Silasw Patterson
I went to Finelli’s with my girlfriend for a nice Valentine’s dinner and was excited for a second visit. We were seated quickly, and our server, Brittany, was polite and professional. We ordered the bruschetta, which was good, and then we both had Caesar salads—some of the best Caesar salad I’ve had.
For our main course, my girlfriend had the Amaretto Chicken with peaches, and I ordered the Veal Marsala. The Amaretto Chicken was great and had a refreshing flavor paired with the peaches. The Veal Marsala, on the other hand, was terrible. The veal was overcooked and bland, and the mushrooms were lukewarm and mushy. The dish tasted only of alcohol and wine and had no redeeming qualities. I can’t remember the last time I returned a dish, but I returned this one.
I understand that Marsala sauce is made from wine, but this tasted like the wine wasn’t reduced enough and was overpowering. I personally enjoy wine, but this was far too much.
An older blonde hostess then came to our table and began to berate me for sending it back. In a packed dining room, she loudly and rudely ridiculed me, saying I should know that Marsala is made from wine and that it will taste like wine. I told her it only tasted like booze and that it wasn’t good. She then stormed back to the kitchen.
I was shocked by how inappropriate and unprofessional this treatment was—especially from someone who should know better. She could take a lesson from our waitress on how to treat customers. This almost ruined our night and left both of us upset and irritated. I don’t plan on going back, and I don’t recommend Finelli’s after this experience.
After reading some other reviews it appears that this exact scenario has happened to other customers. If you’re going to try and act like Gordon Ramsay at least make sure the food is good.
… moreMargaret Roberts
Enjoyable first time visit on a December Monday night opening. Brittany was a friendly, capable server who provided helpful advice on entree selection. We enjoyed the entire meal. First was bread plus a complimentary and delicious Caprese salad bites appetizer (fresh tomatoes, mozzarella balls, basil, olive oil, and balsamic glaze). Next, a fresh and large house salad with choice of dressings followed by our chosen entrees: Grilled Pork Porterhouse and Boozy Cranberry Chicken. They were accompanied by a side selection of either spaghetti with pasta or baby potatoes and vegetable of the day. The seasoning of these meals was spot on….and surprisingly for restaurant fare, not too salty either. The portions were on the large size, so we were well satisfied. However, we couldn’t resist trying one of the many desserts that this restaurant is known for….it’s a tough choice to make! We took our tiramisu home…and like the rest of the meal, it was delectable! Highly recommend….and will be back!
… moreGreg Mele
What a great find. Very nice staff and excellent food! We were very happy with everything. They even give all tables a complementary tomato, mozzarella and olive salad. We had the eggplant parm, filet with crabmeat and chicken with vodka sauce and all dishes were great. Highly recommend but it’s a small place so make reservations. Street parking only.
… moreJason Mckinley
A wonderful dining experience and the food was amazing!
… moreSara Gable
Finelli’s has been a staple in Altoona for many years. I came here for proms and even brought my college boyfriend here to treat him to some of the best of Altoona!
I noticed the other reviews commenting on the looks of fine dining & yes we do it differently in altoona but that’s why it’s beloved.
The chicken parm was top notch and the desserts are all homemade.
It’s special and held in time for a reason.
I’d still highly recommend.
… moreBecky DeYulis
Our our family gathered at finale’s last evening for my daughter-in-law’s birthday dinner and we couldn’t have been more pleased with the service, the quality of food and the overall beautiful Christmas atmosphere that the restaurant offers. As we were leaving Mrs. Finelli brought over a small gift of homemade biscotti for our daughter-in-law as a parting birthday present. These are the things that set these small family owned restaurants apart from the chains. Let’s all support our local restaurants in this holiday season.
… moreSandra Frederick
Great private dining in Altoona, PA. We enjoy coming to dine here whenever we are in the region. My husband always gets the chicken parmigiana as he is a creature of habit. I like to branch out and try different things. I’ve never been disappointed. This last time was no different. We arrived in the middle of an ice storm. Everywhere else was shutting down but they stayed open and accommodated our reservation. Truly private dining that night. Our bar tender Amigh, was a delight as I tried their Christmas themed drinks. Christmas cookie was amazing. If you are ever in Altoona, book a seat and sit back and enjoy.
… moreLucas Tuggy
Me and my girlfriend went last night. Food was very tasty and the service was fantastic but soon after we left the restaurant and returned home we were both hit with horrible stomach cramps and nausea. Its lasted all the way until this afternoon today. I have eaten there before and had good experiences so I’m sure that this may have just been a one of poor experience with food quality
… moreMarc Segal
Visiting Altoona for business and was fortunate to discover this amazing restaurant. Fantastic Italian cuisine! Top notch presentation, atmosphere and service! Highly recommend Finelli’s!
… moreJuliann Davis
Fabulous Restaurant. This was my first time here and it did not disappoint. Mrs. Finelli was extremely friendly and very helpful. The atmosphere was so inviting and relaxing. We were taken care of by Lindsey, top notch friendly service. My fillet mignon was cooked to perfection and the green beans were delicious. The deserts were to die for. I had the spumoni and peanut butter chocolate cake, both were heavenly. This is a very high class, extremely wonderful restaurant with delicious food and great service. Highly recommend!
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