Alfresco

Avoid at all costs - the rudest staff I have ever encountered in a restaurant.

We had booked a table the previous Monday for an early dinner on the Saturday. Upon arriving at the restaurant, there was a sign outside which stated that the restaurant was closed for a private function - my husband had left a contact number when he made the booking and we hadn't been notified of any change to our booking, so we made our way into the restaurant.

A male waiter came up to us and aggressively told us to 'get out'. We explained that we had a reservation for 6pm and he told us to 'get out and wait outside'. A few moments later, another male waiter came out and said aggressively 'what do you want?' Again we explained we had a table reserved for 6pm, at which point he asked what name, when we stated our name, he rolled his eyes and acted as if we were putting him out. He then disappeared again, at which point my husband and I looked at each other, and both commented on how unbelievably rude both members of staff were. The second waiter came back and finally said that he did have a table for us (which we knew as we'd made the booking just a few days prior), however because of their awful attitude my husband said 'I think the way you've spoken to my wife and myself is unbelievably rude and if this is an indication of the service we are going to receive then I'm having second thoughts about eating here.' To this the waiter responded aggressively 'I've been working all day' as if that was an excuse for his rude, aggressive attitude.

There was no way we were going to give any money to this establishment so we left and went to Al Duomo by the Pavillion and had an excellent meal (at a fraction of the price we would have paid at Alfresco) and the service couldn't have been more exemplary.

Incidentally I did e-mail the restaurant afterwards to complain about the attitude of their staff and they haven't even bothered to write a reply, which is pretty indicative of how they value their customers!
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Sarah - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 0 | Value for money 0
Tuesday, October 04, 2011

We ate at Alfresco on Thursday 15th August 2011. The restaurant was not busy but there were a varied mix of diners ranging from young to old. The service was attentive and friendly, even down to the smallest details such as a replacement fork being produced almost immediately when my wife dropped hers. The food was excellent. The chef clearly knows his profession. We have had the fortune to eat at Carluccio's Neal St restaurant when it was open and I must say Alfresco's is definitely on a par with anything Carluccio can produce. The portion sizes were, if anything, a little too large but this can never be a criticism of any restaurant. We both left the restaurant feeling very very full and satisfied. The menu is varied and choice of dishes excellent. Overall an extremely pleasant dining experience in a very nice location - will definitely be returning.
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David Gorbutt
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Sunday, September 18, 2011

We have used this restaurant on many occasions for dinner with friends or special occasions. Until Tuesday this week we would have continued using the restaurant had we not been so verbally abused by the apparent 'new owner' - absolutley shocking. New menu is now limited although acceptable. There are far more welcoming restaurants in Brighton when visiting my friend that we shall from now on use. Shame but more so shame on them.
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Jan W
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 2
Friday, August 19, 2011

We held our daughter's wedding reception there on Saturday the 30th July.

What a fantastic day - the food was excellent, and the staff superb - certainly a day we'll remember for a long time. Fortunately the weather was brilliant as well - I can't think of a better loaction locally to have spent the day.

Thank you to all who made this so memorable.
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Rob and Carole Cooper
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Monday, August 08, 2011

Oh dear, last month we had a lovely meal there and both courses were very good indeed. We decided a return visit was justified despite the 25mile journey, what a dissapointment, a three monthly change of menu (WHY?) served up soup that was like baby food, bland pasta and a rolled pizza (again why?) that looked and tasted like a year 6 cooking experiment. I get really annoyed when restaurants change ther menus needlessly and I won`t be returning.
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Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 5 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 4
Thursday, June 16, 2011

Went to Alfresco for casual Sunday dinner and was highly disappointed. Apart from a nice view over the marina and embankment and really good and efficient service, the food was dull, plain, boring, over-dried and totally tastless. Ordered spaghetti with king prawns in garlic sauce... what could be easier to cook... happened to be very dry, tastless and boring. My partner's dish left the same impression. A bottle of wine was brought already opened... so I could only hope it was not opened in the morning. Glasses were not 100% clean and shining. Staff, though, were polite, efficient, quick. Definitely don't want to pay it another visit.
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Irbis - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 3
Monday, May 16, 2011

