Lidia's Pittsburgh Pasta

Good Food, Bad Service. I just returned from Lidia's of Pittsburgh. The restuarant is very trendy, though definitely on the loud side. The bread and the interesting spreads in lieu of butter were very good. I ordered the Lasagna Bolognese and frankly I make a better one, this one was flat and in dire need of a little salt - which is not provided on the table. I visited alone and was appalled by the service I received. There were 2 parties going on and the dining room was full, so expected somewhat slow service. I waited 10 minutes before anyone showed up to pour me water and another 10 minutes before my waitress showed up with the menus and asked if I wanted anything to drink. She eventually took my order but that was the last I saw of her. I had a different person deliver the glass of wine I ordered and another one plopped my food on the table. I might have excused this due to the crowd, however as I sat there, I watched 3 tables of couples around me receive very attentive service from the same waitress and others on the wait staff including the host and hostess. Apparently being single at a table in this restaurant makes you invisible. This is truly a shame, I went there during a business trip because I'm a fan of Lidia's cooking shows. I have traveled to many nice restaurants alone over my years of traveling and have never been made to feel this invisible. Go if you have someone to go with - just don't go to Lidia's alone!…

What a surprise. I came to Lidia's on recommendation of doorman at the Hilton. Great food, informed waiter, pleasant service and excellent wine. I had the best lasagna that I've ever eaten! I would return there in a second. My waiter had suggestions and answered questions, the wine steward less so, but still had a good recommendation. My waiter even fixed me up with a few tasty cookies to back to my hotel - big points.…

Poor Experience - Bad Wine. There were six in our party. Waiter had some training but this must have been his first job. It started with taking a wine order and returning after a long time only to tell us the "we are out of it:" No suggestions offered. We ordered a white wine from the house branded labels for $43. It had no body and no finish. It was a wine for someone who doesn't like wine -- no taste. The wine would be an embarrassment if I served it to anyone.

Waiter never returned for a second serving of "insalata 'Casare" alla Lidia" even though I tried to get the attention of a "manager." The first serving is what I would call a sampling. When everyone else finished I was offered a serving. This was 1.5 hours after our seating. Everyone had finished their meals. I declined under these circumstances.

Three of the six at our table liked how their food was prepared. Overall I think the staff is inexperienced, under trained and under managed. It's hard to ruin my day, but they sure did. I can't recommend this restaurant.…

Horrible Lunchtime Experience. A friend and I went to the Heinz History Museum with our kids. We decided to eat at Lidia's for the convenience even though it is a little expensive. Our server was condescending and gave us the worst service I have had in a long time. The kids meals were two pieces of chicken with 3 steak fries for $9.00. The kids were still hungry. The adult meals didn't come even after the kids were done. With no apology the waiter talked to the Manager (who avoided us at all costs) Either they hate kids or we didn't look rich enough!

I would absolutely NEVER go to this restaurant again and neither would my friend. I am telling everyone I know. No one should be treated this rude.…