Luisa's Italian Restaurant

I found Luisa's quite accidentally while visiting family in Shingle Springs last August 2008. The food was extraordinary. I heard the ladies at two other tables order the same cannelloni as I did. When the three plates arrived, I noticed that the chef had crafted subtle differences between the three in sauces and presentation. Our tables were close enough that we could chat about the food. It was all quite convivial. The food, the wine, even the appetizer of prosciutto and melon was delicious. The service was very, very slow, however. Another server took over when I flagged her down and complained. Everything went well after that. Later, Luisa herself came out to chat with each of the patrons. She was lively and interesting to talk to. She gave me, my friend and another couple a tour of the restaurant grounds and talked about her plans for the place. I left feeling very satisfied. Pros: Incredibly good food Cons: Slow service more

By far this restaurant had the worst service we have had in years. Our waiter, who seemed as though he had NEVER waited tables before, seemed totally overwhelmed - not only with us but all the patrons. He forgot the champagne that we ordered, and then brought a bellini - a "peachy version" of a champagne cocktail - in a wine glass instead of a flute. Not a huge deal but, you know, don't you want YOUR champagne in a champagne glass? It finally came after three attempts with our waiter and it showed up right before the spaghetti entree. Do they have a wine list? Don't know - none was offered. No bread was brought to the table - which was okay that time because we were ordering garlic bread. Still, it was not offered and the garlic bread was just "okay" with the top layered with garlic salt and the middle and bottom of the bread - not toasted at all - and cold. Everything is ala carte. We picked two salads that turned out to really be a meal in themselves and, again, we should have asked for a "dinner salad" sized salad. The salads were nothing special, too sweet on mine and bland on the other one because of too much oil and not enough something else. That lettuce/walnut/gorgonzola thing has SO been done already and I would have just loved a small New York chopped salad or anything unique. But, the romaine WAS cold and crisp. The spaghetti - overpriced at $17 (because it was ala carte) - was good and the portion was large. BUT, when the same waiter came to clear he actually stacked both our dinner plates on top of each other in front of me and then hauled them away. Okay, they just lost another star after that. Before leaving he did not ask us if we wanted anything else, like, dessert perhaps? This restaurant apparently has a "sister" restaurant in San Francisco. Just because you put a white tablecloth on a table does not make it fancy if the food is mediocre and the service is bad. Pros: Good spaghetti if you don't mind paying $17; ample -easy parking Cons: cold dining room; slow service - not so friendly wait staff and very inexperienced; overpriced menu; everything ala carte; bad garlic bread more

Luisa's has just reopened under new management. Having dined there a few months ago, and since the management and staff has changed, I am happy to report the food and service are excellent. My husband and I had dinner there last night for the second time since the change and loved it. The atmosphere is warm, cozy and relaxed. The food arrived on time, was hot and delicious. They have a great wine list. If you tried Luisa's before and were disappointed, please give them another chance. You won't be sorry! Pros: Wonderful food, friendly professional staff, good wine list, cozy atmosphere more