La Fontana - West Ashley

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1. MC

   MikeC

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on January 20, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience4

   Enjoyed a very nice and quiet dinner. The food was delicious and the service impeccable . Everything tasted fresh and delicious .

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2. BK

   BobK

   Charleston

   29 reviews

   vip
   1.0

   29 reviews

   Dined on January 15, 2023

   overall1food2service1ambience1

   Had driven by La Fontana many times and decided to finally try it out. We arrived on a Sat evening for our 7 pm reservation and were seated fairly quickly. The dining room was almost full with a couple of tables just leaving. Everyone else was sitting and looked to be waiting to be served. There was one waitress clearing tables and a hostess that was also waiting on tables. We noticed that they had full bar but no one was bartending. After about 10 minutes we got the hostess to come over. She told us that they were short handed so we would have to wait for her to be able to serve us. We asked if we could get a drink and she told us that their bartender had not showed up that night so no mixed drinks just wine and beer. We ordered a bottle of wine and got that pretty quickly. About 15 minutes later we were able order food. Other tables around us were still waiting to order even though they had come in before us. As we waited for the food to be served we started hearing shouting coming from the kitchen. It appeared that the hostess and the chef (probably also the owner) were arguing over the slow delivery of food . Our food was finally served and it was ok, not anything to rave about. The best thing was the marinara sauce served with the fried calamari appetizer. Veal scallopine and chicken parmesan were average. When we finished and were leaving the table next to us that had been there before us was just getting their food. Not a great night for La Fontana.

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3. J

   John

   New England

   49 reviews

   vip
   1.0

   49 reviews

   Dined on January 10, 2023

   overall1food1service1ambience1

   I'm not sure why I wanted Italian food in Charleston, but this place didn't do it for me.

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4. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on January 8, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Food and service were top notch as usual!

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5. CF

   CorgiFan

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined on January 7, 2023

   overall4food4service3ambience3

   Small family style Italian restaurant. The owners directly served guests. Food was very good and generous portions, reasonably priced. Service was a little slow but the friendliness of the owner was really nice.

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6. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Charleston

   2 reviews

   4.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on December 28, 2022

   overall4food5service5ambience3

   Excellent food and service.

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7. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Charleston

   3 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on December 25, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Everything was great…. But the bruschetta was WOW! Never had anything that good before!! Thank y’all for taking care of us on Christmas night!!!

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8. SL

   SusanL

   Richmond

   3 reviews

   2.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on December 24, 2022

   overall2food1service3ambience3

   Overpriced for very basic food. The food was very average at best.

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9. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Raleigh

   6 reviews

   5.0

   6 reviews

   Dined on December 24, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience4

   We have been meaning to try La Fontana since we moved here in 2014 and finally did so for Christmas Eve dinner, given its close proximity to Blessed Sacrament for Christmas Eve mass attendance. We had noticed that the reviews had been quite mixed over the past couple of years, both favorable and unfavorable, so we didn’t know what to expect. We were very pleasantly surprised. It is a family run Italian American restaurant that reminds us so much of the myriads of similar family run restaurants in NJ, where we are from originally, complete with decor that harkens back to the 1970’s! Very cozy little place, especially with the temperatures dipping into the teens - it was as though we were transported back north in a Time Machine. We really enjoyed all the various dishes we ordered-truly excellent quality. And very smartly, family reinforcements were brought in to staff the restaurant and tend to a busy, fully booked Christmas Eve, resulting in excellent service to complement the excellent cuisine. La Fontana is now off our “bucket list” and onto our list of local places to keep in mind when we venture out to dinner in the future 😉

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10. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Boise

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 24, 2022

    overall2food2service3ambience3

    I ordered a mojito that was pure sugar and bitter. The chicken in the fettuccini was thick and little flavor. Shrimp was good, but sauce just okay. Didn’t offer bread or any sides. Service seemed rushed but wasn’t too busy when e arrived.

