Have eaten their for years. Ordered the veal parm and spaghetti it comes with. I asked the waiter for meat sauce on the pasta and he said no problem. The waiter came back to the table after I finished my appetizer and informed me they made me another pasta by mistake and asked if it was o.k. Told him no I want the spaghetti. The bill came and they charged me $8.00 for the meat sauce. Manager did nothing but argue. Guess they has to trash the wrong pasta at my expense. Won't go back
(1)
Bob C.
I have been to la locanda on several occasions and the food has always been good. this visit was a little disappointing. The scrappella soup was cold and when we sent it back we got an attitude from the waiter who stated our soup is always hot! This set the tone for the rest of the meal.Everything was OK but starting out with a rude waiter with an attitude just spoiled the dining experience. The restaurant is not cheap and my wife said she will not go back.
(3)
William H.
We went there tonight with another couple. Our reservation was for Seven, our friends arrived a few minutes early and we a few minutes late. We we seated immediately. They were very busy, a packed house. Our waitress arrived shortly after we were seated, told us of the specials and took our drink orders. The drinks arrived promptly and she asked if we were ready to order, as usual we were no where close to knowing what we wanted to eat as we had been shooting the shit since the moment we walked in. A few minutes later our waitress came back and asked if we were ready. We all were save for my wife who was still vacillating; we placed our orders. We ordered a mix of soups and salads. They arrived promptly and we all were pleased. We all enjoyed them. Then the delay....... (okay it was Saturday evening)......... forty five minutes after we finished our salads and apps, our meals arrived. I went with the eggplant parm (very good, possibly a bit too cheesy but I'm not complaining and it was "skinned" ) It came with a side of spaghetti which I di not eat as I was full after all the eggplant parm. My friend ordered the 10 oz. filet, medium. it was a vary nice looking cut of meat, about three inches by three inches (a hard cut of meat to cook perfectly) It was a bit over done and the edge meat was well cooked and stranded. Our wives had gnocchi and ravioli, respectively; both in a "blush"- vodka sauce. Both were warm at best. The sauce was bland and flat, however the pasta's were quite good. We passed on desert (we were all to full) and asked for the check. Our waitress dropped the check and four lemonchellos which the owners wife makes, due to the fact that "we had to wait awhile" So to sum it all up: Avoid busy weekends. be careful with "red sauces" but do give it a try. The people were great, if we give them enough feedback, they will hopefully bring it from a B game to an A game. The four of us will be giving them another try.
(3)
Christina H.
My husband and I were in the area to catch a movie. We originally wanted to go to Bonefish, but the line was too long, so we tried Trattoria Guiseppe but there was a wait too, so we decided to check out La Locanda. We've had their take out before (a few pasta, sandwiches) before and they were decent, so we assumed dinner would be even better. We were seated right away and our server was attentive, knowledgeable, and quick. But the food was awful. The fried calamari's batter was good, but the calamari tasted like it was fake or premade/frozen kind. My husband ordered veal saltambuca (sp). The veal tasted like mystery meat. He said it was salisbury steak. It was disgusting. The side of fresh zucchini and yellow squash was good he said. I ordered linguine pescatore. It was the same frozen type of calamari, and probably frozen packaged scallops. But the shrimp was real. Pasta was cooked fine, but the red sauce was just so so. We didn't get anything wrapped up to go - and we will never eat there again. Compared to Trattoria which always has outstanding food, La Locanda does not even come close. I wish we could've have enjoyed it...
(1)
D F.
WOW! I don't often start off a review with the not so creative "Wow" but that is what I was saying after an outstanding impromptu Easter Lunch with the family. I had been to La Locanda several times before and it was always good but today it got 5 Stars in every catagory. I was sitting at the traffic light when my wife mentioned that she wanted ot get some screppelle soup that she enjoy's. Luck of the draw and there were no cars next to me at the light and I swung over two lanes into the parking lot. We did not have reservations and it was Easter so we were concerned about seating. La Locanda did have many reservations but fit us in without a wait. We were greeted by our server Carl who ended up being of 5 star quality with his service, attitude, and menu recommendations. We enjoyed the fresh oyster special as an appetizer along with the asparagus parmigiana that was on the special three course prix fixe menu that my wife ordered from. The asparagus, mozzarella, and prosciutto combined to make a very good dish. I ordered the veal chop special after being given high regards by Carl our waiter and it did not disappoint. The meat was so flavorful and well cooked to the chef's suggestion of medium. The potato's had a nice rosemary flavor and the spinach was fresh and well cooked. I offered to stand by the door and sell the dish to everyone who came in the doors because it was so good. I know I will return just for that dish. My kids who I dragged in kicking and screaming cause that whats kids do left in a very different mood after both enjoying their chicken parmigian. My kid never finishes anything and cleared the plate. My wife gave props to her filet mignon and eggs from the prix fixe Easter Menu. The experiece was 5 star and recommend you give them a try if you haven't been there or haven't been there in a while. GO!
(5)
Dayna W.
5 stars I don't think is enough for this restaurant. They have the best food I have ever had. It's quality is bar none. We were traveling through from Hershey decided to stop in. Best decision we ever made. If you want the best food and service you ever had come here. We were from Orlando and didn't know what we were going into. Once inside we were just blown away by the quality and attentiveness of the waitress Colleen. She made our experience that much better. I ordered a steak that was cooked to perfection. My mom who was with me ordered the Raviolis and she had Alfredo sauce with it and it was nothing short of amazing. Next time we're in Philly we'll be making the trip to this restaurant. Wish Orlando had a place this good.
(5)
Joanne D.
Excellent food, great for a private party! We had a small wedding dinner here, and had one of the private rooms for the fourteen of us. Wonderful experience! The food was terrific ( we are Italian, and extremely picky about eating it out), and the service was excellent. Our dedicated waiter, Paolo, was efficient, polite, and engaging. He knew the menu well, and offered a few substitutions when needed. We loved the grilled calamari, the whole Bronzino, the crab cakes, the gnocchi, the wild boar pappardelle. And the best part was the house- made Tiramisu- outstanding! Very light, creamy, delicious. We look forward to returning to the restaurant and trying other dishes!
(5)
Michael D.
Enjoyed the food-fresh ingredients. Nice Presentation-A bit slow with the food-place not at all crowded with 7pm/Tuesday reservations-seated right away. Service was great (he was Armenian) but slipped off quite a bit after the food arrived. Adequate space between the tables which does not give you the packed in like sheep feel. Quite annoyed by the food wait. Had homemade fettuccine/ mushroom special.A tad bit heavy with the truffle oil-would have preferred evoo and fresh garlic in the dish instead of the truffle oil. I would go back again to give it another chance at the service fall off-did not see pizza appetizer on the dinner menu. No kids there which made it nice and peaceful. Adequate Parking.
(3)
Steve I.
