This review is a long time coming, but I couldn't write it for awhile because I worked nearby and I wanted to avoid any encounters with our waitress who I constantly saw out on her smoke break. Let me begin by saying I would probably give 3.5 stars for the food, but the service was -500 stars. We had a large party of people, and the waitress was just plain rude. She barely wanted to give us the time of day, and she made us feel like we were inconveniencing her whenever we asked a question. My friend (a pretty big guy), asked her about some mac and cheese he had seen featured in the paper, and she told him she would see what she could do. When the food came, it literally looked like a bowl of easy mac. He asked if it was from the kids' menu, and she curtly responded, "yeah," and walked away. Then I came to find out that my friend who had ordered tuna had received salmon (or the other way around, I can't remember). I asked her about it, and received just about no response, so I went and found the manager. The manager was no help whatsoever. He said that the waitress had accidentally chosen the kids' mac-n-cheese instead of the one from the lunch menu. (Which is something that she could've mentioned.) He offered to replace it, but by that time, we were almost done eating, and that would've done little good. He absolutely refused to take it off the bill. I also said that my friend had gotten the wrong fish, and his response was "well, he got the more expensive fish, so we're not going to charge him extra if that's what you're asking." NO. That is not what I'm asking. Who cares which fish is more expensive? It's not what he ordered. I also said that the waitress was rude, and the manager responded that she just has a sarcastic sense of humor, so he's sorry if I "don't get it." Now, I am one of the most sarcastic people around, and that was not what she was. She was rude. The manager was unwilling to take anything off the bill, and he asked what he was supposed to do. I told him if he wouldn't make any concessions on the bill, I was extremely uncomfortable with an 18% built-in-tip for deplorable service. (Mind you, if the service had been good, I would've given at least 20%.) The only thing he was willing to do was to knock the tip down to 15%. This is tied for the worst experience I have ever had in a restaurant when it comes to service. And the one that it's tied with? Ended up comp'ing us our meal... So I guess this takes home the prize. And that is really saying a lot.
(1)
Megan C.
The atmosphere is nice, especially if the weather is good and you can sit outside. They have good cocktails and good service. This is my first choice for Italian food in the Lafayette area, but it is also the only choice, unless you want the Olive Garden. I think the food is great and the french onion soup is possibly the best I have ever eaten, but it isn't available everyday. It's a good place for a date or when the parents are in town to visit.
(5)
Tiffany P.
You'll find a great atmosphere and pretty good food here. It's a good place to take a date and the prices are decent. I would wager that this is the best Italian restaurant in the Lafayette area. It's worth checking out.
(4)
Joey C.
The best Italian food in Lafayette. I like that he uses local and sustainable produce and meat.
(5)
Kay N.
La Scala is a great little family Italian place. Its casual, but they have a nice wine selection and the food is really good. You won't leave hungry. Great pasta dishes. And I'm a bit fussy about Italian.
(4)
Kevin H.
This place is a disaster. Fifteen minutes for the waiter to come to us and then proceeds to tell us about his grueling week. We order appetizers and were disappointed. The calamari clearly comes from a frozen battered mix that comes out looking more like small burnt onion rings than what you would recognize as a fresh seafood appetizer. Disgusting. The bruschetta was soggy and bland. Finally, the seafood dish I ordered included a piece of fish that was unrecognizable. It's listed as "chef's choice" on the menu, but was most likely an old frozen piece of tuna. Your cat would love it, fishy and chewy. The portions are sizable if you enjoy eating a large amount of bad food. The sorbet dessert was excellent which earned it the one star.
(1)
Mary M.
Went here for my birthday- it was delicious food and the server paid great attention to us the whole night. It was nice because we didn't feel rushed at all, we sat for two hours over wine, food and dessert. We made reservations online, but since we were they soon after they opened, it wasn't too busy. However, throughout the course of dinner it really picked up and got busy so it's probably a good idea to make a reservation. I had a Bellini to drink, and it was delicious. For dinner my husband got the Salmon and he enjoyed it, and I had the red sauce tortellini which was also delicious. The portions aren't massive which is good for your health, but we still had enough to take home for lunch the next day. Dessert was good, but nothing overwhelmingly special. We got the chocolate cake, which is noted as being made "in house" but it almost reminded me of a Little Debbie snack cake. Still tasty, but nothing really that special. We will go back for another fancy dinner. Being a grad student though- we can't afford to go there regularly.
(4)
Jeremy S.
I highly recommend making a reservation online just to be safe. Prompt, friendly service. Loved the cioppino, soup of the day (jambalaya), and sorbet truffle! Underwhelmed by house salad, chicken ripieno, bruschetta, calamari and gelato. Plenty on the menu to give this place another try.
(3)
Linda E.
The best thing is they use local food, meat and vegetables. Fresh and Local!! Great food! Love the Lobster & Shrimp Mac & Cheese! Marvelous! Plus you can get whole wheat and gluten free pastas!
(5)
Tiffany L.
This place is by far, the best Italian restaurant I've been to. I found this place my senior year at Purdue but we visit La Scala every time I am back in Lafayette. The service is impeccable. The servers are always ready to give a good suggestion or wine match, as they have a very extensive menu. This place does get packed very quick, so I always make a reservation here for dinner. The food is always amazing. They start you out with the best free bread I've had. The appetizers and main entrees always come in generous portions. My personal favorite dish here is the ravioli or chicken florentine. Great food, great service, great ambiance = a luxurious Italian experience and the best bang for my buck.
(5)
Diva D.
La Scala is a great place. It is nicer dining without being a fussy place. Every time I have been there (for lunches, dinner, weekend, or through the week) the patrons are a mix of casual, smart casual and semi-formal. It is a place that is both date-night friendly and (well-behaved) family friendly. My teens and younger child all love the food and the way the servers treat them as customers who are just as important to please as the rich couple sitting at the next table. The food is quite good and very filling. We usually opt for pasta-type dishes. A surprise hit with the teens is the lobster mac n cheese. The youngest enjoys the pizza and the spaghetti and meatball. Chef Paco uses locally sourced ingredients as much as possible, and many come from his own small farm. Dishes can be customized, and we've never had a problem asking for little touches like tweaking spices a bit for dishes. Portions are big and leftovers reheat very well for lunch at work the next day.
(5)
Lauren M.
The Scala is one of the best restaurants in Lafayette. The environment is very fun and relaxing inside, and outside you get to enjoy great views of the courthouse. My boyfriend always gets the Tortellini Carbonara which he loves and fills him up. I have tried the gnocchi and some seafood pasta, and I preferred the gnocchi. We had a bottle of chianti with our dinner and two desserts which were both AMAZING. Make sure you leave room. My only criticism would be that the salads are just okay and the prices can be a little high for pasta.
(5)
Michelle L.
There is no other place in Lafayette that comes close to La Scala not only Italian wise but overall restaurant. The restaurant is so authentic and every pasta I have gotten there exceeds my expectations. It has adorable outside seating for when it is actually nice out and inside it is very romantic and cozy.
(5)
Dee O.
This was a really nice restaurant. I will try to see if I can get my friend to back back there tonight. It is located down town Lafayette, right across from the court house. They have great outdoor seating for nice days. Service was quick and friendly. GREAT drinks. Good vegetarian selections. They did run out of the chocolate cake but I shouldn't have been eating that anyways. They also state that they use local products. How awesome is that. Comes highly recommended.
(4)
Lauren L.
Bottom line: cute cozy atmosphere, no substance. Perfect date for that hot guy/girl you've been eying even though you know he/she has no personality! I have several friends who have made this place part of their date night traditions. I want to like this place, I really do. Farm to fork? I'm in! Non-chain Italian restaurant in downtown Lafayette? I'm in! The downfall of this place (in my opinion) is that they sacrifice quality for selection. The menu is something along the lines of six pages worth of food options. In the Risotto category alone there were three offerings. That's awesome, if you can make every single one of those dishes a quality offering. The problem is that La Scala doesn't. I dined with a group of 8, so there were plenty of dishes for me to try. The tomato basil bisque is smooth and creamy (almost no chunks in case that's a make it or break it for you). I had Kirsten's risotto. I found the chicken to be rubbery, there was far too much chicken for how much rice there was, and everything was drenched in melted cheese as though that was supposed to hide the fact that my dish was sub par. Boyfriend had the tri color tortellini, which was good, but not too much better than your average chain restaurant similar offering. We also started with bruschetta... if that was what that was supposed to be. It was covered in pesto and cheese, and finding the chopped tomato was like finding the golden ticket. It was soggy and just underwhelming. All of the dishes came out looking like they'd been sunbathing under the heat lamp, and it was just generally an underwhelming experience. At around $14-15 a plate for pasta, and $18 for meat entrees, I would expect more.
(2)
Courtney B.
If you are not child friendly, then do NOT advertise kids lunch specials. Despite the whole general idea of La Scalla being wonderful (uses local produce, has gluten free pasta) they are horrible. And when I say they, I mean the people who work there. This is supposed to be a 'family restaurant' yet when families go in, they are not treated. And I mean at all. Personal experience has taught me that if you bring kids to the advertised lunch for kids, they will make you wait 30 minutes to ask what type of drink you want until the children are screaming from hunger and then ask you to be quite. Then they wait another 20 minutes to take your order, and then another long period to bring your food out. So finally, the children are in an uproar and too upset to actually stay and eat so you ask for a to-go box. If you are lucky, then the manager does not stop you on the way out and say never bring your kids again. Like I said, this was personal experience, and I heartily approve of the food to fork premise, but one bad experience has ruined any thing I saw as good in this restaurant.
(1)
Kathleen F.
Let me say first, I prefer to eat at locally owned restaurants. I have been at LaScala for lunch and found the soups Ok. I hadn't had dinner there in 3 or more years. A friend and I decided to give them a try the other night. I thought the farm to fork idea would be a good thing, however, I Iearned that they purchase all their pastas. They buy their salad dressings. Non is made in house - this might be the reason a previous reviewer called their food mediocre. I gave their crepes a try hoping they make those in house. The dish was ok except for ice cream scoup of Risotto plopped in the middle of the plate. Very unappealing in looks and taste. I wish for a true Italian restaurant with homeade pasta, sauces, dressings and bread in the Lafayette area. I wonder if La Scala has ever thought of reducing their menu by a couple pages and experiment with Pasta Machine. I would give them another try then.
(2)
Tavish L.
I flew halfway across the country on an idle Tuesday afternoon *just* to experience this authentic Italian cuisine that has been heralded by food connoisseurs all over the state of Indiana. There was simply no way I could be disappointed. It just...wasn't...possible... I should have known. I should have known from the lack of Italian wine selections. I should have known from the disingenuously deceiving depictions of Italian art hanging from the walls. I should have known when my waitress spilled water on my lap before dunking a marinara stained lemon slice into this same glass of water. (Okay, I really didn't mind that at all -- in case you're reading!) But really though, the service was embarrassingly slow. Something I can forgive if the food still delivers. Unfortunately the tortellini carbonara was hella over-salted and the pasta overcooked. My colleague's gnocchi was subpar at best, and I hijacked my neighbors meatball only to leave 3/4 of it on my plate. I'm not sure how this Italian fare compares to the rest of what Lafayette has to offer, but next time I may just hit up the Steak 'N Shake.
(2)
Jon C.
