Ricciardi's Italian Restaurant ...ugh

[600th Photo Sq]

We dined @Ricciardi's Italian Restaurant last night and I have to say it was the " Worst " Italian food I have ever eaten Yes the " Worst ".

I have spoken to the owner Joe twice in the past regrading the food served at his restaurant. The last time about 4 months ago...and thought we would give it one more try.

We had Chicken Sorrentino it was horrible slop..obviously sent it back after talking with the manager.

We had a salad, bread sticks, a glass of wine each..and hit the road.

Never again....a heads up to those who are planning on going there.

It has actually gotten worse since Joe has taken over from his Father. How this place stays open is a mystery to me. The location is prime, the interior terrific...but it's all window dressing. :plane:

[RickeyD]

We dined @Ricciardi's Italian Restaurant last night and I have to say it was the " Worst " Italian food I have ever eaten Yes the " Worst ".

I have spoken to the owner Joe twice in the past regrading the food served at his restaurant. The last time about 4 months ago...and thought we would give it one more try.

We had Chicken Sorrentino it was horrible slop..obviously sent it back after talking with the manager.

We had a salad, bread sticks, a glass of wine each..and hit the road.

Never again....a heads up to those who are planning on going there.

It has actually gotten worse since Joe has taken over from his Father. How this place stays open is a mystery to me. The location is prime, the interior terrific...but it's all window dressing. :plane:

If you tell us how you really feel it might be more helpful :icon_hungry:

[Chatbrat]

We tried twice after they opened- had similar conversation with Joe--you're absolutely correct its location & convenience
--the only place we frequent in Brownwood is City Fire--Ricciardi's has to be the worst so called Italian food in the area--their food reminds me of bland nursing food home I experience when I visited aging relatives.

[Taltarzac725]

We went there about 10 months ago and it was not that bad.

[Chatbrat]

we like to sit @ the bar all the time, this way we get a chance to interact with different people and we can actually see how the drinks we order are made.

slop may be the correct word, for food that is just thrown together with zero care or attention

[graciegirl]

we like to sit @ the bar all the time, this way we get a chance to interact with different people and we can actually see how the drinks we order are made.

slop may be the correct word, for food that is just thrown together with zero care or attention


We have gone there twice and were satisfied with the food.

[villagetinker]

This is interesting as we and several couples have eaten there on several occasions, and never had a bad meal. Cannot speak to the Chicken Sorrento as I have never ordered that particular dish.

[Nucky]

I'm not trying to counteract your experiences. We love going to Ricciardi's for their excellent food. One meal is better than the one before. They stayed late on the first night when we arrived after I explained we were tired, had traveled all day and asked for a quick meal. These people are like family to us. We wish them success. I'm qualified to be critical of food, I'm a professional, trust me.

[Taltarzac725]

I'm not trying to counteract your experiences. We love going to Ricciardi's for their excellent food. One meal is better than the one before. They stayed late on the first night when we arrived after I explained we were tired, had traveled all day and asked for a quick meal. These people are like family to us. We wish them success. I'm qualified to be critical of food, I'm a professional, trust me.

Glad you liked them. Brownwood is a ways from the Historical Side of the Villages.

[Chatbrat]

There was another gem in Spanish Springs--Luiginos--they're gonzo

[Chi-Town]

Chefs of Napoli III is the only Italian restaurant that has really good food. Giovanni's is OK and close to home, but that's about it.

[Taltarzac725]

Chefs of Napoli III is the only Italian restaurant that has really good food. Giovanni's is OK and close to home, but that's about it.

We like Giovanni's. Flippers Pizzeria is good too. The Villages (http://www.flipperspizzeria.com/our-locations/the-villages/)

[graciegirl]

I listen to food criticism from people who say the squid was overcooked. Too heavy a hand with lemon. The oysters were not fresh.

I don't know the people who own this restaurant. It was fine the times we eat there. I know that things like this can really hurt a person's business and I feel for that.

