is possibly Detroit's worst overall restaurant and the owner should be ashamed of themselves for the experience they provide.
(1)Melissa C.
I've been going to Roma for a long time and figured it was time I wrote a review of my absolute favorite restaurant of all time. I just moved back to the homeland after living in downtown Chicago for the past 5 years and despite having some of the best restaurants in the country at my disposal, I still couldn't help but CRAVE Roma's amazing meat sauce. It got to the point where I would order quarts of the sauce "to-go" whenever I was back in Detroit for holidays and freeze it to take back to Chicago with me so I could have a taste of home while I was away (It never got easier to explain to TSA agents why I have 2 qts of frozen pasta sauce in my carry on). NOW (and I don't mean this in a bad way), when you go to Roma, you're NOT going to get some modern, trendy, chic dining experience with snazzy plating and ingredients listed on their menu that you've never heard of. It's old school Italian - what you see is what you get. For starters: the bread is waiting for you on your table when you sit down and it's amazing. I don't know if they make it in house or get it from a bakery in the area, but it's been exactly the same for as long as I can remember. The Roma Salad is simple, fresh, and crisp - even in the dead of winter it somehow tastes like the vegetables were picked that morning. It definitely helps that it's tossed by your waiter right in front of you. Despite how simple the salad appears to be, I've tried to duplicate it several times and I never come close to the way they make it in the restaurant! The minestrone is always good too - it's got a little spice to it and great flavor with tons of chunks of vegetables and some noodles. Roma's signature dishes are out of this world - basically anything that comes with their meat sauce on it, veal parmesan, sausage and peppers, paglia & fieno, among others. I've seen reviews that are critical of their sauce -- it's true it is different and you'll never find anything like it anywhere else -- but believe me, you will be thinking about it weeks later. I used to always get the gnocchi with meat sauce as my main dish, which I absolutely love. This past Friday night I was feeling particularly adventurous so I ordered the petit filet, but Sam, my favorite waiter, suggested that the normal size filet was better. Sam has never steered me wrong before, so I trusted him...and I am so glad I did. The filet came out covered in a sauce that looked suspect at first, but I took one bite and I was BLOWN AWAY. The filet was so tender and juicy with a nice crust around it and perfectly cooked to medium as I requested. The sauce turned out to be some sort of mushroom and butter sauce that was so, SO good - I couldn't help but try to soak up the sauce with each bite I took. BONUS - I was able to sub a side of gnocchi with meat sauce for the spaghetti that usually comes with entrees so I got the best of both worlds. I usually can't even finish a small filet at most places but I was not about to let a morsel of that amazing filet go to waste. I'm drooling thinking about it. My husband got the veal parmesan, a staple, and he said it was amazing (as usual). We also got a bottle of wine and the prices were very reasonable. I have to assume that any negative reviews for this place have got to be because people didn't order the right things - I know this to be true from bringing friends for their first visits to Roma Cafe. Here's an unsolicited tip for any restaurant you are unfamiliar with and/or trying for the first time: Ask the waiter what they're known for or what their specialty dishes are - 9 times out of 10 you will have a better experience ordering the specialties of the house rather than the dish you picked out when you looked at their menu online or something. Negative comments about the decor or location seem ignorant to me - Roma Cafe is the oldest restaurant in Detroit...that history and old world vibe are part of what makes it special. Now go give Roma Cafe a try and tell Sam I say Hi while you're there! :)
(5)John B.
Just Ok. I've had better. The lasagna was a little bland for all the hype I heard about this place. There is an old world charm and character about the place but the neighborhood that surrounds is a little scary so valet is essentially a must. My wife had the ravioli and she was very satisfied. Unsure if it's a try again as maybe I simply didn't order the best thing on the menu.
(2)Mike M.
My family and I visited Roma for a birthday dinner. We called the night before to make reservations and had no problem. We were immediately seated upon arriving it the restaurant. I ordered the veal parmigiana and minestrone soup. My wife ordered a filet with sautéed mushrooms. The kids ordered pasta. First of, the bread they give is amazing. We devoured 2 loaves before the dinner came. The soup is awesome, especially with a little do the provided cheese. The veal was the best I have ever had. The meat sauce is very good and I would highly recommend this. My wife loved her filet. Kids loved their pasta. We were given a free tiramisu to celebrate the birthday and it was great too. In my opinion, Roma Cafe is one of the best restaurants in Detroit
(5)Sara T.
First visit. This place is sad and disappointing. Very run down building overall, cold air blasting from the heat vents, waiter forgot to place parts of our order, his phone rang multiple times while he was taking our order and he stopped to answer it, he put his hand on my back twice in an inappropriate manner, and he was walking around eating a dessert in the dining room. Food was not the worst but it just wasn't very good, and it is overpriced for the quality. The place has been around for so long and I bet it was wonderful at one time, but now it's just another old, sad Detroit relic.
(1)Elizabeth H.
I wish the place lived up to all of the positive reviews because what I experienced was, uh, not so much. and location plays no role in how good food or service is. i was there this weekend for my aunt's birthday. my cousin picked the place as she goes here for business lunches, why, i do not know, but...ok. anywho, i appreciate the complimentary valet service and the valet was pleasant and friendly. while i like the old, authentic overall look, it's very outdated upon entry. but i was more perplexed that while it appears you are entering a fine dining establishment, (maybe) looking where you walk is most important. the carpet is stained with food. not high traffic wear and tear but food. no one swept, and it looks like it hasn't been cleaned since it was installed. i was very cautious. very. there were about 20 of us overall and we were seated in the back banquet room. i was afraid my chair was going to split in half it was so rickety and weak. i switched to 2 other chairs and they were just the same. ok, that's fine, whatever. there were big bread platters already on the table with sesame bread sticks and butter and cheese. i was looking for the olive oil and garlic. never got any and after a request, they don't serve it. ok. menu's come out. what. the. heck. the cover looks nice but once you open it up, the glue that keeps the paper menus together is no longer sticky. also, why would you continue to serve menus that have food/water stains, torn sheets, and stickiness? i don't understand it. ok. lots of orders were taken from baked lasagna, eggplant parmigiana, green beans, asparagus, steak...all around a huge order. again, we were a huge party. started off with 20 and at the end ended up with 25 ordering. based on what we ordered, the food came out WAY too quickly for it to be fresh, homemade, authentic food. the baked lasagna looked amazing. i ordered the eggplant parmigiana that came with minestrone soup. the soup was good, no seasoing, had to add salt/pepper. my mom had salad with fish and green beans. the fish looked nicely cooked, the green beans were flabby and oversteamed. the salad was seasoned well with pepper and olive oil. very good and probably the only freshly made to order dish (other than probably the steaks. going by what i observed and those i spoke to who were sitting around me) the asparagus was so overcooked that they were gray green and also flabby. no bite to it at all. the spinach. absolutely out of the can spinach that have been sitting in the pot too long and overcooked. the eggplant had soo much cheese and tomato sauce. I'm a huge cheese fan so that was good. the tomato sauce, not so much. i believe they were canned. the overall impression from those i spoke to was that none of the dishes were freshly made. i have yet to experience a restaurant where the pasta is made in house, along with the sauces. everything was just overly done. and i found that everything had NO SEASONING. why is it that ethnic restaurants have no seasoning? i mean really? i had to put salt and pepper on my eggplant, soup, and side spaghetti?! it was just tomatoes in their own juices. ugh. i can't deal. the only saving grace and bump to the 2nd star was the service. our server was so cool and friendly. people wanted substitutions or extras, he was like, 'yes, no problem. i can do that. no worries'. he was very friendly and outgoing and helpful. no problems at all. i mean, for how big our party was, he was on it with drinks. had an issue that they didn't clear the table before they brought out the cake...but whatever. another server sang to my aunt. it was great. service was definitely better here than what i expected. I've never heard of this place or knew it was here until this weekend. based on the website, which is high quality, i thought the actual experience was a let down. the family time was worth the time spent at roma's and i, nor some others, would ever voice our disappointment in front of my aunt. there is no way i would come back for the food. and that's too bad. that website was false advertisement.
(2)Barbara P.
End of an era Roma Cafe is the oldest restaurant in Detroit. Opening in 1890 this once proud restaurant has withstood much in our history but is now on its final decline. The food used to be top notch; now it is mediocre. It used to be a special treat; now it is punishment. We went there for a special occasion; our children were visiting from out-of-town. The restaurant was not busy on a Friday evening and the atmosphere was seedy at best. The service was excellent and the fish entrees were good (especially my pickerel.) The steaks and the veal were just fair. The soups and the vegetable medley were canned and the vegetables were totally unappetizing. The bread (usually delicious) and the bread sticks were stale. The pasta was mushy and disgusting. The meal was expensive. We were very saddened by the decline of one of our favorite restaurants. This restaurant was long a favorite of locals and travelers alike. Not anymore. Don't waste your time here; you can get a better meal at Denny's. We will not be back.
(1)Michael B.
A real gem. One of my favorites in Detroit. The servers are top notch, best in the city. The soup and house salad provide an amazing start. The best dinners in my opinion are pasta arrabiata or the cheese ravioli. Sometimes simple is the best.
(5)Michael S.
Went for lunch. You pretty much have to valet your car as there is not much street parking. I had the cannelloni: it was good, but nothing special although I must admit that was my first time having cannelloni so I do not have anything to compare it to! Everyone else at my table said their dishes were ok, but again, nothing special. I would have given 4 stars maybe if it were cheaper, but at the current prices (pasta dishes around $16) I do not think I will be returning.
(3)Likesto D.
I have been coming here a few times a year for the past five years. It has been an inconsistent experience. Recently, I have been having a craving for Italian food so I came here 3x in one week. I really wanted to support this long time Detroit establishment. My first two visits were ok...I was happy they didn't forget the sauce for my calamari like before. However my third visit will truly be my last. I called in an order of the half and half. Half Linguine clam and half fettuccine with shrimp. The lady on the phone sounded annoyed I had ordered it and told me it would cost more than the $15 for half and half. I said ok...I didn't mind paying extra. She then came back and said it would be $16 so I said that's fine. When I came to pick up the food she was rude to me and made me feel like I was trying to rip them off or something. Normally my food comes with soup and a good portion of bread. This time, no soup, and like the butt 3 slices of bread....really? Now what made me upset was that i have only ordered this one time before. I came a year ago and couldn't decide between the two so the host was like do the half and half! It's not on their menu.....it's like some secret thing u can order. So I was like ok great idea! He charged me $15 and gave me soup and I was happy. This time when I ordered it I was made to feel like some cheap person trying to rip them off........I felt so bad I didn't eat all of my food. Threw half away cuz it just didn't feel right. So sorry Roma cafe, I will no longer be coming here anymore. I will drive the extra few minutes to go somewhere else.
(2)Christian H.
I love Veal Parm, and they have the best one in Metro Detroit.