Ahhh, La Scala. Certainly the best Italian in Lafayette without even a question. My favorite thing about them is that they farm some of their ingredients themselves and what they don't, they get from other local producers whenever possible and cost-effective for them. More restaurants need to start doing this. I'd even say *all* should do it. Their menu is huge; supposedly a Big Sin in the fine dining world, but they manage to pull it off. Everything on it is good I'd imagine. I've not had it all, but a fair bit of it. Gratinee del Mar is probably my favorite. It may be close to 20,000 calories for the whole portion, and I doubt I could eat the whole thing anymore, but it's insanely good. Crab and scallops and other seafood and cheese and pasta and probably some crack too. I have been here numerous times, during peak hours and non peak hours, on holidays and non-holidays, and I've never, ever, seriously, not once, received the bad service mentioned in some of the prior reviews. In fact quite the opposite; the service here has always been the best I've received anywhere. Not slow, not rude, and while I don't have children, I've seen plenty of families with children dine here and they did not receive slow or rude service that I witnessed either. Bottom line: La Scala is not only the best Italian in Lafayette, it's one of the best restaurants in town, period.
(5)
Bill S.
Yes, you have to search for a parking spot.......but the service is top-notch and only outclassed by the food. The food is culinary perfection. We order the Bruschetta every time because it's amazing and we have yet to order something we didn't like.
(5)
Jodi G.
It was ok. Not great. Service started off good but did not end well. We ended up going up to the front to pay our bill because the server got lost. I had the tomato basil soup which was good but too greasy for a tomato soup. They bring out bread w oil...the bread was ok. The oil was better quality than most Italian restaurants in the US. I had the seafood Risotto which was really good. The scallops were cooked perfectly and were smooth & sweet. The shrimp & mussels were good as well. The Risotto was a lil different style but very tasty. The interior of the restaurant needs revamping BIG TIME! I know a beautiful place doesn't guarantee good food and service, but it helps.
(3)
Xopher D.
A local Italian restaurant with potential, though right now it feels like it's just coasting. There is a lot to be said for what the menu attempts, and sometimes it succeeds. But with the misses, one wonders if the hits come in spite of itself. Cioppino is rich and tomatoey, with no skimping on the seafood. The red pepper cream sauce is similarly fulsome. Pasta is usually al dente, but sometimes veeringly dangerously close to overdone. The pesto dipping sauce for the bread is tasty, but what happened to the bread? In a town where the local grocery puts out a decent ciabatta, why is La Scala's bread limp and practically tasteless? And speaking of bread, why is the shrimp in every dish butterflied and lightly breaded? For cioppino, especially, that makes no sense, and actually adds an off-putting texture. The restaurant is popular and it's often impossible to get a seat on weekends without a reservation. Noise levels are loud when the place is full. Service has always been friendly and attentive during our visits, and we've never waited too long for our orders. So while I want to like La Scala a lot, it still reminds me of the odd cousin whose visits are best relegated to the annual reunion.
(3)
Joyeta S.
Best Italian place around here! :) Good food and ambience. Try the KIRSTEN'S RISOTTO ...yumm..
(5)
Stefanie S.
I heard a couple of good things about this place, but I was not impressed! The first thing that went wrong was my Italian Margarita. The flavor was horrible, watered down, and low quality. They would not replace it, only try and enhance it. The bartender tried to make it better by adding a few extra ingredients and blending it, but it was not going to happen. My boyfriend ended up drinking it for me to save me the trouble. The bread was really boring and frankly not that good and the salad was about the same. My main meal was a cream based seafood pasta that looked delicious but tasted horrible. The sauce was literally cream with a touch of salt and pepper and the seafood tasted a bit old. I had a ton of leftovers so I took them home, but I pitched them the next day. The service was really poor and I felt like we were flagging down our server for everything we needed, he just refused to stop by our table for whatever reason. Olive Garden is a million times better than this place.
(1)
Aimee J.
I love to eat lunch at La Scala. Their Italian food is so delicious. They are happy to make special orders. I am sensitive to garlic so I was reluctant to eat there for a long time. One day I heard how good La Scala is about accommodating food allergies and sensitivities. It's true, and now I have been there many times. Their food portions are very generous. I love how they buy meat and produce from local growers. The only reason I didn't give it all 5 stars is because the interior needs to be renovated to match the quality food, drinks and service you will find at La Scala.
(4)
Tao Tao W.
went last night as a going away dinner for one of our friends. the 4 of us got appetizers, drinks, main meals, and dessert. The waitress we had was super nice and fun and appreciated our humor. I got the lasanga platter which include lasanga, a giant ravioli, and veggies. The ravioli was excellent but the lasanga was a little dry. we got calamari as a appetizer which was pretty good as well. The drink i got was the bloody mojito which was a little too peppery. For dessert, the four of us split a tirimisu and the lemon tart which both were really good. overall, great italian plan. should be a 4.5 only cause of the lasanga. atmosphere was great and service was great.
(4)
Toni D.
I have been here several times and have only ever had one issue with the food and they quickly and efficiently fixed it. You have to try their tomato-basil soup! It is to die for! Staff is always friendly and attentive, love the atmosphere.
(5)
Meg M.
La Scala could be a place where you can sit outside with your girlfriends in the summer drinking wine, eating pasta, and chatting. But sadly, it's not. First of all, the menu is overwhelmingly long. I would rather go to a restaurant that does a smaller variety of dishes, but does them very well. If you do go there, I would recommend one of the baked seafood pasta dishes. They stay hot even when you're eating outside. I'd like to give this restaurant a high rating because I am all about supporting local restaurants that aren't chains. However, I was very turned off by the service the last time I was there. There is a very narrow walk way in between tables and I was almost plowed over 3 times by the same worker. We were ignored at the hostess stand and then seated too close to the wall. The wait staff was young and inexperienced. And I was more than a little bothered by them flirting with one another. Very unprofessional, but that's what you get when you hire high-schoolers.
(2)
Dennis C.
One of my favorite restaurants located in the heart of downtown Lafayette. La Scala features a great variety of Italian specialites. I particulary like going there for lunch and their daily pasta specials are my usual choice. Many items use organic ingrediants from local sources such as the farmers market and on good days you can dine outside!
(4)
Drew G.
While this is better than any chain 'italian' restaurant in town there is still something missing and this place isn't really what it used to be. They have a great selection on the menu....but it's almost too much to take in. The food is good but its not great, for a chef owned place that touts the use of local and fresh ingredients on their menu I would expect the food to back it up. However, if I am in the mood for italian in this town this is usually where I end up. The service leaves a lot to be desired
(4)
Orzo R.
Food is not authentic Italian at all. Bread soft and awful. Americana Italian food!! Yikes. Great service by the wait staff was the only saving grace.
(1)
Michael V.
The Lafayette area doesn't have anything close to authentic Italian, La Scala is as close as it gets. The food is mediocre and my Italian girlfriend wasn't willing to back. The patio in the summer evenings is worth visiting, even if just for dessert and outdoor seating.
(2)
Michelle S.
I've eaten here twice before and enjoyed the experience. Good food, great service. I was disappointed today at lunch to find a dead ladybug in my Caesar salad. Actually it wasn't so much the ladybug that disappointed me (stuff happens, and I'm really not squeamish) but I'd kind of expect a manager to come to the table and apologize, and maybe comp my meal, or at least the salad. But I don't remember the waiter even getting very concerned. This happens that often? Next time I guess I will scream and swoon to get their attention.
(2)
Dalila H.
When I think of authentic Italian this is the closest in this town. The wait staff are above average most of the time. The food itself has always been above average. And the seating is always comfortable. I don't advise going on New Year's Eve or Valentine's Day the service drops a bit but you could say that about all eateries on those dates.
I like the food. I ordered the chicken risotto and it tasted pretty good. probably one of the best italian restaurants around here
(4)
Ruth A.
I like La Scala because it's an authentic Italian American place. As a displaced New Yorker, that's my go-to comfort restaurant. And I can have that experience when I go: I can order prosecco, wine, calamari, and a pasta or risotto. Some of my main course selections have hit the mark, but others have just tasted a little off in flavor. Overall, it doesn't ruin my experience, but I'd really love this place if there were more consistency. As it is, I like going there to feel like I'm treating myself to a fun dinner out, but it doesn't replace a good Italian meal I'd get when I visit family in NY.
(3)
Kevin O.
I wanted to truly like this place, but much like the other reviewers, I just couldn't. La Scala is in a fantastic part of town, right across the courthouse on the square, and they interior is nothing short of cozy and warm with a classic Sicilian design. However, the design is the closest it gets to being authentic. As a big fan and stickler of Italian food, as well as, a person who values his money, I came away from La Scala disappointed. On my first visit I ordered Chicken and alfredo dish that came out luke-warm with rubbery noodles and bland taste. It seemed to be only lightly seasoned with any herbs or garlic, if it was at all. Upon my second visit, during lunch, and ordered the Courthouse Sandwich, and thought it was only slightly better, but not for the 9 dollars that I paid for it. There are better places for authentic Italian food, and you would probably even do better going to the Olive Garden.
(2)
Adam W.
Wife and I ate here last Saturday. Came late at about 8ish. Sat quickly towards the back of the main room. Drink menu was interesting. I ordered a black raspberry bellini and it was pretty much sparkling wine in a small glass with a splash of chambord and an assload of raspberries. Far too many raspberries and far too small for the price. We were served bread and olive oil with crushed basil and some red pepper sprinkled in it. Was fine. We ordered the shrimp and crab dip and it was served with a toasted garlic cracker thing. The dip was very tasty. The Caesar salads were good-sized and the croutons were great. The salads had a little too much dressing toward the bottom. I ordered Wild Salmon Aragosta, which was fish in a lobster cream sauce. Lucky I did, because the fish itself was overcooked and the sauce did a good job of masking this. My wife ordered the Tuna Limone style and again the fish was overcooked but the sauce overpowered the flavor anyways. One thing, they were out of orange roughy, but didn't tell us until we tried to order it. I don't like when restaurants do this. We spent 15 minutes looking over menus and waiting to have our entree order taken and then, boom, can't get what we want. On a side note, I'm not a fish aficionado by any means, but I doubt that salmon was Wild. There was probably a half pound on my plate, which alone should've cost them about $9. The entire entree itself was only $19. I don't care too much because I ordered it expecting it to be normal salmon anyways. You cant always blame the restaurant for this, since this is a problem endemic to the fresh fish industry where a fish is sold as Wild but in reality is not. We enjoyed out meal and the leftovers reheated nicely.
(4)
Brandon L.
Food was good, but atmosphere was lacking.
(2)
Gail A.
I want to like La Scala. I really do. And while it has a pleasant atmosphere, and decent service, the food is just mediocre. On my first visit, I had the pesto pasta. I LOVE pesto, so I had high hopes. But it was such a disappointment. Something was very lacking - salt or garlic or both. Very blah dish. On the second visit I ordered a pasta with olive oil, garlic, tomatoes and herbs. Again, extremely bland. And the noodles were mushy and overcooked. Admittedly, I like big, bold flavors. So those who prefer light seasoning might enjoy it quite a bit. A good place to take your parents when you graduate. But it's not a place for Italian cuisine connoisseurs.
(3)
Chris E.
La Scala has an attribute I always try to support--it is a small chef-owned place. I would have given the place a 3 star 4 years ago, but something's changed, and I can't seem to pin point it. The pasta doesn't taste as fresh, and the ingredients aren't exciting anymore, and the service has definitely gone downhill. Most of the pasta dishes taste bland and generic. There are 3 redeeming qualities left in my book for La Scala--the dessert menu, the focaccia, and the fact that they would custom made your pasta dish to order, but since the desserts are probably all premade sent to them in frozen boxes, technically there's only 2 redeeming qualities left, and it's just not quite enough to bring me back.
