You nailed it.

I wonder if they let you bring in your own bottle and do the "corkage fee" thing (as do several Thai/Oriental restaurants in the metro, plus, allegedly, The Mantle and Deep Fork).

Gabriella's has a good wine selection and an incredible beer menu. I WAS TALKING ABOUT BELLA VISTA. Sorry if there is any confusion.

I finally went to Gabriella's today for lunch. I realize that's different from dinner. But they were doing good business, they're quick to admit they aren't fast food or fast casual. But I had a great, leisurely one-hour lunch.

And the review of your food was.............

Good. Not better than the Wedge (split a pizza with two friends). Also had a cup of minestrone soup. I love the views, and the the way they redid the space. All in all, I was happy with my experience. Is it a place I can afford to visit everyday? No. But it would join the rotation of Kyle's and Red Prime of special night eateries, if that makes sense.

np. asked and answered.

If you want to see their full menu and prices, go here:

Menu | Gabriella's Italian Grill and Pizzeria (http://gabriellasokc.com/menu/)


I don't understand the talk about high prices.

For example, Gabriella's has made-from-scratch, baked-in-a-real-wood-oven lasagna for $16. The same meal at out-of-the-can-or-freezer Olive Garden in OKC is $13.

Most entres at Gabriella's are within $2-$3 of O.G.

I don't understand the talk about high prices.

For example, Gabriella's has made-from-scratch, baked-in-a-real-wood-oven lasagna for $16. The same meal at out-of-the-can-or-freezer Olive Garden in OKC is $13.

Most entres at Gabriella's are within $2-$3 of O.G.


This is Oklahoma....not California.

While our unemployment is low you have to consider the average house hold incomes are lower then other parts of the country. To a lot of families spending 50-60 at olive garden for 4 people instead of 70-80(3 bucks more per item, and more tip) is a lot of money ----- and unlike California, we also tend not to max out credit cards trying to feed an unsustainable lifestyle.

If you want to see their full menu and prices, go here:

Menu | Gabriella's Italian Grill and Pizzeria (http://gabriellasokc.com/menu/)


I don't understand the talk about high prices.

For example, Gabriella's has made-from-scratch, baked-in-a-real-wood-oven lasagna for $16. The same meal at out-of-the-can-or-freezer Olive Garden in OKC is $13.

Most entres at Gabriella's are within $2-$3 of O.G.

I think you're using California menu pricing at Olive Garden - not sure I've ever seen anything run more than $11 to $12 at the very mediocre OG. Pete, also keep in mind, for a working guy like me, a $20 - $40 meal is a special occasion.

No, the prices are from the QS Olive Garden.


And I really didn't mean you Steve, just lots of other comments about their "high prices".

I went to Gabriella's not long after they opened and the food was really good. Our waiter wasn't the best and lunch turned into 1 1/2 hours instead of 1. I thought the price was reasonable, plus they brought us plenty of bread due to our wait.

This is Oklahoma....not California.

While our unemployment is low you have to consider the average house hold incomes are lower then other parts of the country. To a lot of families spending 50-60 at olive garden for 4 people instead of 70-80(3 bucks more per item, and more tip) is a lot of money ----- and unlike California, we also tend not to max out credit cards trying to feed an unsustainable lifestyle.

What do wild, broad generalizations about California have to do with anything?


Just pointing out that Gabriella's prices are only slightly higher than mass-produced chain food.

This is Oklahoma....not California.

While our unemployment is low you have to consider the average house hold incomes are lower then other parts of the country. To a lot of families spending 50-60 at olive garden for 4 people instead of 70-80(3 bucks more per item, and more tip) is a lot of money ----- and unlike California, we also tend not to max out credit cards trying to feed an unsustainable lifestyle.

So........ what's your point - Oklahoma shouldn't have places priced above an Olive Garden because our median household income is lower? I guess we better run Red Prime and Boulevard and the like out of town on a rail! Gabriella's isn't opening a can of Chef Boyardee and trying to pass it off as authentic homemade. They are the real deal. Service is their hurdle, not quality, quantity or price IMO.