Enjoyed the Friday lunch buffet last month. At $14:95 pp an excellent selection which had everything from soup to nuts. The frittata with ham and vegetables was one if the best I have had. Nice pasta choice and a carving station with delicious roast pork. Also excellent shrimp.
(5)
Rev John T.
Paolo was a superb waiter and the carpaccio and linguine con vongole were exceptional. Lovely decor and authentic Italian cuisine. Lots of space for large parties.
(5)
Lauren C.
Quick trip to Italy on West Chester Pike? Don't mind if I do. I recall coming to this place for various meals in the past several years. The ambiance is warm, the people are kind, and the food is delicious. It's the perfect trifecta. What I've recently discovered, however, is the happy hour! Tekoku down the street has an all out competition for bar seating, whereas La Locanda offers $5 glasses of wine, and $7 appetizers that constitute such a pleasant way to unwind after a long day... I typically meet my mom and aunt there, and we split 3 appetizers in the high tops at the bar, and enjoy some good laughs over some big glasses of red wine. I almost hesitate to review this because I'd hate to have to fight for this experience too. It's great. The only thing I can say is that while warm, sometimes the service gets a bit TOO warm. Last time we left, we all smelled of the cologne of the amazingly awesome guy who was waiting on us. He insisted on a hug as we left and he applied his eau liberally.
(4)
Bill M.
The food was very good and I would have rated this higher, but the service was stressful. The hostess was pleasant, however the general manager and other male host where arguing and creating tension at the hostess bar. The manager was visibly agitated and it flowed right thru to his staff. Service was below par- the male waiter had only 4 tables but kept forgetting which dishes went to which table, dropped several items and was unable to handle more than one activity at a time. I really wanted to rate this higher but the people cast a negative shadow over what would have been a really nice night.
(2)
Louis T.
Stay away from this restaurant. I just had their scallops with risotto for $29. The 3 scallops were tough and smelled of iodine. The risotto was served in a ball but was like chewing on a hockey puck! Should be on the appetizer menu for $12 but only if they use fresh food. My sister-in-law had a chicken dish. The chicken was tough. Cost-co sells better chicken then what was served!
(1)
Karen P.
First time diner. I visited with a number of colleagues. I started with the arugula salad which was large with a very tart vinegrette. The mushroom risotto was filling but a little crunchy, like the rice was not completely cooked. All four of us enjoyed our meals. Service was relaxed but attentive. Everything was good but not great. And I echo the previous comments about the better Italian restaurants in the area.
(3)
Karli M.
Everything we got was delicious! Eggplant la locanda, crab cakes and veal la locanda. Loved it all. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a tasty, fresh meal NOT in a chain restaurant. Homey feel. Great food. Great service.
(5)
Lisa B.
I would like to start out on good note The service was attentive and the ambiance was enjoyable. As for the food, practically inedible. Steak had a funny taste and was overcooked. Waitress offered a complimentary coffee to make up for the ruined meal. Not my idea of customer service. Needless to say we will not be returning.
(1)
Gail K.
About a week ago, my husband and I were driving down West Chester Pike in Newtown Square, and while we were waiting for the red light to turn green, I turned and looked out the car window and saw on the sign for La Locanda "lunch buffet every Friday." I couldn't wait to get home so that I could call the restaurant and find out about it. Well, we were there today after having made a reservation. It was FABULOUS! It's quite a nice spread. There's roasted red peppers (these literally melted in my mouth), roasted, sliced eggplant and yellow squash (tomato sauce with fresh parsley and garlic on top), grilled onions, caprese (tomatoes with fresh mozzarella and balsamic vinegar drizzled on top), homemade bruschetta and homemade focaccia, shrimp cocktail (these were VERY large shrimp), and a mixed greens salad with balsamic vinegar. The hot dishes were: stuffed shells with ricotta (outrageously DELICIOUS and definitely made from scratch), chicken Romano (sauteed chicken breast with onion, basil, and fresh mozzarella on top; HEAVENLY), salmon with pieces of lemon baked right into it and capers; absolutely yummy), roasted potatoes, sauteed, julienned zucchini, and carved prime rib, served with au jus. You even get dessert, which is right on the buffet table, and it's cannolis. All this for $14.95. The interior is quite lovely, the seating is comfortable, the service is superb, and the atmosphere is relaxing with beautiful music played overhead. The buffet is run every Friday from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM. We cannot wait to return.
(5)
Pete P.
Was there with my wife and mom on 2/15 for dinner. Was our first time. They had a special valentines weekend menu. Service was great. Food was delicious. Although it was busy everything seemed to flow well and it wasn't loud at all. We will return.
(5)
Robin Y.
La Locanda is a consistently good restaurant. My family has been coming here for years and years. It's very busy on weekend nights and holidays, requiring a reservation, and is busy but not packed on other nights (but a reservation is probably still a good idea). They have a good selection of upscale Italian dishes that are always above average. The waitstaff is always friendly and polite. The customers are generally families and older people, as it is a little pricey and has a classy but slightly dated atmosphere. I would recommend it if you don't mind spending a little- come here for a holiday with your family. Personal favorites: Penna alla vodka and fried calamari.
(4)
T L.
Great food, nice atmosphere, super nice waiter. But, each time we go the cost gets higher and higher. So I rate the place as a good place to eat but it's pricing me from visiting anymore.
(3)
Kathy B.
This reataurant is mediocre. The argula salad was decent. The crab pasta that costed $25 barely had any crab meat. The only tiny bits of crab tasted like it was from a can and smelled fishy. The small crab pieces were so tiny you can barely tell there was crab. It was expensive and low quality. Don't know why this place is still open. I filled out a comment card. Let's see if the management is even paying attention.
(1)
Acer V.
A blast from the past! If you remember how Italian food in the US used to be like in the 80's and 90's and want to go back in time, this is your place. Meatballs loaded with bread, canned tomatoes in everything, soup that has no character, pasta that is ok but will not blow you away. The design and atmosphere reminded me of an Italian restaurant in Palm beach FL catering to the retired more than the young, and the food does not fail in that respect. It is the opposite of any Steven Starr, or Vetri restaurant in the city. So, being a fan of both restaurant chains, I did not enjoy anything, but if you are into "classic" American Italian huge portion, heavy food, this is your spot. The service was not bad but not great either. Price is very decent. I see a lot enjoy this place, and I understand, just if you live in the city, and go to above mentioned places... Don't expect a lively, fresh, provincial Italian food.
(2)
Lenore R.
Loved it! Always do. The food is delish in my view and the service is exceptional. Highly recommend
(5)
Ron Z.
Had a great experience ! Food and service was exceptional! Enjoyed the special Branzino with a side of spaghetti ! Was with a party of 6 and everyone enjoyed themselves ! Our waiter Antron was the best! Always had a great eating experience here!!
(5)
Janet C.
