I experience a terrifying moment when threatened by the aggressive piano player/singer of this place and then discriminated by the manager who unjustly denied me service at the restaurant. I went to La veranda on Saturday at around 10 pm with a friend of mine who is a regular customer of the restaurant. The place was almost empty and we sat across the piano player/singer (who seems to play there often). We ordered two drinks and were listening to the music. My friend had recently lost her husband, so one of the songs the singer was playing made her feel very sad, so I asked if he could play another song. Again, the place was pretty much empty, so I didn't think it would be a problem, but to my surprise it seem that it was. As soon as I asked for the song, the singer reacted very violently. For some reason he became enraged and screamed at me saying that the song was dedicated to one of the restaurant's employees. I thought that was bizarre, but that wasn't the end of it. Right after that, he stopped playing the piano, walked towards me completely enraged and out of control yelling and lifting his hand, right at my face. I couldn't understand one thing he was saying since the whole thing took me by surprise. All I could think of was that this man had lost his mind and was completely out of himself. It took me about a minute to react and when I did, I went to look for the manager who was far away from the whole event. When I spoke to him, I explained the situation and I asked that he did something about it. The manager said he would speak to him and if necessary, he would look at the camera's recordings to see what really happened. I asked him to please do that, since the whole thing was completely outrageous. Minutes later, the manager comes back and asked us to leave. I was uphold to hear that. I had no idea what was being said, so I asked the manager to explain why we should do that, and he said he was not obligated to give me a reason. Actually, by law he can not refuse service unjustifiably, which is exactly what he did. He even threatened me with calling the police. I assume the piano player must have lied to him about what happened. So I asked the manager to look at the video recordings, but he refused to do so and did not want to listen to anything I had to say. I felt attached, and discriminated to say the least.I would like to know why the manager was so rude to us and why he didn't look at the video's recordings to corroborate my story. Furthermore, why was he so incredible unprofessional asking us to leave without any evident reason. The whole thing was so bizarre to say the least. There is nothing I have to say about the restaurant itself, but I will definitely have my lawyer looking into the situation. The level of aggression I experienced by the singer and the manager at La Veranda is something I've never seen before.
I experience a terrifying moment when threatened by the aggressive piano player/singer of this place and then discriminated by the manager who unjustly denied me service at the restaurant. I went to La veranda on Saturday at around 10 pm with a friend of mine who is a regular customer of the restaurant. The place was almost empty and we sat across the piano player/singer (who seems to play there often). We ordered two drinks and were listening to the music. My friend had recently lost her husband, so one of the songs the singer was playing made her feel very sad, so I asked if he could play another song. Again, the place was pretty much empty, so I didn't think it would be a problem, but to my surprise it seem that it was. As soon as I asked for the song, the singer reacted very violently. For some reason he became enraged and screamed at me saying that the song was dedicated to one of the restaurant's employees. I thought that was bizarre, but that wasn't the end of it. Right after that, he stopped playing the piano, walked towards me completely enraged and out of control yelling and lifting his hand, right at my face. I couldn't understand one thing he was saying since the whole thing took me by surprise. All I could think of was that this man had lost his mind and was completely out of himself. It took me about a minute to react and when I did, I went to look for the manager who was far away from the whole event. When I spoke to him, I explained the situation and I asked that he did something about it. The manager said he would speak to him and if necessary, he would look at the camera's recordings to see what really happened. I asked him to please do that, since the whole thing was completely outrageous. Minutes later, the manager comes back and asked us to leave. I was uphold to hear that. I had no idea what was being said, so I asked the manager to explain why we should do that, and he said he was not obligated to give me a reason. Actually, by law he can not refuse service unjustifiably, which is exactly what he did. He even threatened me with calling the police. I assume the piano player must have lied to him about what happened. So I asked the manager to look at the video recordings, but he refused to do so and did not want to listen to anything I had to say. I felt attached, and discriminated to say the least. I would like to know why the manager was so rude to us and why he didn't look at the video's recordings to corroborate my story. Furthermore, why was he so incredible unprofessional asking us to leave without any evident reason. The whole thing was so bizarre to say the least. There is nothing I have to say about the restaurant itself, but I will definitely have my lawyer looking into the situation. The level of aggression I experienced by the singer and the manager at La Veranda is something I've never seen before.
The outside dining area was relaxing, wait staff were attentive and the taste of the food as above avg for the Pompano Beach area.