What do wild, broad generalizations about California have to do with anything?
Just pointing out that Gabriella's prices are only slightly higher than mass-produced chain food.

I get what you are saying, but when people who live outside the state say 'hey, its just a few more dollars-whats the big deal'....you have to realize that 10-15 dollars in California terms is different than 10-15 dollars in Oklahoma terms.

For example, average price of home in OKC, city of 1.2 million - 124K
Price of home in san deigo, 1.3 million - 375k

I know they arent good cities to compare, but just going off population numbers to illustrate a point on a broader level that we have different perceptions over what is a lot of money. So if a few people in the thread mentioned the food seemed priced high, it probably is for our location.

William, you'd be surprised by how bad the economy is here. Unemployment still over 10% and as you mentioned, cost of living is very, very high.


Anyway, I think most people don't mind paying slightly more for a vastly superior product.

So........ what's your point - Oklahoma shouldn't have places priced above an Olive Garden because our median household income is lower? I guess we better run Red Prime and Boulevard and the like out of town on a rail! Gabriella's isn't opening a can of Chef Boyardee and trying to pass it off as authentic homemade. They are the real deal. Service is their hurdle, not quality, quantity or price IMO.

Calm down.

You are a good example of what im talking about. How different people have different perceptions over what something is worth. I've seen through your post that you dont understand how people could spend 40k on a truck and act like thats normal, and you dont understand how people can spend so much on a house in the suburbs when you bought a house for cheap in the city and fixed it up.

Well...you dont understand it because its not that important to you (which is fine, we are all different), you are content in living in a part of town that most of us would never consider living in, only buying used vehicles, etc.. while...treating yourself and your wife to some of the 'nicer' restaurants around town.

Me, I live in the suburbs on land, own new cars, and at this point (we have little kids) going out and spending alot of money on restaurants isnt as important as it once was.

With that said we have family near the Krebs area so I grew up going down there multiple times a year and even as a kid i can remember the quality of the food starting to go down over the years so im sure that had some influence over my perception of Gabriellas. When I took my wife and saw the prices and thought this is going to be great, just like i remember when I was a little kid...left thinking it was good, but to me - at this point i doubt i would go back because i didnt think it was worth it.

Food was good, and it is local so I would recommend anyone checking it out.

My family only heads down to the city once every few months and this most recent time we were absolutely clueless that the County Line had closed! Our typical visit to OKC has been this: do whatever we came for (e.g. visit my 103 year old grandmother), do grocery shopping at Super Gao Nguyen and/or Chinatown Supermarket, eat at County Line, go home. This last time I got a real kick in the gut when I pulled into the County Line parking lot to find it gone - and replaced with Italian food (get a rope)! I just turned around and drove away. We wound up eating at Cracker Barrel on the way outta town (whimper).

If I had read about it before I might have chanced it, but it generally takes some cajoling to get my family, soured by Joseppi's and now Olive Garden in Stillwater, to try "Italian" cuisine. Maybe next time.

This is Oklahoma....not California.

While our unemployment is low you have to consider the average house hold incomes are lower then other parts of the country. To a lot of families spending 50-60 at olive garden for 4 people instead of 70-80(3 bucks more per item, and more tip) is a lot of money ----- and unlike California, we also tend not to max out credit cards trying to feed an unsustainable lifestyle.

However, we have more disposable income than many of the cities with significantly higher cost of living. So, we may be more able to afford a bit more. However, if I have small children, I don't waste an expensive meal on them regardless. For those of us with older or no children, I'd rather eat out less and eat better when I do dine away from home.

And to stay on topic, I'm a fan of Gabriella's food, but think their salads and bread need some work.

My family only heads down to the city once every few months and this most recent time we were absolutely clueless that the County Line had closed! Our typical visit to OKC has been this: do whatever we came for (e.g. visit my 103 year old grandmother), do grocery shopping at Super Gao Nguyen and/or Chinatown Supermarket, eat at County Line, go home. This last time I got a real kick in the gut when I pulled into the County Line parking lot to find it gone - and replaced with Italian food (get a rope)! I just turned around and drove away. We wound up eating at Cracker Barrel on the way outta town (whimper).

