Amici - Richmond

The food was great. It was a last minute group dinner for my birthday, and the atmosphere was warm, cozy, and not too loud great for being able to catch up with friends. The chef made rounds, and really, everyone loved the food. The waitress was at best described as awkward. Our group includes singles and moms and dads and no one in the group happened to feel like carting children out on a weeknight for dinner although all including little ones were welcome. the waitress was very abrasive when my friend (who happens to be a breastfeeding mom with small windows of time to be away from a new baby) asked to go ahead and order while the rest of the group was still taking time and chatting. It was a very awkward and judgemental moment while the waitress repeatedly asked her why she wanted to order ahead of the group. Another awkward moment happened because some people were late for the reservation. I would understand if we were horribly inconveniencing waiting hordes of diners, but besides our small group, there was exactly one other table with people in the entire restaurant and one gentleman at the bar. Except for the waitress, the food, the rest of the staff, the atmosphere were great!

The menu had changed recently, and they had removed one of the dishes that I really like. I asked the waitress if they could still make it and they did with no problem. It was great!

New Year's Eve reservation for two,and with the good reviews went ahead with plans to go having never been before. Came in from Fredericksburg and given light traffic got there early. We were seated and this is where the problems begin. Seated next to doorway to washroom. Need I say more? Space so small had to move every time someone had to go through. The food was not great. We did eat without complaint as our server, Matthew, was exceptional. He was the only bright spot. Will not go back.

We made a reservation for a busy Friday night. Unfortunately, earlier diners lingered which is no fault of the restaurant, except perhaps being too comfortable and too welcoming! We grabbed a seat at the bar which is not great since neither of us drinks alcohol! We did not get a table for more than 30 minutes! In some cities and in some restaurants that is not much time to wait for a table. But let's face it, we live and eat in Richmond Virginia where we are spoiled. When we make a dinner reservation for 7:30 p.m., and we walk in at 7:30 p.m. we expect our table to be ready and waiting for us. Guess I will just have to get over myself! Gluten free pasta with shrimp--delicious with the tart marinara sauce. Special mushroom, chicken and cheese ravioli was just terrific! The Tower of crab meat, avocado, and tomatoes was and is the best appetizer in Richmond. The special butternut squash soup was worth the trim alone.

We were able to get a table for 6 last minute on Christmas Eve and we were the last table out the door! The service was awesome and the food was great! The owner stopped by and thanked us for coming in which I always love!! Highly recommend this cozy restaurant in Carytown!