(2)
Andrew B.
I used to love this place, but it has gone downhill over the past few years. I used to look forward to eating here, but now I will go out of my way to not eat here. Their risotto tastes like a pack of Uncle Ben's rice, and their sangria was very very watered down. I have had other dishes here, as well, but they fail to inspire one to try these recipes again. Too bad:(
(2)
S G.
Ah, La Scala. Situated in a perfect, beautiful little building, with a great patio during the summer, and trying to use fresh, local ingredients whenever possible. Locally owned. Service is usually friendly. I should love you, La Scala. But I don't. I'm not sure if the food has gotten worse over the years, or if the charm of the atmosphere has worn off, but I don't ever suggest going to eat here any more. You don't really do anything well, and do a few things sub-par. You should cut that menu in half and concentrate on doing those dishes really well. Let's be honest, ten seafood dishes (not including fish!) is too much for any restaurant that's not a seafood restaurant to do well. Maybe you only need 6 pasta options instead of eleven. Too often what I and the people I've been with have ordered has been very, very mediocre. Which is unacceptable when you're pushing Bluefin and Bistro 501 prices. Sure, it's probably the best Italian place in town, but let's be honest, that's not saying much. I wanna like you La Scala. Do your thing well, don't try to do everything, and if you really believe in this Farm to Fork movement, shouldn't your menu be small and ever-changing?
(2)
Linda G.
One of the best! Fresh food! great service. Drinks are great. Cucumber Martini fresh!
(5)
Angelica G.
La Scala is a very charming place, where we usually went to before school dances back in high school. I've always wanted to go in the summer as well because they have a nice outdoor space. The service is neither fantastic nor bad. I've got to say that I love my waiters to be helpful but not over the top, which is what they've got. Now to the important stuff: the food. The pasta dishes are traditional, so go for something different here like seafood or salad dishes.
(4)
Karthik N.
Good food. The taste is really good, but a bit pricey for the place.
(4)
Julie M.
Disappointing....we made reservations for a special birthday. We were seated right away and our waitress said she would be right back with our water and never came back . We waited 15 minutes and I was just about to go up and ask for water and she then brought it-saying all the glasses were dirty ( ew!) She took our orders and our appetizer came out quickly and was good. Our waitress was pretty inattentive and we waited frequently between refills of our drinks. Our food came out and my chicken parmigiana was burnt all around the edges ( not just crispy---charred) I would have sent it back but our waitress never came back to check how the food was. I tried eating it by trimming off the burnt part but the whole chicken breast was very dry (like a crispy tenderloin). The pasta and marinara were good and everyone else in my party liked their food so I let it go. However when the waitress picked up my plate I showed her the burnt part and told her I didn't really care for it and she didn't say a word. We were so jealous of the table next to us because their waiter was so attentive! We left a 15% tip and we usually are very generous tippers. We won't be back.
(2)
Rick B.
My wife and I really enjoy this place; probably our favorite spot in town. They added a bar last year, which was a major plus. Highly varied menu, very good wine list. Food presentation is very good. Good veal dishes for those who like it
(4)
Shweta C.
So I went to La Scala with my husband yesterday after he being forcing me to come and eat there as it was one of the great italian food he ever had. So we went for lunch....ordered a bruchetta and main entree. they first got us salad and it was ceaser salad with stale leaves. we didnt eat thinking it might not be good. then appetizer came it was stale too. main course was something we were now not looking forward to. it was terrible when it arrived. I was very hungry I ate some. My husband didnt even touch it. Well I ate and later my stomach started hurting and I had to take tablet. Well its terrible place, extremly bad exterior and reason for worst service is since the business got taken over by another owner sometime in january and since then its terrible earlier it was really good.
(1)
Kay O.
Previously, I was never a fan of Italian food. Spaghetti wasn't my thing, and ravioli was disgusting. TOTALLY CHANGED MY MIND! La Scala is quaint, quiet (relatively) and perfect for special occasions. The food here has blown my mind, and we're almost regulars here for anniversary and Valentine's Day dinners. If you want authentic, not very pricey Italian food, this is the place to go. You won't regret it.
(5)
Mark R.
La Scala definitely has a great atmosphere. Being a big fan of locally owned restaurants, I felt more at home than eating at a chain. The food, while maybe not the finest Italian cuisine available, is delicious and the portions are generous. Great place to take a date, your family, or just friends.
(4)
Amy J.
This was my roommates and I's favorite place in college. Two of our best friends worked there, so that's how we discovered it. A great little Italian place in downtown Lafayette. Everything on the menu is good, and the service is excellent. They even have a cute little outdoor patio. Attire is casual, or dressy. Kind of up to you. It could really go either way. We went here for our "post graduation" dinner with our parents and they were very impressed as well. Great food, and awesome atmosphere. Love it, miss it. :)
(5)
Jaime E.
Really good, fresh food and they use local ingredients when they can...some even coming from their own farm. I'm a big fan of the baked brie and ravioli. And love the patio in the summer!
(4)
Laurel W.
I like La Scala. As far as the cuisine is concerned, there are definitely better restaurants as far as taste and authenticity is concerned, but they definitely hold their own. I would choose this place over Olive Garden any day, even though it's a little more expensive. It's a small restaurant, but the atmosphere is nice. It's a great place to go on a date, or if it's nice out, they have a nice outdoor seating area that looks out onto the square.
(4)
Amy D.
This place is about like going to Olive Garden, but in a better building. If you are looking for real Italian, go somewhere else. They are in a great old building downtown and have a nice outdoor area, but the food isn't that great even though the portions are huge. I had the risotto, and I have to say that even my first attempt at risotto was better than what I had at La Scala. The wine list is average and the service is hit or miss. If you are looking for Italian in Lafayette, you would do better to call me than go to this place.
(1)
Kris A.
La Scala has a huge and varied menu. There is something for everyone here. They offer many pasta options including whole grain and gluten free. The chef is always willing to make substitutions and accomidations. The wine and drink menu selection if great. The atmosphere bright and colorul featuring different local artists work. The portions are large and the price reasonable for an upper scale restraunt.
(4)
David M.
The gold standard for Italian cuisine in "the Lafayettes." Whether your looking for a place to celebrate a special occasion or a place for casual walk- in meal, here are a few reasons why this place is worth considering. 1. Big Menu: while sojourning in Italy I made a habit of trying a different ristorante or trattoria every evening. The food was always good but I never found a single establishment that had as many offerings as La Scala does. I recommend the Ravioli Pomodora if you like fresh tomatoes. If you're into seafood, give the seafood mac and cheese a try 2. Great Service: Friendly, quick, and when consulted, ready with good suggestions. 3. Great Location: Located just across the street from the Tippecanoe County courthouse, La Scala is easy to find. Weather permitting try dinning on the patio and enjoy the view with your meal.
(4)
Hye Eun C.
My overall experience of this restaurant was positive. The decor was a bit dated and dark and tables were a little too close together. As our friendly waitress seated us and showed us the menu, I was surprised at how large the menu was. Items were arranged by appetizers, pastas, fish, veal, etc. and a wine list, as well. I ordered 2 different types of wine and both were too sweet. I really enjoyed the free garlic bread dipped in herbed olive oil that was given complimentary. It was so good I had 2! My table ordered the antipasti platter which came with a large assortment of mozzarella, tomatoes, roasted sweet peppers, cured meats, olives, and artichokes. For our entrees, we ordered the porcini mushroom pasta with Marsala sauce and the Cajun fettuccine. Both dishes were great, but after filling up on starters, I couldn't finish mine. The wait for the entrees seemed a bit long too, around 30 mins or so. La Scala seems like your bit more upscale ($$) neighborhood Italian joint. It provided solid food and service but I wasn't blown away or anything.
(4)
Kristine P.
My husband and I have only been here twice, but we love it. The decor has recently been updated and it looks very nice. I love their menu. They focus on using local ingredients; very "farm to table" focused, which I appreciate. The owners have recently opened up another restaurant that focuses solely on farm-to-table dining, Restauration. We will have to check that out soon! We ordered the Shrimp & Crab dip for appetizer. There is a little spice to the dish, but both my husband and I love it over a warm garlic crostini. They will also bring out complementary bread and oil for each table. Each entree comes with either soup, Cesar, or side salad. We both ordered the side salad with their balsamic vinaigrette-the dressing was great. My husband ordered one of their house favorites, Tortellini a la Scala. It has their house-made tomato cream sauce. It's a perfect portion and tastes amazing. I ordered the pasta funghi di bosco. It's fettuccine noodles with various mushrooms in a cream sauce. If you love mushrooms, you will love this dish. If you are "okay" with mushrooms, I wouldn't recommend it. It has a strong flavor, which I love, but not everyone may appreciate. We skipped dessert, because we were so full from the bread an pasta but they do have a nice dessert menu to pick from. Maybe next time? We both drink water with our meals, but with our appetizer and two entrees the bill was still under $50. I think this a great price for what you get. A nice atmosphere, great food, and intimate setting. I would highly recommend it for anyone looking for nice dining in downtown Lafayette.
(4)
Veronique L.
Quality Italian food doesn't come to mind right away when I think of Lafayette, Indiana, but my colleagues and I were pleasantly surprised with our dinners. Our group of twelve were able to get seated together on short notice, and more impressively, our checks were handled individually. After being super indecisive about the menu because of the breadth of the options and finding excuses to nosh on the complimentary bread that I dipped in olive oil, I settled on the lasagna platter. (I guess that's not settling if my order came with a classic meat lasagna, ravioli filled with spinach and cheese, and a side of sauteed vegetables.) The plate was $16.45 but considering the portion size, I was really impressed with everything. Great, filling Italian food satisfied me after a day of traveling. They calculated our tips for us ahead of time so paying was made easier. One down side overall to both places I went to for dinner in Lafayette is the slowness of everything - from taking orders to receiving food to getting a check and paying. Maybe there was only one server at each place, but considering how big they both were and how well attended, I would think service would be more efficient.
(4)
Shelly J.
Went here for my birthday! It was absolutely delicious and the staff was very friendly and professional. Sit outside if you can - the patio is quite nice
(5)
Jenifer S.
We arrived without reservations at 7pm on a Friday evening and the place was packed. They kindly told us they'd have a table in about half an hour if we'd come back which we did and they escorted us to the outdoor dining area. This place is clearly very popular due to the good food, despite the slightly harried atmosphere created by staff trying to stay on top of things. We had delicious salads and meatball dishes with beers and mixed drinks and bread and we were very happy with the food and service by Hugo who refreshed our water at the right times and was on top of serving our food, despite the crazy business of the place. We greatly enjoyed this restaurant and can see why it's a local hit. It's also wheelchair accessible, including the bathrooms (but they had stacked chairs in the passageway to the toilets which would make wheelchair passage difficult).
(4)
Kevin K.
The food was prepared to perfection. The atmosphere and service is laid back for a relaxing evening out on the town. The bar area is very comfortable and the decor matches the theme.
(5)
Holly H.
Dinner at La Scala tonight made me think: "Hmmm... Maybe I should spend more time in Lafayette." As a Southern Indiana girl, with an IU background, I have been casually dismissing everything about Lafayette for years. Dinner tonight makes me reconsider. La Scala is a Lafayette staple, serving a wide variety of Italian dishes. The menu is large and fairly comprehensive - they seem to have something for everyone. What I loved more than anything was their commitment to Farm to Fork dining. Their list of local farmers and the integration of local foods into nearly every dish is what will bring me back. The staff was friendly and helpful, while also diligent about not being intrusive. I was having dinner with a colleague and the waiter was cognizant of when your conversations turned serious and when we were more relaxed. Overall, the food was amazing, the atmosphere was quaint, and the service was friendly. So suck it up, fellow crimson and cream alumnae, because something good does come out of Lafayette!
