Russo's

Russo's Restaurant Reviews:

ocean fresh May 12, 2008 Food Service Atmosphere Cleanliness Overall        dave and i go way back as a employee of liberty brewing,i find dave and his wife amy quite enjoyable to work for. if you know anything of food,you would know that dave is from scratch and fresh is best!some of the best food you will ever eat. and most calm under pressure ,i learned a lot. i wish they would move to the canton area. thanks ed vacha Review By: ed vacha From louisville

Incredibly Great January 11, 2008 Food Service Atmosphere Cleanliness Overall        The quality of everything at Russo's is incredible. I have spent way more on way less many times. The atmosphere is city/trendy and it absolutely works. The wait staff is experienced and friendly. I was shocked to read so many bla reviews. It seems like someone is venting on this site, and I think one review signed "anonymous" should be enough don't you? Review By: Tracey Thomas From Hudson Ohio

Russo's Rocks !!! October 12, 2007 Food Service Atmosphere Cleanliness Overall        My party of 5 had dinner at Russo's the other day. After I had made the reservations one of the other guests brought the negative reviews to my attention. My response was that I find that hard to believe, since my previous visits were all outstanding. As a Chef myself, I find Chef Dave's passion and execution nearly flawless. His raw ingredients are top notch as is his preperation. The seafood was fresh and the angus beef was fork tender. Never trust a review signed "anonymous" Review By: Marty Shemensky From Solon, Oh

A hidden gem October 05, 2007 Food Service Atmosphere Cleanliness Overall        While I do not claim to be an expert foodie, my wife and I eat out 3-5 times per week and have done so for 25 years. Also, I have written restaurant reviews for a local mag which has since gone national. Some of the reviews I have read are simply amaze me--expecially the one by "anonymous," from Sept '07. If (s)/he is not some disgruntled employee I'll eat my sneakers. I am in NO way associated with the restaurant or anyone who works (or worked) there. This is without a doubt one of the finest restaurants in the Greater Cleveland/Akron area--bar none. I would take guests from the most sophisticated cities in the country to Russo's and not think twice about it. My wife and I have been there approximately a 12-14 times, and we have been disappointed exactly ZERO times. We have tried MANY menu items and found each to be prepared with a great deal of care and expertise. The bar always makes great drinks, the people are always friendly, and the wait staff--while not always as experienced as we'd like--is always enthusiastic and tries hard. No doubt in my mind that people have had less luck than we, but it has been too good too long for it be simply lucky on our part. Plus everyone we have visited the restaurant with enjoyed it as much as we did. As someone else wrote, it IS fun sitting at the bar and watching them work. And for it being loud, for goodness sake, you want quiet go to Giovanni's where fun (well, loud fun anyway) is not the norm! This place is full of happy, vibrant, types who love the place. If you have not tried Russo's I encourage you to do so and not be turned off by the few negative posts here. It is absolutely one of our favorites and has been for years. Review By: Alan Smith From Greater Cleveland

Great foodd, great atmosphere September 02, 2007 Food Service Atmosphere Cleanliness Overall        I ahve read the negative comments about Russo's and do not understand them. My wife and I have breen there about 10 times in 2 years and have always enjoyed the food and the atmosphere. Sitting at the bat to have dinner is very enjoyable because you can watch the kitchen. We have never been disappointed by any of the food we have ordered. For those who complain that the noise level is too high, too bad. People are out enjoying their meals and having lively conversation. It always feels like an event and my New York roots is always looking for a place I would consider to be a Manhatten hangout. Russo's is it. Quit complaining. Review By: Nate Ellison From Hudson, Ohio

Great but extremely difficult owner and chef July 24, 2007 Food Service Atmosphere Cleanliness Overall        I used to work there and I can say that the food used to be fantastic and portions were huge. As the owner's (Who is also the chef) food costs increased, his prices and portions really suffered. They have a lot of inexperienced people working there and family members especially the wife are WAY too involved. Overall complaints were: over priced food, crazy loud, difficult chef, and his regulars are treated WAY better than everyday guests. Really don't try to send anything back, he insists the customer is crazy! Probably won't be around forever because the owner is his own worst enemy! Unfortunate though because without a doubt he is the most talented chef this area has to offer. Review By: Anonymous Review From: Akron

what's the hype? November 21, 2006 Food Service Atmosphere Cleanliness Overall        after hearing my mother rave about russo's, my husband and i thought we'd give it a try..i had walleye with pollenta cakes, the walleye was ok but tiny portion...the pollenta was flavorless and was the majority of my meal.....not too good, my husband didn't think his was anything to brag about either, well, we did try it again and still left unimpressed, after spending alot of money....servers are nice, atmosphere?........not for me.........we won't be back Review By: elizabeth From twin lakes

unsatisfied customer August 02, 2006 Food Service Atmosphere Cleanliness Overall        The manager is incapable of making a simple reservation. Our business party was practically forced out of the restaurant due to overbooking another party, and the owner speaks rudely of the patrons. The menu is overly priced and the food is good, but just not worth it. If not for the poor attitude, it might be a good place to eat. Not a good recommendation. Review By: Anonymous Review From: cuyahoga falls

Hit and Miss May 04, 2006 Food Service Atmosphere Cleanliness Overall        I took my division for lunch and many positives which included awesome appetizers, superb service and wonderful desserts. The Shrimp Remoulade was a huge dissapointment. For $12.00 there was four cups of lettuce and three grilled shrimp. Not impressive. I also found the Seafood Gumbo for $7.00 to have a great broth, but had to ask two times to make sure there was seafood in the gumbo. The Po Boy sandwiches for my peers were not a big hit--one person found the catfish Po boy overly seasoned, but the Chicken Etoufee seemed to be an impressive dish for the others. I found Russo's to be a nice place to eat but wasn't entirely pleased with the entree offerings at lunch. I would go back for the dinner menu as I have heard wonderful comments. Review By: Anonymous Review From: Cuyahoga Falls

Noisy noisy place April 10, 2006 Food Service Atmosphere Cleanliness Overall        We thought we would try Russos for a second time. The noise level was deafening. We thought if we sat somewhere else it would be better. It wasn't. I could not hear the person sitting across from me it was so loud. The food is made from scratch and was good but definitely nothing we had was anything to brag about. Service was very good. I wouldn't consider going back. Review By: Anonymous Review From: North Royalton

June 03, 2005        Even on a busy Saturday night, the wait can be relatively short for a table at Russo's. And the help serves drinks to those in line. The New Orleans-inspired menu offers Cajun jambalaya, catfish with red beans, shrimp remoulade and gumbo, along with such Italian entrees as fresh cavatelli pomodoro, tagliatelle and ravioli. Among the favorites is a shrimp-and-crayfish etoufee with cumin rice; as described by one fan, it's a dish that's hot but not overly so with an exquisite combination of flavors. Salads are a true test of a restaurant's mettle, according to the same diner, who judges the house greens with balsamic vinegar and dry Roquefort and anchovies to be just right. If you want to observe culinary magic in progress, sit at the bar and watch owner Dave Russo and staff work in the open kitchen - Russo is the one wearing the black baseball cap. Review By: