2 Cameron Dr, Ancaster, ON L9G 2L3, Canada
Oh my gosh! This place is absolutely outstanding, delicious and beautifully authentic Italian. When I arrived owner Nicole greeted me with such a warm welcome and was keen to help in my order. Today it was take out as I wanted to visit and taste but didn't have the time to stay. One gorgeous award winning Pizza was quickly tossed, dressed and into the open area oven. The decor is on trend, bright and it had such a fun vibe I'd love to return on Friday night and feel the energy! The pizza was magnificent and I can't wait to return again! Thank you! Cheers, Spicy Jan
What a great stop! We’re from Buffalo NY, and were passing through and made an impromptu stop for a bite to eat. The service was wonderful- friendly, welcoming and very helpful with all our questions. Although the service was great, it took a back seat to the important stuff- THE FOOD! From start to finish- 10/10 Pizza was great- Pasta was fresh and sauces were rich, light and packed with flavor. Really really enjoyed. Highly recommend
Decided to go try the pizza here. I was told it was really good. It was a far drive ancaster. It wasn't too busy during the lunch. Ordered a simple margarita. Very friendly staff. Big open concept.. Pizza was very good. Just not a fan of the gas oven. It's sad to see that the wood fired is dying and lot of people are using these hybrid ovens.
Here's a Google review for Famiglia Ristorante: My boyfriend and I randomly picked Famiglia Ristorante in Ancaster for lunch, and it turned out to be a great choice! We ordered the rigatoni with Bolognese sauce and the Margherita pizza to share. The pizza was definitely my favorite. The cheese and basil were so fresh and tasty – absolutely delicious! We also ordered a basket of bread to dip in the Bolognese sauce, but unfortunately, the bread never arrived, even when the check came. Despite this small hiccup, the pasta and pizza were fantastic. We'll definitely come back for that amazing pizza!
Wooow such an incredible and welcoming service from Nicole. It’s easy to tell she is passionate about the food and the service here. The food was absolutely amazing - we had the penne allá vodka, caprese and Margherita pizza. Compliments to the chef as well. The make the gelato and all the desserts in house as well so I reaaaallly recommend you try one of those! Thanks again for your hospitality, Nicole, we’ll be back on our next visit!
Nicole was amazing. She knew everything about all of the menu items and effectively answered all the questions my group had. The food was amazing and we all agreed we would come back for her AND THE FOOD. also spoiler, she makes the gelato! thanks nicole:)
I was very pleased with my experience when I came for lunch. I was not sure if this restaurant was going to be crazy expensive, but it was not at all. They have a great range of prices for what you get a mix of expensive and not. The food tasted very delicious, we got veal and chicken parmigiana on a bun, we were pleasantly surprised that it came with a side of chips! We also got a peperoni pizza to try and it was delicious. Our waitress greeted us for the moment we walked in to the moment we left, she was very kind and took great care of us. We love supporting small businesses, and we look forward to coming back as the atmosphere was calming and welcoming!
This is my second time at this lovely, cozy restaurant. The owners were very welcoming, and the food was delicious! We had the arugula salad, which compliments the dishes we ordered. The veal sandwich was light and airy, and their pizza was amazing! My husband just came back from Italy and said this pizza tastes just like it was from there. All the food is made from scratch, so you can tell how much love they put into their dishes. Desserts don't pass up either all homemade and delicious! If you have allergies, just let them know they will do their best to make sure you enjoy a meal. See you again soon, Famiglia!
Celebrated a family birthday & we all enjoyed it thoroughly! I had the special: a melt in your mouth lasagne & topped it off with Ferrero Roche creme brulee which was pure heaven. Soooo good!
Food was bland,,try adding a lot of garlic maybe? Not more than a mouthful of beef in the lasagna-which was swimming in a runny red water. Pasta for chicken parm was hard and didnt hold the taste of the sauce. Staff were pleasant enough. Lucky for all I wasnt the tipper! Bland bland bland
My fiancée and I made reservations for Saturday night and we had an absolutely amazing time. Food: The bread was fresh and olive oil and balsamic vinegar were available on the table. The espresso martini we had was one of the best weve had in a LONG time. We ordered a pizza and a pasta dish. The pizza crust was flavourful and cooked perfectly. The toppings were plentiful, fresh, and delicious. The pasta was cooked to a perfect al dente and the sauce was heavenly. The breaded chicken that we added to the pasta was crispy and well-seasoned. To end the meal, we ordered the tiramisu. It was a very generous portion and was creamy, light, and had a wonderful coffee flavour. It is made in-house and you can tell by the quality. Service: Our server was polite, attentive, and very friendly. We were checked on multiple times throughout our meal. The food and drinks came out within a very reasonable time frame. You can tell the staff enjoy working here. Atmosphere: Famiglia is truly an apt name for this restaurant. You feel like family when you are there. The staff are welcoming and accommodating. The owners say hello, check on each table to see how people are enjoying their meals, and say ciao when you leave. This is a local restaurant that cares about its customers. We will certainly be back!
Cramped tables, service aweful
La Familia delivered one of the most memorable dining experiences we ve had in a long time. The atmosphere was cozy and welcoming, and from start to finish, everything was exceptional. We began with the burrata bruschetta, a beautifully executed dish that was so fresh and set the tone for the rest of the night. The rose vodka with pancetta was rich and full of flavor (my exact words were omg YUM! ). The Sweet Heat pizza stole the show with its perfect crust and the bold yet balanced sensational spice. Usually I m disappointed by the depth of flavor in spicy pizzas but not this one *chef s kiss*. But. What truly stood out was the personal touch from the staff. Our server, Michelle, was attentive and so kind, ensuring every detail of our evening was taken care of. Chef Mark stopped by our table to check on us, and his genuine passion for the food and the dining experience was evident. It s rare to feel so cared for during a meal, but their warmth and attention made the night unforgettable. HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
Well I m from Montreal came down to visit with friends and decided to try out this resto well there is absolutely no negative comment from our server Michell with her beautiful smile and warm disposition the food was amazing then the owners do the rounds of the tables to make sure everything is good which I think is so kewl overall if I had to rate this resto I would give it a 12 on 10 it was just amazing so please go and try famiglia !!
First time here but have been wanting to since it opened. In a nutshell .Excellent on all fronts. - Service by Sania terrific! Nicole (owner) stopped by to chat and we discussed a few of the photos on the wall. Very warm and friendly - Food outstanding! Spouse had Chicken Parmigiana (perfect) I had Lemon Basil (fabulous). A dish I d never tried or even heard of before. It was so good. It will be hard for me not to order that again versus other offerings on the menu. A good rut to be in I d say. Appreciate the ability to order whatever pasta you would like the main dish to be with. I had it with fettuccine, my favorite. Pastas were perfectly al dente. You must definitely try this family owned gem.
My friends and I decided to go here on a whim and it was amazing. The pastas are delicious. They make the gelato and tiramisu homemade and have authentic ingredients from Italy! So delicious. Will be back again!
Me and the wife came here on a Tuesday night after hearing it was the go to place for Italian food when in Ancaster. We were not disappointed, and in fact, it was much better than expected. We shared a pizza, Spaghetti and meatballs, and a veal sandwich ( wanted to try a little bit of everything). Cannot really recommend any one thing as everything was just so delicious! Really cant recommend this place highly enough. Definitely a 10/10
Delicious! The chicken parm with pasta and red sauce as will as the broccoli rabe with garlic was perfectly cooked and so flavorful bursting with flavor! One of the best red sauces I ve ever had in a restaurant. Our server was very personable, happy, and attentive. Yes, it s a bit noisy but that would not stop me from returning because the food was that good. Prices were on par for what things cost these days.