If I had read about it before I might have chanced it, but it generally takes some cajoling to get my family, soured by Joseppi's and now Olive Garden in Stillwater, to try "Italian" cuisine. Maybe next time.

it must have been a long time between trips .... county line closed last november

Gabriella's is headed in the right direction. Did lunch there today with my usual group of downtown professionals and I've got to say there was not a single thing wrong with the entire experience.

Got there at 12:30 and the parking lot was PACKED. The restaurant itself was probably 2/3rds full or more and there were 3-5 tables of people waiting. That said, we were seated (6 of us) within 10 minutes. Our waitresses was excellent - very friendly, bubbly and attentive. We sort of created out own buffet of Italian goodness..... Bread & oil, ravioli, lamb fries, soprano pizza, spaghetti & meatballs, tortellini and then the piece de resistance.... banana split!

The food arrived complete within 20 minutes and was excellent. The lamb fries blow Cattleman's away and the tortellini was my favorite. The spaghetti was good, but I actually prefer it from Venetian in MWC.

If this is their new normal - then this place is gonna make it and OKC dinning is better for it.

I haven't visited this thread for quite a while. Is Gabriella's in the
place where that place called County Line BBQ was once located?

Is it Italian?

I haven't visited this thread for quite a while. Is Gabriella's in the
place where that place called County Line BBQ was once located?

Is it Italian?

Yes to both.

Yes it is. Initial reviews were mixed but it seems to be improving. I tried to go for lunch one day but the wait for a table was too long. I hope to try it out soon.

Swung by there at 1:00, today. I'd been looking forward to trying their lasagne. Unfortunately, although the sign said they have new lunch specials, the sign also said they were open 3 - 10. :( Parking lot empty.

Swung by there at 1:00, today. I'd been looking forward to trying their lasagne. Unfortunately, although the sign said they have new lunch specials, the sign also said they were open 3 - 10. :( Parking lot empty.

Web site lists hours as Monday and Saturday 3 - 10/11; T - Fri 11:30 - 10/11. Some places aren't open on Monday at all.

Web site lists hours as Monday and Saturday 3 - 10/11; T - Fri 11:30 - 10/11. Some places aren't open on Monday at all.

I was sorry to miss lunch. I will try again another time when I am back in the area.

I was sorry to miss lunch. I will try again another time when I am back in the area.

I do recommend you try. . . but be forewarned, their red sauce is sweet. Understanding that, I enjoyed it. . .and the view is wonderful. . .even in the day time!!

I was sorry to miss lunch. I will try again another time when I am back in the area.

Next time you find them closed, pop down to 4801 N. Lincoln and give Italiano's a try. Not the prettiest place in town by any means, but it is tasty.

Next time you find them closed, pop down to 4801 N. Lincoln and give Italiano's a try. Not the prettiest place in town by any means, but it is tasty.

Oh, by all means, I will do that! Thanks, Kevin. I plan to swing over by the Bar Association sometime in the next few weeks about some CLE stuff and may aim for lunch time.

I just finished a meal at Gabriella's and it was really good. My friend Chris, from London enjoyed hers too. The service and food were better than I expected. I had the clams with linguini and Chris had the ravioli in marinara sauce. All good.
C. T.

Had dinner there last night with some friends. It was delicious. Italian nachos were to die for.

Want to report that we finally got around to going out to Gabriella's today and thoroughly enjoyed it. We stopped there after going to the [Cowboy Hall of Fame] (if you haven't been in a while, you owe yourself a trip).