(4)Tara A.
Severely over rated. Locals know the name/place and because of that I think people exaggerate the true quality. Everything from the marinara to the bread to the veal is less than mediocre. Don't waste your time with the legendary folklore tales of gnocchi and pasta - it's a total loss.
(1)Sarah M.
Starting out with the valet: the valet person was polite, didn't mess with my car settings, and knew how to drive a stick. Win! Walked in to the place and there were only about 7 other tables, so I can assume our amazing service was partly because there weren't a ton of other patrons. Food prices were a little steep, but for what myself and guest ordered they give you enough as far as portion sizes are concerned. My chicken dish was delicious, and my guest thought her veal parm with eggplant was very good as well. We had attentive service, the wine was the correct temperature, and we didn't mind the outdated decor. We especially enjoyed looking at the old pictures in the lobby of what the Eastern Market used to look like in early 1900's. We didn't visit the bathroom so I can't speak on that. Overall, out waiter was attentive, didn't mess anything up, was polite, fast and kept us on time and on track for our evening's plans. Would recommend to take a romantic date!
(5)Shannon B.
Both our steak and chicken came out raw. When you're paying $30 and $19 respectively, that's unacceptable. I'd like to not die of ecoli, Monsieur. The alcohol and bread was delicious though!
(2)Thomas B.
Rude wait staff!
(1)Debbie Z.
Outta this world fresh mozzarella and tomato appetizer - quite yummy. Went here to celebrate one of my friend's birthday and had quite a nice lunch! Ordered the appetizer and my and girl friend ordered lasagna and split. OMG - to split it was humongous. The wonderful waiter split the one dish into two and both of us could not finish our lasagna. Since it was her birthday I let her take all the leftovers! This was a day that the big snow was to arrive around 5ish, so we wanted to get out of there in enough time to get home safely. We both took the afternoon off! The ambiance is a little dated, but that's part of it. It sort of reminds you of the gangster days! The waiter was Italian as well as a lot of the patrons! I am sure that Hoffa has been there - talking about gangsta!!! Anyway, they have valet parking and when we left the valet pulled up with my car - it's like how did he know we were on our way out???? I definitely will be back to Roma Cafe, when I don't know. It's a little pricey but quite cozy! Great place to go to in the "D"!
(4)Mark M.
Great old style Italian. Loved the Roma salad, pasta and meatballs and it is one of the few places that have sweetbreads. Janet the owner stopped by several times to see how our meal was ...will be back.
(5)Laurie S.
Horrible, horrible service all the way around! It was our first time there and we were barely greeted by the hostess. When it was time for us to be seated, I was standing near the dining room away from the rest of my party. The hostess comes to me and says to me very rudely, "Get your party and I'll seat you". I thought I must have misheard her, considering it's her job to get the party. So I said "Excuse me". She said again, "Get your party and I'll seat you". She was rude and clearly was not interested in doing her job. The waiter was terrible! Forgot our salads. When he brought the entree's we asked him and he went back to the kitchen to get the salads. Then tried to take our entree's away while we ate our salad...??! He then forgot again to bring out the sides of pasta with the entree's. When he came back he only brought 2 of the 3. It was ridiculous. Based on this type of service we will never visit Roma Cafe again. With Mario's and a lot of other great authentic Italian Restaurants in Metro Detroit there's no need to bother with this place.
(1)Joe T.
Have been a regular customer for 40 yrs nothing like it lots of history good old fashion waitstaff some of them have 40 yrs of being part of a great establishment Lots of stories from the old days one of Frank Sinatra's regular spots when he was in town the Roma salad can't be matched their meat sauce is the best in the land and the veal picante which has a slight kick to it but is fantastic with a side of pasta with the meat sauce great northern Italian food to share with friends over a bottle of wine
(5)Chelsea M.
Went here last night for a family dinner, my dad spoke highly of Roma Cafe, although he hadn't been there in twenty years. The decor hasn't changed since then. Although the place is outdated, I wasn't too bothered by it, but the pictures on the wall weren't hung straight and I thought that was a little funny. Our server was very attentive and funny, providing great service from start to finish. The bus boy was also great and filled up my water glass frequently. The minestrone served before the meal was good, not great. I had gnocchi and enjoyed it although it was nothing special. My mom had the lemon chicken and said it was sub par. The chicken looked raw and rubbery, definitely not worth the price. It was an alright dining experience, nothing to rave about and not a place I would recommend for great Italian food, however, I've had worse.
(3)Andrew B.
This is the second time we have been for dinner. It is very old world style and the waiters attitudes reflect that, in a good way I think. I like the brashness to a point. Ran out of our selection of wine and the waited 'upgraded' to another choice at same price. Food is good and the portions are generous enough to share or take home for another meal. Having a rest.com certificate helps defray the cost. Only complaint are the very, very uncomfortable chairs.
(4)Joseph M.
Don't bother with this place if you are looking for good Italian food in Detroit. I was excited to try a new Italian place and I was quite disappointed with my dinner. The minestrone soup was decent but the baked spaghetti was pretty awful. The pasta was cooked perfect but the sauce and the cheese were just thrown on top of the pasta and broiled. There was a pool of water under the pasta and I couldn't get the sauce which was hardened and stuck to the cheese to mix with the pasta. I can't believe I had to pay $15.50 for this below average bowl of pasta. The restaurant is in an old building and it really could have used better lighting to hide the awful walls and moldy sealing panels.
(1)Valerie R.
We spent the night in the ER diagnosed with food poisoning from Roma Cafe. BEWARE. Stay away from the chicken-it is not fresh. It is also an extremely dirty and outdated establishment. I can only imagine what the kitchen looks like.
(1)Fabjola K.
The food was good and the service good. One person didn't like their veal Marsala. My filet mignon was really good.
(4)Michael P.
Legendary Detroit restaurant. Located in a historic house near Eastern Market. Home-style and Al a carte meals. True Italian cooking. Michelle and owner Janet are absolutely great people and show fantastic hospitality to their guests. Most of the staff has been here for decades. Highly recommend the calamari!
(5)Henry S.
Old country charm with consistent food and service. This is a Detroit landmark establishment that has not lost it's charm. Facility is close to eastern market and handy from the Wayne State U. My favorite is the lake perch, stopped this week for lunch and was very pleased with portions, temperature and preparation. The soup and salad are also recommended and select the spaghetti side dish as the sauce is unique. Attention to detail in service is appreciated.
(4)Denice B.
We visited recently because of a wake. Never been there before. The place is rather dated and dingy, but my brother swore by the place. The shrimp appetizer was good! Nice flavor. I had the salad which I could have, should have had as the main course. I ordered eggplant Parmesan. It was just ok. I only ate a few bites. My hubby ordered the ravioli. One bite and he said it tasted funny like oysters. He could not eat it. He tried our daughter's spaghetti, and said it was awful. He ate the Minestrone soup and liked it very much. He filled up on bread. The service is VERY attentive, and the server tried to help find him something else to eat. I would never go back. This place needs Kitchen Nightmare's intervention.
(2)J M.
Their best days are behind them. We were there Saturday for lunch. Ravioli was not homemade- not even close. Shrimp was ok but sauce tasted like a frozen dinner- waiter was nice enough but frazzled -and so old- felt like he ought to be in a condo in FL
(1)Tracy B.
Should have turned around when we walked in and the place smelled like a urinal. But we had been dropped off so we went in and ordered. Stale breadsticks, lukewarm "minestrone," calamari made from something that had obviously never been in the ocean, sticky pasta, etc. The wine was fine. Skipped dessert.
(1)Matt K.
Roma Café gives you the feeling that you've just found an insider joint, that in and of itself is a nice reward. It has great Italian cuisine, and especially during lunch hour when you want a real big hearty meal. Overall though, the food is just great it's not anything to brag home about or make a special trip but rather a delicious stop for Detroit locals.
(3)Tom C.
While I'm not a regular, I have dined here for nearly 50 years. Good news first.... great service; well made drinks; excellent waiter; great bread; super salads; unique minestrone; and the entrees we had last night were outstanding (veal and beef medallion dishes). The bad news is that the place does not look or feel clean. You can see years of dust in the air duct vents. The paint and wallpaper looks as old as the restaurant. It makes you wonder what the kitchen is like. This place needs to take a lesson from great old places like Antoine's in New Orleans. Keep the place immaculately clean and keep the old style, but paint and repaper in the old style once in awhile to keep the place both in character and clean. Times have been tough in Detroit, but there's no excuse for dirt. This gem needs polishing, not modernizing.
(4)Daniel C.
I really enjoyed my experience at Roma Cafe. I visited the restaurant on a week night and was pleasantly surprised to see they had both a valet and secure parking. The restaurant wasn't busy but there were a decent amount of diners. My first impression of the interior was positive. Granted the building is old and the interior was dated, it gives this place lots of character. I was promptly seated and served right away. I ordered a glass of white wine, the minestrone soup and linguini with white clam sauce. I have found it difficult to find a restaurant in Michigan that serves linguini with white clam sauce, let alone one that makes it spot on. Anyone who's Italian grandmother used to make this for them will appreciate how authentic the Roma Cafe offering is. I absolutely loved it. All in all, I enjoyed the atmosphere, the service & the food, all at a reasonable price. For all those who never had linguini with white clam sauce do yourself a favor and stop in here. You won't regret it!
(4)Marc F.
Very old-fashioned Italian restaurant. Everything was just like you remember it from years ago. The service was great, the food was great, and unlike some current trendy Italian places, the prices were reasonable. Definitely worth another visit!
(5)Lynn H.
We've visited twice since my previous review, and in both instances our food has been excellent and our service competent. This is the real deal: An old-school Italian restaurant with traditional (American-style) Italian cuisine served by be-Tuxed Italian waiters in a 70's-style Mafiosi setting.
(4)Michelle H.
Best gnocchi I've ever had. The place could use a bit of a sprucing up, but the food is divine.
(4)G Y.
I don't like rating a restaurant so low, but I was NOT impressed by much here. My Husband and I visited for restaurant week, so I'm hoping the lack luster meal was a result of that. But for spending $60 on one meal it was sooo not worth it. The atmosphere and decor of this place was so out dated, you could smell the carpet though parking is available in a structure right next door! I ordered the sausage and my husband ordered the Calamari appetizer. Mine was too blend of a sausage and the sauce was too lend and bluh... his could have been crispier. The meat was super dry and quite overcooked. Being the carb lover that I am, I thought the bread that was brought out was very delish - it was my favorite part of the meal. Finally came (what I thought should have been) the good stuff. I ordered the grilled chicken with lemon and wine sauce which accompanied with a plate f pasta with tomato sauce on it. Unfortunately the chicken looked like crap, if I wasn't afraid to ruin my husband's appetite I would have said it looks like someone has thrown up all over the chicken! and the pasta was floating in tomato sauce... the dishing was so ugly. My husband ordered the Fish winch wasn't seasoned that much at all and was just breaded. And the desert was the only good part we ordered Canolli and ice cream which were both very delicious! that might be the only reason for me to go back.. we pretty much dished the food and took it home and it went all in the trash.. for two adjunct this was a waste of $60 and false advertisement... So sad I wasted y money on such a crap
(1)Adriano M.