We made reservations for a party of 4 for 7 pm last night. When we arrived at 6:55 pm, the bar area was so crowded that we had to wait in the freezing cold vestibule. By 7:20, we still weren't seated and neither were any of the other parties that had arrived before us ( with reservations). There were at least 5 couples who walked in right after us with reservations at 7pm as well. We were very excited for a great meal, but who ever was taking the reservations made many fatal errors last night. Many people left annoyed and hungry. We're giving La Laconda one more chance. Hopefully they will honor the reservation!
(1)
Lauren G.
Pizza delivery was tres long. Pizza was ordinary at best...won't be ordering from them again.
(1)
Staci G.
Where do I begin? I had my husband's surprise birthday party at La Locanda Saturday night in the big snowstorm. That afternoon (just hours before the party) Michael, the manager, was willing to postpone it if that was what I wanted. We moved forward with the party. Well, let me just say that this was done with class. The waiters and waitress who worked my party could not have been better. Not sure of the names of the two guys. Colleen was the waitress who worked the party. From the moment I walked in until the moment I left, she could not have been more attentive as she catered to my needs. My guests called and sent me messages the next couple of days saying they have never had such good service in a restaurant before and every single item they put in their mouths was fabulous. Michael checked in with me throughout the entire night, making sure everything was going as planned. I have made many parties at different restaurants and am so happy I found the perfect place! They went above and beyond to make this a memorable night! WE are going beck tomorrow night to celebrate his real birthday!!!
Been going here for a while and there has recent changes to the menu including additional items on the menu, Prime Rib on Wednesday nights, Friday lunch buffet and a new Happy Hour menu . All been very positive changes. Must admit, it was getting dull before with the same old, same old..... but the recent changes renewed my interest and desire to frequent La Locanda Ristorante.
(5)
Stephanie Y.
I have to admit, as I was reading the yelp reviews I wasn't too excited to come here. But my friends and I were in the area and figured we give it a try. Also helps my cousin knew the owner. Nicely decorated and we sat by the fireplace, so it was very comfortable and cozy. We all thought it was hilarious when the waiter asked us if we would like to start off with pizzas to munch on. I guess you know you're in an Italian household when they munch on pizzas for appetizers. We decided go to the less filling route and ordered the eggplant la locanda, antipasto platter, and beef carpaccio. I could've probably eaten another plate of the eggplant, it was savory and cheesy. I think I would've enjoyed the beef carpaccio more if it didn't rip while I was trying to pick it off the plate. By the time I could get it into my mouth, it was just a small lump of meat that didn't taste like anything except for the bitterness of the greens and a hint of truffle. I loved the prosciutto with roasted peppers. The special of the night was mid atlantic salmon with shiitake mushrooms and artichoke, squid ink pasta with lump crab meat and scallops and the veal chop. In addition to those, we also ordered the ribeye steak. I was super happy with my salmon, I like it a little raw in the center, but I thought it had too much sauce on it. My salmon was practically floating on it, so it made the dish a little too salty for me and the sauce just covered the freshness of the salmon. For sure to be warned about the ribeye steak.... if you're looking for a lean piece of meat, this is NOT what you would want to order. It cuts like butter and no sauce needed!! I would also go for the veal chop, tender and juicy too. Now .. onto the squid ink pasta, definitely homemade, it had the al dente chewiness to it and awesome with the roasted garlic white wine sauce. Now I'm in the mood to make some squid ink pasta! Their lemoncello is the owner's mother's recipe. It's strong and sweet and perfect after a meal. For dessert, we got the canoli, lemoncello truffle and tiramisu and the chocolate pyramid. Everything just looked cool when it came out. The lemoncello was very refreshing. The chocolate pyramid was devoured within seconds. My canoli was good. The shell was a bit hard, but the filling was creamy and fresh.
(4)
Vin B.
Been here a number of times and have always found the food to be better than most restaurants in the area. This is not like the more glitzy eateries a mile down the pike as the decor is a little dated. But when we go out we put a premium on taste and this is the place to get it.
(4)
Lauren H.
In a last minute decision to go to see a movie nearby at the Edgmont complex, we checked Bonefish Grille and Guisepe's first, which both had over and hour and a half wait to be seated!... Thanks to my Yelp app, we found LaLocanda nearby and we were VERY impressed - wonderful service and really great food - We'd recommend the roasted artichoke appetizer for sure. We absolutely plan to return next time we go to see a movie there!
(5)
Bill B.
we went there on a Friday and decided on the buffet .It was outstanding,good selection and great service.
(4)
Bambi S.
We were amazed and thrilled to find this restaurant serves until 11PM-perfect for a special dinner after the 745 movie. Cozy table by the fire friendly knowledgeable attentive wait staff and a delicious dinner. We will definitely return!
(4)
Freddie F.
I've been to La Locanda perhaps four or five times. Consistently, every meal was well-executed Italian fare with attentive service. They are not wildly inventive, but nor are they stuck in an old-world red sauce tradition. Their strong points are execution of well-conceived and inspired dishes. My perception has been that there is skill and training evident in both the kitchen and the waitstaff. For our party of six, we ordered three appetizers for the table: bruschetta (which others loved but which I found to have too much seasoning --capers? -- in relation to the tomato); fried calamari (superb); and a very nice antipasto with quality salumi (cured meats). My entree was Timballo, which was a bargain at $18. Timballo is a light crepe pasta, layered with a creamed spinach omelette & tiny meatballs on a bed of marinara sauce, topped with besciamella. Molto bene! It came with a side of summer squash cooked gently with red sauce, and I scarfed it all down gladly. I can't give a full report on what the others had, but I'm assuming they enjoyed it because plates were cleaned. One wanted seafood (mussels and clams) over linguine with red sauce, an Italian staple somehow not on the menu. He asked the waiter if he could do it, he specified the shellfish he wanted, and he got exactly what he desired. As with my previous experiences, the service was superb. I don't mind the breezy and ill-informed yourg servers (as long as they are pleasant and engaging) but it's a treat to be served by a trained pro. How does it all stack up? Ambiance is a 9. Service is a 10! Appetizers get an 8. And my entree a 9. Overall, 9 out of 10. I'm very gratified to have a place that is this consistently good. And it's 5 minutes from my office! I am Pizza Quixote!
(5)
David F.
The food was excellent and service very good for a crowded night.
(5)
Danny T.
If i could give you a lower star i would ! I went in here recently on a Saturday night. They weren't my first choice , but everything else around them was supper busy so decided to give them a chance. The place was not very busy at 7pm on a Saturday, but somehow we still waited ten minutes to get a seat ..mostly because the hostess was not there to seat us when we breaststroke 1 We were seated and the waiter came over very promptly to take our drink order...things are looking up(wrong) . after about 20 minutes he said he forgot and went to the bar and got our drinks . So we asked for bread which every other table around us was enjoying. that took another 20 minutes. the food came out Luke warm and the sauce was water down with tomato paste. i love Italian food and this was a distant second to olive garden (that's bad)... The owner was sitting at the bar on the way out . i mentioned to him the poor experience we had at his establishment . his response , and i quote " if you don't like the meal , don't come back" ... WOW ! don't worry i won't . there is a reason this place is not busy on a Saturday night ! Very poor all around ..