Superb meal followed by a lovely Irish Coffee and homemade tiramisu. Served by the man who made my dessert, lovely waiter and funny.
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Antony
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Thursday, May 12, 2011

Just spent a weekend in Brighton and was so impressec by Alfresco that we returned to eat there the second night after discovering it on the first. Waiters were attentive without being intrusive, and the food was wonderful. Nice, friendly atmosphere. Would go back there to eat again and again. Thanks to our waiter who made helpful suggestions for us.
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Petard
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Sunday, April 03, 2011

There is a reason why sunset cruises and drifting away on sailing boats is so desirable. The lulling sound of the sea, the sense of seclusion, the freshly caught seafood. Of course, jetting off to indulge in such experiences is not something we can all afford. But there is a glimmer of this luxury when dining at Alfresco Restaurant.

Although the art deco building was once a public toilet, the renovation is a work of extraordinary architecture, and has transformed the bizarre bungalow into a coastal landmark. Everything from the menu to the location is tailored to make its guests feel that far-away, holiday ambiance, and the experience becomes a nostalgic reminder of dining abroad.

Having wandered aimlessly along the Brighton seafront, my friend and I were lured by the smell of rich tomato sauce coming from Alfresco’s kitchen. We were not quite prepared for the stunning panoramic views that met us on entrance, serving as a breathtaking appetiser. The brand new interior was clearly still a proud triumph for Giuseppe, the boss, though the sparkling chandelier and curved marble bar are certainly to be admired.

Our starter was served very swiftly, and I had yet to finish the complimentary olives! Nevertheless, the potted Scottish salmon was truly delicious. The taste of the smoked, locally caught prawns complimented the fresh fish and was finished perfectly with a good crunch of rustic Italian toast. I was generally impressed with the innovation of the menu, which clearly offered a modern twist on the well-known favourites. The deep fried salted cod balls, rolled in Italian breadcrumbs, were an original version of the worn out calamari option, and devilishly moreish when dipped in a good helping of garlic and almond aioli.

We had a relaxed interval whilst waiting for our mains, which allowed us to sip Pinot Blush and muse over the tattered ruins of the infamous West Pier. On a sunny day the view stretches to the chalky white cliffs which border the far edge of the Sussex coast.

At just £17.95 the main courses are a very generous. I treated myself to the local sirloin steak, rolled in a blitzed dried porcini dust, and served with shiitaki, enoki and grey oyster mushrooms. The Taleggio stuffed croquette potatoes were a delightful little surprise on the side, and the combination of the beef and rich mushroom jus was mouth-watering. My friend enjoyed the popular Alfresco dish, spaghetti with tiger prawns, crayfish, parsley and fresh red chilli, served with a liberal splash of white wine.  

Having indulged in the finest ingredients on the menu, I skipped desert, but the selection of home-made ice creams did momentarily tempt me. Our friendly Italian waiter, Pasquale, sent us away with a little stash of Italian biscotti and mint studded chocolates, leaving us with a sweet taste all the same.

Alfresco offers a brilliantly original menu which is clearly thanks to its confident and experienced chef. The rustic Italian element of the cuisine grounds the modern reinvention of popular classics, although the signature spaghetti bolognaise and pizza margarita still have a place on the extensive menu. Children are also catered for with the option of half portions on all pasta dishes.

The real highlight of dining at this beachfront restaurant, however, is definitely its unparalleled location. Drawing in families, couples, or corporate businesses, the views are admired by everyone, and the best part is that it is included in the price.
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Gabriella
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Saturday, March 05, 2011

Took a couple of friends here for a meal on Saturday. I have to say I wasn't that impressed. The service was slow. The food not much different from your average Italian chain but more expensive. We all thought the food was just rather bland.

The setting is very nice but you can find better Italian fare in Brighton. I would give this place a miss and find somewhere with better value.
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Greg
Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 1
Monday, February 28, 2011