Ritorno. Ritorno is what Julia calls a 'return to the table, in the Italian way.' – A return to traditional Italian food made from scratch in a sharing encouraged environment. Fresh, quality ingredients presented in their truest forms, classic, attentive and unobtrusive service from a staff who shares their joy of their job and environment with the guests has made Ritorno a destination for many of the residents of Halton region.more...See more text
I heard that Julia had opened this new restaurant...
I heard that Julia had opened this new restaurant and I just could not wait to try. Keeping in mind they have only been open for two weeks - my family and I were really impressed. Saturday night we went as family and looking for some good food in a relaxed atmosphere. We were able to dress casually and be relaxed (no dress code-great for teenagers who hate to get dressed up). The waitress suggested to us that we put our dinner order in with the appetizer order as she knew they were really busy and the kitchen would get backed. She was right and the timing was perfect between the appetizer and the dinner. My husband and I were born in Canada but raised very italian, eating very authentic italian food daily and coming from experience Ritorno's food is very authentic. We felt like we were eating at our Mom's house. In fact the meatballs and braciole taste just like my mom's recipe. Yes it was pricey but I would rather spend my money on good italian food rather than a place that thinks they can cook italian and have no idea what the word 'authentic' means. The only thing I would change is I found it a little tight with the seating arrangment, but we were cosy and we managed. Our enjoyment of the food took care of it. We met Julia herself, what a nice lady and let me tell you she knows her food and how to please her customers! We will be back again and I have already told my friends to try it out!
The place has only been open a week so we can forgive it some opening "kinks" that need sorting out. Our waitress was very pleasant. Menu is a la carte (you have to figure that out).
We started with bruschetta which was outstanding. Main courses were all very tasty. Ordered too many sides but was determined to try to eat all the prosciutto wrapped potatoes even if it killed me (which it nearly did).
Have had a couple of poor experiences at Julia before but the food would get us back here. The location is strange for what seems to be positioned as a slightly up-market dining experience.
Ritorno - new resturant in North Oakville - DON'T BOTHER - SAVE YOUR TIME AND MONEY
We wanted to try this resturant as it is owned by the same as Julia Ristorante in South East Oakville. I was excited to give this new place a chance but my husband was less enthusiastic - boy was he right!!! The service was the worst I think I ever had - from the missing waitress, to the pasta sauce that spilled onto the floor and hurled into the air (all over our table) to the uncooked food to the indifferent hostess. Even after we told them politely that our food was not to our liking (we are certainly not picky people) and they still did nothing about it. The waitress was MIA for a good period of the night. I highly doubt I will ever go back and don't think that his is opening jitters - simply bad mangement!! They need to figure out how to treat customers - and besides, I can think of better ways to spend $80 in an hour!!
