I have been coming to Fiamma from the day they opened. I have always loved Fiamma on special occasions for the quality of food and spectacular service and dote on them when people ask about Italian food in Charlotte.
I brought a newlywed couple to Fiamma this Restaurant week because they had never been and it is Fiammas.
I am beyond embarrassed. The drink orders were not complete. The couple with us were only served one beer so they shared. My dinner partner was given a totally different drink from what he ordered but he accepted it. When they realized the initial drink he ordered was available another server tried to take his half finished glass away and then never brought the replacement drink.
Appetizers: delicious. Fried artichoke salad, burrata, carpaccio, and seared scallops. Everyone was happy. Sadly. It took almost 45 minutes to arrive and still no drink refills so we opted to order a bottle of wine post haste knowing we might not get it in time.
Wine: no opinion. The bottle we ordered, we were informed 30 minutes later, was not available but were offered a replacement. In Fiamma's defense the server admitted they were sorry they were backed up and offered the replacement bottle on the house. Okay.
Entrees: Osso Buco was enjoyed. Veal medalions were "okay", Ribeye was very fatty. The awkward part was that the 4th person at our table had to wait for a recook because the wrong entree was delivered. When the 4th entree "Coda di Rospo" aka poor man's lobster finally got delivered it was dry and partially cold.
Desserts: two orders of tiramisu that were loved. One cheesecake which was described as "very dry" and no Panna Cotta. After a while a bowl of chunky liquid that the table described as looking like "yogurt" was served.
It was explained again that the kitchen was backed up due to Restaurant week. Got it. Blaming the kitchen for being overbooked it not fair to the kitchen. Poor service is the house over booking.
Fiamma lost my husband's annual birthday dinner and our occasional anniversary. It was that disappointing.