Unfortunately, we had a very poor experience yesterday (3/7/09) at Alberto. They substituted one of the special appetizers for the Piatto di Mare without telling us and we questioned them as soon as it arrived. (later they said it is because they do not have octopus). Then they charged us for the more expensive one. (it was NOT changed on the bill - we ended up paying for the more expensive dish we never ordered). They served the Dover Sole filletted instead of whole, as requested. They did take it back with no argument, but the new whole fish was delivered partially fried, which they tried to tell us was BAKED (but the menu says GRILLED, and we requested GRILLED). And since it was returned to us in less that 10 minutes, I doubt very much whether a whole large fish can be baked in that short a time. When cut open, the center was raw and they tried to explain it away by saying this is what happens when it is served whole, so that's why they like to fillet it. Sorry, I've had whole fish many times, and it can be grilled properly. It was taken away and microwaved and then returned. A poor showing for a dish that costs $33. A busboy dropped a gravy boat containing oil and garlic, and when shown the oil spots that landed on a sweater, said he didn't do it. Obviously they considered us a pain, so when we paid the $215 bill, one of the owners scooped it up without a word and never returned. Had they admitted to a mistake at any time, or apologized, we might have considered giving them another chance. But considering how poorly we felt we were treated, we will not return and will not suggest them to anyone.
Pros: seated right away, treated very nicely at beginning
Cons: kitchen uneven, wait staff hurried, owner/manager always wants to be right.