Nicole could teach a masterclass on restaurant management and hospitality! I reached out to the restaurant to host a party of 25 for my sons baptism, and from the very first call, I was met with warmth and enthusiasm. The staff was genuinely excited to help us plan this special day, and Nicole made us feel right at home, inviting us to celebrate on Sunday. When we arrived, we were blown away by the beautiful setup. Nicole and her son went above and beyond, coming in that day specifically to ensure everything was perfect for us. The atmosphere was wonderful, the menu selection was extensive, and the food was absolutely delicious. Nicole personally took everyone s order, making sure each guest was attended to, and even went the extra mile to cut and serve our cake! They seated us near the patio so the kids could play outside if they got restless, which was a thoughtful touch that made everyone more comfortable. Our celebration felt truly memorable, thanks to Nicole and her incredible team. The next day, several family members reached out to tell me how much they enjoyed the experience, and I owe it all to Nicole and her family. Thank you for making our day so special, Nicole! We look forward to hosting many more events at your wonderful restaurant.
My first time at Famiglia. What an amazing spot. Fodd was delicious. Service was great. Would definitely come back to this gem.
I would love to thank Mark, Nicole and their staff for a lovely afternoon lunch at their restaurant. I know that food has always been a passion, and it shows with the devotion given to making a place your own. The meatballs and sauce were heartwarming and filling. The Famiglia pizza is crispy, light, and decadent. Worth every minute from Whitby!!
The food at Famiglia does not disappoint and the service is wonderful. The owners and staff are all warm, welcoming and helpful. My family and I enjoyed this restaurant; we felt like we were at home. We look forward to dining here again!
Went for lunch today and had the pizza. Was amazing and had enough for leftovers for dinner. I ordered the arugula pear salad to go as well. Highly recommend
My son and I are on a total nonjudgmental quest for the best wood fired pizza in Southern Ontario. Im a semi local (not to Ancaster but to Hamilton) and we decided to park our butts here to fill our faces with some cheese and dough. Waitress, forget her name (but her perfume was literally perfect haha), was super friendly and full of fun information. Specifically how they were in the top 5 in a cross Canada pizza comp. I believe it, it was delicious! Nice char on the under side, sauce was . Was a tiny bit heavy on the cheese BUT thats not a complaint haha also my pep was full of flavour. Not like store bought crap you sometimes come across. The only bad side is they have SOOO many delicious sounding options on their menu, I cant eat it all in one sitting. Will definitely come back!
We re originally from Ancaster but moved to Brantford around when this restaurant opened so had yet to try it out. We heard there were some kinks to be ironed out closer to opening years ago so never felt the urge to try but did tonight and wish we had come so much sooner! Such delicious pastas, flavourful but not overwhelming/too much and great service from the kind host to our lovely server Shelby can t wait to go again and bring friends!
What a lovely place to have in the neighbourhood. Great food. Great service Daily specials. Nice wine selections Nice food portions Worth the trip to Ancaster Food : 5/5 |
What a pleasant surprise. So often today restaurants disappoint. Thats certainly not the case here. Talk about a gem of an authentic family run restaurant. Exceptional quality and generous portions. Fast, friendly and efficient service. The entire staff, from the owners to the servers genuinely want you to enjoy and be happy. The best Italian food weve experienced outside of Italy in many years. The only thing youll be disappointed about, is the fact you hadnt tried it sooner.
Great local family style restaurant Most of us had the lasagna special which was excellant. Service was a little slow at first partly due to how busy it got. Would highly recommend Kid-friendliness: My grandson devoured his pasta and meatballs.
Really enjoyed the food at this little gem of a restaurant. The pizza was excellent. I recommend the Dolce e Caldo. We enjoyed Great service. The Caprese Salad was very fresh, served the authentic way with fresh basil. The rapini were also very good. I loved that they had a balsamic , olive oil and seasonings on the table so you could have a little dip for your bread. The owner/chef came over to introduce himself and he was lovely. We will definitely go back.
I had an amazing spaghetti bolognese! Really amazing! We also had meatball panini. The bread was so soft, so fresh
Went last night and it was packed. My bad as I should have made a reservation. Food is always off the chart. Service was really left to be desired. I get they were busy but only place to sit was outside. We were seated, waitress came took our order and that was about it. Took an hour and a half to get the food and in fact we were going to leave but food was ready. My daughters pizza came out cold and half cooked. Mine and my sons food was delicious. Not once did our waitress come and speak with us to tell us of delays or even see if we wanted something to drink or check up on us. That is what made me furious. I went for my birthday and we wanted a bottle of wine, dessert and coffee which didnt happen because of crappy service. Very bad service. We still left a 15 percent tip and the meal was over 140 dollars so not chump change. Oh and when I went to speak with the staff about leaving the waitress that had served us (she was looking on as I spoke to the owner )just looked at me and rolled her eyes.
Lovely family atmosphere...authentic Italian food, loved every bit of it. Ordered few of the most sought after dishes and felt in love with food at everybite....
I ve been twice now and I m blown away. Serious, Famiglia Ristorante is genuinely one of the beat dining experiences I ve ever had. I took my family, with two small kids, today and they were treated like royalty. We will be back again and again. This is a must try, if you have never been.
Absolutely delicious! One of the best sandwiches Ive ever had. Coffee was 10/10 delicious. Had ferrero rocher chocolate mousse dessert and its by far my favorite chocolate dessert Ive ever had, the perfect flavoured chocolate (not too rich) and a slight crunch. Must try restaurant! I cant wait to return and try more menu items.
Excellent pizza -- most ingredients are from Italy -- awesome gelato!!! Will be returning
Service very good. Spaghetti bolognese just ok. Not much meat in the meat sauce. It had a pepper on the menu for spice. Not much taste really.
Very welcoming, very friendly staff and amazing food. This is a must try place if you love Italian food!!!!
Everything was great. Our server was very nice and the food was fantastic!!
Excellent food, but even better hospitality. I believe we were served by the female owner, and she was absolutely outstanding (cant recall her name because its been over 3 weeks). So kind, welcoming, funny, helpful... We felt like we were visiting relatives. Truly lives up to the name! Well be back!
We just moved here, thought we would try take out. I ordered 2 paninis. I was told 15 mins ok but it was 45 mins for 2 sandwiches. I was hopeful because its close but that not acceptable and they were just ok.
We had a beautiful experience at Famiglia Ristorante on Saturday evening. We had salad and pizza and gelato. Being Italian we can honestly say that it was all delicious. The ingredients were fresh and the combination of tomato sauce and cheeses brought us back to the pizza we had in Italy. The servers and the owners were very friendly. They made us feel comfortable and welcomed. We talked to other customers who were having different pastas, and they said that their dishes were delicious and that the portions were generous. We recommend Famiglia Ristorante to anyone who wants to have an authentic home cooked Italian meal. Congratulations to the owners!
Thankyou very much to staff and owners Marc and Nicole for a memorable time last Sunday August 25th, We were celebrating our 52nd wedding anniversary and we loved it! The ambiance is lovely and relaxed, the music nostalgic and the staff attentive with big smiles and great service! We started with cocktails (delish) then salads soo fresh caprese and Caesar then gnocchi with pesto and homemade spicy pizza and of course we loved the warm crusty bread that we dipped in olive oil and balsamic. Dessert did not disappoint, tiramisu and cannoli plus 2 more to take home! Thanks so much Michele, we love you and we are definitely coming back!
