It seems that locally owned restaurants tend to have superior food and inferior service. Unfortunately for Gambardella’s, even their food is hit or miss. The atmosphere was pleasant—having a more authentic feel than many Italian restaurants. We waited fifteen minutes to be seated -- we were ignored for a full five minutes, before being told that it would be “just a minute or two while we clean off a table.” I don’t mind waiting for a table--but I do mind being ignored, and then having the wait time greatly underestimated.

Once seated, our salads and appetizer (a marginally appetizing sauteed mushroom dish) arrived quickly. Our entrees, however, took 45 minutes from the time we ordered.

The wait staff were nice, but poorly trained. The servers didn’t know the wine list. The new guy pouring water touched the pitcher to the rim of every glass. The restaurant was too busy for the staff on hand. Our server’s sense of urgency (bordering on panic) was apparent, making us feel uncomfortable and on edge, as well.

In all, the food was fine (my date’s was good, mine was not—avoid the Eggplant Parmesan!), but the management was terrible. If I lived in Fairbanks, I might give it another try. As it is, if I ever eat at another restaurant here, it won’t be Gambardella’s.