Cafe Roma is alright.....I know other post were not the fond of Roma, but remember the location where this place is, it's a miracle anyone would even go here. You cannot compare Roma to a Nice Italian restaurant in the suburbs, Roma is a old restaurant that's still puts out a decent meal. I personally would not go here for dinner just because of location and I would prefer better quality food but for a nice lunch with friends.... It's prefect!! Besides keep giving downtown restaurants a bad rap and there won't be any left for you to review, this is Detroit. For the food... Great bread, the perch dinner was tasty and the calamari appetizer was great...service was good however believe me there are no Italians working in this place....maybe that's the problem.
(3)Emily C.
I had not been to Roma Cafe in years but it was always a place my family went to when I was growing up on special occasions. I remember it being one of the best Italian restaurants. Well.....not anymore. The place was packed with people, the tables were so close together I kept getting a waiter's butt in my face every time he served the table next to us. They must have had some A/C issues because the place was so stuffy. I had no idea it was such a big post Tiger's game stop, because I can't imagine eating an expensive Italian meal after a game. Apparently a lot of people do, because the place was full of loud, obnoxious, drunks. There were two couples at the table next to us and the men were so drunk they were swearing, arguing with their wives/girlfriends and one guy actually fell out of his chair. Of course this is not the restaurant's fault, but I couldn't believe they were still serving them! Even though this was a "date night" we didn't talk much the entire time because I was tired of yelling across the table, it was so loud in there. So the atmosphere sucked, but I thought maybe the food might make up for it. I ordered the seafood pasta at $25 and was told they were out of scallops. I didn't see anything else on the menu I really wanted since most of the pasta dishes had meat, cheese or cream sauce so I went ahead and ordered it anyway. It was very bland, the clams were weird, the shrimp was crunchy, and most disappointing at all, nothing was homemade or fresh. I could tell the little bits of carrots and green beans were right out of a frozen bag. I could have made this dish myself and I'm not a good cook. I don't know where they get off charging $25 for this dish. I didn't even miss the scallops because I'm assuming they would have been crunchy as well. My boyfriend had veal and said it was just okay. On the plus side, our service was great and the food came out fast so we could eat and get the hell out of there. I can't believe without my Living Social deal this would have been an $80 meal, 2 entrees, 2 glasses of wine and a dessert. What a rip off!! I live right down the street from an Andiamo which is in the same price range and 10 times better. Actually I think I could get better Italian food at the Olive Garden or maybe even Pizza Hut Tuscani pasta. Anything would be better. I am so mad we went here. Not worth it!!!
(1)Pete D.
Love this place just not the food. My first visit was over 20 years ago on a first date with lovely young lady and it was great. That was then not now. I went to Roma before a game but sadly not the same great food, but I still have great hopes for this Michigan original. Go see for your self
(3)William C.
I had the house salad and meat ravioli, the salad could have been good except that it was drowning in dressing. The ravioli was served slightly warm almost cold and was not cooked completely. The meat sauce was bland and tasteless. The waiter did not return to ask about the food, or ask if my drink needed a refill, The busboy came and cleared the table that was that, I would suggest that if you want italian food that you plan to go elsewhere
(1)Kathy K.
By far, this restaurant has it all! From the moment you walk in the door, until Kasim is your waiter. He is so very kind and knowledgable about the food. Thank you for making our dinner amazing. Kathy K
(5)Karen C.
The food was just ok. The staff was friendly. It's a family owned restaurant and the oldest restaurant in Detroit. That night, the ceiling was dripping water because of the rain. They waiters started poking at it and the whole tile crumbled down. It was disgusting but didn't ruin my appetite. I ordered the veal which was just alright. The spaghetti that came with it wasn't that special either. My brother ordered the chicken marsala. The sauce was runny but tasted ok. My bf ordered half pesto, half marinara pasta. The pesto was not good and the marinara was just ok. It was nice that the waiter accommodated for him being a vegetarian. All in all, the food was just ok. Nothing to brag about. Over priced for what they gave you.
(2)Laurel M.
I was really disappointed by Roma Cafe last weekend (Sat night). I called over a week ahead to make a 5:30pm reservation, which they wrote down as 5pm. When we showed up at 5:30pm, my husband was told our reservation was made for 5pm and since we didn't show up they would "try" to get us a table. There was absolutely no acknowledgement that they perhaps had made a mistake, and ultimately they ended up "punishing us" with over an hour wait which made us miss the first part of the Tigers game. They gave us no updates on how long it would be, and the only reason I didn't have our 4 person party walk out is because I figured the wait anywhere else would be just as bad so we better suck it up. Needless to say, I will not be going back unless they can confirm reservations online in the future. The food wasn't great enough to make up for their extreme lack of good customer service.
(1)damian a.
I really wanted to like this place. Allegedly the oldest italian restaurant in detroit, I've heard a lot about it and was excited to be trying it. We went before the opera last week, and the valet and shuttle service from the restaurant to the opera house is very handy. That's about the extent of the good though. The atmosphere (old italian restaurant feel) and music were really nice, and i was hopeful, but the food ranged from bleh to mediocre, with a couple good things. The cannolis and the minestrone soup were good. Sausage and peppers were ok, but i've had much better (especially at Lino's). The gnocchi was not good, and the eggplant parmiggiano was pretty much just caked cheese and sauce. It didn't taste that great either. It was just adequate. The worst part was the service. It wasn't "bad" or even unfriendly. It was just rushed. Every time the waiter talked to us he sound like he was impatient and wanted us out. My father in law paused for about 10 seconds to decide between two things and i thought the waiter was going to have a stroke. We may or may not be back, but I don't know. It might be worth trying on a slower day to see if anything changes.
(2)T W.
Best part of the meal was the calamari & spumoni ice cream. Very disappointed with the baked polenta in meat sauce & the lasagna. Far too much cheese and the meat sauce was too salty. Was out of balance and did not taste like authentic Italian with crisp, clean flavors. Our neighboring table ordered the shrimp and scallop saute, which smelled good, but she rejected it and asked to order something else from the menu. Staff was very nice and welcoming but it won't be enough to bring us back to eat here. It was just ok, probably won't come here again.
(2)Kristine P.
I was excited to try Roma Cafe as I have heard that it is "the" Italian restaurant that transcends all others in the metro area. We didn't have a reservation, so we waited for about 30 minutes for a table. When we got seated, we were put into a very crowded dining room. The tables were so close together it was hard to get to our seats without being crowded. The waiter we had was not very attentive and was pretty aloof. We definitely didn't feel rushed, we felt ignored. My date and I weren't formally dressed, but we were not casually dressed either. The veal dish I got was dry and the sauce was nothing to write home about. I really did like the salad though. Now, I went there a second time and had a slightly different experience. I went with somebody who is a regular and knows a lot of the staff. We were seated in a much nicer room, and our waiter was much more attentive. I had the chicken parmesan, which was surprisingly very tasty, but I'm just not a fan of their pasta sauce. Just not as much flavor as I'm used to. I don't know if I would go back -- the food is just a bit over priced for what you get. It definitely feels dated, but steeped in tradition. If this is what you enjoy, then go to Roma for sure.
(2)Libby T.
The Roma's of my youth was such a classic spot. Went back a few months ago and the food was terrible and the atmosphere totally depressing. Definitely passing next time.
(2)Aaron A.
I come in annually for the NAIAS and like to find new places to eat. As an out of towner, I actively search local postings about what/where is the best place to eat. I'd heard good things about Roma. The people that told me good things about this place were telling the truth. The food is top tier, the wait staff is knowledgeable and friendly, and the atmosphere is quite perfect. The restaurant was BUSY. With a buffet option, and with good food, obviously word has gone out. It was shoulder to shoulder walking to and from, and the people all are after the same thing. Again, as an out of towner, I can't say much about the location - quite a "shady" area of town... I'm spoiled and sheltered though, so maybe it was just me. If you're in town, go. Call and get a reservation if you don't want to wait too long.
(4)Paul S.
My favorite Italian place in Detroit. The restaurant is tucked away in a pretty obscure corner of Eastern Market, but I think it's definitely worth a visit. Between the dim and intimate atmosphere and the great dishes, I'm a fan of this place. I like the heavier more traditional Italian dishes (lasagna, cannelloni, etc.), but their veal, steak, and fish dishes are also really good. The prices are a little high, but it's a cool spot for a date or family dinner. Not necessarily an everyday restaurant, but worth checking out.
(4)Lesley K.
Wonderful old-school red sauce place. The Monday night buffet can't be beat. The salad, bread and spaghetti with meat sauce is comfort food at its best. The waiters are sweethearts. It's a great place for a family dinner celebration.
(4)Lindsey G.
My great aunt & uncle who have lived in Detroit their whole life said that this was the one place they had to take me to when my mom and I visited. This place is amazing. Old school Italian through and through. The waiters are in tuxes for gosh sakes! Great little rooms, wonderful bar, it looks like they also had a venue for hosting larger events but I couldn't see it from our seats. The food was also amazing. Pesto pasta, chicken parmesan, even the bread was fantastic. We had a reservation for lunch and the restaurant was packed. Their claim to fame is that they are Detroit's Oldest Italian Restaurant and it doesn't seem like much has changed since they opened - and that's a good thing. If you're in Detroit - go!
(5)Barry S.
Shithole. that is that the place is. Sauce here = ketchup and ground beef.. The tortilini was inedible. So overcooked that it was unbelievable. The lasagna was nothing but one pasta layer and a bunch of microwaved cheese. Do you self a favor and go to La dolce Vita. This place is terrible. I'm not sure how anyone who knows what italian food is can enjoy this place, certainly no italians can like this place. Not to mention it was so damn cold in there the waiter didn't put ice cubes in my water. (he really did but go with my exaggeration). "o hi barry what did you get for lunch yesterday?" "O i got a lump of cheese with ketchup. for 18$." "o i wouldn't go back there again." "i'm not." ^ that is the conversation i would have if someone asked me what i had for lunch the day after i went to this place.
(1)Amy H.