Perhaps I don't know what slop is. But I kinda think you are wrong.

[Chatbrat]

I never liked Luigino's==their bar was OK-tried to eat there once, but we split, when the wait staff didn't know anything, when we asked them a few questions

[Gpsma]

Little kids aren't paying the bill so an adult has every right to claim a restaurant is serving slop.

My mother said it was starving children in Europe. She had no concern for Africa.

[Nucky]

Glad you liked them. Brownwood is a ways from the Historical Side of the Villages.

It was on the arrival day. We were looking for a room at the inn and they took us in. Forever grateful.

I've had several rough meals at other places but made the best of it and nobody knew I suffered through a meal. I wouldn't tell the name of the places even under cross examination. It makes it like you have a cloud over you and you become known as a NUDGE. Talk :cus: about something positive, its hard enough to stay in business, nobody was injured or died at one of these establishments.

[Bonny]

We tried them about 2 months after they opened. 6 of us went and I have to say 2 said it was okay and 4 of us didn't like it. We decided to try them again about 6 months later and we thought it was good. We have only been a couple of times and liked it.

[dewilson58]

Another food thread. Clint Eastwood...........The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.

Okay, I will play along.

Been there a number of times. Slow, slow service one time. No complains about the food by me or anyone in our groups during all our visits.

Qualifications to judge: I eat every day.

:pepper2:

[RickeyD]

Too fancy. I enjoy a good pizzeria doing mostly take out with a few tables for sitting in. Typically good Italian meals for a fraction of what the pretentious joints cost.
Not into the atmosphere or fancy tableware. It's all about the food, nothing else matters.

[patfla06]

We used to enjoy them and the last 2 times didn't care for the restaurant at all.
We no longer go to any Brownwood restaurants.
Even Toojay's we go to the one in LSL.
It's sad since we live a little closer to Brownwood.

[Chatbrat]

Go to Brownwood for a movie and a snack @ City Fire--nothing there that interests us,else

[Waverunner]

We love the go to Ricciardi's! The menu offers a lot of variety and the food is very good. They have also been accommodating to offer us food items not on the menu when they have the meat or fish available. Service has usually been excellent and the management frequently stops by and asks if we need anything or how we enjoyed our visit.

So some food for thought. Those of us who live nearest to Brownwood should support our local businesses. If there is a constructive criticism, share it with the management, or don't go back. These restaurant and retail owners have made a large investment in our growing community. We would like Brownwood to grow as Lake Sumter Landing has, which won't happen by tearing down the small businesses that have elected to be here in The Villages.

[Chatbrat]

We have our right to be critics, let the out of town tourists make a mistake, if I can prevent a fellow Villager from making a mistake,the--I will never recommend Tire Choice--maybe you will if they open a store in Brownwood go there and learn for yourself

[graciegirl]

This is making me hungry for Italian;

Menu (https://www.carrabbas.com/menu)

We love Carrabbas. It is closer to us than Ricciardis.

[asianthree]

We get a pizza takeout, eat on the lanai with good wine

[RickeyD]

We get a pizza takeout, eat on the lanai with good wine

:bigbow:

[JoMar]

That's why there are choices....for those that slam a restuaraunt we appreciate they don't go back but please, don't let your ego get in the way......you are not the definative word on what's good and what's not....only the expert on what you like. Trying to set yourself as the expert and then blatanly telling people you are the expert and therefore we shouldn't go to a specific place because you say we shouldn't go is just rude. I was ok with the post until the "heads up to those who are planning to go". We can make our own decisions as unbelievable as that may sound.

[Fredster]

That's why there are choices....for those that slam a restuaraunt we appreciate they don't go back but please, don't let your ego get in the way......you are not the definative word on what's good and what's not....only the expert on what you like. Trying to set yourself as the expert and then blatanly telling people you are the expert and therefore we shouldn't go to a specific place because you say we shouldn't go is just rude. I was ok with the post until the "heads up to those who are planning to go". We can make our own decisions as unbelievable as that may sound.