Thanks Nicole for being such a friendly host. The pizza was delicious, so much it was gone before I could take a photo. The vibe of the place and the food made for a wonderful time.
Excellent food and friendly service from this family owned restaurant. The pizza, meatballs and salad were all great.
My husband and I had dinner last night , everything was amazing the food soooo good . Thankyou Mark we will be back for sure .
Absolutely loved it! Foods amazing, everyone very friendly! Was a great first experience!
This restaurant is amazing!! Little gem in Ancaster serves authentic Italian food and service is amazing!! Thanks Nicole and Mark!!!
So I got the cesar salad as a side and some of the lettuce had brow edges. And there wasnt any parmesean put on top by the waitress. And if you want a basket of bread at the table you have to pay for it. I got fettuccine Alfredo as my main and the Alfredo tasted ike it came from a jar. And when the food comes out of the kitchen there is a guy that puts the trimmings on the dish, and I saw him wipe his hands on his pants, and use his finger to wipe the drip of sauce from the edge of the plate. We got bruchetta bread to split between the 2 of us as an appetizer and it was Cold. The waitress was lovely, and very good. But we wont be going back. Sorry
Overall okay but not great italian food. Ordered Bruschetta ($22), veal parm($29), and gnocchi ($21) for food - just okay, mostly bland, but honestly the overcooked penne and small portion of veal was what turned us off the most. Drinks were good though?
I would highly recommend the meat lasagna, it tastes very good and service here is good.
From the moment you walk in they make you feel at home and our waitress Michele was outstanding. The food was delicious and the whole family had a great experience. You will definitely see us again. This is hands down the best Italian restaurant in Hamilton.
As always, the food is top notch!
Wonderful home cooked food. Pizza one of the best. Great service. Recommend.
I was here on Friday for a long leisurely lunch with a friend. The food was delicious, so fresh and perfectly prepared. The service was incredible, they genuinely care and want you to have an amazing experience. Thank you!! Can t wait to go back.
Everything was mouth-wateringly tasty. Generous portion sizes and cater to gluten-free. Coffee is excellent. Nice side patio and lovely staff. Dietary restrictions: Gluten-free pasta and cauliflower-based pizza available.
My wife and I shared a dessert that had a yellow custard in a crispy out shell. We both fell ill from it and my wife became very sick. Definite food poisoning.
The food was good, the service was fantastic but it took a very long time for the food to come out. It was also extremely hot in the restaurant. The ac wasnt working on one side of the restaurant but was fine on the other side. It was very uncomfortable. We all started to feel kind of sick because of how hot it was.
Very friendly and welcoming staff. Superb food and generous servings with an impressive variety of food choices. Their bruschetta is the best I have ever tasted. Parking: About 14 spots but used for multiple vendors. Might be difficult to get parking at peak times.
Pizza take out really good, nice ambiance, will be back.
Very good place for Italian food lovers in Ancaster. Must visit. The staff is very nice and knowledgeable. Really good food and deserts.
Food was decent. Only did take out so cant review the in restaurant experience, but the two ladies I interacted with were nice.
Excellent fresh pasta and pizza. The gelato and tiramisu are also great if you have room. Parking: There are parking spots in front of the restaurant and another small lot across the street.
Would highly recommend dining here - warm and friendly staff & owner that make you feel you re family. I ll be back soon! Save room for dessert!
The best Italian restaurant in Ancaster and Hamilton. The pizza and the pasta take you back to Italy. Their Homemade desserts are amazing especially the limoncello
We had heard about this restaurant and wanted to try it out. Friends had gone and had mixed experiences. We went at a quiet time..Sunday afternoon around 4 pm. It was very quiet but business increased around 5 pm. We had the burrata bruschetta and while the flavour was nice the bread it was served on seemed a bit tough/ stale. We then shared a pizza, which is supposed to be their focus and again the taste was nice but the pizza crust was soft and goopy in the middle. It was very hard to eat because it was so wet. We spoke to the waitress and she was pleasant and confirmed that because of the many toppings , that was how the pizza was served. If we wanted to have it cooked more she said it would be burnt. There was a lot of meat on the pizza but I think the tomatoes contributed to the wetness. We wanted to try the dessert and so got it to take home. We tried two pieces of cake and both seemed stale..or at least dry due to sitting out in a display case for a while. The waitress suggested gelato ( house made) but it looked like it was melting. The waitress was very nice and the service was good... But each course of the meal had an issue..with preparation or freshness. All in all it was a disappointment. Im sorry to say that I dont think we will return or suggest it to others.
Wonderful food and friendly staff, made our dinner a wonderful experience.
With 6 people celebrating a birthday, everyone had a different meal, from pasta to salads to pizza. The same was for the drinks & dessert. Not one complaint, and in fact a couple of the best Ive ever had. We all eat together regularly as family and this will now be a first on our list. Too bad we hadnt tried this little gem earlier. The only wish would be adding a Riesling to the wine list.
Absolutely amazing italian food. Quality of food and ingredients are unbeatable. Portion sizes are very generous. We will definitely be making the drive back soon! Must try restaurant!
We were in the Ancaster area, doing a Grand Father Clock service, so I asked the customer to recommend a restaurant in the area. We were very pleased with her recommendation.
Great customer service and the chief is so nice
Italian Food is best I had in Canafa very authentic. Service is amazing owner came to speak to use about how all the recipes are authentic to Italy from his familly. Cant miss it
Ordered a salad with grilled chicken for pickup. I was told shaved Parmesan was part of the salad. I paid $25 for an okay portion with grilled chicken and no Parmesan. It was not good nor worth it. I know ingredients are expensive these days so I get the price. But, no parm? Meh. And it was takeout. Wasnt asked if I wanted cutlery or not. Had to turn around to ask for some. I called to let them no. With no offer to fix the issue.
went for dinner today and it was amazing! our server Sanaya was exceptional! food and service was amazing
We are locals. We do eat at this restaurant from time to time. The owners are lovely and the waitress is always knowledgable, and exceptionally friendly, thus the service rating of 5 stars. Im rating the overall experience to two stars, because of work that needs to be done with your kitchen staff. Over the weekend we observed some troubling behaviours at the kitchen to serving outer staff window. An orangey coloured ball hat removed from a cooks head, handed across the food serving window to the outer kitchen fellow to look at, the inside fellow running his hands through his hair, the hat crossing back over, and a plate of food set on the ledge by a waitress amongst all of this movement. Nobody wears gloves that we saw Now sight into the cooking area is limited, but when this is observed from the small area we can see, one wonders what goes on inside the kitchen itself. This is not an inexpensive restaurant by any means, and I realize training young fellows can be daunting for any establishment. Hopefully constructive criticism will improve the behaviours, and Im sure it was just something the boys didnt really think through, but needs to be addressed.
Once you been there, you will dream about and make a goal of going back
Fantastic pizza and Caesar salad.
Cool restroom sign! Lovely restaurant with excellent food.
The pizza was amazing!
This pizza here is amazing! Owner and wife are super friendly and has a great vibe. Super welcoming. Food is fresh. Nice patio. Super chill. One of my favourite places to eat.
Nice patio. Tasty homemade type of food. Delicious meatballs and pizza. Good portions. Exceptional service by Sona. Thank you.
Pistachio Gelato and cake was delicious !
