la Campagnola

Ive been coming here for the last five years and have been here on dates, with my parents, and with groups of friends and have always received polite service. I can see if people can accuse the older Italian woman of being somewhat rude when waiting to be seated, but I figure since they are always busy, she has a lot of stress placing people at tables. This restaurant consistently delivers delicious food time and after time. Free garlic knots usually arrive at the table within a few minutes, but don't fill up too much on them! Also, don't forget to bring a few bottles of wine to enjoy with dinner, as this is a BYO restaurant. Many have complained that their dinners take too long to come out, but if you realize the size of the kitchen and the amount of people ordering coupled with the idea of REAL Italian home cooking, then don't complain if you don't get your food in 10-15 minutes a la Applebees. The prices are very fair especially when you aren't paying for drinks, since you literally can come to dinner with as much wine as you can carry. I feel bad when people come on here to write about rudeness they encounter, but many diners expect to be treated like kings while dishing out their own snottiness. Being polite and remembering that you aren't the only customers in the place will go a long way. Ever have a bad day? So does everyone, so don't let that ruin you from a wonderful dining experience.

Posted 03/10/09 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

After waiting over an hour for the food, 6 out of 8 of us did not get what we ordered. We were told "too bad, what do you want us to do, go to the acme?" And that was from the owners daughter. We asked if we would be compensated (we were all supposed to get scallops w/ our meal & we got none) and were told no, leave if you don't like it (that out of the mouth of the owner). Absolutely unbelievable. Save your money & go somewhere else.

Posted 02/08/09 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

We went for dinner on a Sunday, specifically because they advertise on a giant sign in front of the restaurant discounts on Sunday and Thursday. Our dinner was great. The service, fantastic. When we went to pay, the woman at the register (who claimed to be the owner) refused to give us the discount. She said the special ended the day prior, even though the wait staff told the table next to us the discount was still being offered. She became very rude, and told us it was her place and she could do whatever she wanted. I will never eat there again.

Posted 09/15/08 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

I recently just went here for my mom's birthday. The food was exceptional, the bread was great, but the service was not so great. Our waitress was in a rush to take our orde, annoyed when we asked her what she recommended and what is most ordered. She said everything was pretty much popular and just wanted to jot our orders down. Besides that, we ordered steak, the proper utencils were not given, no A1 sauce was left, so BBQ sauce was brought out instead (However, ketchup did came out with the fries and we didn't need to ask for it!) Our complimentary wine came out after we finished our dinner. We asked for it within a spaced out 20 minute interval.

We did bring our own cake and they did bring it out lite and sang happy birthday. That was very sweet, however again the proper utencils were not brought out.. no knife was given and we had to get up and grab it off another table. I have been working in the restaurant business every since my college years and the service was very poor. Our bill was miscalculated and the daughter in the front chased us down in the parking lot because it was miscalculated by 20 dollars. In addition she said she needed to tip 20% because we had a party of 6. I have been working in the restaurant business throughout my college years and have worked in many family restaurants and I understand how some customers can get rude and picky. In the most appropriate and professional tone, service was very poor and some workers did rub off some attitude. When the owner was informed by us that we felt that service was poor because our drinks came out after our dinner and proper utencils were not given, she replied "well what do you expect? It's a Saturday night." No sorry or anything... That is enough for me to inform others that this place is not recommended

Posted 09/06/08 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

I have been going to La Campagnola for lunch for years. The food is absolutely great and the portions are huge. The specials are a great option and are not the typical Italian restaurant standards. The Chicken Frank Sinatra (stuffed chicken breast with scallops, shrimps, artichokes & more) is one of my favorites. It's always nice to see the family there and helping out running the business. It always puts a smile on our faces when the youngest boy (~3 yrs old) brings us our menus! The family atmosphere certainly adds to the charm of the place.

Posted 07/22/08 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

How Legitimate is a web site that removes all the negative reviews of a bad Restaurant. I would suggest Zaggats if you want a real honest review.
As for La Campagnola
I can't get into details because my review will be deleted.
My official new review.
I would never ever never recommend going to this restaurant.

Posted 07/10/08 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

I've been going to La campagnola for years.. I love everything about it. The food is great.. Lobster Ravioli is my favorite.. and the owners are definitely misunderstood.. I just read a negative review about they customer is always right and the owners don't realize that money could be spent at other places.. I deal with the public too and some people just don't understand.. That person that left because the couldn't wait on a busy night for food i just want to tell you your lose La Campagnola is busy because it faboulous..When I try or need to eat somewhere else i don't enjoy it i just compare it to la campagnola so i don't bother and recommended to everyone

Posted 02/17/08 | Report Abuse

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?

First time there - made reserv. for 9 people. The roads that night were icy, and very few cars were out driving, but we drove the 1/2 hour to get there in 3 separate cars, coming from 3 separate directions. Restaurant was near empty...since few people were willing to drive in such bad weather. Arrived well in time for reservation but ahead of 2 other couples. Gave our name, and expected to be seated, so we could enjoy a glass of wine while waiting. We were told that we had to wait back out in the lobby behind the closed doors, where it was cold. When I asked why we couldn't be seated, the woman (rudely) said they didn't seat ANYONE until all parties had arrived. I mentioned how I thought since they were near empty, it didn't make sense to me. One of the other couples showed up with their newborn baby, then the other couple came in with 2 kids. Immediately they then seated us. We told them of our surprise at their lack of caring, and somewhat rudeness, knowing that they had tons of empty tables....and we weren't sure if we would ever come back there. Girl (daughter) explained their policy. Although she was still pretty aloof, she warmed up a bit, took our orders etc. The food that evening was very very good - no problem with that -- but also should have expected that, since they were near empty. She asked us if the food outweighed our original displeasure, and we said yes. It wasn't cheap. The bill with tip came to just over $250 for 8 of us, for just the food (it's a bring your own bottle restaurant, which is actually a nice thing.) We may try it again just to give it one more chance. If we get a similar attitude, it will be the last time. Unless it improves on the 2nd visit, we would not be able to recommend it.