(4)
Nick S.
Second time I've eaten here, disappointed the first time and the second time fell flat again. Front of the house dose a great job, back of the house doesn't know how to treat beef, season dishes, and missed proper flavor profiles.
(1)
Jim M.
Had dinner there with my wife last night and we had an excellent meal. Hugo our waiter was exceptional! Attentive to our needs but not bothersome. I had an excellent pasta dish with scallops and shrimp. Sauce was deliciously rich! My wife had a tomato based pasta dish with fresh spinach that she thought was great. Food is authentic Italian and well worth the mid price level. Drinks from the bar are in my opinion, expensive. That is the only drawback. I have never had a bad meal there, but you may want to enjoy a cocktail or a glass of wine elsewhere!
(5)
Curt B.
Everytime I go here I really want to love this place. Decor: they have recently updated the decor and it looks really nice. It is the perfect enviroment for a date! Waiter: Our waiter was nice and made recommendations, but he seemed like he was stoned and kept forgetting stuff because of it. Food: The food looks good, but the flavor almost always falls short. It is good but it never blows my socks off. Drinks: my wife got a strawberry cocktail and it was amazing. (And very expensive...) Overall it was an okay experience and I will maybe be back, but I will be lowering my expectations.
(3)
Jessie H.
Food 5 Stars! Service 5 Stars! (Thanks Meridith And Hugo!) Ambiance 5 Stars! This Place Is A Lafayette must!
(5)
Chris R.
My girlfriend and I went here for our date night, and simply put this is a nice place. We started with the complementary bread, and calamari friti. Honestly both surprised me. The olive oil was better than at many Italian restaurants and did not need the addition balsamic vinegar (which I asked for out of habit) like many do. The calamari friti were some of the best that I've had. They were less crunchy than many that I've had, but they were not soggy. Additionally they were some of the most tender calamari that I've had the pleasure of eating. The main dishes were less spectacular overall. Both my girlfriend and I ordered pasta and were shocked at the huge portions that we were given, neither of us ended up finishing due to the size. I ordered the Pasta Francesco and she the Beef Gorgonzola Gnocchi. She definitely ordered the better dish, it was very rich and earthy. My dish however was much more plain, although not bad in the slightest, and not very outstanding. We will certain go back here next time she comes out to visit.
(4)
Toni P.
Service was okay. Took an hour just to get our food. Instead of refilling my Italian soda (before our appetizer even came), she waits and asks if I'd want a refill. Yes I'd like a refill. It's $4.00 and my dinner hasn't even arrived. The food was subpar. The Alfredo was tasteless. Total letdown. The Sophia had a good amount of seafood, yet was tasteless. We both were disappointed. While the food was a disappointment, the time and company with my husband with no baby, that was priceless. Actually it cost us $70 but next time we will go someplace else.
(2)
Monique A.
Had the ahi tuna salad and the tuna was cooked all the way through and chewy, which is not how tuna should be prepared. The flavor of the dressing was good and the service was good as well, but the food was disappointing.
(3)
Abel V.
This is my favorite restaurant in town. They do a fantastic job of sourcing locally when they can . The beverage list is fun runs the gambit of prices without being cheap . The tomato basil soup alone is reason to go to la scala. Oh but back to drinks the Italian mojito is a nice dry cocktail made with proseco is baller. Bottles of vino start at 20bucks and they are decent dinner wines ... My wife gets the crispelles with risotto every time we go ... It's that good. I mix it up a bit more and have never been disappointed . Today I had butternut squash risotto and it was stellar. I can't wait to check out their new restaurant up Main Street!
(5)
Kunn T.
This place is real nice for any dinner occasion. I have been here about 4 times throughout my undergraduate years at Purdue and it never fails to impress. The atmosphere is wonderful, the staff are super nice and the food is absolutely amazing. While the price could be high, the food you get in return is absolutely worth the cost. Would recommend to anyone, especially pasta lovers.
(5)
Rachel G.
My first time going to this restaurant. The food and the service were excellent! I sat at the bar with my boyfriend and we both enjoyed our experience. I would recommend this place to anyone.
(5)
Tom V.
We have dined here many times with family and friends. Have never been disappointed with any menu item. The bread, the salads, the pastas and seafoods have always been excellent, as is the service. They are so helpful and knowledgeable and always engage in conversation. Our favorite downtown restaurant for sure, and their new spot up the street was tried today for lunch. It was amazing!!! Local foods, great greens, organic pasta, risotto, and fabulous wait staff service. Loved it as we thought we might, knowing the connection! Wow, real food reigns in Lafayette, IN.
(5)
Rich B.
This is an excellent restaurant if you like Italian. Lots of great choices. Was very busy before the Indiana Purdue basketball game. Wines are good. Great selection of wines from Italy. Had Brea and lamb. Extremely good. My wife also loved. Service was excellent especially considering how busy they were. Definitely recommend this restaurant.
(5)
Rose C.
The food is wonderful here. I don't believe there's ever going to be a bad choice off the menu. The ambience is an upscale cozy jazzy funky thing. I'd give it five stars except for the service... These are bored, stuck up, dismissive young people who just want their day to be over. They manage to smile at your table but as soon add they are done talking... Sometimes before they can even turn around... They are back to being arrogant and apathetic. What a wonderful place this could be... All the other factors are there.
(3)
Gracie D.
Not even Mediocre food, poor carbonation in the sodas and the desserts are frozen. Making reservations is worthless. Made reservations months in advance of a date and they did not honor it. Makes Olive Garden look like high class Italian.
(1)
Mike S.
The food is good enough and portioned well. However, if you're looking for decent service: go elsewhere. I've never had a positive interaction with the hostess staff. Once, I had to wait 15min just to be greeted and find out the wait time, but the most recent time I attempted to dine here was the straw that broke the camels back. I was trying to get info on reservations. After calling multiple times and being put on hold or hung up on each time, I wrote to management and never got a response. If I, as a customer, am not worth the effort of courtesy, then the restaurant is not worth my business. Good food does not excuse poor service and I will not be returning.
(2)
Andriy L.
We are a group of 7 there. It took a long long time to see the food. Italian style, I feel the sauce is too much. Anyway, the waiting time isn't worthwhile, I had higher expectation than that.
(2)
Denise J.
The entrees we had were delicious! No complaints at all. Service good bread they served very tasty. Would recommend and would return!!!
(4)
Mike H.
This was our second visit to La Scala, and I am just not that impressed. The decor is nice, but the food is just mediocre... On both of our visits, the food was just bland. I'm sure that's great for many people but not for us. I felt that it was just overpriced for the food we received...
(3)
E M.
Loved this restaurant !! It's such a gem in this city- great Italian good and the atmosphere can't be beat! Truly worth every penny and didn't find it too pricy at all
(5)
Sofia C.
Our family of 6 were visiting the University of Purdue and decided to try La Scala for lunch after the recommendation of google-map searches. I thought the service and the food were impeccable even when we arrived 10 mins before they were about to close for a mid-afternoon break. With that said, our lunch turned out to be in an almost empty but cozy Italian restaurant filled with smooth blues Louis Armstrong kind of music. The food was delicious! I would go back just for the bruschetta alone :D I was a little sad to not find more pictures on yelp so I uploaded several more. The highlight would be the gnocchi my brother ordered. The truffle icecream we got for dessert were beautifully presented in sleek white rectangular dishes. Next time I would try their chocolate desserts too! With a 5 stars I hope to bump this place to a 4 average :)
(5)
Melissa K.
La Scala is the best Italian food you will find in Lafayette, IN. While that is not saying much, it is actually very good. The ingredients are fresh and everything I have ever had has been really good. Definitely a good choice for a first date or a night out.
(5)
Jennifer V.
Best restaurant I have been to in the area. Everything from the decor to food was just right. My fiance and I sat out on the patio which was perfect for date night. We ordered a bottle of the house red which was some kind of a blend and we were pleasently surprised especially considering its price. We both got seafood pasta dishes and they were both great. The portions were a good size and we both left feeling quite satisfied. We can't wait to go back and try some of the other dishes!
(5)
Karla C.
When we first walked in we were very worried because there was no hostess to be found and the server who kept popping his head around the corner didn't bother to acknowledge our presence with even a "someone will be with you soon" statement. Finally the hostess showed up and she took us right to our seats. After a few minutes with no service she came over and asked if we had been waited on. When we said no she took our drink and appetizer order, brought it out right away, apologized for the wait, told us she would be serving us and that our bruschetta appetizer would be on the house. She was an excellent server and all worked out well. To be fair, it was graduation weekend at Purdue and it was very busy for a Thursday night with all tables taken and several large parties. Although the bruschetta was not crispy, the rest of our meal was great. We had a shrimp and scallop special and Pasta Maria, with a cannoli for desert. All were excellent. We would recommend this restaurant and are happy to give it a solid 4.
(4)
Sharon R.
Two sub par experiences, a few years apart. Both times had a great time anyhow because of company, and the atmosphere of the restaurant is conducive to that. The service was also friendly/helpful both times. The fault is with the food which wasn't any good. I can't remember exactly what I had a few years ago (gnocci?), dessert and coffee. The coffee was pretty bad which was surprising for an Italian restaurant, especially one that is trying to pass as upscale. I don't know if this has changed since that was a few years ago. Just went again and had one of their seafood and pasta dishes. You would hope that for pasta dishes ranging between $15-$20 the seafood would taste fresh but the shrimp tasted really off/fishy. Great... The sauce over the pasta was also not too impressive. I'm not sure what I would recommend this place for...the atmosphere is nice, but there are better places to go just for a drink...so...that's that.
(1)
K S.
Eh. I was here over the weekend for a rather large party. I ordered a chicken dish and out of the 30 people in our party the 3 or 4 of us that ordered that meal came out first. We didnt want to be rude so we waited...little did we know it would be another 15 min before the rest of the food came out. Food was cold and wasnt that great. If im every back in town maybe I will try this place out when im with a smaller group.
(2)
Graham W.
Great food, great service, great atmosphere. Definitely going back. Try the basil chicken when you go.
(4)
Andreas B.
La Scala is one of the finer restuarants in Lafayette for sure. I went there with my girlfriend in the summer and had a great experience. The building itself seems rather old but the decor makes it a nice environment. Sitting outside on the patio when the weather permits makes for terrific evening dinner spot. Just be sure to make a reservation. As far as the menu: Plenty of a variety in the menu at a reasonable price. La Scala definitely provides for a variety of tastes. Speaking of taste, the food tasted great and the portion size was just right. I believe we had some of our meal to take home. Service was pleasant and attentive, the food is good, and I recommend it for a date or a nice family dinner. I'd say this is Italian done properly.
(5)
Jessica T.
Big menu with a ton of different options that sound good. My favorite item is the veal piccata. It's been really good both times I've had it. My favorite thing about la scala is definitely the patio! It is so nice in the summer and spring to be able to sit outside! This restaurant is a good place for a date or somewhere to bring the parents when they come visit. and its reasonably priced for the quality of food!
(4)
Dana A.
Best Italian restaurant in town. My husband and I have never had a bad meal here. Definitely make reservations if you go on the weekend.
(5)
Ravi N.
