La Mensa - Norwood

We started off the evening with cocktails and appetizers. My husband had the drunken mussels and I enjoyed the stuffed mushrooms. We each ordered the chicken rollitini special. Bread pudding and tiramisu for dessert and a cappuccino. Everything was delicious. One of our favorite restaurants.

Had fish and my wife had gnocchi. Both were excellent and cooked perfectly. The atmosphere was very nice and the wait staff was very attentive and helpful. This was our first visit. We will be back for sure.

Upon arrival you can see the entire kitchen staff standing out front as the entrance and kitchen entrance on same front. There was only one waiter or host. He really needs to work on his people skills. Very unfriendly. Then there was a waitress too I think. The mussels were pizza place grade, meatballs were lumpy and just not tasty. The veal parm was maybe ok but they didn't melt the cheese. I just don't get it. They give you 3/4 plate of terrible spaghetti to boot with a strong red sauce. Then it took forever to get out of there with only 2 tables. Another failed attempt at an Italian restaurant. I liked that spot better when it was kfc!

I hate writing a bad review, especially when a restaurant is trying to gain traction in the community. But I feel compelled to share my experiences so that others can proceed with caution. The host kept making conversation with us, which we did not want. It was uncomfortable how many times he came by our table in the beginning, but it was probably because we were one of two tables seated in the restaurant. I ordered branzino which I order from many Italian restaurants and when it arrived, I could smell the string fish odor emanating from the plate. I took one bite and the strong, rancid taste made me stop. It was clear that this fish was not fresh and I could not stomach it. The host, who was ever present before, was suddenly gone. For 30 minutes no one stopped by, checked on our food or noticed I pushed my plate aside. When we asked for the check, I was finally asked if everything was okay. I was offered a replacement and a free cocktail but my husband had already finished his meal and I didn't want to wait another 20 minutes for a new dinner. It was the worst meal I had in a long time so tread carefully with this place.

Food was very good. Atmosphere was lovely and quiet. Was with 6 people for dinner and it was very easy to talk. The service was good except they mixed up my order with someone else's and tried to give me lasagna that I didn't order. They made good on it though and quickly served me what I originally ordered. The dessert choices could have been better. We wanted sorbet and they didn't have any and the ice cream choices were very basic. Would go back again because we thought the entrees were very good!