Great comment! :bigbow:

[crabbyannie1]

We dined @Ricciardi's Italian Restaurant last night and I have to say it was the " Worst " Italian food I have ever eaten Yes the " Worst ".

I have spoken to the owner Joe twice in the past regrading the food served at his restaurant. The last time about 4 months ago...and thought we would give it one more try.

We had Chicken Sorrentino it was horrible slop..obviously sent it back after talking with the manager.

We had a salad, bread sticks, a glass of wine each..and hit the road.

Never again....a heads up to those who are planning on going there.

It has actually gotten worse since Joe has taken over from his Father. How this place stays open is a mystery to me. The location is prime, the interior terrific...but it's all window dressing. :plane:

That's incredible, especially since there's an Olive Garden here, and that IS just awful food.

[NYGUY]

That's why there are choices....for those that slam a restuaraunt we appreciate they don't go back but please, don't let your ego get in the way......you are not the definative word on what's good and what's not....only the expert on what you like. Trying to set yourself as the expert and then blatanly telling people you are the expert and therefore we shouldn't go to a specific place because you say we shouldn't go is just rude. I was ok with the post until the "heads up to those who are planning to go". We can make our own decisions as unbelievable as that may sound.

:BigApplause::BigApplause:

[JoMar]

In my Google Newsfeed an article from The Exception Magazine, which is published in Portland Maine, listed the top ten Diners and Cafe's for Hardcore Foodies in TV. Ricciardi's was number 7, City Fire was number 9. Everybody is entitled to their opinion. If you want to read it you can find it through Google search.

[xkeowner]

In my Google Newsfeed an article from The Exception Magazine, which is published in Portland Maine, listed the top ten Diners and Cafe's for Hardcore Foodies in TV. Ricciardi's was number 7, City Fire was number 9. Everybody is entitled to their opinion. If you want to read it you can find it through Google search.

I must take exception with The Exception Magazine. First of all Wikipedia describes them as "The Exception Magazine is an online news magazine that covers Maine. It is headquartered in Portland, Maine." Why should I trust a magazine about Maine to tell me about the restaurants in The Villages?

My search for their reviews of restaurants in TV resulted in four different listings listed below in addition to the article noted in the quoted post. One of them begins with the statement "The Villages, Florida simply has the best grub joints in the country. Don�t believe us? They will cause chaos in your stomach because you will stuff yourself to sleep." That statement is absurd! All of the lists are fairly recent also based upon the restaurants listed.

We have lived in TV for just over six years and have eaten in over 270 different restaurants, many more than once, in that time. While we do enjoy many of the restaurants in TV, there are many, many options within a 90 minute drive and many are better than ANY of TV restaurants.

The Exception Magazine articles I found. There may be more:

13 Destinations for a Fun Time in The Villages, Florida

9 Swank Restaurants for Business Travelers of The Villages, Florida

12 Stunning Restaurants to Understand Life In The Villages, Florida

10 Dining Destinations That Turn Food Into Art in The Villages, Florida

Not to praise or criticize Carrabba's, but do they really fit into all four of these categories?

[JoMar]

I must take exception with The Exception Magazine. First of all Wikipedia describes them as "The Exception Magazine is an online news magazine that covers Maine. It is headquartered in Portland, Maine." Why should I trust a magazine about Maine to tell me about the restaurants in The Villages?

My search for their reviews of restaurants in TV resulted in four different listings listed below in addition to the article noted in the quoted post. One of them begins with the statement "The Villages, Florida simply has the best grub joints in the country. Don�t believe us? They will cause chaos in your stomach because you will stuff yourself to sleep." That statement is absurd! All of the lists are fairly recent also based upon the restaurants listed.

