I've dinned many times at La Famiglia, particularly last year ('08) in the months just after my move to Marietta. \r
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I'll start with the ""pros"": They have good, authentic seeming Italian food (I don't profess to be an expert... but the meals I've had have been tasty). Their prices are also reasonable.\r
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The atmosphere is ""retro"" (to put it kindly), as I've told friends to expect to feel like you've been suddenly transported to the 1960's or 1970's. The decor makes you feel you're in a small town (you are), but one far - far away from sophisticated Atlanta (you aren't). \r
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The biggest ""con"" has to be their attitudes - usually apparent from the moment you walk in. Rather than pleasant smiles and a welcoming demeanor, they're stiff and cold. You're never really sure they want you there in the first place (I've actually been turned away several times, with the owner saying they are closing early (before 9:00) because it's a slow night - go figure? He successfully 'trained' me not to even try them after 8:30 on week nights. Maybe a different approach would avoid so many slow nights? Meanwhile I've spent thousands of dollars dining elsewhere on the square week nights between 8:30 and 9:15). \r
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The bad vibe is continued when you read the introduction to the menu, which is all about ""dining out is a special occasion and shouldn't be ruined by misbehaved children"" (I'm paraphrasing, but that's essentially the message). Thanks anyway, but I don't care to have menus preach to me. When I've taken friends there (for the good food), I've warned them in advance that ""these people take themselves a little too seriously, so be prepared"". From their attitudes, you'd think you were at La Cirque or 21 in New York - rather than at a moderately priced neighborhood Italian place in Marietta.\r
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If I could consult the owners, I would encourage an attitude readjustment. Italian restaurants, in particular, should be places where hospitality and friendliness exude - not stiffness, condescension, and coldness. Try smiling more, and relax! The reviews on this restaurant tend to be on the extremes - highs (typically the food) and lows (sometimes the food, always the service/vibe). In their own ways, I agree with each of the reviews - at both ends.\r
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P.S. - After eating there at least once a week in the month or 2 after moving near the square, week after week they wouldn't acknowledge I had been in before. I was new to town and it would have been nice to have been recognized - how hard would it have been to note my last name on my credit card - ""Nice to have you back, Mr. Smith!""?
Pros: Authentic Italian Food
Cons: Attitude, vibe, decor
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