We decided to go to Roma for New Years Eve since we had a Restaurant.com certificate. We were so excited to finally try this historical Detroit restaurant! Our mouths were watering with the thought of Italian food recipes that have been around for over a hundred years! We had made a reservation and were impressed we got seated so promptly. A huge pet peeve of ours is when you make a reservation and have to wait and wait for a table. We were seated at a table for two in the packed dining room and I took in the decor. It is a bit dated, but I could care less about that if the food is up to par. We started feasting on the bread basket, which was delicious, and ordered calamari as an appetizer. The calamari came out so quick and it was good, but not anything unique. I ordered veal parmasean and my husband ordered a pasta with proschuitto and peas with a light cream sauce. Both dishes were good, but not blowing us out of the water. We were wrapping up our dinner and looked at our watches and I was shocked. We got seated, served (with an appetizer) within 45 minutes. Now, I like prompt service, but I felt a bit rushed. I usually have 2 glasses of wine when I get Italian food and I had finished about 3/4 of my glass. We got our bill, paid and were back to our car a hour from when we parked it. Prompt and great service, absolutely, but I felt like they were just trying to clear our table. We will probably go back at some point, but we will stick with our favorite east side Italian place, Antonio's in GPP as our go to restaurant.
(3)Janis C.
Yesterday was my first visit in twenty years. I must say that driving into this area during the day one sees what appears to be an embattled war zone. Abandoned, ravaged and crumbling buildings with multiple "tags" on them. The streets in much need of pothole repairs and debris littered. The outside of the restaurant itself is inviting and quaint looking. The valet attendant was polite and professional. The inside is a timewarp. Light fixtures from the sixties. Dark wood paneling reminiscent of the seventies. Actual cloth napkins and tablecovers. Waitstaff in black suits. Some of the diners were dressed to the nines. Giving a Sopranoish effect to the room. We started with salads. Which turned out to be one of the best salads I have ever encountered. Fresh and crisp with a flavorful light olive oil dressing. Served with a crusty, thick and tasty bread. I enjoyed my veal parmesan. The spaghetti side was just alright at best. My S.O. was happy with his choice of sirloin steak. But also thought the spaghetti side was just alright. We ended the meal with coffee and tiramisu. Both were good. I agree with other reviewers that pricing is a tad high. On the other hand the portions served are huge. I took home enough for another meal. Service is somewhat slow. So be prepared for a relaxed dining experience.
(3)Sara A.
Roma Café is Detroit's oldest Italian restaurant and probably the city's most authentic. Tucked behind Eastern Market Roma Café is the epitome of an Italian restaurant where diners can indulge in a menu loaded with options for vegetarians and carnivores alike. I find the restaurants décor a little bland, the lights dimmed low, and the black and white photos on the wooden walls a bit drab, but I doubt anyone who dines here will be disappointed or returning for the furnishings. You will indeed be lead by your taste buds back to this Detroit staple again and again and again... For vegetarians Roma offers such succulent selections like Gnocchi (potato dumplings), bountiful salads, Eggplant Parmigianino, Polenta with Tomato sauce and melted cheese, and my personal favorite Fettuccine Alfredo, swimming in buttery cream sauce. Each of these dishes is evidence that the owners and chefs of Roma know exactly what they're doing. The tomato sauce is rich, zesty and sweet all at the same time. The handmade pasta is always cooked with faultlessness and deliciousness. For the meat lover, the café offers endless options to remedy that growling stomach. The menu is jam packed with genuine Italian veal and chicken dishes. In addition, the restaurant offers more simple concoctions like Fettuccine and meat sauce, that is hearty and does justice to the genuine Italian cooking the café prides itself on. The service is impeccable and may be due to the fact that the majority of the waiters, decked in suits and ties, have been employed at the café for decades. The restaurant also offers a shuttle to the local theaters and sports venues which is helpful, especially if you've dived head first into the expansive wine list. romacafe.com
(4)Patrick T.
Location/Parking: Right near Eastern Market not far from I-75. The area is a bit industrial and gritty and parking is on the streets. They do have valet parking so you shouldn't have to worry about your car. Just don't park too far away if you decide to park on your own. Pricing: A little bit pricier than let's say a chain such as Olive Garden. Ravioli was roughly $14.00 and the Veal Parmigiana $22 or so. Cleanliness: It is really clean and has that Italian "scent" of all the spices and ingredients....makes you hungry just by sniffing. Service Quality: Accurate but very rushed. They seem to want you in and out. I can understand because thee place isn't all that big and they want you in and out. It isn't fun feeling rushed while eating a well-cooked meal. Ambience/Atmosphere: Old school Italian that doesn't really exist elsewhere in Detroit. The place is very old, but with that old-world charm. Doesn't seem like the place has been updated in ages but that is what gives it the charm. Crowd: Seemed more old-school when I was there and yes, there seemed to be a good amount of older Italian guys with amazingly hot young women on their arms. **The meat ravioli was amazing and so was the veal. I can't decide between the two whenever I go back. The Roma salad was pretty tasty too...I think the waiters make them up while you wait or that is the impression that I had.
(4)Lauren W.
This is just one of those rare Detroit gems that MUST be visited! Roma's is your classic old school Italian family owned place. Love the mobster feel -- complete with dark wood paneled walls and red accents. The waiters are all over the age of 50, but serve with great pride. My fave is the salad. All the pastas are delish too, but if you're feeling a lighter meal, salad is the way to go! If you claim to love Detroit and its history, this place is a must-try.
(4)Cara S.
My 2nd favorite italian restaurant! Fish, chicken Parma and eggplant Parma are outstanding! All male waiters, over 100 years in business! Valet parking available. Reservations I highly recommend! Great wine selection! Pasta sauce taste just like my grandmas! Amazing!
(5)Cocos B.
The first time I came here I didn't like it too much...it was basic but I think maybe slacked because we got there right before closing time. Since then I have been there twice and had progressively better times... The service is excellent and this last time we had a small wait but it was no problem to sit at the bar for a while and chitchat. The bread was FANTASTIC...and I love that they give you a side of spaghetti with everything. There were 4 of us at dinner and we all felt necessary to sample one another's dishes LOL. So I tried the Minestrone, Prime cut Filet, Veal Parmsean, Calamari, and I, myself, ordered the French Fried Shrimp. Each dish was fantastic, even the calamari, which I am not too much of a fan of in other places. The ambience is great. It's an older place and very charming. Family owned so the service is very good. They know how to take care of ya! I will definitely go again when in the area and probably sample a few more dishes that I hadn't tried yet...
(4)Vicki C.
My family has been going here since way before I was born - I was even baptized on a Saturday so they could have the meal after at the Roma (they're closed on Sundays). We always went here or to Joe Muer's for birthdays and other family holidays. We still go as a family at least a few times a year. The food is the best Italian in the entire Detroit area. I realize that is a bold statement, but I'm stickin' to it. I'm part Italian, so I'm pretty finicky about Italian cuisine. There's something about the meat sauce at the Roma that just transcends all other local places - it tastes like the Bolognese in Italy. There's a touch of nutmeg (which I normally can't stand) that just rounds out the meat and tomato flavors perfectly. Everything they make it super-fresh (the Eastern Mkt. location facilitates this very well) and since they've been cooking for over 100 years, they know what they're doing! The Roma's meat entrees are great too: "How's the veal in this place?" "Best in the city!" (The Godfather). The saltimbocca is my favorite, but the marsala is delicious as well. The chicken with artichokes is very good as well. The meals are ENORMOUS - you will definitely need a doggie bag, and you'll have enough for 2 more meals. All of the entrees come with soup, and also pasta if you get a meat dish. However, I would recommend getting the soup wrapped up and just taking a couple bites of the pasta, so you can order the Roma salad to share to start the meal. Each waiter makes it himself - the basic recipe is the same but with an individual touch. The quality of the ingredients is what transforms a plain salad w/ vinaigrette into a special treat. If you have room for dessert (yeah, right), I highly recommend the cannoli (filled to order) or the spumoni ice cream from Alinosi's - both are delicious. So, if the food is so incredible, why only 4 stars? I liked the decor as a kid, because it was the scene of so many happy family memories, but as I've gotten older, the place feels as if it lacks intimacy. The bar has a good feel, but the tables are very oddly positioned in that room. Always feel like I'm eating on stage or something in the other 2 rooms, it's the weirdest feeling. The newer waiters don't seem very friendly, but the old guys who have been serving at the Roma for over 25 years (I think there's only 1 or 2 left at this point) are sweethearts. Granted, they've watched me grow up, so that may have something to do with it. Don't even try to eat here on a Saturday night without a reservation. Not gonna happen. It's worth planning ahead to take a trip back in time and dine on the best Italian food in the Detroit area - buon appetito!
(4)Pam L.
Detroit's oldest restaurant located in Eastern Market was a wonderful experience. My first time there. Hubby has not been there in 25 years. Some of the best Italian meat sauce I have ever had and I ordered the Gnocchi which was perfection. Definitely HOMEMADE! I also ordered eggplant and chicken parm and it was delightful. Huge portions. I ate for 3 meals!! Minestrone soup was some of the finest I have had. Hubby had some of the finest frog legs Roadhouse Style he has had in years. Excellent waiters in tuxedos offer fine service. No long wait for our food. You don't have to dress really fancy anymore to dine in a place like this which is nice. Lots of locals and downtowners dining there. Get there early to avoid the crowd or make a reservation. We will be back!! Nice Coupons available online. to get a discount too.
(5)Xiang C.
after having been spoiled by chicago-style and new york-style italian cuisines, i decided to find the places to go to in detroit land. my favourite italian restuarant is GIULIOS CUCINA ITALIANO in livonia michigan, however, it is local and i am curious about detroit land. several of my friends raved about ROMA cafe and i was so excited to eat there, having spent so much at bert's in eastern market and not knowing it was only a couple blocks away (walking distance!!!) from bert's marketplace. so i get there and immediately charmed with the building and outdoor decor. you go inside and realise it truly is one of the oldest restaurants in town. they have kept up that charm wonderfully. since i usually eat alone (this first time with a new acquaintance --- let's face it, blind date from a another friend) i sit at the bar. immediately i meet the REGULARS! they are all inviting and charming. there is one family which is a mother and son and friends and another table (booth) --- there are three booths in the bar area --- and the other one is occupied by the family (three generations!) the bartender was excellent. our server was a bit on the pushy and annoyed side. he was friendly - but pushy and wanting to 'hurry us along'. it was a big day downtown with the game and getting people in and out. the crowd got to be pretty thick in the bar to watch the game previews. and dining area was full! will give roma's another try. when i go into italian restuarants, i opt for the eggplant parmagiana or lasagna. my accompaniment chose a white sauce dish. the salad was good. the bread could be improved. my soup was excellent. next time, will go there alone. or with a bunch of girlfriends. cheers, xiang cclc
(4)Matt A.
Just attempted to dine there. Dangerously over crowded and filthy. After waiting 30 minutes past reserved time with no end in sight we left our groupon on the hostess stand and picked up sushi for dinner at home.
(1)Michael D.
Great staff, food authentic atmosphere is oldschool!
(5)Bryan S.
