Tello Italian Bistro - South Haven

First, I don't think I have ever written a negative review of anything or anyone. But I feel I have to. Our party of four dined at Telli on a Tuesday in July. It was a really poor experience. After our wait for a table they informed us they were out of bolonese and meatballs. Two of us were there for the bolonese so a disappointment. When the waitress brought the bread and olive oil she spilled oil on my khakis. She brought soda water, which did little to help, and said she would talk to the manager. You would expect any decent restaurant to give something, comp the meal, free desert or something for potentially ruining a pair of slacks. Instead the manager offered her email address and a promise to cover a later drycleaning bill. She also offered advice about how to clean the pants. I really wasn't annoyed until she exhibited that ridiculous behavior. It made me wonder if they were running out of food because of poor management or if they were going out of business or something. In any case, the food was average at best, the pesto wasn't very good and the pasta that came with it was cold. The sausage on the spaghetti came out in links, rather than being cut up in the dish. None of that was really a total deal breaker until the manager's behavior. I will never go back and wouldn't recommend it to anyone else who expects a nice evening out.

What a wonderful experience! We LOVE Tello’s and especially the staff: Joanne the best waitress EVER), Christie, Jeff, Monique, and our old friend Jeremy. You guys every one make the experience memorable. Oh and kudos to the kitchen staff who turn out those fish dishes like nobody’s business. The BEST fish at Tello’s!!! Besides any of the pasta dishes and the pizza. Oh wait… the new bar tender who makes the best martinis EVER!!! If you’re thinking of going…just go. It’s the best dining in the area for certain!!

My husband and I dined here yesterday. It took 2 hours for dinner, arrived at 6:15 and missed the sunset on the lake. The absolute worst service I’ve ever had. The server took 10 minutes to even acknowledge us. We were understanding given it seems extremely short staffed. She did not improve only got worse in ignoring us. The calamari was the worst I’ve ever had, soggy breading and tough to chew. My husband’s spaghetti with Italian sausage was decent but my basic cheese pizza was overdone to point that the crust was a rock. Go elsewhere.

Wonderful, caring staff and outstanding atmosphere. Dietary restrictions: Gluten Free options available.

I’m sorry to leave a negative review, but there were no positives to our experience. All of the mixed drinks ordered (Negronis an Aperol spritz) were undrinkable and way too alcohol heavy. We waited an hour for our meal to arrive (I know this because I was seated in front of a wall clock). The spaghetti with meatballs was inedible. The bolognese was swimming in grease the chicken Marsala was not reduced. The service was passable at best. To the manager’s credit, she removed several dishes 1 drink from the bill. One person in our party left her wallet at the restaurant, so she went back the next day to get the wallet. The bartender essentially shamed the person in our party and said if you’ve never had the drink before, it’s a strong drink. FYI the person in our party is an award winning bartender. I do not recommend this restaurant.