(1)
Big E.
I've lived in the are for a number of years but never went here. Not sure why. I have a groupon/phillydealyo thing so I thought I would give it a try. The family and I went for a Friday dinner and had a wonderful time. The service was excellent. The food was very good. I am sure I will go back at some point, but I can't really see myself rushing to get there. Decor needed updating.
(4)
M. M.
A friend and I ended up here after finding that the restaurant nearby, where we'd planned to eat, was closed for some kind of maintenance emergency. We figured we'd be OK hitting La Locanda without a reservation since it was a weeknight. We showed up about 6 pm and found the place about half full, got a nice table with no reservation. Good thing we came early because by the time we finished our meal about an hour later, that place was FULL. Lots of older folks with their families - this really seems to be a "take grandma out to dinner" kind of place. The decor is also similar to eating on card tables in Grandma's living room, if Grandma lived in a nice old house. It could stand some sprucing up. Service was reasonably decent - not the best I've ever had in my life, but not bad. We ordered wine by the glass and the glasses seemed a tad skimpy, but the server did offer to refill them later if we wanted (I declined because I had a long drive coming up afterwards). My friend is vegetarian and was able to get some pasta cooked in a way she could eat and enjoy it. I ordered risotto, which was very good, but I wish they had offered it with some seafood or chicken mixed in as an option as I have had some great seafood risottos other places. We started with some kind of a fruit and cheese salad and also had tiramisu for dessert. All this stuff was solid and tasty, but again, not particularly drop-your-fork great. Final bill for two salads, two entrees, two glasses of wine, two coffees and two desserts came out to about 80 bucks before tip. I was expecting that, given the restaurant's location, but I thought it was a tad overpriced in view of the whole rather standard experience. Will probably go back, though.
(3)
Glenn P.
I had a pleasant and enjoyable experience here this evening. The waiter was jovial and talkative, but not annoying. The meal started with a variety of rolls and flatbread which was accompanied by oil and roasted peppers. We opted for the pizza appetizer, it was fine, and more like a tomato pie with fresh mozzarella. The salads were fresh and tasty, meeting our expectations. The food was good, I had the chicken parm. It was fine, nothing to write home about, but far from being bad in any way. My wife had fish and it looked good and well prepared. We skipped dessert. Overall the service was good and attentive. I suppose you could call the menu "standard upscale Italian". Definitely, no regrets.
(3)
Ryan H.
Went on a Thursday night- decent crowd, sat in the bar area. Food was very good, great calamari and chicken parm. Server was trying his best, but was clearly overwhelmed. But overall, good and will be back.
(4)
Haden D.
Everything on the menu in the restaurant is very good to great. Don't confuse it with the quick service shop by the same name. My wife always orders the pasta with clams, and I like to switch it up between their numerous pasta dishes and their mouth watering pizzas that remind me of the pies I used to get in New York
(4)
Laurence W.
Old New York Italian in Delaware County. Have been going here for years. The experience keeps getting better. The moment you walk in you are treated like family by Franco and Mario. Their hospitality is infectious as can be seen by their staff. The ambiance is old school and nothing fancy. The food is always good and hot. With limited places to go in this area, we keep going back and never are disappointed!
(4)
Karen B.
The Best Bridal Shower Ever! This place bent over backwards to show us that it could definitely handle our event! I can't tell you how much how easy it was to deal with Lauren for planning the wine and food menu! I live in Brooklyn and have never eaten here but my sister who lives nearby had recommended this place. Not only was it economical, but they were so accommodating with the timing of the event! Wine was bought outside of the place by the staff that wasn't on the menu and it cost less than the restaurant's wine list. They even threw in an extra entree though the pre-fix limited you to only 3 entrees. They also made sure that my niece who is gluten free had a dish! Gregory was outstanding as the host and made everything hassle free! The food was absolutely amazing and they even made a chocolate cake with vanilla icing which is absolutely impossible to find!! It was beyond fantastic! After eating here and being an adopted jaded "New Yorker" this place has their total s**t together! I'd totally go if it wasn't a special event. The food was incredible! Run don't walk to this gem! I would totally go back for a meal here anytime!!!
(5)
Henry K.
Truly disappointed in our dining experience here and absolutely disgusted by how the manager (tall, dark-haired man) treated his staff. Our service was the only redeeming quality this restaurant had.
(1)
Alex H.
Went here for anniversary. Booked 3 weeks ahead of time based on a friend's advice. Should've consulted Yelp. Placed at a "special table" right next to serving station. No waiter for 15 minutes until we complained (they did comp 1 glass of wine for the oversight). Bread was run of the mill, not what you'd expect at a high-end Italian Ristorante. Ordered a $31 veal chop which was unevenly cooked. 1/2 of it was American medium-rare, 1/2 of it was Italian medium-rare (bloody a little raw like they do it in Florence). I'm amazed they were able to cook it so unevenly. Maybe the coals went out on one side of the grill. Should've sent it back. Spinach salad and a seafood pasta dish were good. Service was ok but waiter gave up seeing that we were upset @ waiting 15 minutes. Cake was stale. Oy vey. We REALLY wanted to like this place. We rarely complain about restaurants or post reviews. But La Locanda was just unprofessional. Reminded me of a tourist trap in Italy. Stuck in the middle. For special occassions, we will resume going to special places like Duling Kurtz or General Warren Inne or Dilworthtown Inn, that cook special food and provide special service. For everyday type Italian, we'll go to one of the slew of everyday italian restaurants in the West Chester area that are 1/2-2/3 the price of La Locanda (Ron's, Rino's etc). Grow up La Locanda!
(2)
stefano u.
Have gone very far out of my way to eat at this restaurant owned by the Palumbi family from near Teramo in Abruzzo, Italy. The food is quite good, some of it even better than that found in my Italian hometown, Valle San Giovanni ( vallesangiovanni.com ). The winelist is extensive and reasonably priced. I suggest the homemade soup calle Scrippelle 'mbuse (crepes in broth) or a serving of Timballo (a lasagna-like dish also made from crepes). You will be happy you came to Mario's for a great meal. Not too expensive either...
(5)
Peggy L.
Okay, but service was slow and food was average. The desserts are good especially the cannoli. Probably would not go back again.
(3)
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Address :4989 W Chester Pike
Newtown Square, PA, 19028
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : 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.
Stu G.
