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Ristorante Gabriela, located at 1643 N Schnoor St, Madera, CA, provides an intriguing take on Italian cuisine, infused with a warm, inviting atmosphere reminiscent of classic dining experiences. Diners frequently praise the spaghetti with meatballs and lasagna, which are highlighted for their robust flavors and generous portions. The homemade meat sauce stands out as particularly remarkable, drawing consistent acclaim for its rich taste. Customers have enjoyed the relaxing ambiance, complete with soft, classic music that enhances the dining experience.
However, not all reviews are uniformly positive; some customers note the restaurant's eclectic menu, which blurs lines between Italian and Mexican cuisines, creating a unique yet somewhat confusing culinary identity. Despite this, dishes like the gnocchi and bruschetta receive high marks, showcasing the chef's talent. Food quality is generally good, with some dishes exceeding expectations, like the surprisingly delightful taquitos.
The staff's attentiveness and the familial atmosphere make Ristorante Gabriela feel like more than just a restaurant; it’s a community hub where regulars are greeted by name. Overall, it offers hearty comfort food, perfect for both casual diners and special occasions, making it a worthwhile stop for anyone in the area.
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Service options
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Dining options
- Dinner
- Dessert
Reviews for Ristorante Gabriela
Review highlights
Based on 264 reviewsRistorante Gabriela is frequently praised for its warm, inviting atmosphere and attentive, family-like service, which enhances the overall dining experience. Guests appreciate the clean and cozy environment, finding it suitable for both casual meals and special occasions. The menu offers a diverse range of Italian dishes, with standout items including prime rib, ravioli, and unique takes on desserts like flan and lava cake. However, some patrons note a lack of cohesion in the menu, highlighting the mix of Italian cuisine alongside non-traditional options such as Mexican dishes and burgers, which may feel inconsistent. Overall, the restaurant is recognized for quality food and friendly staff, though menu focus could benefit from refinement.
The restaurant was interesting, we were passing through and saw the 4+ rating. I rated the photos in order best-worst. We tried the Special's a Prime Rib with fresh Gnocchi, Lamb Chops, Meatballs, Lasagna, $5 Chips and Salsa, Mediterranean Bruschetta and Cotija Cheese Taquitos. The menu is a mismatch between Italian, Country Club Brunch Courses, Mexican and even a burger. The atmosphere was nice but most of the clientele were much older, and the layout was a little packed in. As for the food: The Prime Rib $32 and Lamb Chops $35 were Popular with the crowd, as well as quite a few moderately priced pasta dishes with side and upgrades available for a small fee. The Prime Rib was too Marbled, Reheated and just good. The Lamb Chops were really good, not sure why they still have the Florescent Green Mint Spread though. The fresh Gnocchi was quite good for the Area. The Bruschetta was very good but portions were heavy, didn't have the lightness you want from Antipasto. Our favorite dish interestingly was the Taquitos, they tasted like off a food in East LA. Overall the place was great if you are in the area and want some good comfort food. The Chef needs to focus on her gift of cooking high end Mexican Food, instead of the no Identity menu. Thanks for dinner and the well presented plates. Cheers!
To start, I'm not personally a fan of going out to eat at Italian restaurants. My experiences usually leave me feeling as if I just threw my money away for a watered down version of what people call "Italian " My husband and I have seen this restaurant multiple times and decided on a whim to head over for dinner last Sunday. We were the first guests there. A warm older lady came out from the kitchen (assuming it was one of the owners) and offered us to sit where we like. Our server came over immediately after taking a very large phone order. She was extremely nice and attentive to our needs . Soft music played overhead , sounded like something from Sinatra or the rat pack .good old classic music . Combined with their chandeliers, created a very nice ambience. Slowly customers started to show up and it was clear they were regulars , everyone was greeted by name and a warm smile by server's and quickly made comfortable. Everyone here is so professional and throw their best effort into the work . Our food came out soon. We were served nice warm bread to go with our GIGANTIC plate of spaghetti with meatballs and my husband's equally large plate of lasagna served with grilled zucchini . The meat sauce is to die for! Easily the most full flavored and delicious sauce I have ever had. The meatballs were flavored lightly but were equally as delicious. His lasagna was a flavor I never tried before but was amazing !! A bit pricier , but well worth it. We will definitely be coming here more for special occasions . We left filled , content and relaxed
Beautiful atmosphere very warm and cozy. The employees make you feel like family and very talkative to my family. I also love how clean the Utilities are and they have hot water . My prime rib was delicious and tender, we also had the ravioli I love the crust of them. The dessert was chocolate lava cake with vanilla ice cream we warm and delicious. This was my first time attending but this is my family second time and the employees remember them. Great restaurant thank you
Excellent atmosphere. The staff is very helpful and welcoming. The Prime Rib and the Fettuccini Alfredo in white sauce are wonderful. I plan on trying other items on the menu in the near future. I almost forgot the deserts, the flan is not a typical flan it reminds me of the consistency of cheese cake very good.
We were interested in coming here because they sponsored one of the 10-12 year old girls soccer teams in the city league. All we knew was that it was Italian food. When we walked in, we were greeted by a very polite young man. The restaurant had maybe 2 couples sitting down, so it was quiet at first. By the time we left, the restaurant was almost full. Not bad at all for a Wednesday. Our waitress Amanda was very nice and she was very attentive to my 2 young daughters. My girls liked her very much. She gave us recommendations for the appetizers and our main courses. She answered all my kids' questions regarding the food and what it comes with. The garlic bread was delicious it came with meatballs and spaghetti sauce. Then our food came. Which didn't take long at all. It was so good. The dessert was really good too. My kids and I were very impressed. It has a very welcoming atmosphere, and we even made the observation that it felt more like family than regular patrons at a restaurant. We are already planning on going again.
It was our first time in and so glad we decided to celebrate Mom's birthday here. Everything was delicious and so fresh. The meat sauce was absolutely wonderful. Reminded me of my Grandma's, simple, not over powering and the perfect mix of a bit sweet but very savory. I had the ravioli and gnocchi and would order them again in a heart beat. The bread and meatballs capped off a dinner which exceeded my expectations. Mom ordered the lamb kabob and still hasn't stopped raving about the flavor and tenderness. I didn't even try to ask for a bite in fear of being stabbed with her fork. My brother had the Unicorn Fish, a light white fish, and it was delicious too while his wife enjoyed the ravioli as much as I did. All in all a great experience and we can't wait to go back.
Place is very nice and has an upscale vibe. Hostess was very nice and sat me right away. Browsing the menu I decided to try some Lasagna. With that I decided on Minestrone soup rather than a salad. Soup came out nice and hot, albeit a tad nuclear but flavor was great. Pinch of salt and pepper it was perfect. Now the reason I'm going 4 and not 5 ......this is my own opinion so please don't kill me but this place is NICE!!! I expected warm bread or a bread stick of some sort. Upon opening the basket it was a piece of bread that looked like it came from Costco's or Sam's club. The butter..... hard little foil paper wrapped bricks . Noooooooo....warm the bread, some whipped butter in a ramiken or something would be awesome. Alright alright.....The Lasagna.....huge portion with a side of green beans.... delicious flavor, cooked very well and very hearty. Would definitely come back.
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