My wife and I visited Roma Cafe to celebrate our anniversary. The service was great and we thoroughly enjoyed everything from our appetizer of mozzarela on tomatoes to a nice cheesecake. The veal parmigiana and veal marsala were fantastic. There was just one problem. The veal marsala wasn't my wife's first choice, the chicken marsala which we had to send back because it was way too dry was. I'd love to recommend this place based on the veal alone, but the poor chicken kills it. Worth the price for the veal, but you're taking a chance if you order the chicken.
(3)Tracey C.
My husband and I have been dining here for the last 20 years. I must say that the last few times have been very disappointing. Ordered the cannelloni which was very dry minimal pasta sauce. Just a dry and very underwhelming pasta dish. I love the Roma salad nothing negative except for the price. Too many great restaurants in Detroit to be wasting my money here.
(3)Joan W.
We were in Eastern Market area for a photo shoot. Several of the people recommended going to Cafe Roma for lunch. The next time I see the people that referred us, I am going to ask when was the last time that they ate here. Before I share all that was not good, I do want to say the service was impeccable. However, this place is sorely in need of an update, the decor, server uniforms, and menu felt like something from the 60s. All white male servers, really in this day and age? The food was really unimpressive. I ordered their chicken with archichoke and aparagus, which came without the asparagus. My colleague ordered one of their ravoli dishes, which the pasta was over done and mushy. Both dishes and my side of spaghetti were blah; the garlic and oregano were definitely MIA! The food came out incredibily fast, seriously within 10 minutes, which after we tasted our meals led us to the conclusion we were eating food from steam tables versus fresh meals prepared to order. The Tiramisu was like eating yellow cake with a few layers of icing. The chain Italian restaurants have more flavorful foods.
(1)Paul M.
Wretched, burnt tasting sauce on mushy spaghetti served with cold, dried-out chicken. What a dump. Worst tasting Italian food I've ever been served.
(1)Keith M.
I am SOOOOO Over hearing all the great things about this place, it must be a tradition thing, because I really can't figure it out at all. Way to expensive, and if you really know Italian food...or any food...you would know that it's supposed to be hot, when it's cooked over heat. It's supposed to be hearty and full of life and zest. It's supposed to be inviting and a family type atmosphere. This place is packed, and not all that tasty, or warm, family friendly, or wallet friendly. The salad was good, the wait staff were dressed nice...just a huge let down. Sorry!
(2)Antonio R.
The food here is awesome. If you come on Monday they have an all you can eat buffet that is $17. Great food and a great price. You have to check it out.
(4)Jenny J.
Love this place. The wait staff is very attentive, the food is amazing and fresh. The meat is priced at Eastern Market prices. The waiters have always made our visit special. An experience you will not find at other chain Italian restaurants. Be sure to wear something nicer than jeans and a t-shirt. The first time we went that is exactly what we wore, but the attire of others dining says otherwise. Regardless, we were still treated like kings and queens. The valet parking is nice, but if you are cheap you can still hoof it.
(5)Jonathon C.
Great Italian dining! Supposedly the oldest restaurant in Detroit, nestled in the historic Eastern Market area. Good service and even better food. Definitely gives off the mobster vibe, especially with the secret door in one of the walls. A nice place to take a date or just have solid dinner with friends.
(4)Matt B.
In the world of Italian eateries, there are many originals, and many imitators. Roma Cafe is one of the originals, doing traditional Italian classics up in a manner that would evoke images of sitting in a small family home in Rome, or Milan, or Sicily (whatever suits your fancy), and being served a big heaping plate of food by some old Italian grandmother with the words, "Mange, mange!" My roommate, who is not a huge fan of Italian, has argued that the food here is some of the best Italian he's ever had...and I agree with him. When I was there last, I got a plate of spaghetti with meat sauce and italian sausage, and I could tell just by looking at it it was going to be good. Rich, red sauce, with tomato flavor that tasted like they'd crushed perfectly-ripe tomatoes that day (given their proximity to Eastern Market, they likely had!), savory meat mixed in and just enough oregano, onion, and garlic as to give it a slight spice, but nothing overpowering. The pasta itself was flavorful, mixing nicely with the sauce, but again, the flavors married, rather than overpowering one or the other. Then came the sausage -- and this wasn't hot Italian sausage, and it wasn't sweet, either. It had a little spice to it -- thyme, garlic, onion, and sage, but it wasn't overpowering, nor was it so muted that it was invisible behind the pasta and sauce. The best way I could describe it is intense -- you KNOW what you're eating, but again, it doesn't steal the show. So why do I give the place 3 stars if the food was so amazing? Well, the service is the main reason why. While the place hearkens back to 1920s and 1930s style dining (all the waiters are in tuxedos, and there isn't a waitress to be seen anywhere), the service is more like 2000s dive than anything else. The waiter we had seemed inattentive, uninterested, and really didn't seem to care, almost like we were occupying "his valuable time" or something. He had put on airs a bit, and it was off-putting enough that I will think twice before returning there. Best Italian in Detroit it may be, but if the service is substandard, I don't want to go there. That said, you may not have the experience I had, so if you really like tasty Italian, Roma Cafe's probably it.
(3)M D.
It baffles me that I have to write this review based on everything I've heard and read about the beloved "Roma's". I have heard it was good but....I was disappointed GREATLY. We went as part of restaurant week. I wanted to go there in order to support a place that has been part of Detroit since the late 1800's. It is so removed from high traffic areas that I admire it's sense of commitment to the city. But....that's all I can say I admire about the place. The place is tired. VERY tired. In fact, it's downright dirty. The table linens are stained (understandably after I watched a waiter take the edge of a menu to brush off food from a table that another customer had just finished a meal at and then proceed to put two fresh napkins on the used table cloth for the next people to sit down to). I'm not sure but I think that is a health violation of some sort. It's ok that he brushed everything on to the floor though, because it was unnoticeable on carpeting that is soooooo filthy that it just radiates a sense of dirt to the place. We went as part of restaurant week on a Monday. We ordered Veal Marsala. The veal was tough and combined with its dark edges, looks like it was probably left over from Saturday and tasted reheated. We took a look at their buffet beforehand though, and that was less than desirable. I've had better marsala at other places in Detroit, and even Italian buffets. Places I'd mention here but don't want to mention so as to let you know I'm serious about how offensive this place seems to be and not promoting other places. Oh, and the 50 year old 6'1; flirting waiter with the bad moustache who is offensive with the interuptions of conversation and a bit sleazy (as my date put it) adds to the whole negativity thing. (Granted we observed other waiters that seemed to be quite good, so was just luck of the draw I guess.) I'd save your money and go somewhere else until Roma's does an overhaul. It's time Roma's. Stop living off the past and renew your reputation by putting some money back in to the business. I'm not panning you, I'm just saying people should not spend that kind of money for that experience. Good canoli (which WERE good by the way) only go so far.
(2)b b.
Love it! Sometimes restaurants aren't all about the food. The food here is good, not great, but Roma has the atmosphere and the ambience. The waiters who have worked here for years, all have distinct personalities and a few can even sing some arias. Some look as if they would be right at home in a Scorsese flick. There are two eating areas and a bar. The bar dates back to the 20's or earlier while the other rooms are a combination of the worst of the 60's and 70's but somehow it works. On a busy Friday or Saturday it's like eating in a New York City neighborhood cafe. Dress code is casual, lots of old Grosse Pointers and Eastsiders frequent the place. Very busy on hockey and baseball nights. As far as the food goes---typical Italian fare: pastas, veal, chicken, seafood and steaks---strip steak Siciliano(not on the menu so just ask) is especially well done, the perch is always good and the pasta servings are generous and tasty. Try the house salad, it is made by your waiter and it is very good. Nice wine list and full bar. You never know who you will be rubbing elbows with, many sport stars, team owners and local news celebrities frequent Roma. It's worth the trip downtown and it is safe. Usua
(3)Alex I.
Jordan W has it all wrong, Roma is not even downtown, it's in Eastern Market. Anyway, Roma is only there for one reason: it's been there for a hundred years. It's not like the food is anything special. Same deal with Mario's, although it's a little bit better than Roma. It's a stinking plate of macaroni and gravy, big deal.
(2)H B.
Delicious Italian food. Sweet "old timer" waiters with their "tuxedos". Service is hurried, I'd agree. The building is ANCIENT and it feels ancient (in every sense of the word). But, the food is so tasty, I look past that.
(4)Joe T.
This is probably a pleasant survivor of an old and quaint Italian classic of a more vibrant Detroit of the past. My buddy and I popped in on NCAA Final Four Saturday for some "grappa" to drink and some calamari to share, and they were both excellent. It's just a short walk from the street vendor area of the Eastern Market. Ambiance is very warm with dim lighting and old furniture. This place is family owned really knows how to take care of their customers and the clientele is very laid-back and friendly. I would highly recommend having a family dinner or even an intimate dinner here. Though I only had the grappa and calamari - the ambiance and service was more than enough to bring me back here for a complete meal experience. I probably wouldn't expect the best and most authentic Italian food here - but with the great service and old school ambiance and fair prices - it's still a noteworthy restaurant in Detroit.
(3)Tim E.
Brings back memories of my youth, when relatives would take me there. The quality remains or has grown since that time. The sauces on the food I got were perfect, my friends pesto linguine was cooked perfectly7. I would definitely return...
(5)Bill B.
We made a reservation and were never seated. They lied to us for an hour about being seated and had an attitude about it. One of the more bizarre experiences I've had at a restaurant. Summarizing Seinfeld: anyone can take a reservation, but the key to the reservation is holding it. We won't be back.
(1)Gerrit L.
Really great, bread, soup and salad. This place is a real italian classic (old school). The waiter was kinda odd. We ordered drinks, he brought a heineken for himself and chugged it. We checked the bill and he didn't charge us for his drink. We thought it may be an entertainment charge. The lasagna had mixed reviews, veal cutlet was ok. I will be back when it gets cold. We had a discussion about the possibilities of hoffa being buried in the basement. We thought pretty good!
(4)Liz H.
With food this good and an atmosphere so old-timey and cute, I can overlook the uncomfortable 20-year-old chairs. Actually, you can avoid the chairs altogether, and sit in the quaintest, most charming part of the whole restaurant, if you go through the doorway to the left of the hostess stand. It's a tiny room that houses the bar and three booths, and it's usually where the owner/manager woman is sitting. And she is super nice, or maybe just to me and my parents since we spend so much money in there. The salad, while annoying because it doesn't come with the entrées, is the reason I love this place. I do bastardize the formula by insisting on no hard boiled eggs, but the tanginess of the Italian dressing, the perfect crispiness of the lettuce, the chick peas, the ripe tomatoes and the slight parmesan dusting make me want to order three of them -- even at something like $7 each. The pickerel is a light, flaky white fish with a perfect dusting of lightly fried batter on it. The filet mignon is so melt-in-your-mouth it's ridiculous. And the minestrone and spaghetti on the side is, well, minestrone and spaghetti on the side, which is to say it's yummy. The weird part about this place is the waiters. Even though they are all pushing 60 or 70 and wearing tuxedos as if they were in the 1940s, they take your order on little Blackberry-type deals. In fact, the things now look exactly like Blackberries, but a few years ago, they used these giant TI-82 calculator deals. Weird. The waiters also have this very brusque, nonchalant attitude about them, which might come off as rude, but is something I actually like. It's because they're not obsequious. It's not some 20-year-old asking "How is everything?" every five minutes because they don't know what else to do. No, the waiters at Roma KNOW everything is good, and if it's not, you can flag them down. They get you your food, they open the wine, they know what to do and they do it. They don't give you that fakey fake servant bit that so often comes with a fine dining experience. The slight rudeness is part of the charm. And with food that amazing, who cares? I don't need a disciple to fawn over me, I need some good food. And I need it now. To Roma!!!
