Nello’s Downtown
About
Italian
Location
Adress: 11520 100 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5K 0J7
Phone: (780) 250-8505
Work Hours
Reviews
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Eric M.
Let me start by saying, we weren't here because we had a Groupon, but we're returning because it's amazing. So, we got to the restaurant for our 630 pm reservation, and it was quiet. We were met merry by a stocky gent by the name of Danny. We decided to start with an appetizer of bruschetta, that was absolutely amazingly fresh and delicious. Three bread it came with, even more amazing. Oh my God, this was amazing. The entree.. I had the special scallopini that was beautiful and tender. Damn. She had the carbonara, and it was also equally if not more so, amazingly delicious. All the while, Danny kept us company, one of the best servers in the industry... If not the best. We ended the evening, with tiramisu. I payed for this tiramisu, as it was light, creamy and damn the liquor they used was ferocious. We left the restaurant happy and full. Did I mention, the restaurant was full when we left? Great place, great staff, great food. We'll see you again Danny and co. Thanks for the evening.
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Vicki M.
If i could give this review 3.5 stars I would.
Husband and i came with our 3 year old Saturday for dinner. We didn't make reservations but we arrived around 5:45pm and were able to get a table. But for future reference, reservations would likely be recommended as the restaurant is not overly large and most people who walked in had reservations.
The reason for the mediocre review was mostly because of service. From the moment we arrived and up until the end of the meal, the two servers who attended us throughout the stay were not friendly in our opinion. They weren't rude or unprofessional either, just did their jobs as expected. The nicest person who actually went over and above was the owner, who came to check on us and connect with our 3 year old over his hat. It's these little details that really make an experience enjoyable or not and sadly overall it fell flat on the service end.
I noticed quite a few guests who came in were also known to staff so you could really tell the difference between how they were treated and greeted and attended to versus those of us who weren't.
As for the food, portions are definitely large and generous and well made but the prices higher than I expected. I would've preferred smaller portions and a lower price point as dinner for two (we didn't order anything for our 3 year old other than juice), was $100 including three drinks, a dessert and tax. Add in parking next door at the impark which was $9 and it ended up being an expensive family night out.
The meal comes with warm crusty bread and herbed butter which is a nice touch. Our 3 year old ate almost half the loaf!
Tiramisu is one of the best in the city - very light and fluffy and not overly liquer-y like some other places which I very much appreciate. Portion is huge once again but it's also $10.50. Once again, would've preferred half the size for half the price, especially since I was the only one eating it and ended up taking most of it to go.
Not sure if we'll come back any time soon unless for a specific occasion. Food is very well done albeit a bit expensive, but service leaves a lot to be desired. -
Jaime M.
I tried Nello's Downtown for the first time tonight and it was a fabulous experience! I've never been to the St. Albert location, so unfortunately I can't compare the two, but if they are at all similar, I see why they are expanding! I didn't pay much attention to the decor, but the atmosphere was warm and inviting - mostly due to the amazing owner/waiter, Danny. He was so helpful and kind, I'd go back for him alone!
Now for the food! The restaurant has only been open for a few days, so I was expecting some small hitches, but everything went very smoothly and service/food was prompt, which I think is stellar for such a new place. We ordered calamari to start and then I had the Pollo Parmigiano for my main. The calamari was delish - salty and crispy with 2 different sauces to dip it in...it was a huge portion and so good that we devoured it all.
The chicken parmesan was so good - flavorful and rich without being too overwhelming. I thought it was perfectly executed. It comes with your choice of pasta on the side, and I went for linguine with gigi sauce (a type of rosé). The pasta serving was HUGE. Also, I normally have to order an extra side of tomato sauce because I like my pasta saucy - but this did not need it at all. They mix sauce with the pasta and then add more on top. In fact, if you're not a huge sauce fan, I'd recommend asking for the sauce they serve on top to be on the side instead so that you can control the amount. It was perfect for me, but maybe not to everyone's taste. Also I'd recommend the tomato sauce over the gigi (both were delish, just tomato was slightly better). Everything was so good but the portions were so huge, I only ate about a third of my meal.
Then the dessert (yes despite not finishing my meal I still had dessert...they're separate stomach's or something, right??) But guys...The tiramisu. Oh the tiramisu. I will be dreaming of it until I can eat it again. Every time I have tiramisu I wish I could have more marscapone....well this tiramisu is basically all the creamy goodness with only a small amount of lady fingers and it was Ah. Ma. Zing. Although possibly not to everyone's taste, I thought it was a dream.
The food was delicious and so affordable considering the portion sizes ($40 for 3 courses and a tea - appies and dessert split 4 ways). And the service was incredible. I definitely recommend checking this place out! -
Kelly W.
We went there yesterday for supper. The food was amazing; the portions were huge; the service was exceptional.
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Zach V.
Felt discriminated against the moment I walked into the restaurant. Once we were seated the hostess came up to me and told me that they had only one dress code policy which said "No Hats." I complied. About 20 minutes later another gentleman (Caucasian) with a hat on walks in and is seated. I was waiting for that same hostess that told me to remove my hat to tell that gentleman to remove his hat which didn't happen. He sat there and ate his whole meal with his hat on. So why only ask me to remove my hat and not ask him to remove his? The whole experience made me and the people I was with feel uncomfortable.