Thursday early afternoon, plenty of good parking although the lot had a very respectable bunch of cars. They asked if we had a reservation. Er, no. They seated us within 5 minutes and there was plenty of places but still a good crowd, I was happy to see. They put us in the back room that has the bar, fireplace, a great view of downtown OKC in the distance and was adjacent to the kitchen. That is not a bad thing - it is open and we enjoyed watching them work. It wasn't a bit loud and if we'd wanted a quieter spot, we could have asked to be seated in one of the cribs or in the open area in the front part of the restaurant. As it was, it wasn't distracting, at all and we liked it. In fact, it was cozy, we loved the fire and now that we've been there, it would be what we'd ask for. The kitchen had a bar along it so you could sit and watch them if you wanted to. I've been to the County Line quite a few times and eaten in the little stalls but liked this room better, actually. Having been raised on that side of town with a similar view from the pasture behind our house, it was especially fun for me to see DT in the distance, especially with the Tower and the Capital Dome. The fireplace was great. Really, really liked the set up, even down to the creaky floors.

They had an extensive beer list but quite a few things weren't available. Of course, Husband was asking for Octoberfest stuff on the off chance it would still be available so we weren't surprised and didn't hold it against them. He ended up getting a Kolsch from someplace in Texas and enjoyed it. I just got a glass of the house Red and it was spot on. Normally, we get an appetizer but at mid day, both of us decided to just eat the garlic bread and unwind with a drink after walking around the museum. The dipping sauce was outstanding - olive oil, herbs, balsamic vinegar. They kept the bread coming without being asked. Had it been later in the day and I was hungrier, I would have tried the lamb fries or the Italian Nachos.

I got the lasagne - not fancy but I love lasagne and I heard it was good. It was outstanding. The sauce was sweeter than some places but I really liked it and would get it, again. I got a side house salad for three dollars and it was huge. Just a simple salad of lettuce and tomatoes but it hit the spot. I noticed they had some good salads on the menu if I'd wanted something a bit fancier. My husband got the Classic Calzone and it was a huge portion. He brought about half of it home. It came with fries that had seasoned parmesan on them. They were good although a bit crisper would have been better. We noticed a lot of people had pizza and the smell of the pizza oven really added to the experience in a good way.

A couple of times our waitress disappeared but it wasn't a problem and she got us seated, watered and breaded before heading off someplace else. Sitting with a glass of wine with the fire and a view and that delicious bread was just the thing at midday after roaming in the museum for about three hours. Husband is not an Italian food fan but he said he really wished it was closer because he loved the atmosphere and would like to come back so I could enjoy the food and he could enjoy the beer/view/smells/etc.

I highly recommend it. It is the kind of place I would love to go to with a friend after a day of shopping or running errands. Unfortunately, it isn't near shopping places so would probably most appeal to the museum/tourist crowd or as a destination restaurant for a special occasion. I hope that is enough to keep them going. As I said there was a pretty good group of patrons coming and going - perhaps taking family to the museum who were in for the holidays. Hopefully, it will make a go of it. It is very easy to get to. If we lived closer, I could see my husband and I going there, regularly and I hope they have other patrons who feel the same.

All Luca Brasi and his famiglia have to say about Gabriella's is Mama Mia!

All Luca Brasi and his famiglia have to say about Gabriella's is Mama Mia!

... yeah, but what about the red sauce? Too sweet? Just right? not your favorite, but variety is always good?

I also went there recently and everything was absolutely perfect. I am not a big Itallian fan but I must say I loved it and will go back.

... yeah, but what about the red sauce? Too sweet? Just right? not your favorite, but variety is always good?

I like their sweet red sauce. And just for bringing it up, I am meeting my best friend there, for lunch! She hasn't been so this will be especially fun.

Finally tried their Italian Nachos - Very Good and lots of them! Our new foot place before/after a movie at nearby Tinseltown.

Sounds like Gabriella's is starting to hit it's stride.

I'm not surprised... Always a lot easier to fix service issues than the food and decor/setting.


I look forward to trying it on my next visit. I love the back bar area with great views across green NE OKC with the Capitol and downtown in the background.

Pete, I also like that room.
Yes, the place seems to be doing well. Quite a bit of business at 1:00 on a Friday and the food was outstanding.

The wife, and I ate here on Thursday early evening with our 8 month old son. We showed up right at 5PM and the place was fairly empty maybe a half dozen cars in the parking lot and we were immediately seated. Scott was our server and he was excellent, very prompt on helping us out with the menu and keeping drinks full and checking on us.