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11. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Orlando

    9 reviews

    3.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on December 21, 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience3

    We have been to many Italian restaurants here in the Charleston area.I was so disappointed in the overall experience. The atmosphere was dated but cozy ,there were only two other tables of diners. The lasagna was flavorful and a decent portion,the chicken piccata was ok, but the chicken Alfredo lacked flavor and the sauce was underwhelming with the chicken overcooked. The bread wasn't fresh and lastly the waitress was stingy with the olive oil. Needless to say we will spend our money elsewhere.

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12. KR

    KathyR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Wonderful Italian food. We love the atmosphere, Fabiana makes you feel like family. This is our “go to” restaurant

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13. MT

    MarkTann

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience4

    My family of six had never been to La Fontana before. We were a little reluctant at first as it was a Saturday evening at 5:45 and restaurant was nearly empty. Also, the ambiance was a little dark and the furnishing were dated. However, we were pleasantly surprised and very impressed. The service was great, the food was delicious, and the next time we are West Ashley we will come to visit again. This was a great find for our family.

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14. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 11, 2022

    overall3food5service2ambience5

    The food was excellent. The owner was waiting the tables for the entire restaurant. My party was agreeable to waiting until a large party was tended to first. We were asked to order our meals before ordering our drinks so the kitchen could keep up. That wasn’t a problem for us. We informed her we weren’t in a rush. The food was great. Upon finishing our entrees and boxing up leftovers we were handed our checks and were told there were people waiting for our table. We weren’t offered a dessert menu or a second round of beverages. Total time spent in the restaurant was just under 1 hour. I’m still wondering if they offer dessert. Go for the food…not the service.

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15. RS

    RussellSalley

    Charleston

    32 reviews

    2.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2022

    overall2food2service3ambience2

    So disappointed. We had looked at the menu online and found several things we liked. Unfortunately, the menu isn’t accurate and neither are the prices!

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16. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We absolutely LOVED it. Fabiana provided amazing service and was so sweet the entire meal. The food was authentic and delicious. We will be making this a regular date night spot!

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17. RD

    RonD

    Charleston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Always great food and service. Nice and quiet!

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18. MS

    MaryS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This is my favorite Italian restaurant since moving to the area. Our server, Fabiana, was helpful with menu knowledge and suggestions. Her service was top notch and made for a wonderful experience. All of the food was made fresh in house, and the portion sizes were plentiful. we can't wait to return!

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19. RD

    RonD

    Charleston

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food is always excellent, atmosphere is perfect for a nice quiet meal or a romantic evening.

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20. SR

    SonjaR

    Charleston

    9 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 4, 2022

    overall2food2service4ambience4

    Nothing spectacular. I won’t suggest this place to friends.

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21. SH

    StephenH

    Charleston

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 26, 2022

    overall3food4service3ambience3

    It's been awhile since the last time we were here. The dining room was always unorganized and short staffed. Sat down and ordered off the wine list that was on the table. And like other times "we don't have this, this or this". We ordered two glasses of something the waitress recommended. It was good, but why put a wine list on the table and not have wines in stock? This time they added a food runner which I thought was a great idea, but food came out slow. I think the Chef owner is by himself. That didn't bother us because we don't like taking the first bite of our salad and here comes the entre. The entrees were good. We were never offered bread until we finished the entres. The bread basket came out with a warmed, sliced and tasteless hoagie bun with no butter or olive oil to dip. In the past the bread was homemade and wonderful. I wish they could get it together because in the past I liked this place.

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22. JS

    JamieS

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 21, 2022

    overall2food2service2ambience2

    Eggplant was bitter and not cooked, chicken was decent but very salty

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23. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 20, 2022

    overall2food4service2ambience1

    Terrible! No air conditioning on a hot and humid night and not enough staff to take care of customers. The hostess had to double as a waitress. Food was good- the only saving grace. We won’t be back.

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24. KR

    KRRR

    Baltimore

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience4

    Food was amazing! Everyone in my group loved their meals! We will be back. It doesn’t look like much from outside, but don’t let that stop you, great Italian food!