This bright and welcoming restaurant nestled in beautiful Ancaster Village is a perfect family style restaurant with delicious authentic Italian style pizzas and freshly made pasta! To top it all they have a great selection of yummy deserts and good coffee. We were here to celebrate a family birthday and enjoyed everything about this place. We will be back to enjoy the patio! Vegetarian options: Lots of vegetarian options Kid-friendliness: Bright, roomy, and friendly environment with a great selection of kid friendly options .
Went for lunch on a Sunday. Arugula salad, spaghetti and meatballs and tiramisu. Everything was delicious, service was excellent.
I wouldnt go back there. The food was very plain and expensive. The waitress talked the food up. Only to be disappointed
I don t usually leave reviews but we had a great time at this restaurant and I want to support this local family business in Ancaster. The atmosphere, the food, the desserts, everything was outstanding. The restaurant looked quite busy when we got there we were made aware that there could be a bit of a wait. Our server Sania was amazing. She was communicative and gave some great recommendations.The special Mushroom Ravioli was delicious. Alfredo Gnocchi Chicken is to die for. And gelato reminded me of my time in Italy. Everybody in my party enjoyed the food. We want to try the pizza next time. We will definitely come back!!
Vegetarian options: Limited vegetarian options however the salads and pasta options worked. Food
The service was super friendly, although a bit slow to get food/drinks out. We had the bruschetta and pizza and it was all absolutely delicious. Their cocktails were good but were small in size.
First time at La Famiglia . Right way, I was taken aback thinking I was in Italy. The best restaurants are in family neighborhoods, and feel like my mamas kitchen. We were seated at the bar , we did not have reservations. (Recommend weekends make reservations). Our server introduced herself with a smile. Engaged us in conversation. Most servers just give the name, ask if your want a drink. Her name was Shelby, not named after the car. I ordered the divalo pizza. It lived up the name. Spicy and delicious. My friend ordered the fettuccine,and thoroughly enjoyed it. You are not making a mistake going to this restaurant, you will enjoy your dining experience, and the staff.
Loved it. My husband and sons brought my parents and I out for our familys Mothers Day celebration. Famiglia is one of our favorites and it didnt disapoint. The salad, lasagna, spaghetti with meatballs and of course the pizza. All totally amazing and I tell everyone, get a cannoli.
Consistently fantastic pizza. Been here multiple times and its been great every time. House wine is good as well.
First time going here and will absolutely be returning. The food was delicious both my husband and I were so impressed. We had the garlic bread, panini, meat lovers pizza, cherry cheesecake and lemon gelato. Everything was so great we were still talking about it the next day.
It is hard to find such warm, authentic customer service these days, but you will find it here! We stopped in for lunch, and everyone loved their food. Vegetarian options: I had the roasted veggie sandwich for lunch. Delicious but the veggies are served cold, which I didnt realize. Still delicious tho
Fantastic shift from opening week. Clearly management can identify weaknesses and promote solutions for the long term. Readers digest version... The first visit was rough, but our second visit was beyond our expectations. Our server was fantastic and the food was just as promising!
The daily special was lasagna and it was delicious.
Great atmosphere, friendly staff and when the place is completely full with a line up and multiple take out orders, you know it s good. Listen, every place may have an unhappy customer here or there. But truly, packed solid, friendly staff, great food, a line up and take out after take out order heading out the door. Worth the visit. Next time we are in Steel town we will be making a trip back! Shelby our particular server was great. Kid-friendliness: Good portions for the kiddos. A full size pizza delivered to our 10 yr old? Off the kids menu. Pizza crust was light, pepperoni that was not the typical stuff you find anywhere else. And the sauce ..We had leftover to take home.
It took forever for us to get our food. We were a party of 8. Some were finished their dinner while others hadnt eaten yet. Food was ok, nothing special. If 8 is too many at one time, dont take the reservation.
Umm, where do I start? The staff is friendly and courteous. The restaurants atmosphere was amazing. The food is to die for. The dessert is heavenly! The owner came and greeted us at our table which was a welcomed gesture. We had mushroom Ravioli, veal panini, chicken panini, arugula salad, Caprese salad, tiramisu, Gelato, and cannoli!!! I wouldve taken pictures, but we were all way too excited to eat! Next time I will be sure to take and add pictures!
We were having a family celebration. The food was excellent and the servers were excellent as well. We wanted a family restaurant that was in the middle of traveling from London and family traveling from Niagara. We will be returning .
We had a large family gathering at this wonderful restaurant. The service was perfect and the food excellent! We will be back again for sure
Pizza was outstanding.
Moms birthday here with a friend and I was shocking. Ive driven by often yet never imagined how great it might be. Great portions and delish. Will return here for more special occasions for sure. I recommend it highly.
Morgan was our server great job, efficient, pleasant and knowledgeable I had the pizza , pesto,tomato caramelized onion mozzarella ,arugula and added sausage, with the balsamic glaze on top was delicious..fast forward three hours .before I put it in the oven, air fry, I added more cheese, le Gruyère , set for ten minutes and it was delicious again
We ordered Margherita Pizza and a new one that is on the menu with fig, they were both delicious. We ordered Take Out. We highly recommend this place.
We enjoyed a delicious dinner here before heading to the Ancaster Theatre. We ordered the Margherita and the Dolce Caldo pizza and both were amazing. The crust is light and the toppings had such great flavour. We also ordered the Arugula salad (fresh and a good size to share) and our lovely server recommended adding some of it on our pizza....delightful!!
We had our first experience at Famiglia restaurant and it was amazing. We were there with our family 6 adults and 4 kids under 11. Food was fresh, plentiful and beautifully presented and prepared. The kids menu is great to have and we had lots of leftovers to enjoy the next day. Lovely large salads that we enjoyed family style. When everyone kids included say it was the best pizza they ve ever had we know we will be back. The staff worked so very hard to accommodate all of our needs. The pasta was perfectly al dente. Koudos to the chef! Kid-friendliness: We had the arugula salad. The Caesar salad was a nice option for the kids. We ordered a small one that they had ahead with bread to keep them busy. It gave the adults a chance to relax before ordering.
Amazing Italian food!
Great Bolognese, Veal Parmigiano and Tiramisu! Bright and inviting decor. Attentive staff and visit from the owner. Hidden gem.
Amazing. So impressed with the wine selection. Very few restaurants have such an extensive wine selection. Food was amazing and service was excellent
Excellent Italian dishes!
Had a great evening with friends here. Signature pizza was delicious, and my partner really enjoyed the Fettuccine Alfredo. Its definitely a place to dine again.
We had a lovely vegetarian meal here in January 2024. It gets busy on a Friday night. Service was very good and the menu was quite varied. We enjoyed the family style bruchetta. You can pick your base and topping separately for the pasta which is nice. My wife enjoyed the arugula salad.
Had a great early dinner yesterday with my wife and granddaughter who was in between plays at the Ancaster theatre which was also great! Now back to the food, we had two pizzas, pasta with meat balls and salad. The food came out hot and we all were served at the same time, a big bonus. We just got back from Italy a few months ago and the food here was just as good! Portion were a good size and provide enough leftovers for today! Shout out to the staff!!