Have eaten their for years. Ordered the veal parm and spaghetti it comes with. I asked the waiter for meat sauce on the pasta and he said no problem. The waiter came back to the table after I finished my appetizer and informed me they made me another pasta by mistake and asked if it was o.k. Told him no I want the spaghetti. The bill came and they charged me $8.00 for the meat sauce. Manager did nothing but argue. Guess they has to trash the wrong pasta at my expense. Won't go back
(1)Bob C.
I have been to la locanda on several occasions and the food has always been good. this visit was a little disappointing. The scrappella soup was cold and when we sent it back we got an attitude from the waiter who stated our soup is always hot! This set the tone for the rest of the meal.Everything was OK but starting out with a rude waiter with an attitude just spoiled the dining experience. The restaurant is not cheap and my wife said she will not go back.
(3)William H.
We went there tonight with another couple. Our reservation was for Seven, our friends arrived a few minutes early and we a few minutes late. We we seated immediately. They were very busy, a packed house. Our waitress arrived shortly after we were seated, told us of the specials and took our drink orders. The drinks arrived promptly and she asked if we were ready to order, as usual we were no where close to knowing what we wanted to eat as we had been shooting the shit since the moment we walked in. A few minutes later our waitress came back and asked if we were ready. We all were save for my wife who was still vacillating; we placed our orders. We ordered a mix of soups and salads. They arrived promptly and we all were pleased. We all enjoyed them. Then the delay....... (okay it was Saturday evening)......... forty five minutes after we finished our salads and apps, our meals arrived. I went with the eggplant parm (very good, possibly a bit too cheesy but I'm not complaining and it was "skinned" ) It came with a side of spaghetti which I di not eat as I was full after all the eggplant parm. My friend ordered the 10 oz. filet, medium. it was a vary nice looking cut of meat, about three inches by three inches (a hard cut of meat to cook perfectly) It was a bit over done and the edge meat was well cooked and stranded. Our wives had gnocchi and ravioli, respectively; both in a "blush"- vodka sauce. Both were warm at best. The sauce was bland and flat, however the pasta's were quite good. We passed on desert (we were all to full) and asked for the check. Our waitress dropped the check and four lemonchellos which the owners wife makes, due to the fact that "we had to wait awhile" So to sum it all up: Avoid busy weekends. be careful with "red sauces" but do give it a try. The people were great, if we give them enough feedback, they will hopefully bring it from a B game to an A game. The four of us will be giving them another try.
(3)Christina H.
My husband and I were in the area to catch a movie. We originally wanted to go to Bonefish, but the line was too long, so we tried Trattoria Guiseppe but there was a wait too, so we decided to check out La Locanda. We've had their take out before (a few pasta, sandwiches) before and they were decent, so we assumed dinner would be even better. We were seated right away and our server was attentive, knowledgeable, and quick. But the food was awful. The fried calamari's batter was good, but the calamari tasted like it was fake or premade/frozen kind. My husband ordered veal saltambuca (sp). The veal tasted like mystery meat. He said it was salisbury steak. It was disgusting. The side of fresh zucchini and yellow squash was good he said. I ordered linguine pescatore. It was the same frozen type of calamari, and probably frozen packaged scallops. But the shrimp was real. Pasta was cooked fine, but the red sauce was just so so. We didn't get anything wrapped up to go - and we will never eat there again. Compared to Trattoria which always has outstanding food, La Locanda does not even come close. I wish we could've have enjoyed it...
(1)D F.
WOW! I don't often start off a review with the not so creative "Wow" but that is what I was saying after an outstanding impromptu Easter Lunch with the family. I had been to La Locanda several times before and it was always good but today it got 5 Stars in every catagory. I was sitting at the traffic light when my wife mentioned that she wanted ot get some screppelle soup that she enjoy's. Luck of the draw and there were no cars next to me at the light and I swung over two lanes into the parking lot. We did not have reservations and it was Easter so we were concerned about seating. La Locanda did have many reservations but fit us in without a wait. We were greeted by our server Carl who ended up being of 5 star quality with his service, attitude, and menu recommendations. We enjoyed the fresh oyster special as an appetizer along with the asparagus parmigiana that was on the special three course prix fixe menu that my wife ordered from. The asparagus, mozzarella, and prosciutto combined to make a very good dish. I ordered the veal chop special after being given high regards by Carl our waiter and it did not disappoint. The meat was so flavorful and well cooked to the chef's suggestion of medium. The potato's had a nice rosemary flavor and the spinach was fresh and well cooked. I offered to stand by the door and sell the dish to everyone who came in the doors because it was so good. I know I will return just for that dish. My kids who I dragged in kicking and screaming cause that whats kids do left in a very different mood after both enjoying their chicken parmigian. My kid never finishes anything and cleared the plate. My wife gave props to her filet mignon and eggs from the prix fixe Easter Menu. The experiece was 5 star and recommend you give them a try if you haven't been there or haven't been there in a while. GO!
(5)Dayna W.
5 stars I don't think is enough for this restaurant. They have the best food I have ever had. It's quality is bar none. We were traveling through from Hershey decided to stop in. Best decision we ever made. If you want the best food and service you ever had come here. We were from Orlando and didn't know what we were going into. Once inside we were just blown away by the quality and attentiveness of the waitress Colleen. She made our experience that much better. I ordered a steak that was cooked to perfection. My mom who was with me ordered the Raviolis and she had Alfredo sauce with it and it was nothing short of amazing. Next time we're in Philly we'll be making the trip to this restaurant. Wish Orlando had a place this good.
(5)Joanne D.
Excellent food, great for a private party! We had a small wedding dinner here, and had one of the private rooms for the fourteen of us. Wonderful experience! The food was terrific ( we are Italian, and extremely picky about eating it out), and the service was excellent. Our dedicated waiter, Paolo, was efficient, polite, and engaging. He knew the menu well, and offered a few substitutions when needed. We loved the grilled calamari, the whole Bronzino, the crab cakes, the gnocchi, the wild boar pappardelle. And the best part was the house- made Tiramisu- outstanding! Very light, creamy, delicious. We look forward to returning to the restaurant and trying other dishes!
(5)Michael D.
Enjoyed the food-fresh ingredients. Nice Presentation-A bit slow with the food-place not at all crowded with 7pm/Tuesday reservations-seated right away. Service was great (he was Armenian) but slipped off quite a bit after the food arrived. Adequate space between the tables which does not give you the packed in like sheep feel. Quite annoyed by the food wait. Had homemade fettuccine/ mushroom special.A tad bit heavy with the truffle oil-would have preferred evoo and fresh garlic in the dish instead of the truffle oil. I would go back again to give it another chance at the service fall off-did not see pizza appetizer on the dinner menu. No kids there which made it nice and peaceful. Adequate Parking.
(3)Steve I.
Enjoyed the Friday lunch buffet last month. At $14:95 pp an excellent selection which had everything from soup to nuts. The frittata with ham and vegetables was one if the best I have had. Nice pasta choice and a carving station with delicious roast pork. Also excellent shrimp.
(5)Rev John T.