Posted 02/14/08 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

my family and i had 7:15 reservations on 2/9/08, were seated at 8pm, ignored for another 15 minutes, salad came 15 min after that and never did get our dinner. we left at 9pm after being admonished by one of the owners for not appreciating how busy they were and that they "prepare each meal to order" these people should realize that they aren't the only restaurant in the area and to speak to my brother and his wife the way they did when they have been coming there for years is inexcusable. What happened to SERVICE and the customer being right. in this economy, they should appreciate that people are still going out to eat and can well spend their money elsewhere. i won't be back!!!

Posted 02/10/08 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

I ate there last night for the first time. Amazing. I had the lobster ravioli! SO GOOD! We had the greatest service. It was fast and very professional. I can not wait to go back. You have a customer for life!

Posted 05/18/07 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

The food here is incredible! The people that own the resturaunt are absolutely the best! I know the man that owns it. He is a joy to see every singel time I see him. And I will have to agree with all of the people that say its ok to hear the italians bickering! They love each other very much! And working with the public is hard, let alone with your family. You won't be sorry if you go to eat here! I love it every time!!! Please go see them! And it was recently renovated so it looks even better than ever in there! They put a lot of work into it and a lot of time!

Posted 05/18/07 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

Although the food is fairly good, wouldn't go back to a sit-down dinner at La Campagnola. The family that owns this small business provides all patrons a free show where they fight like cats and dogs not only with each other but, with the customers! Sadly, we witnessed both the other evening, again (third time). For the first part of our dinner, the family fought loudly at the front entrance. Then, that was proceeded with the family fighting loudly with a customer. Isn't the customer always right? Not at La Campagnola. This particular customer mentioned to the cashier ("daughter" of the owner, very arrogant and angry girl) that their dessert tasted stale...could they please do something about it...the whole clan then loudly began to argue with the customer. We really don't want to see that when we go out for a nice dinner. Shame...they most definitely lost that customer's business and based on this repeat behavior, they have lost ours.

Posted 03/22/07 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

I love this place.. everything about it.. especially the family.. they are so misunderstood.. I read some of these reviews and can't agree with the ones that talk about the family and owner being rude... The fighting in the back around you think you hear is them just TALKING... ask any Italian family.. They have been in Lansdale for 6 years and believe me dealing with the public is very hard...

Posted 02/19/07 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

La Campagnola serves the most delicious and authentic Italian food at a reasonable price. Portions are huge! I special-ordered penne vodka and it was amazing! The fried calamari as an appetizer was also fabulous -- tasty and tender. It was easy for me to add this review as I keep their menu handy.

Posted 12/29/06 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

If you are looking for fancy service and want to be coddled as a dining patron, this isn't the place. But if you are looking for excellent Italian food served almost like if you were eating in Grandma's own dining room in the old country, you've found the right place. You might hear some family bickering (just like in any Italian family kitchen) since father, mother, and all the kids are involved, but they will remember your name and most likely the kind of food you like if you go back multiple times. All dishes are excellent, especially their specials. And I guarantee you won't go home hungry.

PROS: EXCELLENT ITALIAN FOOD
CONS:

Posted 04/28/06 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

What successful restraurant doesn't go out of their way to ensure customer satisfaction. La Campagnola. Been there several times for usually decent food. This last time was awful. The Chick Parm I ordered tasted bad (spoiled). The owner not only didn't come to our table, they refused to replace the meal with anything other than another of the same dish. After I declined, my uneaten meal was packed for me to take home. The owner refused to remove the meal from the bill. For a 13$ dish that probably costs less than 5$ to make, they lost several customers. I agree with the other reviewer...spend your money elsewhere!

Posted 01/05/06 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

I do not understand the other reviews. I just moved to the area from NYC and the one thing I can not find is good food. I lucked onto this place and boy am I happy. The food is unreal and the portions huge. Yes it is family run and because of this they already know me by name. I do not understand how people complaine about service it was GREAT. One of the daughters works there always sweet, always nice and always correct. Do not miss out, go ASAP.

PROS: The Food
CONS: Nothing

Posted 09/14/05 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

We have been here several times. We go here for special occasions, like Mother's Day. There food is excellent, probably the best Italian Food in the area. Their bread is awesome and I always enjoy their lobster ravioli. The big downfall of the place is that the service is poor and unprofessional. It's a family run restaurant so maybe that has something to do with it. It's not slow, just not good. Certain things that you would expect from a nice restaurant are not what you would get from here. But all in all I think the quality of the food outweighs the shortcomings in service. Bring your own wine, sit back and enjoy the food.

PROS: The food is A++++
CONS: The service is lacking

Posted 07/27/05 | Report Abuse

Was this review helpful to you?

we didnt ahve a good experience here. My husband ordered the veal parmigian and he received chicken instead. when he told the manager they made no attempt to remedy the situation, could have cared less. Waitress service wasnt that great either. we wont go back.

Posted 06/15/05 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Was this review helpful to you?