I don t like to give low reviews on small new businesses and I have rarely been doing reviews lately bc I know how they can affect a business , but I am hoping based on this review maybe some changes can be made to improve this place since it s so new in the community. First off the pizza is incredible. The service not so much. We were greeted by a young lady who really could care less that we were there. Tried to deter us by telling us the food would take too long. We stayed anyways. Ordered a bottle of wine. Didn t have it. Although we saw the bottles on the shelf. Ordered an app and pasta and pizza. It didn t take longer than normal small restaurants. We could see the kitchen staff were working non stop and really hard and to their credit the pizza was awesome, like I said. Pasta was average. But the servers plates were slammed down in front of us. We watched tables take forever to be bussed after people left. I am a food and experience writer under another name and will save more of my review for my other platform..but I do say, you never know who you are serving a little kindness goes along way. Especially when you are new and small in the neighbourhood pls tell your staff, when understaffed or busier than normal being friendly and polite works wonders with your customers and can really draw attention away from slower food delivery. Was really rooting for a good experience at this place, I m saddened that I was disappointed.
An amazing experience was had at Famiglia Ristorante in Ancaster. We were celebrating a recent promotion of one of the party. The food and service were impeccable. Although all the food was delicious, the stars of the show was the house-made sausage I had and my wifes Famiglia Pizza with the pear. We had a lovely conversation witht he chef/owner. Do yourself a favor and try this restaurant. We definitely are going to return. Bravo.
Great fresh food with reasonable prices, will definitely be back! New fav in town
The sauce here is perfection. Great consistency and seasoned perfectly. I have had the opportunity to taste many items on the menu and have never been disappointed. The opportunity for dietary options is appreciated as well. Please keep up the good work! Dietary restrictions: Gluten free options and cauliflower crust options for pizza.
The pizza was awesome. They should consider investing in better flatware.
Went for lunch . Everything was wonderful , friendly . Looking forward to going back in the new year
My husband and I took my parents here as a birthday dinner for the first time a few months ago. The whole experience was very underwhelming. We ordered the bruschetta to start and were told the restaurant was out of cherry tomatoes so they couldn t make it. We then decided to order the charcuterie board only to be told that they hadn t actually carried that item since they opened. When it came to the main courses we were looking forward to the fresh made authentic pasta. Unfortunately, my whole party agreed we ve had better Italian elsewhere. Needless to say we won t be back.
If youre looking for the best spot for Italian food in Ancaster, this is it! My personal favourites: Bruschetta (so fresh, piled high with delicious toppings, so delicious), Honey Heat (I think thats the name) pizza - Again, fresh ingredients, a little spicy and a little sweet. My Final favourite is their pasta in a rose/cream sauce! Any time Im craving Italian food, this has become my go-to. Thanks for the delicious food!
Vegetarian options: Pizza was very soft and delicious the entire family enjoyed Parking: Lots of parking available
Excellent, excellent food! Great service from Shelby. Will definitely return!! Thank you for a good experience! Food : 5/5
Had amazing dinner at Famiglias yesterday... Second visit in a week because we were so impressed on our first visit last Friday. The new menu was excellent, even though I thoroughly enjoyed the previous menu. New choices but same old favorites. We ordered so much food because we wanted to make sure there would be enough leftover to enjoy at home. Everything was delicious.... Famiglia pizza, arugula salad, butternut squash ravioli in a pesto sauce (Mark did a special creamed sauce for me). Also the Alfredo sauce is deliciously light with the crispy breaded chicken as a side protein. You can make your own combination of sauces with pastas. To top it off we had a gelato treat to take come that was freshly made that day! Shout out to Shelby (I think thats her name) for the sweet sample. This time we ate it all before it melted! The owner Mark, came out twice to check on us and was so gracious that we came back again. Thanks for a great meal.
Delicious food and friendly people.
Food was so good. I had fettuccine and breaded veal and my husband had marinera and chicken . Our server was very helpful, the owner came around asking how everything was . A very friendly atmosphere. We will for sure be coming back . Ohh gelato and cappuccino mmmmm good
Great food, great atmosphere, and awesome service! The owner coming around to the tables was a nice touch too. Recommend highly!!!!
My Daughter and I went to Famiglia on June 15th. Excellent Service, Friendly Staff and the owner was wonderful as well. We had the pizza and pasta and I had a sausage on the side. All I can say is OMG!!!!! The pizza was delicious, crust perfect, sauce was yummy. Pasta was divine, and the sausage which the owner told me that his cousin who works at the King Edward in Toronto, makes just for him was out of this world. So happy to have an excellent Italian restaurant in Ancaster five minutes from home. I will be back again and again and again. Well done Famiglia Ristorante.
Hands down the best pizza and pasta in Ancaster! Delicious, authentic Italian food. Everything is made fresh, and the owner and staff make you feel at home. Their gelato is a must-try! The service and atmosphere are outstanding. Good food and good vibes. We ll definitely be back. Highly recommend
Incredible service and delicious food! Best pizza I ever had.
My husband and I had a great experience dinning here the other day, from the friendly staff to the delicious food everything was amazing. We ordered bruschetta, a caprese salad and two pizzas. Everything came out in good timing, all the food was fresh and top quality but I especially loved their Dolce Caldo pizza, I can t wait to get it again! The owner even came out at one point to make sure everything was going well which was a really nice touch. Overall I can t wait to go back and try the rest of the menu, the owners seem to really care about quality and it shows!
My husband and I had a great experience here today. Our server Ana Rita was incredibly welcoming and helpful. Our food was delicious and quick service. Totally recommend this place! It s a must go and ask for Ana Rita to serve you! You ll get top service!
So overpriced, the pasta was drowning in water complete mush. The atmosphere is bland and the menu variety is like the kids menu at east side marios... Not worth it.
Being a new place to dine in town, we have it a try. Sadly, for them, we wont be back. Our server was very sweet, but the order takes too long to come out and is overpriced. Ive never had gelato before, gave it a try, but felt like I overpaid for a scoop of ice cream. Menu also very limited (I didnt see any panini despite sign indicates they serve it). Id rather dine at Cavello Nero - better value and meals.
I stopped in last Sunday and ordered the Rigatone and pizza. The Rigatone was delicious and pizza is very tasty. The staff was very friendly and the atmosphere had a very good vibe.
Great place Best Pizza I have ever had in my life, real Neapolitan style pizza with San Marzano Tomatoes sweet and delicious the pasta is real and legit will be back for sure with guests
First visit, staff are polite and courteous and the food was very good. The Restaurants name says it all.
Fantastic food just like home love it Parking: Good parking lot Food : 5/5 |
My family and I had a great time at Famiglia. The pizzas were amazing, the pasta - brilliant and fantastic gelato! It was a great experience! 5 Star all the way!
Famiglia restaurant in Ancaster is a culinary gem. The food is simply outstanding, and their Hot Heat pizza is to die for! A must-try for pizza enthusiasts. Will be back
The food was good but over priced for what you get. Took way to long to get it and got my cap after l asked for it...half hour later. The server was very busy that maybe why she wasnt pleasant. Theyre not ready to be opened but lm sure theyll figure it out. Food : 4/5
To start off, my girlfriend and I wanted to go to a nice Italian restaurant that had GLUTEN FREE options, as she has celiac disease. This was the biggest problem. She had ordered margarita gluten free penne pasta. When her meal arrived it looked fine at first but as she was eating she noticed a regular spaghetti noodle in her food. We sent back the dish due to cross contamination. The way we were told they cook pasta was gluten free and not cross contaminated. The most unfortunately part was our waitress understood she had celiac but was no let much help when she brought back the same plate with the same pasta just added sauce and removed the spaghetti noodle; although it had already been cross contaminated. I continued to eat my meal, while my girlfriend did not have dinner. My meal was alright but nothing to brag about. Very disappointed in the whole experience, we will probably never come back.