What a really nice place, one that is perfect example of "hidden gem" as I passed by La Veranda numerous times but until now failed to stop in, dine and enjoy it. The fact that it has been here and in business for some 37 years is a testament to the fact that they've consistently been doing things right. After I made my way through a lovely veranda/patio like area and entered the door I was immediately given a warm welcome not only from the proprietor but also from his properly dressed perfectly mannered staff. Besides the veranda patio area it has a large rather well decorated dining area complete with sparkling (my guess hand dried) glassware and lace like table cloths.There was long list of meal specials, well thought out of meat, poultry and seafood. I went for their special of the evening being a lobster diablo along with their included house salad. When the house salad arrived it was simple, but crispy and fresh. The highlight of the salad however was that it came with a bowl of delicious creamy Italian house dressing, one of the best as well as the tastiest ever. The lobster came served on top of a good al dente linguini, a lobster supposedly of two pounds but I think in fact considerably larger, more like good three pounds, a covering of clams, mussels and diablo sauce; a really delicious meal and for what I got more than reasonably priced at $54.In reviewing their menu and speaking with their very professional waiter, Ken, I'm really looking forward to trying some of their regular menu items, particularly their veal francese which I understand they hand cut in house.The only downsides I found, all relatively minor, are a very abbreviated wine selection, nice sturdy solid wood but uncomfortably hard on your rump without arms seating chairs. But for what I had, for what I observed from the menu listing and considering its rather elegant setting for an Italian restaurant located in Pompano, it's about as good as gets; hence Five Stars.
Have you ever played the game charades where you act out the word on the card? The word on the card here was Love. My wife and I brought our newborn son here to celebrate at our favorite Italian restaurant. We were waiting for a table and the owner or manager came over to ask which table we would prefer, he then welcomed and sat us at our table like it was his home. There was a great band playing and it felt like we were in a warm musical Italian living room. The wait staff were very attentive, the menu has original family recipes, and the food was soulful and delicious. It’s the only place I eat grilled octopus because it’s incredible and disappointing everywhere else in comparison. It’s the best. The owner then got up and started playing the piano and harmonica which was fun. This place is all heart and we can’t wait to go back.
Service is iffy. Chocolate cake was bomb. Too dark. Needs more light. Pink lighting was rad.
La Veranda is absolutely gorgeous and authentic Italian restaurant. Last night was our first visit and we were impressed with not only the food and lovely service (our server was Alyssa ❤️) but also with inviting atmosphere, incredible live music, caring restaurant manager, and La Veranda owner who frequently stopped by our table to make sure that everything was impeccable . Both of them made sure we had the best experience possible. What an amazing Italian gem in the heart of Pompano!
What started out as a fun birthday celebration, turned into a dismal affair.I don't blame the waitress but the service was atrocious. Our reservation was at 7:15. After being seated, we were served water and rolls. I asked for regular rolls twice but never received them. The appetizers took 50 minute and the entrees took over 70 minutes. We did not receive our entrees until 9:10PM. When I complained to the manager, his attitude was rude and condescending. He did nothing to appease my frustration. La Veranda came highly recommended but I will not return there. By the way the celebratory birthday cake with the candle was burnt on the bottom. I've been to high end restaurants that were costly and We were treated like royalty from soup to nuts. Certainly not at La veranda.
Another perfect evening at this quaint and inviting spot for homemade Italian cuisine .. Johnny , our waiter, made the birthday memorable, and was a plus to the experience. He made excellent recommendations that did not disappoint . We will be back very soon . Excellent cook in the kitchen and though it was busy a short chat with the mgmt . to express our gratitude with the wait staff . I can find nothing but good things to say . Caesar salad , seafood, pasta al dente - all were perfect . The best Tiramisu to date ..... Little River Song . Thanks to all !
My girlfriend and I went there on a Thursday so that we could enjoy the music and not have a big Saturday night crowd. The service and food were excellent. Nice ambiance with a table near the fireplace. We shared on order of Tortellini with Peas and Prosciutto then had Herbs crusted roasted lamb chops, served with garlic mashed potato and Asparagus. Both dishes were absolutely delicious especially the seasoning on the lamb chops. The service was very good – they were right there whenever you needed something. We finished with Italian Cheesecake and that was also good. The music was pleasant with volume just right so you could have a conversation at your table.