We sat and ordered the mozzarella stick appetizer. These were pretty good, had a nice mild marinara sauce to dip in them and were filled with plenty of cheese, covered in just the right amount of spices and cheeses fried very nicely and they were out fast within minutes of ordering.

After the appetizer we were brought the salad, bread and cheese tray. This was the only weak part of the night for me. I'm not a fan of house oily dressings and the dressing for their salad was had a strong vinegar and oil taste without much going for it. The actual lettuce and vegetables were great though. The bread was ok, but I enjoyed the oil dipping sauce. (My favorite bread and dipping sauce is at Zio's when it comes to italian.) The cheese tray was a thing I guess, two slices of I believe muenster cheese (I don't know my cheeses well), a few olives and two peperoncinis. Not bad, but I didn't see much point in it.

We were asked a couple times if we wanted refills on salad and bread, I accepted one refill on bread and the waiter was prompt in bringing it out to us.

The main courses arrived fairly quickly. Everything had a great pace to it, just quick enough to feel like we weren't really waiting on food but enough time to enjoy each course. The wife ordered Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo and I ordered the Chicken Parmesan. The wife loved hers, she really enjoyed the thin cut chicken instead of large hunks like most restaurants server in Alfredo. The sauce had a great aftertaste and felt very home made. My Parmesan was fantastic, perfectly fried with just the right amount of cheese on it and sauce, nice and crispy all around and again it had a very nice homemade taste that made it pop. I didn't care much for the spaghetti it was plated on it had a dull taste and seemed to be their for substance.

After the main course we shared a slice of cheesecake which tasted very nice but wasn't much more than a nice slice of original cheesecake. Had a good smooth flavor to it but was pretty much just cheesecake not that there was anything wrong with that.

All in all though the service was fantastic, not sure if that was effected by them being slow at the time though. The food had a great home made taste to it and had a nice burst of flavor with good seasoning.

Having been to Pete's Place in Krebs a few times, I'd say the flavors and the food were very comparable and it's nice to know we have a local place that has some great food now. We'll definitely be going back.

Help me with a bit of confusion here - does Gabriellas require reservations? My wife was interested in going there for her birthday dinner tomorrow night, and I saw the reservation widget on their website. Wasn't sure if they were required or merely suggested...they had no reservation availability for the time we'd be able to arrive...

we had a party of 6 on a weeknight get in without a reservation. -M

I've been there 3 times and we always time it so we go early for dinner right at 5 or so. Every time we've gotten in but usually there's some sighs and shuffling around while they ask a few times if we made reservations or not. The last time we were there the place was nearly empty and they still took about five minutes to find us a table. With that said though the food and waitress service was fantastic.

Haven't had any updates to this thread in a while, so I thought I would offer a "review" based on our experience last Friday (7/5/13).

Having wanted to try Gabriella's since it first opened, but just absent the opportunity, my wife and I took advantage of our kids' week at church camp for a rare date night at Gabriella's. Although I'll offer detail in the review to follow, allow me to offer the ten-cent version: We were delighted!

We had 6pm reservations for two on Friday, and arrived at about 5:45 as traffic wasn't nearly as thick as I'd expected. We waited at most ten minutes to be seated, and in that time we took the opportunity to enjoy the redone Gabriella's interior in contrast to the last time we'd been there, when the building was "Oklahoma County Line." Gone were the stucco walls, replaced by an open, quiet, dimly lit gazebo-like interior with vines and white Christmas lights woven throughout the ceiling framework. We were directed to one of the "side car" compartments when our table was ready.

As this was a "date night," we opted for a few treats we likely wouldn't on a more conventional dinner out. It took us some time to work through just the appetizer menu, although we finally decided on the Toasted Ravioli (8) over the Pepperoni and Arugula Flatbread (13) and the Bruschetta (8). The marinara accompanying the ravioli was absolutely superb, but we were both just a bit disappointed that the ravioli really wasn't "toasted" to the crispness implied in the menu. The flavor was good, but the pasta just didn't have a "toasted" flavor. I almost came away thinking the ravioli tasted fried, but I'm not sure about that. Ultimately, the ravioli was good, not great, but the sauce with it was outstanding.