The food is excellent, however I expect a fine dinning restaurant to have a coat check or a hanger. May be it missed it, but keeping winter coats hanging from your chair feels like you are eating a fresh cooked food in a sporty bar with very good artwork. Not a negative comment but just a different perspective. The dinner was memorable and had been tattooed in my brain.
(4)
Lisa C.
My husband and I love La Scala! It's our go to restaurant for special occasions. We always get fried calamari for an appetizer and tiramisu for dessert. La Scala is the only place that I will eat and enjoy scallops.
(5)
Emily H.
If you're looking for a restaurant with great Italian pasta dishes, this is the place! The seafood dishes are delicious. It's a bit more expensive than taking a trip to Olive Garden, but it's worth the extra cash.
(4)
Tanya S.
The only reason I'm giving La Scala 4 stars instead of 5 is because on the night that I was there, there was nothing available to drink except wine. Barely even hot water for tea. There was something wrong with how the restaurant served their beverages ????? Anyways... The food was very good, service was good and the prices were cheap for Italian.
(4)
Rachel F.
Incredible food. Would be 5 stars, but the 3rd time I went the hostess didn't even take our name for 25 minutes and then didn't apologize at all for the wait. Amazing food. Bad hostess/seating system
(4)
Michael S.
I have eaten at La Scala once in my life. I walked into the restaurant and smelled the odor of feet. It was exactly like a sweaty gym sock. I'm a biochemist, and know that to be the smell of festering bacteria. However, I was there on a lunch date and the girl was pretty so I didnt want to simply walk away. I ordered soup and salad. The soup arrived first, and it became immediately apparent that it was the source of the foot smell. It smelled so bad, that I didnt dare take a taste. My date agreed. We were both completely grossed-out. We told the waiter about our displeasure who said he would check with the chef. Naturally, he came back saying it was completely normal. We left without taking a bite or paying. I have never returned. This experience occurred back in 2008 the restaurant and staff may have completely changed by now.
(1)
PR B.
Service was decent, food was not good. Went with my in-laws to celebrate my mother in-law's birthday. We ordered a bunch of dishes, including a tomato basil soup, a crespelles del mare, brie en croute, bruschetta, risotto, and a few other dishes. Except for the brie en croute, which was decent, everything else was bad. The tomato basil soup was over-seasoned and the underlying chicken stock was detectable; the crespelles was sweet and made me think i was borderline eating dessert, and the risotto was more like babyfood. My wife had the gnocchi and my in laws had a mushroom fettuccine and those were decent. We also ordered a chocolate torte and tiramisu (which apparently is ordered in from Italy). The torte was hard as a brick (we had to use all our might to cut it into pieces) and the tiramisu at Olive Garden is a 1000% better. I would never go back. Sorry, for a $200 in West Lafayette, I expect a way better meal.
(2)
Gregory H.
I enjoy eating at La Scala. The atmosphere is done right, without a doubt. My friend and I have gone here multiple times. If you're looking for a more romantic place to take the date/gf/wife this is a stellar restaurant for that. However, be prepared to pay for it - the prices are higher. My reason for giving La Scala 4 stars is mainly because I believe the food quality doesn't quite justify the prices of the restaurant. The food is definitely good, but not great. Looking for a romantic night out with your significant other? This is the place. Anything else probably leads to a pass.
(4)
Leslie H.
Great bruschetta and prosciutto sandwiches! Their soup bowl can feed 2 people and the price is just right.
(4)
Juan A.
Without a question one of the best restaurants around the Lafayette/ West Lafayette area and a very good Italian restaurant overall. The food is always fresh and flavorful but the best part is the service. We come here often and so far we haven't have a bad experience with either the food or the service. The are usually pack so make sure you make reservations otherwise it would be hard to get a table specially during Friday and Saturday evening. Great place to bring a date or just when you are craving some good Italian....
(4)
Jenny V.
zomg. mahi-mahi a la vodka. NOM.NUMMY.YUMMY. of course i found this place when my bf is a SENIOR at Purdue. this means i have to go visit him a few more times before he graduates. the service was great and the place gets PACKED in a short time. definitely try the tomato bisque-yum. and i had a few bites of the bf's salad- perfecto. he got caesar with the right amount of dressing, unlike some places that pile on dressing. my bf got the ravioli ara gosta, lobster chunks, spinach in a tomato cream sauce on top of jumbo cheese ravioli. SOOOOOOOO GOOOD. please.please.please go try it if you're in the area. i read some reviews and ya'll yelpers are crazy. this place is so good, you're not gonna find a good italian restaurant like this anywhere else in indiana. oh and try the tiramisu-yum!
(5)
Spencer B.
I've been here twice. First time wasn't bad, second time was very good. I got the spicy gnocchi. It was a large portion and was very filling. Had a bloody Maria as well, which is a Bloody Mary with tequila instead of vodka. This was good, but over priced. Good date place.
(4)
Jillian C.
This place is awesome. The shrimp & crab dip is fantastically creamy. It's wonderful but make sure you only have it under two conditions: 1) you are planning a lighter entree or 2) you have a HUGE appetite. The dip is really filling. I always, without fail, get the Lobster Mac n' Cheese. It is beyond incredible. They use orange liqueur in the sauce and you would think it would be a bit weird but it's perfect. The sauce is dreamy and I basically wish I could bathe in it. Oh my gosh, scrumptious. My boyfriend has gotten quite a few entrees, though I can't remember the names, but he has never had anything he hasn't absolutely LOVED. In short, go and indulge. It is so incredibly worth it.
(5)
Jon B.
I'm not sure how some folks can say this is the best in Lafayette. I completely disagree. Service was somewhat slow in taking care of my party. Seating arrangement seemed a bit strange with our table being close to an entry door where our table was bumped by other guests coming in. Onto the food; bread to start was cold. The dipping oil was actually good though. Risotto was dry and clumpy. Chicken was rubbery. Ravioli was drenched in a pesto cream sauce to the point where anything more than a bite was enough. I would also add that our plates were chipped and cracked. They really should take care of that issue. It doesn't add any charm to the mediocre decor.
(1)
Nina R.
I recently brought my in-laws here and had a better experience than I have in the past. I went with the meal recommended by our server, Antonella's Favorites. And everyone else seemed to really enjoy there meal as well. Our sever was quite amusing and coincidentally had some common interests of my husband and I. I don't make a habit of going out to Italian restaurants often, because I cook that ethnicity reasonably often at home. I wouldn't be as apprehensive to bring out of town guests here as I was before. We also came almost as soon as it opened for dinner, so it wasn't as packed as usual in there...
(4)
Zach F.
Best Italian food in the area. Ambiance is very nice and romantic. Perfect place for a date. I would recommend trying their tiramisu. It's excellent.
(4)
C K.
Why is it that La Scala is thought to be such fine dining? The restaurant seems to focus more on quantity versus quality, and while the menu does offer a variety of options (including plenty of vegetarian choices), nearly all of the dishes fall flat. They are much too creamy and heavy and lack seasoning and flavor. Of note, the dressing automatically comes on the side for the Caesar salad, a little annoying because it is difficult to toss the thick dressing with the greens in such a tiny bowl. Service was friendly but fairly incompetent with uneven wine pours, forgetting silverware, etc.
(3)
Nikki S.
I love this place! I tend to get the seafood dishes because I haven't been to very many restaurants in Lafayette with good seafood. And the risottos are AMAZING. I love that taste of soft rice soaking up the soup/sauce flavor :D And I always ALWAYS get Paco's Famous Tomato Basil Soup. Little spicy and incredibly delicious. But I would also like to warn you; don't go when you're super hungry or in a hurry. I've only been there for weekday/weekend dinner but I usually end up waiting good 30 minutes before getting seated, the place is packed (very popular), and the service is bit slow too. This place is more for a leisurely dinner with friends and family because you'll have plenty of time to chat and relax. Also great for romantic dinner, if you like your date :)
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Specialities
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Romantic Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Emily M.
This review is a long time coming, but I couldn't write it for awhile because I worked nearby and I wanted to avoid any encounters with our waitress who I constantly saw out on her smoke break. Let me begin by saying I would probably give 3.5 stars for the food, but the service was -500 stars. We had a large party of people, and the waitress was just plain rude. She barely wanted to give us the time of day, and she made us feel like we were inconveniencing her whenever we asked a question. My friend (a pretty big guy), asked her about some mac and cheese he had seen featured in the paper, and she told him she would see what she could do. When the food came, it literally looked like a bowl of easy mac. He asked if it was from the kids' menu, and she curtly responded, "yeah," and walked away. Then I came to find out that my friend who had ordered tuna had received salmon (or the other way around, I can't remember). I asked her about it, and received just about no response, so I went and found the manager. The manager was no help whatsoever. He said that the waitress had accidentally chosen the kids' mac-n-cheese instead of the one from the lunch menu. (Which is something that she could've mentioned.) He offered to replace it, but by that time, we were almost done eating, and that would've done little good. He absolutely refused to take it off the bill. I also said that my friend had gotten the wrong fish, and his response was "well, he got the more expensive fish, so we're not going to charge him extra if that's what you're asking." NO. That is not what I'm asking. Who cares which fish is more expensive? It's not what he ordered. I also said that the waitress was rude, and the manager responded that she just has a sarcastic sense of humor, so he's sorry if I "don't get it." Now, I am one of the most sarcastic people around, and that was not what she was. She was rude. The manager was unwilling to take anything off the bill, and he asked what he was supposed to do. I told him if he wouldn't make any concessions on the bill, I was extremely uncomfortable with an 18% built-in-tip for deplorable service. (Mind you, if the service had been good, I would've given at least 20%.) The only thing he was willing to do was to knock the tip down to 15%. This is tied for the worst experience I have ever had in a restaurant when it comes to service. And the one that it's tied with? Ended up comp'ing us our meal... So I guess this takes home the prize. And that is really saying a lot.
(1)Megan C.
The atmosphere is nice, especially if the weather is good and you can sit outside. They have good cocktails and good service. This is my first choice for Italian food in the Lafayette area, but it is also the only choice, unless you want the Olive Garden. I think the food is great and the french onion soup is possibly the best I have ever eaten, but it isn't available everyday. It's a good place for a date or when the parents are in town to visit.
(5)Tiffany P.
You'll find a great atmosphere and pretty good food here. It's a good place to take a date and the prices are decent. I would wager that this is the best Italian restaurant in the Lafayette area. It's worth checking out.
(4)Joey C.
The best Italian food in Lafayette. I like that he uses local and sustainable produce and meat.
(5)Kay N.
La Scala is a great little family Italian place. Its casual, but they have a nice wine selection and the food is really good. You won't leave hungry. Great pasta dishes. And I'm a bit fussy about Italian.
(4)Kevin H.
This place is a disaster. Fifteen minutes for the waiter to come to us and then proceeds to tell us about his grueling week. We order appetizers and were disappointed. The calamari clearly comes from a frozen battered mix that comes out looking more like small burnt onion rings than what you would recognize as a fresh seafood appetizer. Disgusting. The bruschetta was soggy and bland. Finally, the seafood dish I ordered included a piece of fish that was unrecognizable. It's listed as "chef's choice" on the menu, but was most likely an old frozen piece of tuna. Your cat would love it, fishy and chewy. The portions are sizable if you enjoy eating a large amount of bad food. The sorbet dessert was excellent which earned it the one star.
(1)Mary M.