(4)Edward M.
My Spouse and I went here about two years ago to celebrate Something (I'm a typical guy. I have no memory of what we were celebrating?) We were the only two customers in there after braving the weather warning and white-out conditions that almost sent us into a freeway barrier...but we made it through. They sat us in the center of an elegant small room that looked like time had forgotten it..but in a good way! The lights were dimmed after we were seated adding to the experience. The waiter fit the bill as well, handsomely dressed in a suit and very old school. Towel over the arm and everything while pouring the wine. We were a little worried about how they would react about two gay men having a romantic dinner. Especially after hearing two larger gentlemen speak in mob movie-like voices, but everything was fine and we had a blast! The food was fantastic and I look forward to returning in the future.
(5)Chuck H.
Italian food doesn't get much better than this. We held our rehearsal dinner here for lots of out of town family and everybody loved it. The staff was very accommodating and we can't wait to go back.
(5)Anon A.
I heard this place was great from many people, but I beg to differ. We went here before a Tigers game this past weekend to celebrate my fiance's birthday. The atmosphere of the restaurant was nice (except for the tight quarters), but that was the highlight of our experience. We had reservations for 5:00pm, and by 5:30, we were already done with our meal. From my observations, you appearantly had to be a "regular" to be shown any sort of respect, otherwise, the waitstaff wasn't very attentive or friendly. The dish I ordered was bland, and they green beans were tough and rubbery. I was really looking forward to having a nice time and enjoying a great Italian meal at this classic establishment, but I cannot say that was acheived. I would not recommend going here.
(1)o o.
Roma is a Detroit classic. Now granted, you will not be getting high end continental or innovative Italian dishes but you will enjoy the atmosphere and great service. The food is good and some of it is really good such as their Roma salads. Steak Siciliano is very good, the perch and pickerel are also nicely prepared. Large portions. If you go ask for Dave.
(3)Modestly I.
Four and a half, really. I love this place -- it's definitely an experience. The service is outstanding: all the waiters here have been here for decades, they aren't just working here between acting gigs or trying to get record contracts with their bands. These are professional, career waiters and they genuinely understand good customer service (most restaurants could use a lesson from the waitstaff at the Roma Cafe). I really like the food here too: I love the thick, somewhat sweet tomato sauce, the sizzling cheese on top of the eggplant parmigiana and the pasta. From what I was told, this is Detroit's oldest Italian restaurant and the decor doesn't look as though it's changed in years, but that only makes the experience richer. The prices are very reasonable, especially given the portion sizes.
(4)Brian G.
Wow - went with high expectations - all kinds of good reviews. What a disappointment. The service was very good, it has a quaint old world feel, prices are fair and the bread was good. But they fail on FOOD. One pasta was limp with insipid sauce and canned mushrooms. The meatballs were bad ... just plain bad Their vegetable was a grean bean reminiscent of my middle school - frozed crud while just blocks away from a farmer's market full of fresh vegetables. To be fair only tried pastas, maybe I hit them on a bad day. But regardless the food was just plain bad. Avoid.
(1)Sarang K.
Was the food fantastic? Yes. Was the service amazing? Yes. Is it my style of food? Hmmm... However, I guess I'm just more of an 'oriental' food type person, food with more of a 'kick'... I guess I could have asked for some hot sauce :) I also believe the food was also a little sodium heavy. Several hours later, I'm quite parched. It could just be that I haven't drank water for a bit... but I'm not convinced. But now for the real review portion, not just the conclusion. I got there just before six on Monday night for the Monday night buffet. For some reason, I had thought that they serve the food to us, rather than it being an actual buffet. But it was a regular buffet with over a dozen different dishes! Including a green salad, mayo-based salad, anchovies, prosciutto wrapped honeydew, veal parmesan, lemon chicken, spaghetti in meat sauce, penne in meat sauce, soem kind of chicken stir fry, sausage in a salty sauce, just whole sauce, green beans, and some kind of potato. Also, the higlight of the meal... Cannoli! Holy Moly! I want to upgrade to 4 stars just for the cannolis alone! Not only that but when they set up your table, they give you a whole half mound of bread that is QUITE fantastic with some breadsticks underneath (salty) and butter. Oh the butter. LOVE. The service - I've seen some people complain on yelp and other ratings websites but my experience was fantastic. Maybe it was because someone in my party had been going here for over 20 years, but I could not complain. They were very well seasoned employees and service came not necessarily with a smile, but certainly with a lot of energy, enthusiasm, and pep. Our drinks usually were refilled without ever having to lift a finger. The bathroom. Was unfortunate. Mostly clean, but someone before me had made a... well something natural... but it was unfortunate that it was not properly cleaned. Sigh! Nevertheless, this was my first shared meal with friends I met through yelp and it was a fun-filled night with talk of veal, 9 dollar cupcakes, sugar comas, paula dean, and more laughter than many people get in a week!
(3)Mac F.
There's Italian, and then there 'Eye' talian, basically, Italian-American food, and that's what this place does. There's a difference between the two, so if you're expecting authentic Italian cuisine, go elsewhere (as you should anyways), as this place does not serve what Italians eat. All in all, very, very substandard. And when you think of the prices (this place isn't cheap), you realize that this place is not only not good, it's something one feels obligated to warn their friends about. Overall, the entrees my dining companions and I ordered all suffered from the same flaws. They simply weren't executed all that well, and they didn't taste good. The wait staff was extraordinarily pushy. Take into account the rather pathetic decor, and you have on your hands an experience that truly makes you want to ask for a refund. Put simply: this place doesn't do anything well, at least not that I was able to see.
(1)Ernie M.
We've been here many times over the last 40 years, but this is my first review. To start, the service was impeccable. We were there with a group of 10 with reservations. We were immediately seated, and Dan the maitre'd had everything perfectly organized. Steve the waiter was near perfect. He kept track of 6 separate checks without error. Everything was served properly and promptly. This kind of service makes a dinner delightful. Now about the important issue---the food. With ten people we had many different menu items from filet mignon to shrimp. Every one was extremely happy with their choice----unusual with a group of 10. The minestrone soup, house salad, vegetables and pasta sides were delicious. I ordered the French fried shrimp and asked for it lightly breaded and it came out superb. My wife had the pickerel and it too was great. Eveyone who ordered a veal dish was really happy. This is exactly what you would expect from a restaurant that has been in the same location for so many years. We'll go back again--and again--and again--and again!!!
(4)Emine S.
I have to agree with the comments posted here. I visited Cafe Roma in my birthday and it was because I had received a coupon from work. I walked by the restaurant often as I left my yoga classes on Friday and the parking lot was always packed and valet constantly busy. From the outside it looks like a typical historical Detroit building. I was a bit apprehensive when walking up, but as soon as I walked in and saw the waiters in suits and felt as if I had been warpped into a speak easy. I knew I made a good choice. I was waiting for two friends of mine to arrive and decided to wait at the bar. The bartender was so friendly and knowledgable of the area, drinks, and knew how to maintain a great conversation. He wore the uniform that mirrors those of bartenders from the 20's. Hearing the history of the restaurant and how it is familynowned made me apprecaite thisblittle gem even further. My girlfriends showed up and we headed to our table. We ordered calamari and escargot, not the best, but I was so satisfied with the ambiance it didn't matter. For our main course we ordered the mostacolli with most sauce and paglia and fieno both divine. We finished with an okay cannoli and some limoncello. The server was rushing us a bit, but all and all I had a fabulous night there.
(4)Adam H.
Everything was fantastic. Staff and bar tenders always available to help out. Lasagna was delicious and the shoe string pasta with Alfredo sauce was just as good for the wife. Will go back again even without planning a day around eastern market.
(5)Marie T.
Awful, awful, awful. I had eggplant Parmesan and could not find the eggplant. A nothing tomato sauce over a lot of breading, with maybe 2 paper thin slices of eggplant, covered with uninteresting cheese. I will never eat in this stinky over-rated iconic restaurant again. Time for this place to close.
(1)Steve K.
The best red sauce joint around. Fantastic service, amazing history, great food. My favorite restaurant. The staff is amazing...when I'm there by myself, 3-4 waiters stop by and ask how my family is doing, when we arrive there late at night with our daughter in tow they automatically give us a table in the bar (the only place with booths, and they know she likes to lie down after dinner while we have a drink). Perhaps the best steaks in town, the best meat sauce on the planet. You haven't been to Detroit until you've been to Roma! If you're there on a weekend and have a member of your party celebrating a birthday, let your waiter know...I don't want to ruin the surprise, but it's defiantly worth your while;)
(5)Lori K.
This place is an experience. Old school glamour, traditional italian food, the waiters are all italian men with black and white suits on, the dining room looks and feels like it has not been revamped in many many years.. It is very loud, with many old faithfuls and bit parties..the food was good. We were out of there for $60, and were stuffed. The bread they serve on the table was very good, and there was a lot of it, a big loaf. You can't go wrong with fresh bread and butter. We had salad and soup (minestrone), along with our entrees, pesto gnocci and cheese ravioli in cheese sauce. We took more than half home, portions were huge. The food did not blow me out of the water, but I loved the vibe, very unique experience as opposed to most restaurants around downtown. We will be going back, it was fun. They make you feel like family.
(4)Rikki W.
We went here for our office holiday party. I don't see what the big to-do over this place is. After waiting 20 minutes (with a reservation) we get rushed to a tiny little table in the corner for 6 of us. I could barely fit, good thing I'm not overweight trying to squeeze between the wall and the table....I felt quite cramped even when we all physically moved the table out a bit. The tables and chairs look straight out of the 1980s. Place definitely needs a facelift. The waiters all wear old school tuxedos and are very gregarious almost to the point of being uncomfortable. Really no need to go on and on about having "lovely females" at the table..it just is weird. Once ok, that's nice..but 2 and 3 times is just making me uncomfortable. In addition, it's like the waiter didn't seem very attentive as I tried asking him a question and mid question he ran off to do something else! Anyways, the wine selection wasn't very good either. It just seemed there was a lot of hype about this place being authentic, old school Italian but not a lot to back it up. The fried calamari was bland the salad was boring and the lasagna just didn't taste all that. Acceptable but nothing special. In fact, I enjoy the lasagna I make at home way more than this. The place is super busy though so it must be doing something right. I just didn't see what that was.
