My boyfriend and I chose Il Cielo for our anniversary after reading rave reviews about it being the best romance/anniv. place. The outer area is under a tent canopy, decorated with strings of xmas lights all across the top (Many viewers claimed it was like looking up at the stars-It is not-you could do it at home yourself). They also had lamps/candles around rendering the place much brighter than a 'romantic' place should be. It was uncomfortable.\r
The service was alright, but we had to push for it. We went on a Tuesday night at an early time (8pm) and had made reservations a week prior to avoid any seating/waiting complications. There were tons of open tables all around the area, but we were seated between two tables filled with old men in suits having a loud/good time. The tables are set up in rows with potted plants and vines as barriers, so one table of loud men was lass than 2 feet away from us with no sort of privacy since the potted plants are placed a meter apart from one another-I bumped elbows with our neighbors accidentally a few times. \r
Due to the bright lights, and the close proximity of surrounding tables/lack of privacy, we felt very exposed, not comfortable whatsoever.(booth and corner lovers will know what I mean) It was very, very far from romantic.\r
We asked to be reseated (since all tables around us were all available), and they did so immediately and apologetically. Our waiter was in-training, and very polite/customer oriented (we had to ask for silverware, etc...). It makes me wonder why they seated us in such an undesirable location in the first place-We had stressed it was for an anniversary occasion when we arrived. The new seat, though still bright, and next to the front door, was at least away from the gangs of old, loud suits. \r
The food was not anything to write home about -I've made better pasta cabernera at home (it was too heavy) and the seafood paella was average. The price/food/service was all average for the area.\r
Pros: Pretty, Food OK
Cons: Not as 'romantic' as expected, everything only average considering reputaion
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