Paolo was a superb waiter and the carpaccio and linguine con vongole were exceptional. Lovely decor and authentic Italian cuisine. Lots of space for large parties.
(5)Lauren C.
Quick trip to Italy on West Chester Pike? Don't mind if I do. I recall coming to this place for various meals in the past several years. The ambiance is warm, the people are kind, and the food is delicious. It's the perfect trifecta. What I've recently discovered, however, is the happy hour! Tekoku down the street has an all out competition for bar seating, whereas La Locanda offers $5 glasses of wine, and $7 appetizers that constitute such a pleasant way to unwind after a long day... I typically meet my mom and aunt there, and we split 3 appetizers in the high tops at the bar, and enjoy some good laughs over some big glasses of red wine. I almost hesitate to review this because I'd hate to have to fight for this experience too. It's great. The only thing I can say is that while warm, sometimes the service gets a bit TOO warm. Last time we left, we all smelled of the cologne of the amazingly awesome guy who was waiting on us. He insisted on a hug as we left and he applied his eau liberally.
(4)Bill M.
The food was very good and I would have rated this higher, but the service was stressful. The hostess was pleasant, however the general manager and other male host where arguing and creating tension at the hostess bar. The manager was visibly agitated and it flowed right thru to his staff. Service was below par- the male waiter had only 4 tables but kept forgetting which dishes went to which table, dropped several items and was unable to handle more than one activity at a time. I really wanted to rate this higher but the people cast a negative shadow over what would have been a really nice night.
(2)Louis T.
Stay away from this restaurant. I just had their scallops with risotto for $29. The 3 scallops were tough and smelled of iodine. The risotto was served in a ball but was like chewing on a hockey puck! Should be on the appetizer menu for $12 but only if they use fresh food. My sister-in-law had a chicken dish. The chicken was tough. Cost-co sells better chicken then what was served!
(1)Karen P.
First time diner. I visited with a number of colleagues. I started with the arugula salad which was large with a very tart vinegrette. The mushroom risotto was filling but a little crunchy, like the rice was not completely cooked. All four of us enjoyed our meals. Service was relaxed but attentive. Everything was good but not great. And I echo the previous comments about the better Italian restaurants in the area.
(3)Karli M.
Everything we got was delicious! Eggplant la locanda, crab cakes and veal la locanda. Loved it all. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a tasty, fresh meal NOT in a chain restaurant. Homey feel. Great food. Great service.
(5)Lisa B.
I would like to start out on good note The service was attentive and the ambiance was enjoyable. As for the food, practically inedible. Steak had a funny taste and was overcooked. Waitress offered a complimentary coffee to make up for the ruined meal. Not my idea of customer service. Needless to say we will not be returning.
(1)Gail K.
About a week ago, my husband and I were driving down West Chester Pike in Newtown Square, and while we were waiting for the red light to turn green, I turned and looked out the car window and saw on the sign for La Locanda "lunch buffet every Friday." I couldn't wait to get home so that I could call the restaurant and find out about it. Well, we were there today after having made a reservation. It was FABULOUS! It's quite a nice spread. There's roasted red peppers (these literally melted in my mouth), roasted, sliced eggplant and yellow squash (tomato sauce with fresh parsley and garlic on top), grilled onions, caprese (tomatoes with fresh mozzarella and balsamic vinegar drizzled on top), homemade bruschetta and homemade focaccia, shrimp cocktail (these were VERY large shrimp), and a mixed greens salad with balsamic vinegar. The hot dishes were: stuffed shells with ricotta (outrageously DELICIOUS and definitely made from scratch), chicken Romano (sauteed chicken breast with onion, basil, and fresh mozzarella on top; HEAVENLY), salmon with pieces of lemon baked right into it and capers; absolutely yummy), roasted potatoes, sauteed, julienned zucchini, and carved prime rib, served with au jus. You even get dessert, which is right on the buffet table, and it's cannolis. All this for $14.95. The interior is quite lovely, the seating is comfortable, the service is superb, and the atmosphere is relaxing with beautiful music played overhead. The buffet is run every Friday from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM. We cannot wait to return.
(5)Pete P.
Was there with my wife and mom on 2/15 for dinner. Was our first time. They had a special valentines weekend menu. Service was great. Food was delicious. Although it was busy everything seemed to flow well and it wasn't loud at all. We will return.
(5)Robin Y.
La Locanda is a consistently good restaurant. My family has been coming here for years and years. It's very busy on weekend nights and holidays, requiring a reservation, and is busy but not packed on other nights (but a reservation is probably still a good idea). They have a good selection of upscale Italian dishes that are always above average. The waitstaff is always friendly and polite. The customers are generally families and older people, as it is a little pricey and has a classy but slightly dated atmosphere. I would recommend it if you don't mind spending a little- come here for a holiday with your family. Personal favorites: Penna alla vodka and fried calamari.
(4)T L.
Great food, nice atmosphere, super nice waiter. But, each time we go the cost gets higher and higher. So I rate the place as a good place to eat but it's pricing me from visiting anymore.
(3)Kathy B.
This reataurant is mediocre. The argula salad was decent. The crab pasta that costed $25 barely had any crab meat. The only tiny bits of crab tasted like it was from a can and smelled fishy. The small crab pieces were so tiny you can barely tell there was crab. It was expensive and low quality. Don't know why this place is still open. I filled out a comment card. Let's see if the management is even paying attention.
(1)Acer V.
A blast from the past! If you remember how Italian food in the US used to be like in the 80's and 90's and want to go back in time, this is your place. Meatballs loaded with bread, canned tomatoes in everything, soup that has no character, pasta that is ok but will not blow you away. The design and atmosphere reminded me of an Italian restaurant in Palm beach FL catering to the retired more than the young, and the food does not fail in that respect. It is the opposite of any Steven Starr, or Vetri restaurant in the city. So, being a fan of both restaurant chains, I did not enjoy anything, but if you are into "classic" American Italian huge portion, heavy food, this is your spot. The service was not bad but not great either. Price is very decent. I see a lot enjoy this place, and I understand, just if you live in the city, and go to above mentioned places... Don't expect a lively, fresh, provincial Italian food.
(2)Lenore R.
Loved it! Always do. The food is delish in my view and the service is exceptional. Highly recommend
(5)Ron Z.
Had a great experience ! Food and service was exceptional! Enjoyed the special Branzino with a side of spaghetti ! Was with a party of 6 and everyone enjoyed themselves ! Our waiter Antron was the best! Always had a great eating experience here!!
(5)Janet C.
We made reservations for a party of 4 for 7 pm last night. When we arrived at 6:55 pm, the bar area was so crowded that we had to wait in the freezing cold vestibule. By 7:20, we still weren't seated and neither were any of the other parties that had arrived before us ( with reservations). There were at least 5 couples who walked in right after us with reservations at 7pm as well. We were very excited for a great meal, but who ever was taking the reservations made many fatal errors last night. Many people left annoyed and hungry. We're giving La Laconda one more chance. Hopefully they will honor the reservation!