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25. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 14, 2022

    overall1food5service1ambience1

    I'll start this review first by saying the food was decent, what ruined the experience was the staff. I have never met staff as rude as the ones that work at this establishment. You could clearly tell that the 2 people working in the front of the restaurant were not happy to be at work that day, you could feel the hostility between the bartender and the lady that worked as the server the evening we were there. Everyone that was in our group was treated rude. Plates of food and glasses of wine/drinks were not even handed to you in a respectful manner but more like tossed at you and like we were an inconvenience. A majority of the wine on the menu was not available. I could go on and on about our experience, what we should have done was got up and all walked out, and went somewhere that we were treated better but we stuck it out and are seriously talking about our experience days later.

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26. BB

    BruceB

    Charleston

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 13, 2022

    overall2food5service1ambience2

    Food was great..:Service was awful rude did not bring us any bread or ever check us after delivering our food.

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27. H

    Halloransix

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience3

    Hostess/waitress, whose family owns the restaurant, was fantastic! The food…so yummy. Large portions. I wanted everything on the menu. Had Fruiti de mar, definitely recommend! Red sauce… perfect. Bread w/olive oil & herbs…great beginning. Full bar. Will go back very soon!

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28. GR

    GaltR

    Atlanta

    4 reviews

    1.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 4, 2022

    overall1food1service3ambience1

    This restaurant was absolutely awful. It is in dire need of a makeover - food and interior. It Was dark, it was dirty and it is run down. The bathrooms are embarrassing, with no soap or hand towels and it was not even busy when we ate there. The Veal Marsala was straight out of a broth box with the flavor of water. The veal itself had not been pounded and was tough and chewy. The Chicken parmigiana tasted and looked as if it came from a frozen entree box from Restaurant Depot. New management, new chef just new everything. I would not suggest this restaurant to anyone based on our personal experience.

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29. RR

    RickR

    San Francisco

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 30, 2022

    overall2food2service2ambience1

    Not very good anything. Food was bland and service below average.

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30. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 30, 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience2

    Menu was limited. Food was ok. The restaurant could use some updating.

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31. NR

    NagalisR

    Tampa

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We were on our family trip for the 4th of July weekend and decided to get a nice meal on our second day in SC. This is a small town restaurant with excellent food and service. Our waitress was very helpful, dynamic and friendly, we really had a great time.

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32. KM

    KevinM

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 23, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience4

    The exterior is a little off-puting but the food was delicious and the the waitress 'Tatiana' i think was charming except for her garb.

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33. P

    Pattyboy

    Tampa

    17 reviews

    4.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on June 4, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience3

    The server was from Italy and she was fun to be with. Nice people

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34. p

    paigeh

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Food was amazing. Service staff was nice and had great personalities. Highly recommend!!

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35. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 29, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    Wish I would have read the reviews instead of going by their rankings. The food is way overpriced for what you get. Bruschetta was horrible, bread was cold, probably frozen, we had to put it together ourselves, it came out in separate dishes. My wife said her Chicken Alfredo was mediocre at best. Out of diet coke and we were the first customers of the dinner hour. They should close the doors permanently, or sell it.

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36. DC

    DougC

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience3

    Food and service were really great! Don’t be fooled by the outside of the building, the food is authentic Italian and exceptional.

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37. FH

    FranH

    San Antonio

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 21, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience3

    One of the best Italian restaurant in West Ashley. Good service,

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38. ML

    MLTofTN

    Nashville

    97 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    97 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2022

    overall2food2service3ambience2

    Well..the only thing I can say is “not bad.” Literally. The $48 Chianti was good. No bar service. “No bartender.” Wish I’d known before we got there.

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39. MM

    MelanieM

    Wilmington

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Wow . Some of the best and most authentic Italian food ever . Everything was sensationally good!

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40. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New England

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2022

    overall3food2service2ambience2

    My friend and I made reservations here and were not impressed. The food was okay - we got chicken parm and it wasn’t crispy at all. The spaghetti was spaghetti I could’ve made at home. Service was realllllly slow for a small restaurant. Drinks took over 20 min to arrive to the table. We had to flag down our waitress multiple times. Overall, eh.

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