Each of our entrees was served with breadsticks and a simple dinner salad, The salad was a simple green iceberg lettuce and chopped tomato salad with a smooth oil and garlic dressing, served with a dish of olives and cheese.

For entrees, my wife chose the Carbonara Americana (16), and I chose the Spaghetti Bolognese (16), and to say the orders are generous is truly an understatement. We could easily have shared either of the single entrees. Her Carbonara consisted of a delicious combination of bacon, chicken, cherry tomatoes, and green onions in farfalle (bowtie) pasta with a luscious cream sauce. Especially enjoyable was the chicken, as it was thinly sliced and evenly distributed throughout the dish rather than "chunked" and clustered in the bowl. The combination of flavors, served piping hot, was easily the favorite of the two entrees we ordered. My Bolognese, a three-meat sauce of beef, veal, and pork, was rich and delicious and every bit as generous as my wife's Cabornara. The pasta was cooked to a turn, and the rich meats combined for a delightfully robust flavor that had not the slightest hint of greasiness or excessive spice.

My wife and I each had to have to-go boxes for half of our entrees, and there was no way we could contemplate eating dessert on-site. As we didn't know when we'd be back to Gabriella's, we took an order of Tira Misu (7.50) home with us, and enjoyed (much) later that night. It was absolutely amazing, with its rich cream topping balancing the ladyfingers below. My wife is the true Tira Misu aficionado, said it was among the best she's enjoyed.

I'm not certain, but I recall that our server's name was Eric, and he was extremely pleasant and efficient, yet never implying the slightest bit of "hurry up" pressure. He knew his menu extremely well, even down to those dishes on the menu that were actually no longer available (Chicken ala Zingara) due to a pending menu change-up that had not yet been printed. We were primarily curious about this dish as it was the only offering that included Risotto, which Eric said was available as an a la carte item for $5 or as a pasta substitute. We opted to save that notion for our next visit.

We came away from our first visit to Gabriella's with our leftovers in hand and dessert in tow, both of us very pleased and looking forward to a return visit. Next time will probably include the appetites of our teenage kids, at least one of whom will almost certainly dive into one of their wood-fired pizzas. Until then, the tasty memories of this first visit will have to suffice!!!

Final assessment: Most heartily enjoyed and recommended!

Didn't see it mentioned (may have missed it) but they only do dinner service now (starting at 3pm). Mon-Sat.

Thanks for the detailed review, Dave!

They really seem to have their legs now and I absolutely love their space and setting.

I'm glad to know risotto is available - I will ask for that, next time. I'm looking forward to going back to try it, again.

Didn't see it mentioned (may have missed it) but they only do dinner service now (starting at 3pm). Mon-Sat.

I was dining there just before Christmas with several friends and the owner came by our table and was visiting with us. One of the ladies I was with works in the hospitality industry and was telling the owner that she often recommends them to out of town visitors, often here on business, as a place for lunch. He told us they were the worst place in town for lunch because everything was made fresh and it took time. He said people don't want to wait that long for lunch and it made some people angry. Probably a month or two later, I got an email from Gabriella's saying they were no longer open for lunch.

I was really bummed out a couple of weeks ago. We tried to make dinner reservations but they said they were closed for a few days for cleaning.

Monday, I made reservations online for 9 adults and 1 child, for Friday at 5:30. Arrived a few minutes early (alone, waiting on family members) and our table(s) and room were waiting on us. Very nice evening even though two of my party were more than 30 minutes late, as a matter of fact, there were only two people, me and one son there on time, but they were very nice and we ordered some appetizers while waiting on the last two members of my family. Great service and of course the food was really good as usual. We were there about 2.5-3 hours and nobody tried to rush us/throw us out. There were no problems and I was surprised that they didn't add in a tip due to the size of my group. Which was good for our wait staff, I tip more (when it's deserved) than they normally add to the bill. It's my third visit and there will be more. I don't get out much anymore, otherwise I would be a regular.
C. T.

