Stephano's Italian Cuisine

09/21/09

Service is rude

by chef masaii

Went to Stephano's on a Monday night for the first time. Girlfriend and I walked in and asked to see the menu before being seated. Seemed to chafe the staff. Decided menu looked interesting and asked to be seated. We were walked to a table at a brisk pace at which point the waiter slapped the menus down on the table and walked away from us. He came back two minutes later and asked us if we were ready to order, gruff and rude in his demeanor. (Ready to order? How about drinks or looking at a wine list first?) Have no explanation for his rude treatment of me and my girlfriend unless race is a problem for him. (My girlfriend is black and both me and the waiter are white.) I have been to many, many fine restaurants in my 40 plus years and there is nothing that Stephano's can possibly have coming out of the kitchen that is worth running the gauntlet of rude and I suspect intolerant

staff. I would never step foot in the joint again. Not one to play the race card ever, but I am at a loss as to why the wait staff was so rude for no apparent reason. I have never, ever encountered such inexplicable hostility at a restaurant. Maybe I just got it wrong and stumbled into a good ol' boys hangout and just didnt know it. Sorry boys, I's be knowin' my place from now on.

• Pros: None noted
• Cons: Unknown attitude problem with staff

01/06/08

authentic italian

by vinceprofessor

Stephano's serves authentic Italian food at very reasonable prices. Beef in wine sauce is my favorite recipe. But pastas are also good.

05/23/03

Old world romantic

by lindgrenee

Stephano's is a great restaraunt for a group of friends or an intimate date. The tortellini is my favorite, but the steak and other pastas all live up to the discriminating diner's taste buds. Extremely well priced for such a classy restaurant with great service. I'd go around 8 to avoid the wait.

• Pros: pastas, appetizers, desserts
• Cons: hard to find

01/27/03

Best Local Italian South of River

by dean_l

Let's slow down a little folk's!

Yes, this the best home Italian rest. in Burnsville. But Buca's or Mac Grill have not lost their appeal; let's just leave it at that.

The Pizza is top notch; GREAT FLAVOR, good price. The food is very satisfying; but the sauce lacked flavor and was runny(I only ate in once, so far). I don't know if the bread is authentic, but it is pretty good.

During the weekend the place is almost full; so you'll want to call ahead a little. I get the impression a lot of the locals are regulars; good friends fun.

The atmosphere is really why you go here. If you stop in late at night for a pizza pickup you'll see sum-uv-de-bozs hanging out at the bar.

• Pros: atmosphere, pizza, different

07/17/02

Relavtively unknown but truly unmatched

by Scott_W

Have been frequenting Stephanos for over two years and have never been disappointed. One truly feels at home with family here. An excellent variety of both food and wine. And their Fettucini De Mare is the best I have found throughout the U.S. Mussels, shrimp, scallops, and whole baby squid awash in a delicate garlic cream sauce. This is a must have dish for any seafood lover.

• Pros: exceptional value, efficient service