We have lived in TV for just over six years and have eaten in over 270 different restaurants, many more than once, in that time. While we do enjoy many of the restaurants in TV, there are many, many options within a 90 minute drive and many are better than ANY of TV restaurants.

The Exception Magazine articles I found. There may be more:

13 Destinations for a Fun Time in The Villages, Florida

9 Swank Restaurants for Business Travelers of The Villages, Florida

12 Stunning Restaurants to Understand Life In The Villages, Florida

10 Dining Destinations That Turn Food Into Art in The Villages, Florida

Not to praise or criticize Carrabba's, but do they really fit into all four of these categories?


As I said, everyone has their opinion. Food is a personal choice, and one person's tastes shouldn't be the benchmark for everyone. You enjoy Carrabba's and that's great then you should eat there. Those the don't like Carrabba's should go somewhere else (yeah I know a few that don't). My point was that Exception Magazine was just one more opinion....nothing more.

[HoosierPa]

We go to Ricciardi's Bloody Mary Bar on Sunday's. It is great with a breakfast pizza. Try it ! Love their Bolognese sauce. No complaints here !

[Skip]

Give me a break! Exception "Magazine" is nothing more than an ad mill. All the listings are not opinions - they're just ads.

And what exactly does "12 Stunning Restaurants to Understand Life In The Villages, Florida" mean? You eat at Carrabba's and you have better understanding of what?

Besides, all their categories have the same winners.

Even YELP accepts reviews from the restaurant owner and his/her competitor. So you don't know what's real and what's made up. It's pretty worthless. I've seen YELP reviews on restaurants that were not even open yet. !!!

The internet is no longer an information channel - it's a big advertising channel.

Skip

[JoMar]

Give me a break! Exception "Magazine" is nothing more than an ad mill. All the listings are not opinions - they're just ads.

And what exactly does "12 Stunning Restaurants to Understand Life In The Villages, Florida" mean? You eat at Carrabba's and you have better understanding of what?

Besides, all their categories have the same winners.

Even YELP accepts reviews from the restaurant owner and his/her competitor. So you don't know what's real and what's made up. It's pretty worthless. I've seen YELP reviews on restaurants that were not even open yet. !!!

The internet is no longer an information channel - it's a big advertising channel.

Skip

Don't disagree but no worse than posters on here telling Villagers what they should consider a good place to eat and tearing down an establishement because they don't like it. As I said earlier, we can make our own decisions and should.

[Northwoods]

THANK YOU!!! Great post. I've taken my grandchildren to Riccardi's to "make their own pizza." It's their "go to" place in The Villages. What great memories. I have also had good meals at Riccardi's. Love the Brownwood location.
I just get tired of people who are self-proclaimed experts.

[BLUSH]

dupl post

[dewilson58]

We ate here 5 days ago - were double billed - spoke to manager and he said there were several of us - as of yet, no refund. Not a good way to do business.

Double billed??.........did you give them too much cash??....did you sign a credit card slip for twice the amount?? How did they double bill you without you knowing it??

If it shows up on your CC statement as a double bill, your CC company can reject the charge.

[BLUSH]

dupl post

[dewilson58]

It was a debit card - it cleared twice. I brought him my on line statement. The manager and he said it was a "firewall" issue. Wish I had used a credit card. He admitted there were several of these, and they were "hoping" to reimburse everyone ......

Have your bank reject it. You are not responsible for unauthorized debits.

[BLUSH]

I will call them - I'm disappointed that I have to do that though.

[RickeyD]

I've used my credit/debit card everywhere in my hometown area for decades. Never had a problem, ever. I'm astounded with the amount of people and the amount of businesses that can't process an electronic transaction without some type of screwup. Whether it be criminal or not. I'll only go electronic in and around TV at a major retailer like Target or Walmart etc. etc.
It may be inconvenient carrying cash but it sure beats the hassle dealing with banks and non responsive retailers !

[LitespeedRider]

The manager and he said it was a "firewall" issue.