Monday, I made reservations online for 9 adults and 1 child, for Friday at 5:30. Arrived a few minutes early (alone, waiting on family members) and our table(s) and room were waiting on us. Very nice evening even though two of my party were more than 30 minutes late, as a matter of fact, there were only two people, me and one son there on time, but they were very nice and we ordered some appetizers while waiting on the last two members of my family. Great service and of course the food was really good as usual. We were there about 2.5-3 hours and nobody tried to rush us/throw us out. There were no problems and I was surprised that they didn't add in a tip due to the size of my group. Which was good for our wait staff, I tip more (when it's deserved) than they normally add to the bill. It's my third visit and there will be more. I don't get out much anymore, otherwise I would be a regular.
C. T.

I had reservations for 4 at 5:00 on Wednesday. I arrived first and they refused to seat me until my 'whole party' had arrived. I can understand doing that in prime time, but there were tons of tables open. I can't believe they sat you before your whole party was there. Other than that, the food, the service was great. That was the only thing that put a damper on it for me.

OSUMom,
Let me clarify that a little bit, we weren't seated until 7 of the 9 had arrived, which was only about ten minutes late. I guess with the majority of our party there, it was worth seating and selling drinks as well as appetizers. Sorry you had a problem, but again, they asked me and my son to wait till others arrived, so we sat down at the bar and had a drink till the majority showed up.
C. T.
I had reservations for 4 at 5:00 on Wednesday. I arrived first and they refused to seat me until my 'whole party' had arrived. I can understand doing that in prime time, but there were tons of tables open. I can't believe they sat you before your whole party was there. Other than that, the food, the service was great. That was the only thing that put a damper on it for me.

OSUMom, that seems a bit extreme on their part, but to defend them a bit, restaurateurs have told me how many people skip out on reservations and it's rather shocking. Some restaurants in other cities have tried to combat this by actually taking a credit card number with the reservation request. To be fair to them, although your party was small, if you were to wait to order until the fourth member came, it could cause a back up. For whatever reason, that restaurant is always extremely busy, and it is hard to get in. They seat not based on table vacancy but on service personnel numbers. They are trying to ensure good service. That is why you will always spot a few open tables when they say they are booked.

For what it's worth, I like Pete's, and have for years. The most
important part for a restaurant, for me, it whether or not I like it.

If I like it then it's good. If I don't like it then it's bad.

I could not care less what anyone thinks.

For what it's worth, I like Pete's, and have for years. The most
important part for a restaurant, for me, it whether or not I like it.

If I like it then it's good. If I don't like it then it's bad.

I could not care less what anyone thinks.
About the same for me...and I still prefer the traditional red sauce Italian places more than the newer bistro style Italian.

About the same for me...and I still prefer the traditional red sauce Italian
places more than the newer bistro style Italian.
Tradition trumps pop culture every time. Gimme da red stuff!

With no update on this thread in over a year, I thought I'd take a moment and offer some thoughts on our visit for my birthday last night (2 Oct)...

As it has been on every prior visit, our food was outstanding with only a few minor nitpicks. I had the Five Layer Lasanga (18, IIRC) and my wife had Eggplant Parmagiana (17). Each was served piping hot and with a more than generous portion size. My daughter had the Garlic Chicken Rotini (also 17 IIRC), which was served with a rich, zesty garlic sauce. My son asked for a half-and-half plate of toasted and regular ravioli, and both were very good (Sorry, do not recall the price). Salad, cheese, and pepper tray were sublime as always. We love their salad dressing - it's just a simple oil, vinegar, and garlic mix, but the great flavor is driven by that very simplicity.

The minor nitpicks? The last time I had lasagne at Gabriella's, it was served on a plate. This time, it was served in an elongated bowl, and perhaps had been baked off prior to serving long enough to allow just a bit of grease from the Italian sausage to puddle at the bottom - just enough to spoon out, but not enough to spoil the otherwise outstanding flavor of what I think has become their "slightly sweet" sauce.