Went here for my birthday- it was delicious food and the server paid great attention to us the whole night. It was nice because we didn't feel rushed at all, we sat for two hours over wine, food and dessert. We made reservations online, but since we were they soon after they opened, it wasn't too busy. However, throughout the course of dinner it really picked up and got busy so it's probably a good idea to make a reservation. I had a Bellini to drink, and it was delicious. For dinner my husband got the Salmon and he enjoyed it, and I had the red sauce tortellini which was also delicious. The portions aren't massive which is good for your health, but we still had enough to take home for lunch the next day. Dessert was good, but nothing overwhelmingly special. We got the chocolate cake, which is noted as being made "in house" but it almost reminded me of a Little Debbie snack cake. Still tasty, but nothing really that special. We will go back for another fancy dinner. Being a grad student though- we can't afford to go there regularly.
(4)Jeremy S.
I highly recommend making a reservation online just to be safe. Prompt, friendly service. Loved the cioppino, soup of the day (jambalaya), and sorbet truffle! Underwhelmed by house salad, chicken ripieno, bruschetta, calamari and gelato. Plenty on the menu to give this place another try.
(3)Linda E.
The best thing is they use local food, meat and vegetables. Fresh and Local!! Great food! Love the Lobster & Shrimp Mac & Cheese! Marvelous! Plus you can get whole wheat and gluten free pastas!
(5)Tiffany L.
This place is by far, the best Italian restaurant I've been to. I found this place my senior year at Purdue but we visit La Scala every time I am back in Lafayette. The service is impeccable. The servers are always ready to give a good suggestion or wine match, as they have a very extensive menu. This place does get packed very quick, so I always make a reservation here for dinner. The food is always amazing. They start you out with the best free bread I've had. The appetizers and main entrees always come in generous portions. My personal favorite dish here is the ravioli or chicken florentine. Great food, great service, great ambiance = a luxurious Italian experience and the best bang for my buck.
(5)Diva D.
La Scala is a great place. It is nicer dining without being a fussy place. Every time I have been there (for lunches, dinner, weekend, or through the week) the patrons are a mix of casual, smart casual and semi-formal. It is a place that is both date-night friendly and (well-behaved) family friendly. My teens and younger child all love the food and the way the servers treat them as customers who are just as important to please as the rich couple sitting at the next table. The food is quite good and very filling. We usually opt for pasta-type dishes. A surprise hit with the teens is the lobster mac n cheese. The youngest enjoys the pizza and the spaghetti and meatball. Chef Paco uses locally sourced ingredients as much as possible, and many come from his own small farm. Dishes can be customized, and we've never had a problem asking for little touches like tweaking spices a bit for dishes. Portions are big and leftovers reheat very well for lunch at work the next day.
(5)Lauren M.
The Scala is one of the best restaurants in Lafayette. The environment is very fun and relaxing inside, and outside you get to enjoy great views of the courthouse. My boyfriend always gets the Tortellini Carbonara which he loves and fills him up. I have tried the gnocchi and some seafood pasta, and I preferred the gnocchi. We had a bottle of chianti with our dinner and two desserts which were both AMAZING. Make sure you leave room. My only criticism would be that the salads are just okay and the prices can be a little high for pasta.
(5)Michelle L.
There is no other place in Lafayette that comes close to La Scala not only Italian wise but overall restaurant. The restaurant is so authentic and every pasta I have gotten there exceeds my expectations. It has adorable outside seating for when it is actually nice out and inside it is very romantic and cozy.
(5)Dee O.
This was a really nice restaurant. I will try to see if I can get my friend to back back there tonight. It is located down town Lafayette, right across from the court house. They have great outdoor seating for nice days. Service was quick and friendly. GREAT drinks. Good vegetarian selections. They did run out of the chocolate cake but I shouldn't have been eating that anyways. They also state that they use local products. How awesome is that. Comes highly recommended.
(4)Lauren L.
Bottom line: cute cozy atmosphere, no substance. Perfect date for that hot guy/girl you've been eying even though you know he/she has no personality! I have several friends who have made this place part of their date night traditions. I want to like this place, I really do. Farm to fork? I'm in! Non-chain Italian restaurant in downtown Lafayette? I'm in! The downfall of this place (in my opinion) is that they sacrifice quality for selection. The menu is something along the lines of six pages worth of food options. In the Risotto category alone there were three offerings. That's awesome, if you can make every single one of those dishes a quality offering. The problem is that La Scala doesn't. I dined with a group of 8, so there were plenty of dishes for me to try. The tomato basil bisque is smooth and creamy (almost no chunks in case that's a make it or break it for you). I had Kirsten's risotto. I found the chicken to be rubbery, there was far too much chicken for how much rice there was, and everything was drenched in melted cheese as though that was supposed to hide the fact that my dish was sub par. Boyfriend had the tri color tortellini, which was good, but not too much better than your average chain restaurant similar offering. We also started with bruschetta... if that was what that was supposed to be. It was covered in pesto and cheese, and finding the chopped tomato was like finding the golden ticket. It was soggy and just underwhelming. All of the dishes came out looking like they'd been sunbathing under the heat lamp, and it was just generally an underwhelming experience. At around $14-15 a plate for pasta, and $18 for meat entrees, I would expect more.
(2)Courtney B.
If you are not child friendly, then do NOT advertise kids lunch specials. Despite the whole general idea of La Scalla being wonderful (uses local produce, has gluten free pasta) they are horrible. And when I say they, I mean the people who work there. This is supposed to be a 'family restaurant' yet when families go in, they are not treated. And I mean at all. Personal experience has taught me that if you bring kids to the advertised lunch for kids, they will make you wait 30 minutes to ask what type of drink you want until the children are screaming from hunger and then ask you to be quite. Then they wait another 20 minutes to take your order, and then another long period to bring your food out. So finally, the children are in an uproar and too upset to actually stay and eat so you ask for a to-go box. If you are lucky, then the manager does not stop you on the way out and say never bring your kids again. Like I said, this was personal experience, and I heartily approve of the food to fork premise, but one bad experience has ruined any thing I saw as good in this restaurant.
(1)Kathleen F.
Let me say first, I prefer to eat at locally owned restaurants. I have been at LaScala for lunch and found the soups Ok. I hadn't had dinner there in 3 or more years. A friend and I decided to give them a try the other night. I thought the farm to fork idea would be a good thing, however, I Iearned that they purchase all their pastas. They buy their salad dressings. Non is made in house - this might be the reason a previous reviewer called their food mediocre. I gave their crepes a try hoping they make those in house. The dish was ok except for ice cream scoup of Risotto plopped in the middle of the plate. Very unappealing in looks and taste. I wish for a true Italian restaurant with homeade pasta, sauces, dressings and bread in the Lafayette area. I wonder if La Scala has ever thought of reducing their menu by a couple pages and experiment with Pasta Machine. I would give them another try then.
(2)Tavish L.
I flew halfway across the country on an idle Tuesday afternoon *just* to experience this authentic Italian cuisine that has been heralded by food connoisseurs all over the state of Indiana. There was simply no way I could be disappointed. It just...wasn't...possible... I should have known. I should have known from the lack of Italian wine selections. I should have known from the disingenuously deceiving depictions of Italian art hanging from the walls. I should have known when my waitress spilled water on my lap before dunking a marinara stained lemon slice into this same glass of water. (Okay, I really didn't mind that at all -- in case you're reading!) But really though, the service was embarrassingly slow. Something I can forgive if the food still delivers. Unfortunately the tortellini carbonara was hella over-salted and the pasta overcooked. My colleague's gnocchi was subpar at best, and I hijacked my neighbors meatball only to leave 3/4 of it on my plate. I'm not sure how this Italian fare compares to the rest of what Lafayette has to offer, but next time I may just hit up the Steak 'N Shake.
(2)Jon C.
Ahhh, La Scala. Certainly the best Italian in Lafayette without even a question. My favorite thing about them is that they farm some of their ingredients themselves and what they don't, they get from other local producers whenever possible and cost-effective for them. More restaurants need to start doing this. I'd even say *all* should do it. Their menu is huge; supposedly a Big Sin in the fine dining world, but they manage to pull it off. Everything on it is good I'd imagine. I've not had it all, but a fair bit of it. Gratinee del Mar is probably my favorite. It may be close to 20,000 calories for the whole portion, and I doubt I could eat the whole thing anymore, but it's insanely good. Crab and scallops and other seafood and cheese and pasta and probably some crack too. I have been here numerous times, during peak hours and non peak hours, on holidays and non-holidays, and I've never, ever, seriously, not once, received the bad service mentioned in some of the prior reviews. In fact quite the opposite; the service here has always been the best I've received anywhere. Not slow, not rude, and while I don't have children, I've seen plenty of families with children dine here and they did not receive slow or rude service that I witnessed either. Bottom line: La Scala is not only the best Italian in Lafayette, it's one of the best restaurants in town, period.
(5)Bill S.
Yes, you have to search for a parking spot.......but the service is top-notch and only outclassed by the food. The food is culinary perfection. We order the Bruschetta every time because it's amazing and we have yet to order something we didn't like.
(5)Jodi G.
It was ok. Not great. Service started off good but did not end well. We ended up going up to the front to pay our bill because the server got lost. I had the tomato basil soup which was good but too greasy for a tomato soup. They bring out bread w oil...the bread was ok. The oil was better quality than most Italian restaurants in the US. I had the seafood Risotto which was really good. The scallops were cooked perfectly and were smooth & sweet. The shrimp & mussels were good as well. The Risotto was a lil different style but very tasty. The interior of the restaurant needs revamping BIG TIME! I know a beautiful place doesn't guarantee good food and service, but it helps.
(3)Xopher D.
A local Italian restaurant with potential, though right now it feels like it's just coasting. There is a lot to be said for what the menu attempts, and sometimes it succeeds. But with the misses, one wonders if the hits come in spite of itself. Cioppino is rich and tomatoey, with no skimping on the seafood. The red pepper cream sauce is similarly fulsome. Pasta is usually al dente, but sometimes veeringly dangerously close to overdone. The pesto dipping sauce for the bread is tasty, but what happened to the bread? In a town where the local grocery puts out a decent ciabatta, why is La Scala's bread limp and practically tasteless? And speaking of bread, why is the shrimp in every dish butterflied and lightly breaded? For cioppino, especially, that makes no sense, and actually adds an off-putting texture. The restaurant is popular and it's often impossible to get a seat on weekends without a reservation. Noise levels are loud when the place is full. Service has always been friendly and attentive during our visits, and we've never waited too long for our orders. So while I want to like La Scala a lot, it still reminds me of the odd cousin whose visits are best relegated to the annual reunion.
(3)Joyeta S.
Best Italian place around here! :) Good food and ambience. Try the KIRSTEN'S RISOTTO ...yumm..
(5)Stefanie S.
I heard a couple of good things about this place, but I was not impressed! The first thing that went wrong was my Italian Margarita. The flavor was horrible, watered down, and low quality. They would not replace it, only try and enhance it. The bartender tried to make it better by adding a few extra ingredients and blending it, but it was not going to happen. My boyfriend ended up drinking it for me to save me the trouble. The bread was really boring and frankly not that good and the salad was about the same. My main meal was a cream based seafood pasta that looked delicious but tasted horrible. The sauce was literally cream with a touch of salt and pepper and the seafood tasted a bit old. I had a ton of leftovers so I took them home, but I pitched them the next day. The service was really poor and I felt like we were flagging down our server for everything we needed, he just refused to stop by our table for whatever reason. Olive Garden is a million times better than this place.
(1)Aimee J.