That is a 100% lie as a firewall does NOT store data. I would call the police.

[mark47]

We ate there about 6 months ago and really enjoyed our meals and the service was very good. Hope nothing has changed

[dewilson58]

That is a 100% lie as a firewall does NOT store data. I would call the police.

:cryin2:

[Down Sized]

I've had four credit cards compromised in five years living in The Villages. i'm now almost cash only. Just like other posters, I'm tired of messing with constant replacing and the other hassles that go along with it. the last time was charges all over Florida at Walgreens.

[biker1]

Hardly a police issue. Call your credit card company - they handle billing issues everyday. Clearly the use of "firewall" was from someone without a complete understanding of their system. No need to assume anything otherwise.



That is a 100% lie as a firewall does NOT store data. I would call the police.

[BLUSH]

I swung by the police annex and apparently there was an issue (maybe using Firewall was wrong word to use on the manager's part) - and VISA cards were compromised and all have been reversed and I should see a credit in the next 24/48 hours. No fault of Ricciardi's if this is so.
Thanks everyone for the feedback ! I may be going cash only soon ;)

[LitespeedRider]

I swung by the police annex and apparently their was an issue (maybe using Firewall was wrong word to use on the manager's part) - and VISA cards were compromised and all have been reversed and I should see a credit in the next 24/48 hours. No fault of Riciardi's if this is so.
Thanks everyone for the feedback ! I may be going cash only soon ;)


They are still liable beyond that. I presume they are transacting credit cards over the internet. That being the case, they are obligated to be "PCI" compliant. More over NOT store credit card information locally, nor bundle transactions (as many large stores and gas stations will do with "pre-authorized" sales).

So, if there was more than one charge (and presuming that they were real time charging). The only way to get double charges is to run the card twice.

More information is at : Official PCI Security Standards Council Site - Verify PCI Compliance, Download Data Security and Credit Card Security Standards (https://www.pcisecuritystandards.org/pci_security/)


To mirror most others...I 99% of the time use cash (easier and I dont have to worry about "Big Brother" tracking my every purchase).

[photo1902]

My wife and I went there last Wednesday. We had appetizers as our meal, and several glasses of wine. We both absolutely LOVED the Prosciutto Bocconcini and the Ricciardi's Famous Meatballs. We will happily return.

[Bonny]

My wife and I went there last Wednesday. We had appetizers as our meal, and several glasses of wine. We both absolutely LOVED the Prosciutto Bocconcini and the Ricciardi's Famous Meatballs. We will happily return.
:agree:

[Jdmiata]

My last two experiences at this place were not good.
Food not hot , ditto coffee. Bread was like a hot dog bun. Pasta was a goopy , falling apart mess despite ordering it al dente.
On the other hand it's good for a drink at the bar. Not food.

[simpkinp]

We were downtown in Brownwood tonight and I saw lots of folks outside at Richiardi's. I guess they were just drinking at the bar. Sure can't be for the food. We were dining at the Bavarian Brewhaus. Excellent authentic German food. My friend had an awesome Lamb Shank for only $14. They have good things other than German too. I had the Pork Jaegerschnitzel. Very good and a huge serving. I sent half of it home with my friend.

[Skip]

... I sent half of it home with my friend.

You sent your friend home?
Why?

Skip

:1rotfl:

[kstew43]

Too fancy. I enjoy a good pizzeria doing mostly take out with a few tables for sitting in. Typically good Italian meals for a fraction of what the pretentious joints cost.
Not into the atmosphere or fancy tableware. It's all about the food, nothing else matters.

Try Belview Pizza.....I have been going there since 1974.

a little drive is worth the trip for NY style pizza, grinders...ect

[schwarz]

gave up on this place a long time ago. Stavros in Leesburg on the left before town is the best, by far, around. For around $10 you can get eggplant parm, a large plate of spaghetti and meat sauce, Greek salad and garlic bread. Good service too.