(1)Lauren G.
Pizza delivery was tres long. Pizza was ordinary at best...won't be ordering from them again.
(1)Staci G.
Where do I begin? I had my husband's surprise birthday party at La Locanda Saturday night in the big snowstorm. That afternoon (just hours before the party) Michael, the manager, was willing to postpone it if that was what I wanted. We moved forward with the party. Well, let me just say that this was done with class. The waiters and waitress who worked my party could not have been better. Not sure of the names of the two guys. Colleen was the waitress who worked the party. From the moment I walked in until the moment I left, she could not have been more attentive as she catered to my needs. My guests called and sent me messages the next couple of days saying they have never had such good service in a restaurant before and every single item they put in their mouths was fabulous. Michael checked in with me throughout the entire night, making sure everything was going as planned. I have made many parties at different restaurants and am so happy I found the perfect place! They went above and beyond to make this a memorable night! WE are going beck tomorrow night to celebrate his real birthday!!!
(5)Steven B.
This is a solid Italian in a beautiful old stone home. The décor is a little dated but generally quite nice. The food is solid and traditional. The extensive menu is organized just like a million other Italian eateries. Appetizers will cost you close to $10. Entrees begin in the mid-teens and run up to $30. Expect your food to be above average but I don't find it memorable. These folks have a full bar and an extensive martini menu. The challenge for La Locanda is that there are new kids on the block. Italian BYOBs are popping up nearby. Trattoria Giuseppe in Edgemont and Fellini's Café in Newtown Square come to mind. You can get a better more inventive meal at either for less $$. Plus you have the savings of bringing your own wine.
(3)Michele M.
Been going here for a while and there has recent changes to the menu including additional items on the menu, Prime Rib on Wednesday nights, Friday lunch buffet and a new Happy Hour menu . All been very positive changes. Must admit, it was getting dull before with the same old, same old..... but the recent changes renewed my interest and desire to frequent La Locanda Ristorante.
(5)Stephanie Y.
I have to admit, as I was reading the yelp reviews I wasn't too excited to come here. But my friends and I were in the area and figured we give it a try. Also helps my cousin knew the owner. Nicely decorated and we sat by the fireplace, so it was very comfortable and cozy. We all thought it was hilarious when the waiter asked us if we would like to start off with pizzas to munch on. I guess you know you're in an Italian household when they munch on pizzas for appetizers. We decided go to the less filling route and ordered the eggplant la locanda, antipasto platter, and beef carpaccio. I could've probably eaten another plate of the eggplant, it was savory and cheesy. I think I would've enjoyed the beef carpaccio more if it didn't rip while I was trying to pick it off the plate. By the time I could get it into my mouth, it was just a small lump of meat that didn't taste like anything except for the bitterness of the greens and a hint of truffle. I loved the prosciutto with roasted peppers. The special of the night was mid atlantic salmon with shiitake mushrooms and artichoke, squid ink pasta with lump crab meat and scallops and the veal chop. In addition to those, we also ordered the ribeye steak. I was super happy with my salmon, I like it a little raw in the center, but I thought it had too much sauce on it. My salmon was practically floating on it, so it made the dish a little too salty for me and the sauce just covered the freshness of the salmon. For sure to be warned about the ribeye steak.... if you're looking for a lean piece of meat, this is NOT what you would want to order. It cuts like butter and no sauce needed!! I would also go for the veal chop, tender and juicy too. Now .. onto the squid ink pasta, definitely homemade, it had the al dente chewiness to it and awesome with the roasted garlic white wine sauce. Now I'm in the mood to make some squid ink pasta! Their lemoncello is the owner's mother's recipe. It's strong and sweet and perfect after a meal. For dessert, we got the canoli, lemoncello truffle and tiramisu and the chocolate pyramid. Everything just looked cool when it came out. The lemoncello was very refreshing. The chocolate pyramid was devoured within seconds. My canoli was good. The shell was a bit hard, but the filling was creamy and fresh.
(4)Vin B.
Been here a number of times and have always found the food to be better than most restaurants in the area. This is not like the more glitzy eateries a mile down the pike as the decor is a little dated. But when we go out we put a premium on taste and this is the place to get it.
(4)Lauren H.
In a last minute decision to go to see a movie nearby at the Edgmont complex, we checked Bonefish Grille and Guisepe's first, which both had over and hour and a half wait to be seated!... Thanks to my Yelp app, we found LaLocanda nearby and we were VERY impressed - wonderful service and really great food - We'd recommend the roasted artichoke appetizer for sure. We absolutely plan to return next time we go to see a movie there!
(5)Bill B.
we went there on a Friday and decided on the buffet .It was outstanding,good selection and great service.
(4)Bambi S.
We were amazed and thrilled to find this restaurant serves until 11PM-perfect for a special dinner after the 745 movie. Cozy table by the fire friendly knowledgeable attentive wait staff and a delicious dinner. We will definitely return!
(4)Freddie F.
I've been to La Locanda perhaps four or five times. Consistently, every meal was well-executed Italian fare with attentive service. They are not wildly inventive, but nor are they stuck in an old-world red sauce tradition. Their strong points are execution of well-conceived and inspired dishes. My perception has been that there is skill and training evident in both the kitchen and the waitstaff. For our party of six, we ordered three appetizers for the table: bruschetta (which others loved but which I found to have too much seasoning --capers? -- in relation to the tomato); fried calamari (superb); and a very nice antipasto with quality salumi (cured meats). My entree was Timballo, which was a bargain at $18. Timballo is a light crepe pasta, layered with a creamed spinach omelette & tiny meatballs on a bed of marinara sauce, topped with besciamella. Molto bene! It came with a side of summer squash cooked gently with red sauce, and I scarfed it all down gladly. I can't give a full report on what the others had, but I'm assuming they enjoyed it because plates were cleaned. One wanted seafood (mussels and clams) over linguine with red sauce, an Italian staple somehow not on the menu. He asked the waiter if he could do it, he specified the shellfish he wanted, and he got exactly what he desired. As with my previous experiences, the service was superb. I don't mind the breezy and ill-informed yourg servers (as long as they are pleasant and engaging) but it's a treat to be served by a trained pro. How does it all stack up? Ambiance is a 9. Service is a 10! Appetizers get an 8. And my entree a 9. Overall, 9 out of 10. I'm very gratified to have a place that is this consistently good. And it's 5 minutes from my office! I am Pizza Quixote!
(5)David F.
The food was excellent and service very good for a crowded night.
(5)Danny T.