(2)ILove M.
I love going to this Detroit classic. I always know when I eat at Roma. I going to get great food and top notch service. Roma Cafe has never let me down. In the 20 plus years I have been going there .
(4)Emily E.
I went to Roma recently with some friends from Europe. At first they were surprised at the location of Roma (on the outskirts of Eastern Market) but once we walked in we knew this wasn't a typical Italian chain restaurant. While I have been to Roma on special occasions and knew what to expect, my friends were pleasantly surprised. The old-world Italian restaurant feel was wonderful. We received great service from a stupendous very traditional waiter and chatted with other restaurant patrons sitting near us. The food hit the spot (huge portions) full of great flavor and lots of cheese. Everything came out quickly and we were all pleased with our meals (Roma salad, cannelloni, and lasagna). Overall, not the best Italian food I've ever had but definitely several steps above the standard fare. Worth stopping by for the ambiance. Also worth noting we went for a late lunch so crowding was not an issue at all.
(4)Ron C.
Dined here last Night , to beat the Valentine Crowd of this weekend. I also bought the Groupon a week ago $40 worth of Food or Wine for $ 20 [ Sweet Deal ] We arrived at 6:55 pm and were Promptly Seated and "PAULIE" was our magnificent Server! A + I ordered the Petite Fillet , Minestrone soup , & a side of pasta A+ My Bride ordered the Chicken Marsala , Minestrone and a side of pasta B- as the Marsala sauce was too thin & runny and lacked that bold color & taste The Sturdy Bread they Serve was also a A And Dave Rozema was seated near us and gave us a hearty hello always good to see a TIGER
(4)Therese C.
I came in to the Detroit area to visit for the holidays. A small group of us went to the Eastern Market and we decided to do dinner while we were there. After living in Texas for 7 years, I suggested Italian food because you can't get any that's good in Houston so we stopped at Roma. The food met my expectations. I ordered the calamari dinner, which came with a side of spaghetti and soup. All of it was very good. The problem came when the waiter charged me for a spaghetti dinner plus a side of calamari. Instead of paying $19.50 for the meal as shown on the menu, I was charged for a spaghetti dinner and the calamari, which totaled $24.75 before tax. I pointed out this mistake to the waiter, but he refused to correct my tab although he made the mistake. After being out of work for several months and facing a lot of struggles, I just didn't have the fight left in me to raise a stink so I paid it. Needless to say, I was very disappointed with my experience at Roma. Frankly, I don't think I should have needed to push my point, the waiter should have done the right thing and corrected it. Suggestion to reviewers: be careful with the waiters, English is not their first language. As far as I'm concerned, a good restaurant is about more than just the food. The service must also be good and this means the customer's experience should be important to the staff.
(2)Tom H.
Classic Italian joint in Eastern Market is something to experience. The food is adequate and the scene is enjoyable.
(3)D R.
Dis-a-point-ed. Was very excited to try Detroit's oldest Italian restaurant. Driving up, the restaurant looked appealing, old school in a good way and even had a group of heavy- set, older "Soprano-esque" gentlemen entering which led me to believe this was the real deal. Host/ mgr was very nice and gave us a good table even though my date and I were under dressed. We had planned on stopping in for a quick appetizer and a drink and did not expect there was a VERY limited appetizer menu and the cheapest thing on the menu was pasta with red sc ($15.50). Every other item was 18.50- 26.00. I ordered the Chicken Tosca which I thought would be similar to an item I've gotten at another restaurant. Romas didn't come with the mushrooms and onions I was accustomed to, so I asked to have it added. "let me ask" the waiter said. He came back and said "no, but you can get the chicken cacciatorre" This was a completely different dish?!?!?. I asked what the Tosca came with - just sauteed chicken in sauce?, I asked. "no" was the reply. "What else is in it?" "There is no sauce in the Tosca" he said. $18.50 for chicken dipped in egg and sauteed in butter. I ended up ordering another chicken dish for $20 and it was dry beyond belief requiring a steak knife to get through. Bread on table had two black threads on top and there were long blonde hairs on the table cloth leading me to believe they reused the bread and didn't clean the table cloth after the previous diners. Server was VERY attentive. Too much, which I didn't think was possible or could ever be a bad thing. We must have been his only table. He would ask if everything was alright, walk to the servers stand (10 ft away), then immediately back to the table and look, server stand, table, server stand, table with water to refill my already FULL water, back and forth to the point that I couldn't have a conversation with my date. I want to believe these were problems that could be chalked up to an inexperienced server and my crappy food was a fluke, but I won't go out of my way to return. Tooooo Baaad
(2)Wally S.
Can I say old school again. And I mean that in the best way possible. The Roma Cafe is "old school" Italian and it's wonderful. It brings back the a simpler time and place. Don't look for fancy nouveau dishes here. No matter what I try, I think they specialty is a nice heavy tomato sauce with a lot of meat and a wonderful taste of olives mixed in. The bread is thick crusted and tasty as expected, the salad is light, cool, and fresh. The soup, that day was chicken, was mild yet flavorful. For my main course I ordered Chicken Scaloppine a la Tosca (ok.. it's a little fancy). Thinly sliced chicken coated with an egg, cheese & garlic butter & sauteed in butter. Awesome.... butter, butter, butter... and a bit of chicken on the side. The chicken was superb, perfectly cooked, the sauce was light and flavorful as it moved across my tongue. I think we need more restaurants like Roma Cafe. Fine food, excellent service, and a wonderful old atmosphere. It's so unique that you fell that Sinatra might just be the next person to walk in the door. This is a place to share food and drink with friends and family. This is what dining used to always be about and still is today.
(5)Robyn T.
I want to like Roma Cafe more than I think I actually do. Don't get me wrong, they make a mean lasagna, but to be honest, I've found one on allrecipes.com that can top it. My party and I went for Detroit Restaurant Week. I was early so I stopped at the bar and ordered a Cosmo. It was good, I mean really good. The bartender said it was her specialty and I believe it. The rest of the party showed up and we were seated. Now I don't know if we were treated differently because of DRW, but I instantly got the strange feeling we were considered less of a priority to our neighboring tables. When our server reached us, we placed our 3 course dinner orders and off he went. It took an unusually long time for our food to arrive but when it did, it looked great. We ordered lasagna and chicken parmesan. Everything was very tasty and the lasagna was gooey and cheesy (aka perfect). The only complaint was the marinara sauce seemed really thin. And that's a huge pet peeve of mine. The service was average and the food was good, but I probably wouldn't make a special trip. Definitely the highlight of dinner was the history of the building.
(3)Anna S.
I've been to Roma's three times now, most recently with the new Groupon that came out. All three times we've been adequately impressed, but not blown away. I'd really give Roma 3.5 stars. The service is strange. It's very hurried, and almost sloppy. I made a reservation for John and I (my husband), just to be sure that we'd be able to get a seat on their Monday night Italian Buffet. When we arrived a manager guy asked us to wait for the hostess - we stood there for no more than a minute or two and he frustratingly asked a server to seat us. As the server lead us through the crowded dining room to our table, he sloppily grabbed an extra chair and proceeded to attempt to drag it between two seated guests, thusly banging it against both of them and interrupting their meal. It was both funny and embarassing. He did it again later while seating another table - just ridiculous, in a silly kind of way. The service was good-enough for the rest of our meal, however. The food is fantastic. Not uber-gourmet italian, just perfect, homey comfort food. Their meat sauce is heavenly; rich, meaty, savory and sweet. Chicken Marsala was divine - tender chicken with a slightly sweet marsala sauce over light breading. Italian sausage was okay, not that flavorful to me. The veal parmesan was great; tender, lightly breaded and seasoned nicely - paired with the meat sauce and melted cheese and you'll plotz. The antipasto trays and salad is great as well. The salad is lightly dressed and flavorful. The canolli for dessert is always a nice touch. The pricing is a bit much, which is why the Monday night buffet is really a good deal. Veal parm, baked penne, spagetti, chicken marsala, green beans, some other type of beef dish and lots of sides including the canolli and salad is only $17 per person. Most of their dishes on the menu start at $15 and go up. All in all I say go, best if armed with an Entertainment book coupon or a wealthy relative. Get something with meat sauce, too.
(4)Bruce F.
I like the Lasagna. I've been there a few times over the years for lunch and I always get the Lasagna. It's good, the sauce is good and the service is usually good. The area is not the best, but they do have Valet Parking. If you're in the Eastern Market area and crave some good Lasagna, give it a try. I can go a solid 3 stars
(3)Joey D.
Absolutely terrible. I no longer live in the Detroit area, so during this visit we thought it would be nice to stop in after almost 10 years. We waited 10 minutes to be sat while workers passed by us and argued over where to seat us. I had mostaccoli, my dad had spaghetti, my mom had filet and our friend had perch. First of all, everything was cold. The steak was butterflied, and half of it was near raw. The perch looked like poorly-breaded coconut shrimp. The meat sauce tasted like a vat of sugar mixed with a few tomatoes - more or less inedible. The noodles were overcooked. Something was floating in one of our coffees. It was just a terrible experience, and I do not plan on making the trek down to that neighborhood again for food that isn't even close to mediocre.
(1)Ankit M.
Came to Roma Cafe for my parents 30th anniversary. It must certainly be a favorite spot for the locals as I saw three different groups address the waitstaff and hostess as if they've known each other for a decade. Anyways, food was traditional Italian - you can probably guess the entire menu. Our server was hospitable and very nice, but didn't blow me off my feet (I try not to put servers on pedestals just because they wear tuxedos). They were definitely understaffed, because nobody checked on us for 10 mins as soon as we sat down. They ran out of minstrone soup (which was their only soup) AND gnocci by 9pm. That was disappointing since it was exactly the two dishes I ordered. Also, all the pasta dishes we ordered were overcooked (my brother said it tasted like Chef Boyardee). Other notables: the tables are very close to each other (in case you're wondering), and if you're going there for a special occasion, tell them (they'll have someone sing to you and it sounds like the opera - this was the highlight). Overall, I wouldn't come here again. Nothing special unless you wanna go to an average restaurant with legacy.
(2)Keith C.
Overpriced, dry, sub-par Italian food, in a dumpy building. The best part of the dinner was the minestrone soup that came with our meal.
(2)Maria B.
