Review Caffe Anello - Westwood

I wasn't impressed and if you are used to higher-end establishments, you may not be either. However, your experience may be different than mine, so you should try for yourself. I am issuing an overall 2-stars for the reasons I will list in this review. On a positive note, we received a genuine and friendly 5-star greeting from a gentleman that appeared to be a manager or owner. I felt like he was welcoming us into his home which was the best part. We had a larger group of people with some children and we asked if there were any items good for kids and the server stated something to the effect that the restaurant is "not kid friendly." We ordered spaghetti and meatballs which was perfect for the kids. The server should have suggested this item instead of saying that the restaurant is not kid friendly which made us feel unwelcome. The same situation arose when we ordered desserts for the kids when the server suggested there was nothing for kids instead of making a suggestion. The server was super attentive, yet confused, during the first half of the visit, and not very attentive during the second half. My first glass of wine was the smallest pour I have ever received (4 oz or less). I mentioned this to the waiter and he apologized and said that they are in the process of learning these things since the bar just opened (they just received a liquor license). However, my second glass was also a low pour and took a long time to arrive and came after I was finished with dinner. One of the members of our party ordered a Martini, but it had no Vermouth in it. The Seared Scallops were okay, but the scallops and sides were the portion you would expect for an appetizer on the menu of a higher end restaurant, so the small portions of the dish did not justify the price of the dish. There was only one part of the meal that anyone was impressed with, which was the peanut butter pie. I wish the restaurant the very best, but I would never return.

Food is really delicious. I went to a work party held on a Tuesday night. They served the food italian style...I couldn't count the number of courses we had. The service was superior. A nice contemporary atmosphere too. I am happy to find a new place to dine.

This place is delicious, charming, and the owners are so friendly. I can’t wait to come back.

I was dying to come here thinking I was going to have an excellent Italian meal because of the great reviews. Sadly, the food was just mediocre nothing was bad but nothing was great either besides the fresh baked bread and the desserts. They start you with the most delicious fresh bread here. For appetizers we ordered the burrata salad and the fried artichokes over polenta. The burrata was ok, but the salad was poorly dressed. The fried artichokes were over fried and hard, but the polenta was good. For entrees we had the seafood fra diavolo and the eggplant Parmesan. The seafood fra diavolo sauce had no flavor. The eggplant Parmesan was like something you would get at your local pizzeria. There was only one layer to the eggplant Parmesan which was also disappointing. The pasta was suppose to be homemade, but it tasted like it came right out a box! The pasta was a bunch of mush, and definitely not homemade! Desserts were OUTSTANDING! The owner's daughter owns Sogno Coffee House which is located right inside the restaurant. We had a Somoa cheesecake and loaded Oreo brownie both were DELICIOUS! The bakery is worth the drive, but food was not! We wouldn't come back due to the mediocre food, but we will definitely be visiting Sogno Coffee House next time in the area!

Fresh mozzarella making lesson for charity. We frequent this restaurant often and the food is always beyond expectations.

Warm and welcoming owner Joe is amazing from when you walk in the door until you depart. I had the fettuccini to start and it was delicious. For entree we had the veal cutlets special. To our surprise the veal was breaded (waiter did not say breaded or Milanese style) served with chopped pancetta on top with brussels and potatoes. It was cooked well but was nothing special. Then the bill came, the veal was $57 each!! We asked the server and he very matter of fact said “yes, thats the price” and walked away. We were astounded because nothing on the menu was even close to that price. We have paid that for a bone-in filet mignon at a steakhouse, but for veal cutlets, never. I get that they are presently a BYO and the food is the money maker, and that during this pandemic there is a challenge to procure, but wow! Clearly this place is now officially out of our price range for a local experience. They will soon add a bar, so it will be a good place to grab a drink.

I can’t wait to return again! The passion behind the food and the food itself is outstanding!

One of the best restaurants we’ve been to. The owners are friendly and warm and spend the time getting to know you. The food is mind blowingingly good. A twist on typical Italian. Will 100% go back and strongly recommend it to everyone.