If i could give you a lower star i would ! I went in here recently on a Saturday night. They weren't my first choice , but everything else around them was supper busy so decided to give them a chance. The place was not very busy at 7pm on a Saturday, but somehow we still waited ten minutes to get a seat ..mostly because the hostess was not there to seat us when we breaststroke 1 We were seated and the waiter came over very promptly to take our drink order...things are looking up(wrong) . after about 20 minutes he said he forgot and went to the bar and got our drinks . So we asked for bread which every other table around us was enjoying. that took another 20 minutes. the food came out Luke warm and the sauce was water down with tomato paste. i love Italian food and this was a distant second to olive garden (that's bad)... The owner was sitting at the bar on the way out . i mentioned to him the poor experience we had at his establishment . his response , and i quote " if you don't like the meal , don't come back" ... WOW ! don't worry i won't . there is a reason this place is not busy on a Saturday night ! Very poor all around ..
(1)Big E.
I've lived in the are for a number of years but never went here. Not sure why. I have a groupon/phillydealyo thing so I thought I would give it a try. The family and I went for a Friday dinner and had a wonderful time. The service was excellent. The food was very good. I am sure I will go back at some point, but I can't really see myself rushing to get there. Decor needed updating.
(4)M. M.
A friend and I ended up here after finding that the restaurant nearby, where we'd planned to eat, was closed for some kind of maintenance emergency. We figured we'd be OK hitting La Locanda without a reservation since it was a weeknight. We showed up about 6 pm and found the place about half full, got a nice table with no reservation. Good thing we came early because by the time we finished our meal about an hour later, that place was FULL. Lots of older folks with their families - this really seems to be a "take grandma out to dinner" kind of place. The decor is also similar to eating on card tables in Grandma's living room, if Grandma lived in a nice old house. It could stand some sprucing up. Service was reasonably decent - not the best I've ever had in my life, but not bad. We ordered wine by the glass and the glasses seemed a tad skimpy, but the server did offer to refill them later if we wanted (I declined because I had a long drive coming up afterwards). My friend is vegetarian and was able to get some pasta cooked in a way she could eat and enjoy it. I ordered risotto, which was very good, but I wish they had offered it with some seafood or chicken mixed in as an option as I have had some great seafood risottos other places. We started with some kind of a fruit and cheese salad and also had tiramisu for dessert. All this stuff was solid and tasty, but again, not particularly drop-your-fork great. Final bill for two salads, two entrees, two glasses of wine, two coffees and two desserts came out to about 80 bucks before tip. I was expecting that, given the restaurant's location, but I thought it was a tad overpriced in view of the whole rather standard experience. Will probably go back, though.
(3)Glenn P.
I had a pleasant and enjoyable experience here this evening. The waiter was jovial and talkative, but not annoying. The meal started with a variety of rolls and flatbread which was accompanied by oil and roasted peppers. We opted for the pizza appetizer, it was fine, and more like a tomato pie with fresh mozzarella. The salads were fresh and tasty, meeting our expectations. The food was good, I had the chicken parm. It was fine, nothing to write home about, but far from being bad in any way. My wife had fish and it looked good and well prepared. We skipped dessert. Overall the service was good and attentive. I suppose you could call the menu "standard upscale Italian". Definitely, no regrets.
(3)Ryan H.
Went on a Thursday night- decent crowd, sat in the bar area. Food was very good, great calamari and chicken parm. Server was trying his best, but was clearly overwhelmed. But overall, good and will be back.
(4)Haden D.
Everything on the menu in the restaurant is very good to great. Don't confuse it with the quick service shop by the same name. My wife always orders the pasta with clams, and I like to switch it up between their numerous pasta dishes and their mouth watering pizzas that remind me of the pies I used to get in New York
(4)Laurence W.
Old New York Italian in Delaware County. Have been going here for years. The experience keeps getting better. The moment you walk in you are treated like family by Franco and Mario. Their hospitality is infectious as can be seen by their staff. The ambiance is old school and nothing fancy. The food is always good and hot. With limited places to go in this area, we keep going back and never are disappointed!
(4)Karen B.
The Best Bridal Shower Ever! This place bent over backwards to show us that it could definitely handle our event! I can't tell you how much how easy it was to deal with Lauren for planning the wine and food menu! I live in Brooklyn and have never eaten here but my sister who lives nearby had recommended this place. Not only was it economical, but they were so accommodating with the timing of the event! Wine was bought outside of the place by the staff that wasn't on the menu and it cost less than the restaurant's wine list. They even threw in an extra entree though the pre-fix limited you to only 3 entrees. They also made sure that my niece who is gluten free had a dish! Gregory was outstanding as the host and made everything hassle free! The food was absolutely amazing and they even made a chocolate cake with vanilla icing which is absolutely impossible to find!! It was beyond fantastic! After eating here and being an adopted jaded "New Yorker" this place has their total s**t together! I'd totally go if it wasn't a special event. The food was incredible! Run don't walk to this gem! I would totally go back for a meal here anytime!!!
(5)Henry K.
Truly disappointed in our dining experience here and absolutely disgusted by how the manager (tall, dark-haired man) treated his staff. Our service was the only redeeming quality this restaurant had.
(1)Alex H.
Went here for anniversary. Booked 3 weeks ahead of time based on a friend's advice. Should've consulted Yelp. Placed at a "special table" right next to serving station. No waiter for 15 minutes until we complained (they did comp 1 glass of wine for the oversight). Bread was run of the mill, not what you'd expect at a high-end Italian Ristorante. Ordered a $31 veal chop which was unevenly cooked. 1/2 of it was American medium-rare, 1/2 of it was Italian medium-rare (bloody a little raw like they do it in Florence). I'm amazed they were able to cook it so unevenly. Maybe the coals went out on one side of the grill. Should've sent it back. Spinach salad and a seafood pasta dish were good. Service was ok but waiter gave up seeing that we were upset @ waiting 15 minutes. Cake was stale. Oy vey. We REALLY wanted to like this place. We rarely complain about restaurants or post reviews. But La Locanda was just unprofessional. Reminded me of a tourist trap in Italy. Stuck in the middle. For special occassions, we will resume going to special places like Duling Kurtz or General Warren Inne or Dilworthtown Inn, that cook special food and provide special service. For everyday type Italian, we'll go to one of the slew of everyday italian restaurants in the West Chester area that are 1/2-2/3 the price of La Locanda (Ron's, Rino's etc). Grow up La Locanda!
(2)stefano u.
Have gone very far out of my way to eat at this restaurant owned by the Palumbi family from near Teramo in Abruzzo, Italy. The food is quite good, some of it even better than that found in my Italian hometown, Valle San Giovanni ( vallesangiovanni.com ). The winelist is extensive and reasonably priced. I suggest the homemade soup calle Scrippelle 'mbuse (crepes in broth) or a serving of Timballo (a lasagna-like dish also made from crepes). You will be happy you came to Mario's for a great meal. Not too expensive either...
(5)Peggy L.
Okay, but service was slow and food was average. The desserts are good especially the cannoli. Probably would not go back again.
(3)