The other nitpicks? Well, not so much nitpicks as concerns. We noticed on our last visit that Gab's had discontinued Sunday service, and last night we found out they are now closed on Monday's as well. Also, some of the desserts we had enjoyed previously were no longer available - most notably, their absolutely incredible carrot cake. And the disappearance of the latter was a *huge* disappointment for this birthday boy :(. Also, again a very minor nitpick, but the menu holders look just beat to death, threadbare and worn, clearly in need of replacement. No one of those things is, on its own, an issue, but taken together can make one wonder if they're having financial pressure that's forced them to adjust their business accordingly. That's pure supposition on my part.

But please, please, please, don't take my nitpicks as a negative on Gabriella's. I'd continue to recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone. Our family had a wonderful meal, everything tasted just great, and it has clearly become my family's special occasion destination restaurant. We haven't had one of those in a while, and just hope they continue to enjoy success for a very long time.

Happy belated birthday and thanks for the review / update.

It's funny how after places are open for a year or two how people stop talking about them.

Happy belated birthday and thanks for the review / update.

It's funny how after places are open for a year or two how people stop talking about them.

Thank ya, sir! :)

With no update on this thread in over a year, I thought I'd take a moment and offer some thoughts on our visit for my birthday last night (2 Oct)...

As it has been on every prior visit, our food was outstanding with only a few minor nitpicks. I had the Five Layer Lasanga (18, IIRC) and my wife had Eggplant Parmagiana (17). Each was served piping hot and with a more than generous portion size. My daughter had the Garlic Chicken Rotini (also 17 IIRC), which was served with a rich, zesty garlic sauce. My son asked for a half-and-half plate of toasted and regular ravioli, and both were very good (Sorry, do not recall the price). Salad, cheese, and pepper tray were sublime as always. We love their salad dressing - it's just a simple oil, vinegar, and garlic mix, but the great flavor is driven by that very simplicity.

The minor nitpicks? The last time I had lasagne at Gabriella's, it was served on a plate. This time, it was served in an elongated bowl, and perhaps had been baked off prior to serving long enough to allow just a bit of grease from the Italian sausage to puddle at the bottom - just enough to spoon out, but not enough to spoil the otherwise outstanding flavor of what I think has become their "slightly sweet" sauce.

The other nitpicks? Well, not so much nitpicks as concerns. We noticed on our last visit that Gab's had discontinued Sunday service, and last night we found out they are now closed on Monday's as well. Also, some of the desserts we had enjoyed previously were no longer available - most notably, their absolutely incredible carrot cake. And the disappearance of the latter was a *huge* disappointment for this birthday boy :(. Also, again a very minor nitpick, but the menu holders look just beat to death, threadbare and worn, clearly in need of replacement. No one of those things is, on its own, an issue, but taken together can make one wonder if they're having financial pressure that's forced them to adjust their business accordingly. That's pure supposition on my part.

But please, please, please, don't take my nitpicks as a negative on Gabriella's. I'd continue to recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone. Our family had a wonderful meal, everything tasted just great, and it has clearly become my family's special occasion destination restaurant. We haven't had one of those in a while, and just hope they continue to enjoy success for a very long time.

Many restaurants end up deciding to close on Sunday and/or Monday. Traditionally, outside of Sunday brunch, those are the slowest days of the week. I know at least Packard and the Mule started out being closed on Sunday and open on Monday but both decided to serve a Sunday brunch which led to both being closed Sunday afternoon and Monday. I'm sure Gabriellas tried it for awhile and decided that it just wasn't worth being open on Sundays and Mondays.

Many restaurants end up deciding to close on Sunday and/or Monday. Traditionally, outside of Sunday brunch, those are the slowest days of the week. I know at least Packard and the Mule started out being closed on Sunday and open on Monday but both decided to serve a Sunday brunch which led to both being closed Sunday afternoon and Monday. I'm sure Gabriellas tried it for awhile and decided that it just wasn't worth being open on Sundays and Mondays.

Good to know/hear that. I can surely see how their location would have made Sunday service problematic, especially at lunchtime, and it certainly stands to reason a Monday isn't a very busy day. I was surprised at the number of folks there last night, on a Thursday...

Pretty sure Gabriella's has been closed on Sundays and Mondays since the first opened for business.