Came to this new restaurant down the street from our house and we were served by Sanaiya . She was extremely knowledgable with the entire menu and was very patient with my wife and I are compassion towards serving us was extraordinary the food was great but the service was epic a must try for all families in Ancaster Vegetarian options: Amazing vegetarian options server was extremely helpful with dietary restrictions Parking: There is plenty of dedicated parking spots for customers as well
My family and I had lunch today at this restaurant for the first time, in which we experienced exceptional service from Saniya. She made our lunch as well as our experience wonderful through her knowledge of the food options, her professionalism, and positive ora! I recommend this restaurant to all individuals as they have a wide variety of food options that cater to all diets and restrictions.
I was in town visiting from New Jersey and decided to give the place a try. Now being from New Jersey, I am used to incredibly good pizza, therefore I have a high standard when it comes to Pizza. And this place certainly met that standard. I had the Sicilian pie with anchovies, and it was delectable. Which I then naturally topped it off with a delicious tiramisu for dessert. I would certainly recommend this place to friends. And when I come back to visit my family again in Ancaster, I will undoubtedly be eating there again.
They didnt seem to be ready to be open yet. There were spelling mistakes on the menu, they didnt have a drink menu yet and just seemed overall unprepared. One waitres said she had never even used the cheese grater before. The paninis dont come with a side so its more of a lunch item than a dinner item since its just a basic sandwich. I had the bolognese which had a funny taste to it. The portion was quite small; although, another guest got a bowl of pasta that had a much larger portion size. So clearly some consistency issues. All the pastas were average price but didnt include any veggies or protein. You had to pay extra for that and to add a protein was $7 on top of the 20 plus cost of the pasta. They have a small menu and no seafood at all. The staff are friendly but we were really disappointed. We wanted to support a locally owned business but they just didnt meet the mark on anything. There is potential but they are far from being ready to be an open for business restaurant.
Delicious, authentic Italian food and wine. The staff were super nice--the hostess, the owner, and our waitress Sofia. They made great recommendations and ensured our food was as requested. Thanks for a great meal!
The food was excellent as was the service. Our first time here but wont be our last! Nice job!! Dietary restrictions: The gluten-free pasta option was penne and it was very good!!
The food was excellent. Home made and delicious. We found it rather pricey. They charge fancy restaurant prices in a take out restaurant atmosphere.
My pasta dish was amazing, portions though were pretty small., was surprised that a slice of garlic toast never came with it and that there was no bread on the table, this is the first Italian restaurant I ve been to that does not do this. Also extremely hot in the building, waitress telling us that management/owner refuses to turn air up to cool the place, it was by far cooler outside on one of the hottest days of the year made for a very uncomfortable visit. Parking: Limited parking
A was looking for a nice place to eat spaghetti in Ancaster. I found it! I loved the rose sauce, a glass of ripasso wine and tiramisu. I will be back to seat in the patio.
Food very good. Nice place but plain decor. Very busy at times.
Great spot for authentic Italian. Meatball app was amazing. Pizza was good, but a little soggy. Service was amazing
Our first time visiting. We had been waiting for the soft launch month to pass, and for the restaurant to secure their alcohol licence. We sat outside on the patio. Based on opening month reviews, we came in with mediocre expectations. Famiglia surpassed those expectations and hit the ball out of the park. Absolutely fantastic. Since moving here in 2008, we have often said that Ancaster was missing a simple, Italian restaurant. No white linens. Authentic and rustic food accompanied by a great glass of Italian red. Famiglia has answered the call. Our server, Shelby, was attentive and understands many of the nuances that drive great service. While we pointed out a few small issues, she was all over them immediately. And she was very proactive in other service areas. She was personable, relatable, and professional. Overall service was timed well, not rushed, with the flow working for us. You can ignore earlier comments from the soft launch period about slow service. There were three other tables on the patio, and everyone received timely service. Mark Falzon, the owner and executive chef, dropped by our table twice. He is an owner that cares about the customer experience. And it is always wonderful to speak with the chef. It was great to hear his background and journey leading up to the launch of Famiglia. Mark was also very receptive to suggestions, most of which how he could tweak some of the atmosphere. We understand that in any start-up, it is all about growing organically and becoming cash flow positive asap, so we know some of our suggestions, and his own plans, will happen with time. The real story was the food. She started with the Caprese salad and I had the Arugula salad. While nothing over the top beyond our expectations, both salads were super fresh, tasty, and well-presented. For mains, I ordered the veal panini and added a few extra ingredients. She requested the fig pizza. The fillings in my panini worked well together (particularly, the hot but very tasty marinated red peppers), and the toasted (or was it grilled?) fresh bun was complimentary with its soft insides and slightly crispy outer shell. The absolute winner was her pizza. After several decades, I can say she never/ever eats the crust on a pizza. Suffice to say, the crust also disappeared from her plate. That on its own was a sign that Famiglia understands why the base anchors a great pizza. I had a taste as well, and it was simply outstanding. We cannot think of another restaurant in the Greater Toronto-Hamilton Area with pizza dough as good as this. Where else do the ingredients on a pizza compliment the dough (and not the reverse)? !!! To accompany the meal we ordered San Pellegrino to stay hydrated, and a fantastic red from Villa di Maser wines - a 2006 bottle of Il Maserino from the Colli Trevigiani region. Getting licensed will be a game changer for Mark and Famiglia! We finished off with gelato, espresso, and latte. Mark said we had to try the gelato, as he had imported an ice cream machine from Italy. Was he ever right. The gelato was fabulous. To cap off the experience, from our home in Ancaster, we were able to walk up to Famiglia and back. Well even do this in the winter. Change is so slow to come to Ancaster, as other residents will agree. But we are a maturing community. We have a recently opened Arts Centre (Mark had a recent tie-in with the Arts Centre for Brott Music Festivals performance of La Traviata ... and he plans more tie-ins), a year-round tennis facility, other recent/new F&B outlets, and now, Famiglia Ristorante. What a win for the community. Keep up the great work Mark and team (and yes, Shelby, well make sure we are seated with you again). Parking: Parking right out front of the restaurant, and additional parking in a free lot across the street.
We just finished lunch at La Famiglia and it was amazing! The only thing Im disappointed about was how long it took us to give it a try! The meatballs were a solid 8/10: large portion with extra bolognese in the bowl for dipping the garlic toast. The meatballs also had a slow heat build which was unexpected but delightful. The bruschetta was a 10/10 (fresh, perfectly seasoned and all around amazing)! The fettucini alfredo was a 10/10 (arrived piping hot and the sauce was creamy but not too rich/heavy) Pizza was a 9/10 (dough was epic - light and airy) Would highly recommend this place and we will definitely be back!
This place , newly opened, is a hidden gem. Family run, Italian restaurant in Ancaster , this place specializes in fresh pastas and pizza. Food is delicious and portions are generous. Come hungry if you eat here. You will be very satisfied.
Check this place out. Home made Italian recipe and its family owned. Genuine service and a good menu. Had a bit of a mix up on the order and they way they took care of everything was above and beyond will be back
This is the place to go for a good authentic Italian restaurant, the food is freshly prepared and the price is premium. The service was fantastic and the chef came to greet us and he did it for each of the tables. Vegetarian options: Yes! Dietary restrictions: Yes! Someone at our table has a milk allergy and they served the meal. Parking: On site but limited Kid-friendliness: Yes!
I loved our experience at Famiglia. The food was delicious and very fairly priced. Our waitress, Sono was amazing. The atmosphere is airy and bright. I think Famiglia is a real gem and will continue to come back here.
