Idylwood Grill

Review summary

1. R

   Renz Oliver

   Washington DC

   1 review

   1.0

   1 review

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 1

   WORST VALENTINE'S DAY DINNER I have never felt the need to write a thorough review of a restaurant until now. Our experience at Idylwood Grill & Wine Bar on a Valentine's Day was nothing short of a disaster. A complete failure in service, management, and basic hospitality. We arrived at 2120H for our 2130H reservation, expecting a nice dinner. Upon arrival, there was no one to receive us immediately, despite a number of waitstaff at the bar/counter. When a staff member finally acknowledged us, he did not seem accommodating at all. Still, we proceeded with our reservation, knowing ahead of time that Idylwood was only offering their $79 three-course meal for the evening. We placed our orders promptly, around 2130H. At 2205H, we overheard the waiter asking the table beside us if they had ordered and received their appetizers which they hadn't. They arrived before us. At this point, we noticed other tables looking around, exchanging frustrated glances because, just like us, they had been waiting for too long. By 2220H, we had been sitting for nearly an hour with nothing-no appetizers, no questions, no explanation, nothing. I was hungry, exhausted, and sleepy, but we still gave them a chance, thinking surely our food must be coming soon. 2230H, still no food. That was it. We got up and told the manager or head waiter that we had no idea what was happening, but we are leaving. An entire hour had passed, and we hadn't even received our first course. Idylwood may pride itself on its "contemporary American dishes infused with Italian, French, and Mediterranean flavors," but what does that matter when they can't even serve an appetizer within 10 minutes? What's the point of a special Valentine's Day menu if they clearly weren't prepared to handle the evening? This was, without a doubt, the worst dining experience I've had in years. Valentine's Day or not, this level of service is unacceptable.
   

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2. O

   OMAR

   Washington DC

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The food was delicious and service was very friendly!
   

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3. L

   Leonard

   Washington DC

   3 reviews

   3.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 2

   Restaurant was extremely overbooked despite regulations. This was Valentine’s Day. We arrived 10 minutes early. The restaurant sat anyone with an earlier reservation before us no matter how late they were. We got a temporary table crowded in behind the hostess stand that was freezing because door was open with those waiting for their reservations. After seating we received bread 30 minutes later. (We had to ask hostess- waitress still hadn’t showed) Actual utensils and napkins 15 minutes later after they were delivered to an empty table and we grabbed them. Water in another 10 minutes. Hour and 15 minutes later we ordered food. Already out of some desserts by this time on the price fixed menu we reserved. They finally moved us to another table and our good found is. Food was good but never go on a holiday.
   

   Idylwood GrillResponded 1 day ago

   Leonard, this Valentine's Day was not the typical experience our guests receive from us. We sincerely apologize. Sounds like we tried to correct the situation for you by moving you to another table further inside the restaurant and looks like things were better after that. We have already started the process to correct the reservation system as well as other failures that occurred. This will not happen again.
   

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4. A

   Andrew

   VIP

   Washington DC

   42 reviews

   5.0

   42 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We really enjoyed our Valentine’s dinner at the restaurant. From the appetizer to the desert, the meal was excellent. The service was a little slow at times but it was packed with people!
   

   Idylwood GrillResponded 1 day ago

   Thank you Andrew for taking the time to write about your dining experience. We're glad you enjoyed the menu selections. We will definitely review the staffing levels on busy days to ensure a faster service. See you again soon!
   

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5. J

   Joanne

   Washington DC

   24 reviews

   5.0

   24 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   Delicious food. Service was good. Crowded, but noise was manageable
   

   Idylwood GrillResponded 1 day ago

   Thank you Joanne for dining with us on Valentine's Day. We're glad you enjoyed the food and the service. This is what strive for each and every day with every guest. We hope to see you again soon!
   

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6. G

   Gordon

   New York City

   1 review

   1.0

   1 review

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 1

   At a 1 pm lunch the restaurant was empty when we arrived for our business lunch and it remained empty througout. The menu did not reflect an Italian food other than a few pasta dishes on the back side of the menu. The food was just pasta floating in oil (one green and one yellow). I'm not sure who wrote the great reviews I read online but I serously thought I had the wrong place. I now see why there were no customers, it is not worth a try. Sorry but I cannot recommend anything about this place.
   

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7. JT

   JunT

   VIP

   Washington DC

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 7 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Fantastic food and service. We went there for a birthday celebration. Serving size was great and quality as well. Kimmie welcomed us and attended to our every need
   

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8. A

   Argelia

   VIP

   Philadelphia

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined 7 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 3

   Very good food and service. Really good seafood linguine and marguez
   

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9. B

   Bernie

   Washington DC

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on 8 February 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   This is our favorite neighborhood restaurant. It's homey and comfortable, like a quaint French bistro, and the food is always spectacular with generous portions. I had a fabulous mixed grill with steak, lamb and duck - a red-meat trifecta - with great potato and vegetable sides. They also had an affordable Restaurant Week deal, and I started with Mussels Meniere with German Chocolate Cake for dessert. The ambiance is lovely with paintings and French music (with accordion!) in the air. For this tucked-away gem (in a strip mall in back of another larger strip mall), it's an unassuming place with solid service, excellent food and lovely decor. We've been a number of times and we have never been disappointed!
   

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10. D

    David

    Richmond

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on 7 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    A wonderful place to celebrate my Birthday! Looking forward to returning.
    

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