Filomena Lakeview

There was no e-mail address on Filomena's web page so I first posted a lengthy (negative) review here.
Later, I phoned and got an e-mail address, sending my "complaint" to the manager. He replied promplty and appropriately, offering a gift certificate.

In general, the house salad was bad and dessert was handled poorly - a much shorter review than my previous "rant." House salads should be prepared when ordered, not dressed too far in advance. The dessert tray should have included prices and been appropriate for the season; ice cream was rectangular, over-priced and served on a hot plate.

I recommend two things to diners who have a disappointing experience:
(a) tip accordingly (people who want to be better servers will reflect and, hopefully, improve - people who don't will just think you're cheap)
(b) speak with the manager on the way out (unless service is just plain unacceptable and you must say something sooner)

Thank you to the manager for getting back to me.
Entrees were good and water was refilled frequently. If someone asks whether I recommend Filomena's, I will be honest and say my first visit was good and my second disappointing.

Pros: Good entrees!

Cons: Bad house salad! Not so good service.

Posted 07/19/08

Today's luncheon dining experience was a disappointment. There were three in our party. When we arrived at the restaurant at the early lunch hour, we became the fourth occupied table. After placing our orders and being served our salads and soup, we waited quite some time afterward for our platters to arrive. One could tell by the appearance of the salads that they had been previously refrigerated and were not freshly made. The crab bisque was quite tasty. I also ordered the Gemelli -- pasta with sauteed shrimp, asparagus, artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes and peas in a garlic wine sauce, also tasty. However, the soup and platters were served warm, not hot. There were only three medium shrimp atop the pasta. I could not eat the asparagus as it was on the raw side rather than being cooked to al dente. Nor could I eat the artichokes since they included the fibrous parts of the pedals. Our water glasses were kept full, but we were not asked if we cared for more bread and butter, or if we would like to have coffee and/or dessert. Our waiter seemed to be busy tending to a few other tables occupied with people who came in after we had already arrived and placed our orders. When the waiter brought our check I asked him if he was working the tables alone. He stated that graduates from two area colleges were coming in for lunch today, and they were busier than usual, although the dining room was not crowded. If the establishment knew in advance they would be expecting a larger crowd for lunch, they should have planned accordingly with adequate wait staff. I have dined here previously on two occasions, both lunch and dinner, and this was my first disappointment.

Posted 05/15/08

I've always held out so much hope for this place. The first time it was average and I thought it was because it was new. The second time the waitstaff was loud and obnoxious, having a full conversation with plenty of expletives right next to my table. It made it hard to enjoy. This time, the last time, had to be the worst. The waitress useless and unattentive. She asked if everything was "okay" and I responded "just okay". She said 'oh" and walked away. I guess she was taking a poll, because there was no follow up with anything like "is there anything I can do to make it better" or "do you need anything". The highlight of the meal was the escarole soup, great flavors and not salty. The salad was bland. The entrees were room temperature at best and covered in onions. The juilenned vegetables, also full of onions, were limp, cold, and flavorless. I would suggest a filler other than onions, especially when the entree is served with onions. I am sure my filet was warm at some point because the gorgonzola topping was burnt to a crisp. I agree with the last review, the place has great character. But, I have had wonderful service at places with higher and lower pricetags.

Posted 03/23/08

This place is amazing!! The decor and the ambiance is outstanding. The pace is beautifully decorated and the food is amazing. My wife and I have dinner here at least once a month it would be more but our wallet and waistline wouldnt like that. The risotto is to die for and the fillets are always amazing. They have these crab cakes that melt in your mouth. The only thing I would say is their wine pricing is a little over the top and their deserts could be better. Sometimes the wait staff is off but what place isnt nowadays. I highly recommed it for any occasion.

Pros: Food, Ambiance

Cons: Service sometimes.

Posted 01/16/07

I had an anniversary dinner at Filomena's Lakeview in February. The food was excellent, but our server was extremely rude. She served everybody around us, while we sat unattended for about 40 minutes, did not check on us, did not offer dessert, and threw away the half of pizza I had left over without even asking if I would like it wrapped up, as well as being generally uninterested in serving us. To top it off, I emailed the restaurant twice to tell them this and never got a response back. Not only will I not ever come back, I will be telling friends and family that while the food is decent, it is not worth the bad service and management.

Pros: Good food.

Cons: Bad service.

Posted 07/12/06