Roma Cafe is a Detroit Legend! A legend (as defined by the Miriam-Webster dictionary) is a 'story' coming down from the past...regarded as historical although 'not verifiable'. In other words, the tale of Roma Cafe being this "Authentic" "Old school" "Italian" restaurant is nothing more than a myth. My biggest issue with this place is the food and service. Looking over the sticky sauce splashed menu, i couldn't decide what to order. So i decided to start off with a cup of Minestrone. Nothing says comfort and cozy on a chilly 45 degree day like a cup of soup. The Minestrone was okay, mediocre at best. Then for the entree i ordered the Friday special, Linguine tossed in garlic & olive oil with calamari. An all around terrible dish! How can you go wrong with only 4-5 ingredients??? It looked and tasted like sad leftovers. The linguine were clumped together as if they had been cooked, put in the fridge or freezer, then dropped on a frying pan to heat up, getting wayyyy overcooked and crispy. Yes crispy! A word i have NEVER used to describe pasta. As for the calamari, they were gummy, dry, and def NOT edible! Prob on par with the terrible calamari experience i had at the Beach Grill...what a nightmare! Onto dessert, i had THE WORST tiramisu! The lady fingers were dry, no coffee flavor (which is supposed to be the most pronounced flavor in this dessert), and THEN they had the nerve to top it off with Hershey's squeezable chocolate syrup!!!! A disgrace to Italians everywhere! The canoli, on the other hand, was actually pretty decent. Probably the only highlight of our dining experience. Fresh ricotta was used and the shell was nice and crispy. However, this fuzzy feeling didn't last long once my eXpresso arrived. What 'authentic' Italian restaurant spells espresso with an X? Who does that? Even the local diner by my house and McDonald's for that matter, knows better. I know i'm going off on a tangent, but these little nuances get to me. As an Italian, i was offended by this ignorace. Not to mention that disgrace of a caffenated drink they were calling an eXpresso, which was nothing more than hot water with a hint of espresso. Service was equally bad. Our server was rude, obnoxious, and not in the the least bit hospitable. When taking our table's order, one of my co-workers asked for soup instead of salad and he asks her "are you trying to make my job harder?"....i guess he was the one cooking the soup back there, who knew??? Also, the tables in Roma Cafe are packed sooo tightly that every time our waiter was going by or collecting our plates, his swinging suit jacket kept hitting me and others at our table with whatever he kept in those pockets. Then at the end our meal, it was like our waiter was in an aggressive competition to try and collect everyone's plates, napkins, and silverware, ALL in one visit. I've never seen anyone clank, stack, and rush so much in collecting plates. Was this some new extreme sport? All around, Roma Cafe was a bad experience. Do yourselves a favor and skip this restaurant!
(1)Nicole A.
My favorite Italian restaurant in the Detroit area! Their minestrone soup is so amazing!
(5)Eva S.
Normally, when I see a sign that says, "Cafe" I associate it with somewhat casual dining with reasonable prices and decent food. I went there the other day with this expectation in mind. First off, it looked extremely fancy. Doorman, waiters in modified tuxes, and the menu was expensive. I was hungry though, so I ordered one of the least expensive things- the eggplant parm, which is a dish I ordinarily love and is hard to screw up. This eggplant parm though, is really rather gross. I can't eat it. And it's HUGE! I swear to you, this portion for "one" could easily feed three. In addition to the eggplant parm, they gave me a bowl of minestrone soup, which I haven't yet tried, and some bread. Not a piece for one person, no. They gave me HALF A LOAF of bread, breadsticks and 18 packets of butter. 18! For ONE PERSON! Oh, and the bread? Very dry. I had one small chunk and gagged. I'm not going back there, ever. The price was too high for the quality of food, and the portions too large. At least the strawberry shortcake was good, even if they did put the whip cream in the same box, which was melted and making the cake mushy by the time I got home. The strawberry shortcake and the friendliness of the waitstaff were the only redeeming qualities I found in this cafe.
(2)D M.
I have not been to Roma's in a few years and after today's experience it will be our last time there. My spouse, myself and another couple went for a nice lunch. We both purchased Groupons on line and we advised our waiter before ordering our lunch. The waiter reviewed the coupons and advised the fine print on Groupon stated only one coupon per table. Yes it was our fault for not reviewing the fine print. We asked the waiter if an exception could be made to allow us to sit together, since the restaurant was not that busy in our section. Both the waiter and his boss (a female manager) stated they would not do this. So we asked to sit at different tables.....which is what occurred. From a business perceptive, they have lost four people......not to mention all the friends and relatives that we will talk to. Very bad customer service on their part. My lasagna was a blob of cheese and not very tasteful. Also, the place could have been cleaner.
(1)Jaclyn S.
This restaurant is only a couple minutes from my home, and it is a shame I haven't been here sooner. Food The food was great. We had the shrimp and scallop saute, as an appetizer. The scallops were amazing, and the sauce was perfect. The shrimp was unusually fishy, which I didn't care for, but my husband loved. For an entree, I got the petite filet mignon and my husband got the lobster tails. The filet was cooked to perfection, especially for a petite. Juicy on the inside, and very char grilled on the outside, it was a perfect combination. The lobster tails were apparently really good, too, but I have not much to compare. At the end of the night, we received two free cannolis. I didn't have any room left, but I definitely stuffed them down. Oh, and the drinks were very generous. Atmosphere Detroit's oldest restaurant, from the outside, doesn't leave too much to be desired, however, the inside, it definitely contains some old world charm that takes you back to Detroit's glory days. Service The service was impeccable. Everything you would expect from a 5 star restaurant. Very attentive and formal. The waiters seem to be, for the most part, Italian immigrants. Their service is almost a performance to make you feel the era and style. I was actually very impressed.
(5)Tim K.
I know it's long but they deserve it. OK, I have to say that I believe there is a big difference between "old school" restaurants and "new school" restaurants. I think both have their own pros and cons. Roma Cafe definitely falls into the "old school" category. The location is near the Detroit eastern market with the old house appearance and as others mentioned, you can almost feel the old gangsters that hung out here years ago. Wouldn't be surprised if there are some secrets in the walls that we will never know, and probably don't want to know. I'm sure you can look up some juicy history on the restaurant. Approaching the restaurant you will see the red and white striped awnings that make you feel like you have arrived at an traditional Italian restaurant. They offer complimentary valet but you can also park on the street if it's available. On weekends the area gets busy due to the Easter Market. There is a big tradition for some people to head to eastern market for a few hours then over to Roma for dinner and a few cocktails. The wife and I went on a Saturday for lunch. When we arrived (about 11:30am) there was only a few tables of people there. We used the valet even though there was parking spots close by. It was snowing and I also like to support anything that's complimentary (yes we tip good). We were seated quickly by a nice older woman that probably has worked there for years. Waiter was prompt. We ordered a drink and some waters that the waiter got quickly. All the staff we encountered were very nice and willing to help out in any way possible. I heard they have a free shuttle to the Red Wings game but did not confirm. Food: When seated you will get good basic Italian bread. It's basically a loaf of round bread sliced in half the long way and they place it crust up so it doesn't get stale quickly. The temperature is cold so I assume its kept in a cold room or fridge. NO it's not the "new school" warm bread sticks with oil and garlic, just good old fashioned Italian bread. Which style is better...depends on the person. I like both. The wife ordered spaghetti with meat sauce and I ordered the Lasagna. Both meals were over $10 and did not come with any soup or salad. That's quite surprising to me. I would think at least a house salad would be provided. There was a couple next to us that was ranting about how good the salad they ORDERED was. We wouldn't know. To be honest we weren't even asked if we wanted a salad or soup. My wife liked her spaghetti and had some to take home. My lasagna came on a hot baking plate, was good size, and had lots of cheese. The meat sauce was good and meat was ground small with no big chunks. The lasagna was what I would think from an old school grandma from an Italian background. There was no fennel, no sausage, and no veggies in the Lasagna. It was noodles, sauce, and cheese... just the way I like it!! I was surprised how fast the meals came. It was less than 5 minutes which to me means it was already in the oven waiting to be served. We had the Tiramisu for dessert and my wife and I really liked it. I'm not a huge fan of Tiramisu but I couldn't stop eating it myself. We aren't pros at dessert options so not sure how this compares to other Tiramisu. Go give it a try just remember it's all about the traditional Italian feel in a unique location!
(3)Lorna D.
It's old, it's sweet. A comforting constant in a shifty world. Glad we were in their book-it was absolutely packed, the pace frenetic. Our two-spot was wedged in a corner against a wood-paneled wall as were the other small tables in that room and we settled in, enjoying our bread and wine. Our waiter was attentive and pleasant, just a bit scrambly from all the running. The calamari is a combo of rings and tentacles...was hoping for less of the daunting, grey clusters. Our entrees were quite good, though too pricey for the portion size. Rich, layered creations of sauce and cheese served up in the hottest casserole dishes. My eggplant parm was delicious though a bit salty, and Uncle Butch's cannelloni was devoured with gusto. Intermittently we'd hear a sweet voice singing over the din and sure enough we'd find a waiter bent down smiling whilst serenading a birthday girl-six and sixty, respectively. Aww-more of that, please. More charm, less bustle. Fewer tables, more air-it was stuffy. Lower lights. More romance, please-I found myself missing the old Lelli's. This was a special anniversary dinner, and though it was fun to enter the throng and later get spit back out into the city full and wineglowy, was it special? It's old, it's sweet...it is what it is.
(3)Paul B.
A part of Detroit history but not the best Italian food I have had. Good food, not great. A bit pricey. Atmosphere is cool and historic. Can valet park so you can get into the restaurant without getting 187'd in the streets of the D.
(3)Liz B.
I hope this restaurant improves because it's a city of Detroit icon, close to Eastern Market and the entertainment district. I have heard great things about it in the past and this was my first time here. One person in my party had the white fish and said her dinner was great. Two of us who had italian - chicken parmesan and ravioli - were not impressed. It was more like an American version of Italian (sweet and bland) rather than the high quality fresh Italian flavors you would expect from such a well-established place. Our dinners could have been served a little warmer, although none of us sent them back because we didn't want to be late for the Opera. Service was excellent, prices are reasonable.
(3)Heidi M.
Hmm, maybe my expectations were too high....maybe it will be better after they finish their renovations (happening the next week)? I respect that this is the oldest Italian restaurant in Detroit, but I'm not sure if the owners and employees do. I wanted old, charming, and filled with character. I got hurried, dirty, and character from the 1970's. If I didn't have a Groupon to save me some green, I would also be complaining that this place is way over priced. The joke there was, "You better hurry up and finish your (insert food or beverage here) or the waiter is going to snatch it from you!" Talk about hovering, could ya give me some room to breath? Regarding the food... -The fried calamari was fair, the red sauce served with it was very good, probably the best part of the meal. -The minestrone soup was good, nothing too special. Lots of rice, not many beans, and no other soup options to choose from. -The baked canelloni had decent flavor but was very salty, greasy, and mushy. The pasta was way overcooked and nothing had any texture. I ate maybe 1/3 of my entree and didn't care to take the leftovers with me. -I thought the wine was overpriced at $8 a glass for a no name pinot grigio. Everything on the menu seemed very heavy. Not many fresh things to choose from. Maybe they need to renovate more than the interiors...
(2)