I love to eat lunch at La Scala. Their Italian food is so delicious. They are happy to make special orders. I am sensitive to garlic so I was reluctant to eat there for a long time. One day I heard how good La Scala is about accommodating food allergies and sensitivities. It's true, and now I have been there many times. Their food portions are very generous. I love how they buy meat and produce from local growers. The only reason I didn't give it all 5 stars is because the interior needs to be renovated to match the quality food, drinks and service you will find at La Scala.
(4)Tao Tao W.
went last night as a going away dinner for one of our friends. the 4 of us got appetizers, drinks, main meals, and dessert. The waitress we had was super nice and fun and appreciated our humor. I got the lasanga platter which include lasanga, a giant ravioli, and veggies. The ravioli was excellent but the lasanga was a little dry. we got calamari as a appetizer which was pretty good as well. The drink i got was the bloody mojito which was a little too peppery. For dessert, the four of us split a tirimisu and the lemon tart which both were really good. overall, great italian plan. should be a 4.5 only cause of the lasanga. atmosphere was great and service was great.
(4)Toni D.
I have been here several times and have only ever had one issue with the food and they quickly and efficiently fixed it. You have to try their tomato-basil soup! It is to die for! Staff is always friendly and attentive, love the atmosphere.
(5)Meg M.
La Scala could be a place where you can sit outside with your girlfriends in the summer drinking wine, eating pasta, and chatting. But sadly, it's not. First of all, the menu is overwhelmingly long. I would rather go to a restaurant that does a smaller variety of dishes, but does them very well. If you do go there, I would recommend one of the baked seafood pasta dishes. They stay hot even when you're eating outside. I'd like to give this restaurant a high rating because I am all about supporting local restaurants that aren't chains. However, I was very turned off by the service the last time I was there. There is a very narrow walk way in between tables and I was almost plowed over 3 times by the same worker. We were ignored at the hostess stand and then seated too close to the wall. The wait staff was young and inexperienced. And I was more than a little bothered by them flirting with one another. Very unprofessional, but that's what you get when you hire high-schoolers.
(2)Dennis C.
One of my favorite restaurants located in the heart of downtown Lafayette. La Scala features a great variety of Italian specialites. I particulary like going there for lunch and their daily pasta specials are my usual choice. Many items use organic ingrediants from local sources such as the farmers market and on good days you can dine outside!
(4)Drew G.
While this is better than any chain 'italian' restaurant in town there is still something missing and this place isn't really what it used to be. They have a great selection on the menu....but it's almost too much to take in. The food is good but its not great, for a chef owned place that touts the use of local and fresh ingredients on their menu I would expect the food to back it up. However, if I am in the mood for italian in this town this is usually where I end up. The service leaves a lot to be desired
(4)Orzo R.
Food is not authentic Italian at all. Bread soft and awful. Americana Italian food!! Yikes. Great service by the wait staff was the only saving grace.
(1)Michael V.
The Lafayette area doesn't have anything close to authentic Italian, La Scala is as close as it gets. The food is mediocre and my Italian girlfriend wasn't willing to back. The patio in the summer evenings is worth visiting, even if just for dessert and outdoor seating.
(2)Michelle S.
I've eaten here twice before and enjoyed the experience. Good food, great service. I was disappointed today at lunch to find a dead ladybug in my Caesar salad. Actually it wasn't so much the ladybug that disappointed me (stuff happens, and I'm really not squeamish) but I'd kind of expect a manager to come to the table and apologize, and maybe comp my meal, or at least the salad. But I don't remember the waiter even getting very concerned. This happens that often? Next time I guess I will scream and swoon to get their attention.
(2)Dalila H.
When I think of authentic Italian this is the closest in this town. The wait staff are above average most of the time. The food itself has always been above average. And the seating is always comfortable. I don't advise going on New Year's Eve or Valentine's Day the service drops a bit but you could say that about all eateries on those dates.
(4)Rachel W.
La Scala is kind of a hole in the wall Italian restaurant with plenty of offerings. I eat gluten free and I was able to find plenty to satisfy my hunger. Our party started off with the Tuscan Baked Brie (Brie wheel baked with chopped garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and pine nuts-all wrapped in tender puff pastry. Served warm with our homemade garlic crostini). I didn't eat this due to gluten, but the rest of my party enjoyed it immensely. It disappeared swiftly. My husband and I ordered two meals to share. The first was the Genovese gnocchi. It's described on the menu as "our basil pesto and fresh tomato". I was expecting something a little more pesto-y, but this was pretty good. Not as great as I was hoping, but definitely good. We also ordered the Seafood Risotto (Shrimp, scallops, and little neck clams sautéed with fresh herbs and tomato adorn this creamy white wine parmesan sauce risotto). This was wonderful! Gluten free diners should also know that La Scala has gluten free pastas and appeared to be very knowledgeable about gluten free dining. I should also note that the Roasted Garlic Balsamic Vinaigrette was fabulous! We were too full for dessert, but definitely enjoyed our meals. I'd go again when I'm back in Lafayette.
(4)Plawooth C.
I like the food. I ordered the chicken risotto and it tasted pretty good. probably one of the best italian restaurants around here
(4)Ruth A.
I like La Scala because it's an authentic Italian American place. As a displaced New Yorker, that's my go-to comfort restaurant. And I can have that experience when I go: I can order prosecco, wine, calamari, and a pasta or risotto. Some of my main course selections have hit the mark, but others have just tasted a little off in flavor. Overall, it doesn't ruin my experience, but I'd really love this place if there were more consistency. As it is, I like going there to feel like I'm treating myself to a fun dinner out, but it doesn't replace a good Italian meal I'd get when I visit family in NY.
(3)Kevin O.
I wanted to truly like this place, but much like the other reviewers, I just couldn't. La Scala is in a fantastic part of town, right across the courthouse on the square, and they interior is nothing short of cozy and warm with a classic Sicilian design. However, the design is the closest it gets to being authentic. As a big fan and stickler of Italian food, as well as, a person who values his money, I came away from La Scala disappointed. On my first visit I ordered Chicken and alfredo dish that came out luke-warm with rubbery noodles and bland taste. It seemed to be only lightly seasoned with any herbs or garlic, if it was at all. Upon my second visit, during lunch, and ordered the Courthouse Sandwich, and thought it was only slightly better, but not for the 9 dollars that I paid for it. There are better places for authentic Italian food, and you would probably even do better going to the Olive Garden.
(2)Adam W.
Wife and I ate here last Saturday. Came late at about 8ish. Sat quickly towards the back of the main room. Drink menu was interesting. I ordered a black raspberry bellini and it was pretty much sparkling wine in a small glass with a splash of chambord and an assload of raspberries. Far too many raspberries and far too small for the price. We were served bread and olive oil with crushed basil and some red pepper sprinkled in it. Was fine. We ordered the shrimp and crab dip and it was served with a toasted garlic cracker thing. The dip was very tasty. The Caesar salads were good-sized and the croutons were great. The salads had a little too much dressing toward the bottom. I ordered Wild Salmon Aragosta, which was fish in a lobster cream sauce. Lucky I did, because the fish itself was overcooked and the sauce did a good job of masking this. My wife ordered the Tuna Limone style and again the fish was overcooked but the sauce overpowered the flavor anyways. One thing, they were out of orange roughy, but didn't tell us until we tried to order it. I don't like when restaurants do this. We spent 15 minutes looking over menus and waiting to have our entree order taken and then, boom, can't get what we want. On a side note, I'm not a fish aficionado by any means, but I doubt that salmon was Wild. There was probably a half pound on my plate, which alone should've cost them about $9. The entire entree itself was only $19. I don't care too much because I ordered it expecting it to be normal salmon anyways. You cant always blame the restaurant for this, since this is a problem endemic to the fresh fish industry where a fish is sold as Wild but in reality is not. We enjoyed out meal and the leftovers reheated nicely.
(4)Brandon L.
Food was good, but atmosphere was lacking.
(2)Gail A.
I want to like La Scala. I really do. And while it has a pleasant atmosphere, and decent service, the food is just mediocre. On my first visit, I had the pesto pasta. I LOVE pesto, so I had high hopes. But it was such a disappointment. Something was very lacking - salt or garlic or both. Very blah dish. On the second visit I ordered a pasta with olive oil, garlic, tomatoes and herbs. Again, extremely bland. And the noodles were mushy and overcooked. Admittedly, I like big, bold flavors. So those who prefer light seasoning might enjoy it quite a bit. A good place to take your parents when you graduate. But it's not a place for Italian cuisine connoisseurs.
(3)Chris E.
La Scala has an attribute I always try to support--it is a small chef-owned place. I would have given the place a 3 star 4 years ago, but something's changed, and I can't seem to pin point it. The pasta doesn't taste as fresh, and the ingredients aren't exciting anymore, and the service has definitely gone downhill. Most of the pasta dishes taste bland and generic. There are 3 redeeming qualities left in my book for La Scala--the dessert menu, the focaccia, and the fact that they would custom made your pasta dish to order, but since the desserts are probably all premade sent to them in frozen boxes, technically there's only 2 redeeming qualities left, and it's just not quite enough to bring me back.
(2)Andrew B.
I used to love this place, but it has gone downhill over the past few years. I used to look forward to eating here, but now I will go out of my way to not eat here. Their risotto tastes like a pack of Uncle Ben's rice, and their sangria was very very watered down. I have had other dishes here, as well, but they fail to inspire one to try these recipes again. Too bad:(
(2)S G.
Ah, La Scala. Situated in a perfect, beautiful little building, with a great patio during the summer, and trying to use fresh, local ingredients whenever possible. Locally owned. Service is usually friendly. I should love you, La Scala. But I don't. I'm not sure if the food has gotten worse over the years, or if the charm of the atmosphere has worn off, but I don't ever suggest going to eat here any more. You don't really do anything well, and do a few things sub-par. You should cut that menu in half and concentrate on doing those dishes really well. Let's be honest, ten seafood dishes (not including fish!) is too much for any restaurant that's not a seafood restaurant to do well. Maybe you only need 6 pasta options instead of eleven. Too often what I and the people I've been with have ordered has been very, very mediocre. Which is unacceptable when you're pushing Bluefin and Bistro 501 prices. Sure, it's probably the best Italian place in town, but let's be honest, that's not saying much. I wanna like you La Scala. Do your thing well, don't try to do everything, and if you really believe in this Farm to Fork movement, shouldn't your menu be small and ever-changing?
(2)Linda G.
One of the best! Fresh food! great service. Drinks are great. Cucumber Martini fresh!
(5)Angelica G.
La Scala is a very charming place, where we usually went to before school dances back in high school. I've always wanted to go in the summer as well because they have a nice outdoor space. The service is neither fantastic nor bad. I've got to say that I love my waiters to be helpful but not over the top, which is what they've got. Now to the important stuff: the food. The pasta dishes are traditional, so go for something different here like seafood or salad dishes.
(4)Karthik N.
Good food. The taste is really good, but a bit pricey for the place.
(4)Julie M.
Disappointing....we made reservations for a special birthday. We were seated right away and our waitress said she would be right back with our water and never came back . We waited 15 minutes and I was just about to go up and ask for water and she then brought it-saying all the glasses were dirty ( ew!) She took our orders and our appetizer came out quickly and was good. Our waitress was pretty inattentive and we waited frequently between refills of our drinks. Our food came out and my chicken parmigiana was burnt all around the edges ( not just crispy---charred) I would have sent it back but our waitress never came back to check how the food was. I tried eating it by trimming off the burnt part but the whole chicken breast was very dry (like a crispy tenderloin). The pasta and marinara were good and everyone else in my party liked their food so I let it go. However when the waitress picked up my plate I showed her the burnt part and told her I didn't really care for it and she didn't say a word. We were so jealous of the table next to us because their waiter was so attentive! We left a 15% tip and we usually are very generous tippers. We won't be back.
