Two separate visits spaced over a month both showed that this restaurant values and maintains an inviting atmosphere, polite and attentive service, and delicious food with thoughtful though pricey wine pairings. I did not experience any of the meat dishes, but vegetarian (delicious pizza) and pescatarian (a pasta dish) offerings did not disappoint. The highlight was the pasta dish Nero, with pasta actually made on the premises with squid ink, sundried tomatoes, seafood in a lobster cream sauce. No skimping on the portions or the quality. Buon appetito!
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While on my way to MI for the holiday weekend, I pulled off the highway to get a bite to eat. The outside of this restaurant looked inviting. It is located in a strip mall so I didn't realize it was fine dining until I walked in. I was very hungry & a bit travel weary. It was pouring rain & I just wanted to get some dinner. So I decided to go ahead & get a table. I was glad I had not bothered to change out of my dressy office clothes or I may have felt very out of place. I ordered a spritzer & settled in to view the menu & enjoy the bread with olive oil. Oh my, I hadn't realized this was a restaurant with $30-$50 entrees. A special occasion restaurant, in my opinion. Perhaps they would be reasonable & allow me to order a dinner salad with a protein side, a la carte. Surely. The server was welcoming & polite. He agreed I could have my order yet the salmon would be on the side. Well, I could certainly transfer a side of salmon to the top of my salad, I reasoned. However, a few brief moments later, I thought I'd better clarify. I waved him over to ask about the cost of a side of salmon & he explained he spoke to the owner, who stated the "side" of salmon would actually be a full salmon entree...No thank you, I'll take my check. I'm glad I thought to ask instead of getting stuck with a $60 bill for a dinner salad with a "side" of salmon. I paid my $9 bill + tip (for the spritzer) & high-tailed it outta there.
I’ve been twice in this location. Last one I walked out a bit disappointed. I went with the chef suggestion and ordered the catch of the day. A frozen tilapia from Walmart was better than that. By no mean I am trying to be disrespectful but that is the true. 0 flavor! A friend says is my fault because “I ordered fish in an Italian restaurant”. My bad for thinking that a country that is surrounded 90% by water could have good seafood. A restaurant with this prices and this location shouldn’t be having a fish with such a lower quality. For what I saw in the reviews I am not the only one who felt the same way about that fish. Minimum you guys should have sea bass or something of similar quality. Other than that, I am giving it 4 stars because both times the service and most of the food, except for that catch of the day was excellent. The spaghetti Al Nero was new to me and was awesome. The fritto Al misto and insalata di polpo were really good too and same with the deserts and red wines. I am always recommending this restaurant to my friends and coworkers and I am sure you guys can do better about that fish, starting by removing it from your menu and especially from the chef suggestion or daily special. I will be back for sure.
5/8/22 We we’re back in town this weekend and my wife wanted to go back to Convivio for Mother’s Day. We came across this restaurant about 6 months ago and we were really looking forward to coming back here for dinner with our kids.Convivio did not disappoint. I would recommend making a reservation so you have a table because this place stays busy. My wife and I started with their Beet Salad. Nicely presented and full of flavor. Our Daughter and Son-in-law split a Caesar Salad which they liked. For our Main course, my son ordered Gnocchi, my daughter had tortellini with pumpkin, my son-in-law had the Seafood Pasta Special, my wife had the Bolognese and I had the Elena Pizza. All of our meals were fantastic and very nice portions.The waitress we had (I think her name was Madeline) was awesome and very attentive. A special call out from me on the Martin’s I had - they use real Martini Glasses instead of those martini glasses that look like champagne glasses. Plus the Martini’s were made to perfection. This place “in my opinion” is a great place for food and a dining experience.We decided to visit Convivio after our day in Carmel. We’re glad that we did. The food was really good. My son had Gnocchi al Telefono which he really enjoyed. My wife had Bolognese and I had their Gabrielle but I asked for it to be made with Pesto instead of the red sauce. Both of our dishes were fantastic and it was a nice sized serving for both dishes.I added a nice salad and the Focaccia bread was really fresh. Our server was friendly and when we are back in the area we are going back to try some other dishes.
We have eaten here before but the quality of everything has improved. Our waitress, Madeline c. Was exceptional as was the food. I think the wine selection is overpriced, but it is an exceptional selection of the best quality wines, and that is why you go to this restaurant. Good choices,and quality delivery!!
My wife and I ate at the Carmel location last night for her birthday and the food was excellent. We even had cappuccino’s and a dessert crepe! Our server was not only friendly but also very knowledgeable about the menu and helping us with suggestions. We will definitely return.
Had dinner here with family after working up an appetite walking around the Christkindlmarket. Service was great. Delicious Erbazzone, rich, flavorful Pansotti and husband finished his Frutti di Mare with a smile. Great menu and a memorable experience.
The atmosphere is inviting. I understand during good weather you can play or watch Bocci ball. I would really appreciate that. It is clean and the parking is reasonable. If you are visiting the local hospital it is a close respite. The waiter seemed to really know his stuff. He was quite friendly and gave good advice on the wine. He did not steer me only to the most expensive wine on the menu. The pasta special of the night was tasty. Papparedelle with seafood, sun dried tomatoes ,artichoke hearts and a light cream sauce. When I asked about the potion size I was told it is a "good size" What does that mean, When I asked for him to explain I still got no where. I really hate that. Show it to me with you hands, say it is about 3 cups or whatever. One person's idea of large or good size or even small may not be another person's. Please be more objective and less subjective!!!! --- sorry this is a pet peave. Cloth napkins / dish towels are used ( a plus) and a bottle of still water is placed on the table ( another plus) The cannoli was good. However if 2 people are sharing 2 cannoli bring an extra plate. It also comes with whipped cream This is a minus. Cannoli does not need whipped cream. THe bus boy also cleared the table while we were still eating without asking if we were done with the dishes. (Another common practice in restaurants that is a pet peeve). Overall it was a good experience and one that I would repeat.
My wife and I heard about this restaurant and thought we would give it a try. My wife is Italian and our other home is in Florence, Italy. We love Italian food and have always maintained an open mind about trying new places. Our waitress was very nice, the restaurant was clean and there is a nice looking bar. We ordered two appetizers and two different pasta dishes as entrees along with two glasses of Prosecco. The food was underwhelming and very Americanized. Neither of us could finish our pasta, so we had it boxed, paid the check and left. By the time we got home, ten minutes later neither of us were feeling well and the leftovers went right in the garbage. Both of us had to take the morning off from work. I hate leaving bad reviews, this place could be really great, our waitress was very nice and we tipped well. But, the meh food and gastric discomfort gives a low review. We won’t be returning
Enjoyed our meal here. The pasta is made fresh in house and tastes really good. Meatballs were a bit soft, but still good. The bread they brought out before the meal was excellent as well.