Italian Kitchen The

1.3 Not Recommended

Food  2      Ambience  1      Service  1      Value  1     

We decided to try the Italian Kitchen as my hubby had been there before years ago and had a good experience. It has obviously gone downhill. We entered the restaurant to find two large tables covered in left over food from previous diners which was not a good look! We waited 15 minutes to order while others who arrived after us were served first. We could not order pizza as they had run out of bases (by 7.00pm on a Friday night!) even though this makes up half the menu.

The garlic bread and salad (which was a main) were served at the same time with the lasagne and cannelloni coming out 15 minutes later. The salad contained lettuce that was black and slimy and other meals were obviously reheated. Very bland and average presentation.

The waiting staff did not seem to care that we were even there. They spent all of their time dealing with take away orders. Used our Entertainment Book voucher which entitled us to 25% off to only receive $10 off our $61 bill. A terrible experience which has put me off dining out in Canberra. Avoid at all costs!

Dec 17, 2011 

7.8 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  5      Service  10      Value  9     

I've been back countless times for the marinated octopus salad which is divine, however, I have had some of the pastas which I would say are indeed quite underwhelming and usually drowned in grease. Pizzas are good but not great. Atmosphere slightly tired and the place could do with some light renovations. That said, I don't believe it's aiming to provide you with a fine dining experience, more so a casual, relaxed place to dine with family and friends. The prices are affordable and the staff are lovely and friendly.

Jun 11, 2011 

1.5 Not Recommended

Food  1      Ambience  2      Service  2      Value  1     

This place used to be one of "the" places to eat Italian food. After grabbing a meal from there last night, all I can say is very disappointing. I ordered spaghetti marinara which was drowned in some sort of grainy tomato/basil paste - couldn't even call it a sauce. Also hidden in the dish were 2 calamari rings, 2 prawns and 2 scallops. It was obvious that these had been frozen and were extremely bland. Not a pleasant experience and not one I will be repeating soon.

Mar 07, 2011 

5.8 Average

Food  2      Ambience  7      Service  8      Value  6     

Have eaten here twice and both time I couldn't finish the pasta it was so bad. The pizza may be better I don't know. If they improved on the basic things this place would work better, fresh, basic tasty food. I suggest the chef starts tasting their meals before they are put on the menu. It is a shame because the staff are lovely!

Jan 29, 2011 

2.5 Not Recommended

Food  1      Ambience  3      Service  3      Value  3     

Have had take away pizzas from here and they are always dry. You're better off going to the takeaway next door who do awesome pizzas, for less money. I had lunch here recently and had the goats cheese balls. For starters they didn't taste like goats cheese, they tasted like fetta, and I went home feeling very nauseated for the afternoon. Won't be back here.

Oct 08, 2010 

4.5 Below Average

Food  4      Ambience  5      Service  5      Value  4     

If you want a cheap meal, this may be the place. But I am not sure whether it is good value after all. The food is only so-so, I somehow don't think they are that authentic. The flavour simply different to what I used to grow up with. I doubt I will go back unless I am that desperate (but I still don't get what I expect!).

Mar 09, 2010 

9 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  7      Service  9      Value  10     

A great place to eat for many years. The food is consistently good and the wine list is sufficient but you can also take your own. Comments from first timers is always that they will have to come again because there are so many tasty items on the menu. Easy to park and hard to leave because the desserts including the home made gelato make the experience most enjoyable. Worth driving across Canberra to enjoy great food.

Nov 21, 2008