I have searched in the culinary wasteland of Ancaster for a pizza equivalent to Woodbridge. Finally found one after 4 years yay. New but is still ironing out the kinks. Yummy
Family lunch for 13 of us. Had the full set menu, and the food was excellent, but please dont eat before hand, you will be stuffed. But they were very accommodating.
My family lives in Ancaster and I saw this place and wanted to give it a shot because Italian food is my favourite. I took my dad last night for a late dinner. Its a smaller place with high ceilings so it was quite loud and voices echoed inside. There was a table of 4 ladies close to us and boy were they loud! But once they left the noise level was normal. I ordered a diet pepsi so did my dad. Smaller glass which is fine but it was filled to the top with ice which I didnt like. Free refills so not a huge deal but I want to taste the drink not just the ice. The food itself was fabulous very good probably one of the best alfredo sauces Ive tried. I ordered the fettuccine alfredo and I got my dad and I some garlic bread with cheese as an appetizer. The garlic bread was great and had lots of cheese on it. My dad ordered a panini and he said it was good. I wasnt offered extra cheese for my pasta I did have to ask the server for it. She was very nice and was on top of giving me re fills of my drink though . They do have delicious food at this place but its a little bit pricey. We just ordered a sandwich and a bowl of pasta with some garlic bread it was $70 with a tip. We didnt order any alcohol. The drinks were only $2.50 which was nice.
Met 2 friends there for lunch. Had been told that it was over-priced but did not anticipate the extent! 2 of us had the veal with marinara sauce on a panini - obviously sauce put on bun before veal was cooked (microwaved I suspect) as bun was soggy with sauce. Other person had veggie panini with a raw (not grilled) huge thick slice of zucchini across it which had to be removed and cut in order to consume. Paninis thrown in a basket - no pickle on the side ...nothing!!! and any additions such as mushrooms are costly!! Service friendly but food way over-priced. Parking: maybe 5 spots in front of restaurant but some across the street
Awesome, loved the heck out of it
We re relatively new to this area and are exploring some dinner options. This is an unpretentious venue. Neat and clean. Decent decor- the music options really added to the ambiance. Our server Shelley was very nice, and quick. Helpful picking out our order. Shared a Caprese salad to start. Good, fresh ingredients. Main course - Fettuccini Alfredo with grilled chicken I went with rigatoni with vodka rosé sauce and hot Italian sausage. Both were very good. We re touchy about Alfredo sauce having been served a number over the past few months that are like wallpaper paste. The fettuccini becomes a solid mass of starch. Not this order. The sauce was excellent. Creamy. The fresh pasta was great and the chicken was moist and tender. Overall a very good serving. My order was great. The homemade sausage was hot and very tasty. Pasta and sauce were very good. Overall we were very happy with our meal. We will definitely return - the pizza looked and smelled spectacular going to adjacent tables. Another table had the meatball appetizer and made short work of it. So lots of options to try. We ll take friends with us next time and would recommend to friends and family. Prices good.
Called & reserved a table for 2, Tuesday evening. On arrival, seated promptly, lots of tables available at that time (got progressively busier later). I was hoping to be accompanied by my close friend of Italian heritage on my first visit and he was able to join me. I have local pizza/pasta restaurant ownership experience as well. We asked for ice water and a glass of red wine (we both ordered 9 oz Chianti - $16). Our waiter brought glasses and a bottle of water (suggestion #1 - pour the 1st glass for each patron as opposed to simply dropping the bottle - not a big deal, but a nice touch). The wine was delicious, but I suspect (suggestion #2) - that it may have been a 6oz pour, versus 9oz...this is difficult to confirm without measuring the contents, just an observation. My friend ordered the breaded veal panini, with buffalo mozzarella. He said it was delicious, but (suggestion #3 - serving should include some marinara either on the side, or on the sandwich - it was a bit dry without some sauce). Waiter brought a small cup of sauce when requested). I ordered the pasta and meatballs (2). Various pastas available - I selected the pappardelle. Lots of flavour (marinara and meatballs), and the serving was more than enough to satisfy my appetite. Sauce & meatballs tasted as though they were made in-house versus frozen, good seasoning/quality ingredients. However (suggestion #4), waiter should offer to season with some ground pepper, and/or fresh parmesan during presentation. Sounds like I am being picky, but I only offer these suggestions as I truly hope that this restaurant is successful, and remains in business for a long time at this location. I expect the capital investment to open was substantial, and it is in everyones best interest that they succeed. Note, I recognized the owner (Mark) from Famiglia IG posts...it is a positive sign that he is on site to ensure continued smooth operation of his establishment. I will return to try other menu items in future. BOL Famiglia! Parking: Limited parking directly in front of the restaurant, additional space across the street
I like the pizza. They put a lot of cheese and I love it. The homemade meatballs are also good. Service is good. It was quite quiet when we were there. Perhaps it was too early for lunch.
Must try... awesome food
Excellent pizza! Fresh ingredients and the crust was amazing!
Expectations were high for our first family visit. Unfortunately, we were underwhelmed. Food was okay,but not great, staff seemed under trained and unenthusiastic about their jobs, our waitress was good and attentive but others seemed overwhelmed at times, with no real sense of teamwork or famigliato support one another. Observations were, one staff member taking an inordinate amount of time to sweep up a broken glass, only to miss a number of large fragments,( not good for staff or patrons particularly during open toe season). A large party waited patiently, as did we, for their meal to arrive, once at the table, staff stood by with dishes in hand waiting for the server to tell them where to place the dishes for each diner. Instead, get in there , ask who ordered what, get the food on the table ( more family like), instead of pretending to be a fine dining establishment with pomp and circumstance . One staff member became emotionally upset for unknown reason, which is fine, but excuse yourself and either resolve the issue or ask for assistance from co-workers. Some of these issues are easy to fix. With some training, the experience may improve. The cost of menu items does not reflect the atmosphere nor the taste of the dishes. Our 3 pasta dinners with protein and 2 appetizers were ample in portion size but lacked the taste to reflect the price point. All in all, will try again, however, we hope to see a vast improvement in staff training and value of menu items. Nice to have this option in town, though, and would like to support local as much as possible. Hang in there.
A welcomed new restaurant in Ancaster. The food is fresh and made with quality ingredients. A very relaxed atmosphere to enjoy delicious dishes. Amazing service. Will be back Food
Awesome place to go for dinner from the greeter at the front when you walk in to the waitresses and the owner who helps bring out your dinner and comes around to ask if everything is ok. Will definitely be going back! A little noisy at dinner time but worth it for the food
Consistently good food and attentive service. The owner (Mark) is very much involved - in a good way.
The four of us went there today for lunch. First time there and here is my impression. We ordered pizzas and followed up with Gelato. The pizza (a build your own ) probably had too many things on it, but it was my choice and I LOVED IT. The flavour and heat was very much appreciated. The Gelato was right out of Italy, the taste sublime. The service was relaxed, it was a family dinner and we wanted to have the time to talk. After the meal the owner Mark came over to get our thoughts. All in all a great experience especially with Sanaya guiding us though the choices. We will be going back, there were so many other things I want to try.
Try some delicious Italian dishes.
We were a bit disappointed. This restaurant was recommended by friends. It is quite loud and echoing. The pasta I ordered was the pesto and fettuccine, it was very plain and heavy on the olive oil. It could have used some more seasoning and additional ingredients (maybe a few veggies) to spruce it up a bit. I added the chicken to the pasta and it was extremely overcooked and dry to the point of being difficult to cut. The pasta itself was cooked okay but it s just that they didn t do anything very exciting with it. My husband had the rose cream vodka with penne. It was also fairly plain and uninspired. It included pancetta in the description but the pieces of pancetta were very tiny and there were very few. If you do dine here maybe try the pizza. I would not recommend the pasta dishes.
Anna was our server and she was awesome. Great spot for a relaxed meal. Meatballs were amazing !
Im sorry, it was being raved about. Nothing special, and I havent left bathroom since I got home.
Incredible PIZZA Incredible Sorbet. Carlo does it right. Totally right. Food : 5/5
Honestly probably one of the worst restaurant experiences I have ever had. My friend and I were directed towards the patio as they were expecting reservations inside. Everything was fine, met the waitress and she got us drinks and took our order. 45 mins went by and the patio cleared out and we hadn t heard from our waitress. Someone from the kitchen came out and asked us what we had ordered. After 10 mins, the food was brought out. I think we were forgotten about. I understand it was busy but our waitress never even came to check on us. On top of it all, I mentioned I had a shellfish allergy. I ordered a basic plate of pasta with garlic oil as I have a severe shellfish allergy, which I notified the waitress of. While I was eating, I started to feel a little off, so I stopped eating. Once my friend finished her plate, we waited for someone to come check on us, but no one ever did. So my friend went inside to get someone to bring us the bill. The girl who was our waitress came outside and asked me why I hadn t finished my plate, so I mentioned my allergic reaction to it. To which she responded what are you allergic to? . I know they have a lot of tables but this was a serious allergy that I mentioned. My friend and I did not leave a tip just because of the horrible experience. The waitress must have noticed because she proceeded to ask were you unhappy with the service? . Honestly so appalled by this experience.
I have Been to this restaurant 4 times now & unfortunately my latest experience was not there usual 5 star. ANNA the server is exceptional!!! Though the kitchen is my complaint. 45 minutes for a meat ball sandwich is unacceptable, while the gentleman who came in 20 min after me ( a regular it seemed like) got his Meatball Sandwich within 5 minutes of sitting down. This is disappointing to me. favoritism to friends and family should not be allowed. Im a good paying customer who will now be discouraged to come back.
The food is sooo fabulous- tasty, home style Italian cooking- the pizza & pasta is wonderful. As well, the desserts- omg- homemade gelato (the owner makes it every week on a gelato machine imported from Italy), tiramisu - made by his aunt & the cheesecake with caramel sauce- the sauce imported from Italy. We will be back many times & so pleased to have in the neighbourhood!
Food was amazing. My third time here and every time the staff has been amazing, and the food even better. Tonight I ordered pasta with bolognese sauce and it was 10/10, tastes like nonnas cooking.
We had a wonderful time there. They did an outstanding job for my nieces engagement party I recommend this place. Food is wonderful
The hostess & waitress was nice, and I love the renos to the place. But I gotta say, it was pretty overpriced for a pasta dish and it tasted just ok. Bread didnt even come with the meal. Our meal was close to $80 and we didnt even order alcohol. Was hoping for a mom&pop feel to it like the previous Sammys had but in Italian form...but that was not the case. Just because its in Ancaster doesnt mean you can/should charge those prices. For that reason I wont be going again.
Such a great restaurant! Beautiful place, very friendly and helpful staff, and the pizza and wine were amazing!
This was our first time and we were looking forward to a nice meal. The portions were generous, and my wife and I split a pasta and Caesar salad. What was strange was for an Italian restaurant there was no bread served and when we asked we received something comparable to a sub bun. The staff need some more refined training; we ordered a bottle of wine and they had trouble opening it, not trained on a restaurant style wine opener. It gets better, they did not take off the foil wrapper and pulled the cork out through the wrapper. They poured the wine into four glasses no tasting pour. I did not say anything, I did not want to embarrass the server. Would we go back? YES, I hope the owner takes these comments as constructive observations. We need more family restaurants in Ancaster. Vince
First time there and we really enjoyed it. Authentic Italian food, cooked beautifully accompanied with a nice Bellini and glass of wine. Gelato for desert was very nice.
Wow, really good food . The deserts are incredible . Service is like being treated as family. We are looking forward to going back for more.
Delicious fettuccine, creamy and large portion. Friendly comfortable service. Food
It was amazing. The food was delicious but it took a very long time to get my food. The pizza they had was 17 dollars and smaller than a normal pizza. Pizza pizza is only 9 dollars for a pizza bigger than theirs. The bruschetta I recommend it was delicious.
Pros: parking, cleanliness, food Cons: Atmosphere. It s too bright. Not a good place to take a date. Prices are a little high for what you get. Potato Chips as a side doesn t scream above average dining. Also when we went, it was pretty much empty and we clearly look like we were on a date night and the host tried to seat us next to a crying baby even though the whole restaurant was empty. Not really smart. Finally the whole dress code of the service staff was off putting. Lulu Lemon extra tight yoga pants cheapened the whole experience. Felt like we were in a Hooters or a strip club.
What a fantastic dinner with our kids at Famiglia Ristorante in Ancaster. This was our first time dining here and will not be our last. Chef Fabio showed our son the pizza oven and gave a few hints as to why his pizzas taste so good! The pasta was delicious and fresh. I highly recommend the pizza and try the meatballs! Yum. Great wine selection too. I may have a new favourite Chianti. Parking: Not a problem to find parking when we visited. Kid-friendliness: Perfect for kids.
Excellent food for reasonable prices.
We were 4 for brunch. Food very good, but my wrap which promised lots of veggies turned out to have too mostly ham, and the latte coffee was mediocre. The décor is great, except the schmaltzy christmas music should be replaced great Italian classical. Its just mid November.
Best dining experience I ve had in years. The food was exceptional and the staff were amazing. We were so full and yet couldn t wait to order more food because of how delicious everything was. My picky toddler sat through the whole meal asking for more! Huge success. We will be back here again and again!
Authentic Italian apparently means cream based Alfredo with grilled chicken and Bolognese with Meatballs??? Huh??...nope...steer clear. Italian sounding yes... authentic no.
One of the better dining experiences we have had lately. The food was all delicious. Salads are huge portions (you can share all salads for two people - even the caprese was just enough to share), Pizzas were huge and toppings generous. The pasta servings were massive and although we didnt try them this time, the people beside us did and kept raving. the Gelato, cheesecake and cannoli were also great. Our server was named Sayana (I am likely butchering this) and she was perfect! Little touches were nice like filling our water glasses and then leaving a FULL bottle of water on the table. Asking how our apps were coming before bringing out our pizzas. We were not rushed out, everything was lovely and we had a great 2-hour dining experience. We will definitely be back!
We ate here for this first time tonight. Great atmosphere, fantastic service and amazing food. I highly recommend Parking: Parking in front and across the street
Nice cozy atmosphere and the staff were welcoming and pleasant. We ordered the meatballs, ceasar salad and a pizza to split between the two of us The meatballs and ceasar salad were great. The pizza? ........ We were looking forward to it since we could see the pizza over from our table. When it was delivered, it tasted good but it was luke warm at best. It was obviously ready first and was put aside while waiting for the other parts of our meal. Well go back and try it again but were a little disappointed with this first visit.
Food was delicious. They were busy and service was ok. Lights are a bit bright inside. Definitely will return for a family dinner or couples dinner.
Great food. Relaxing family atmosphere. Staff knows what theyre doing. One wish: upgrade the cutlery...