(2)Rick B.
My wife and I really enjoy this place; probably our favorite spot in town. They added a bar last year, which was a major plus. Highly varied menu, very good wine list. Food presentation is very good. Good veal dishes for those who like it
(4)Shweta C.
So I went to La Scala with my husband yesterday after he being forcing me to come and eat there as it was one of the great italian food he ever had. So we went for lunch....ordered a bruchetta and main entree. they first got us salad and it was ceaser salad with stale leaves. we didnt eat thinking it might not be good. then appetizer came it was stale too. main course was something we were now not looking forward to. it was terrible when it arrived. I was very hungry I ate some. My husband didnt even touch it. Well I ate and later my stomach started hurting and I had to take tablet. Well its terrible place, extremly bad exterior and reason for worst service is since the business got taken over by another owner sometime in january and since then its terrible earlier it was really good.
(1)Kay O.
Previously, I was never a fan of Italian food. Spaghetti wasn't my thing, and ravioli was disgusting. TOTALLY CHANGED MY MIND! La Scala is quaint, quiet (relatively) and perfect for special occasions. The food here has blown my mind, and we're almost regulars here for anniversary and Valentine's Day dinners. If you want authentic, not very pricey Italian food, this is the place to go. You won't regret it.
(5)Mark R.
La Scala definitely has a great atmosphere. Being a big fan of locally owned restaurants, I felt more at home than eating at a chain. The food, while maybe not the finest Italian cuisine available, is delicious and the portions are generous. Great place to take a date, your family, or just friends.
(4)Amy J.
This was my roommates and I's favorite place in college. Two of our best friends worked there, so that's how we discovered it. A great little Italian place in downtown Lafayette. Everything on the menu is good, and the service is excellent. They even have a cute little outdoor patio. Attire is casual, or dressy. Kind of up to you. It could really go either way. We went here for our "post graduation" dinner with our parents and they were very impressed as well. Great food, and awesome atmosphere. Love it, miss it. :)
(5)Jaime E.
Really good, fresh food and they use local ingredients when they can...some even coming from their own farm. I'm a big fan of the baked brie and ravioli. And love the patio in the summer!
(4)Laurel W.
I like La Scala. As far as the cuisine is concerned, there are definitely better restaurants as far as taste and authenticity is concerned, but they definitely hold their own. I would choose this place over Olive Garden any day, even though it's a little more expensive. It's a small restaurant, but the atmosphere is nice. It's a great place to go on a date, or if it's nice out, they have a nice outdoor seating area that looks out onto the square.
(4)Amy D.
This place is about like going to Olive Garden, but in a better building. If you are looking for real Italian, go somewhere else. They are in a great old building downtown and have a nice outdoor area, but the food isn't that great even though the portions are huge. I had the risotto, and I have to say that even my first attempt at risotto was better than what I had at La Scala. The wine list is average and the service is hit or miss. If you are looking for Italian in Lafayette, you would do better to call me than go to this place.
(1)Kris A.
La Scala has a huge and varied menu. There is something for everyone here. They offer many pasta options including whole grain and gluten free. The chef is always willing to make substitutions and accomidations. The wine and drink menu selection if great. The atmosphere bright and colorul featuring different local artists work. The portions are large and the price reasonable for an upper scale restraunt.
(4)David M.
The gold standard for Italian cuisine in "the Lafayettes." Whether your looking for a place to celebrate a special occasion or a place for casual walk- in meal, here are a few reasons why this place is worth considering. 1. Big Menu: while sojourning in Italy I made a habit of trying a different ristorante or trattoria every evening. The food was always good but I never found a single establishment that had as many offerings as La Scala does. I recommend the Ravioli Pomodora if you like fresh tomatoes. If you're into seafood, give the seafood mac and cheese a try 2. Great Service: Friendly, quick, and when consulted, ready with good suggestions. 3. Great Location: Located just across the street from the Tippecanoe County courthouse, La Scala is easy to find. Weather permitting try dinning on the patio and enjoy the view with your meal.
(4)Hye Eun C.
My overall experience of this restaurant was positive. The decor was a bit dated and dark and tables were a little too close together. As our friendly waitress seated us and showed us the menu, I was surprised at how large the menu was. Items were arranged by appetizers, pastas, fish, veal, etc. and a wine list, as well. I ordered 2 different types of wine and both were too sweet. I really enjoyed the free garlic bread dipped in herbed olive oil that was given complimentary. It was so good I had 2! My table ordered the antipasti platter which came with a large assortment of mozzarella, tomatoes, roasted sweet peppers, cured meats, olives, and artichokes. For our entrees, we ordered the porcini mushroom pasta with Marsala sauce and the Cajun fettuccine. Both dishes were great, but after filling up on starters, I couldn't finish mine. The wait for the entrees seemed a bit long too, around 30 mins or so. La Scala seems like your bit more upscale ($$) neighborhood Italian joint. It provided solid food and service but I wasn't blown away or anything.
(4)Kristine P.
My husband and I have only been here twice, but we love it. The decor has recently been updated and it looks very nice. I love their menu. They focus on using local ingredients; very "farm to table" focused, which I appreciate. The owners have recently opened up another restaurant that focuses solely on farm-to-table dining, Restauration. We will have to check that out soon! We ordered the Shrimp & Crab dip for appetizer. There is a little spice to the dish, but both my husband and I love it over a warm garlic crostini. They will also bring out complementary bread and oil for each table. Each entree comes with either soup, Cesar, or side salad. We both ordered the side salad with their balsamic vinaigrette-the dressing was great. My husband ordered one of their house favorites, Tortellini a la Scala. It has their house-made tomato cream sauce. It's a perfect portion and tastes amazing. I ordered the pasta funghi di bosco. It's fettuccine noodles with various mushrooms in a cream sauce. If you love mushrooms, you will love this dish. If you are "okay" with mushrooms, I wouldn't recommend it. It has a strong flavor, which I love, but not everyone may appreciate. We skipped dessert, because we were so full from the bread an pasta but they do have a nice dessert menu to pick from. Maybe next time? We both drink water with our meals, but with our appetizer and two entrees the bill was still under $50. I think this a great price for what you get. A nice atmosphere, great food, and intimate setting. I would highly recommend it for anyone looking for nice dining in downtown Lafayette.
(4)Veronique L.
Quality Italian food doesn't come to mind right away when I think of Lafayette, Indiana, but my colleagues and I were pleasantly surprised with our dinners. Our group of twelve were able to get seated together on short notice, and more impressively, our checks were handled individually. After being super indecisive about the menu because of the breadth of the options and finding excuses to nosh on the complimentary bread that I dipped in olive oil, I settled on the lasagna platter. (I guess that's not settling if my order came with a classic meat lasagna, ravioli filled with spinach and cheese, and a side of sauteed vegetables.) The plate was $16.45 but considering the portion size, I was really impressed with everything. Great, filling Italian food satisfied me after a day of traveling. They calculated our tips for us ahead of time so paying was made easier. One down side overall to both places I went to for dinner in Lafayette is the slowness of everything - from taking orders to receiving food to getting a check and paying. Maybe there was only one server at each place, but considering how big they both were and how well attended, I would think service would be more efficient.
(4)Shelly J.
Went here for my birthday! It was absolutely delicious and the staff was very friendly and professional. Sit outside if you can - the patio is quite nice
(5)Jenifer S.
We arrived without reservations at 7pm on a Friday evening and the place was packed. They kindly told us they'd have a table in about half an hour if we'd come back which we did and they escorted us to the outdoor dining area. This place is clearly very popular due to the good food, despite the slightly harried atmosphere created by staff trying to stay on top of things. We had delicious salads and meatball dishes with beers and mixed drinks and bread and we were very happy with the food and service by Hugo who refreshed our water at the right times and was on top of serving our food, despite the crazy business of the place. We greatly enjoyed this restaurant and can see why it's a local hit. It's also wheelchair accessible, including the bathrooms (but they had stacked chairs in the passageway to the toilets which would make wheelchair passage difficult).
(4)Kevin K.
The food was prepared to perfection. The atmosphere and service is laid back for a relaxing evening out on the town. The bar area is very comfortable and the decor matches the theme.
(5)Holly H.
Dinner at La Scala tonight made me think: "Hmmm... Maybe I should spend more time in Lafayette." As a Southern Indiana girl, with an IU background, I have been casually dismissing everything about Lafayette for years. Dinner tonight makes me reconsider. La Scala is a Lafayette staple, serving a wide variety of Italian dishes. The menu is large and fairly comprehensive - they seem to have something for everyone. What I loved more than anything was their commitment to Farm to Fork dining. Their list of local farmers and the integration of local foods into nearly every dish is what will bring me back. The staff was friendly and helpful, while also diligent about not being intrusive. I was having dinner with a colleague and the waiter was cognizant of when your conversations turned serious and when we were more relaxed. Overall, the food was amazing, the atmosphere was quaint, and the service was friendly. So suck it up, fellow crimson and cream alumnae, because something good does come out of Lafayette!
(4)Nick S.
Second time I've eaten here, disappointed the first time and the second time fell flat again. Front of the house dose a great job, back of the house doesn't know how to treat beef, season dishes, and missed proper flavor profiles.
(1)Jim M.
Had dinner there with my wife last night and we had an excellent meal. Hugo our waiter was exceptional! Attentive to our needs but not bothersome. I had an excellent pasta dish with scallops and shrimp. Sauce was deliciously rich! My wife had a tomato based pasta dish with fresh spinach that she thought was great. Food is authentic Italian and well worth the mid price level. Drinks from the bar are in my opinion, expensive. That is the only drawback. I have never had a bad meal there, but you may want to enjoy a cocktail or a glass of wine elsewhere!
(5)Curt B.
Everytime I go here I really want to love this place. Decor: they have recently updated the decor and it looks really nice. It is the perfect enviroment for a date! Waiter: Our waiter was nice and made recommendations, but he seemed like he was stoned and kept forgetting stuff because of it. Food: The food looks good, but the flavor almost always falls short. It is good but it never blows my socks off. Drinks: my wife got a strawberry cocktail and it was amazing. (And very expensive...) Overall it was an okay experience and I will maybe be back, but I will be lowering my expectations.
(3)Jessie H.
Food 5 Stars! Service 5 Stars! (Thanks Meridith And Hugo!) Ambiance 5 Stars! This Place Is A Lafayette must!
(5)Chris R.
My girlfriend and I went here for our date night, and simply put this is a nice place. We started with the complementary bread, and calamari friti. Honestly both surprised me. The olive oil was better than at many Italian restaurants and did not need the addition balsamic vinegar (which I asked for out of habit) like many do. The calamari friti were some of the best that I've had. They were less crunchy than many that I've had, but they were not soggy. Additionally they were some of the most tender calamari that I've had the pleasure of eating. The main dishes were less spectacular overall. Both my girlfriend and I ordered pasta and were shocked at the huge portions that we were given, neither of us ended up finishing due to the size. I ordered the Pasta Francesco and she the Beef Gorgonzola Gnocchi. She definitely ordered the better dish, it was very rich and earthy. My dish however was much more plain, although not bad in the slightest, and not very outstanding. We will certain go back here next time she comes out to visit.
(4)Toni P.
Service was okay. Took an hour just to get our food. Instead of refilling my Italian soda (before our appetizer even came), she waits and asks if I'd want a refill. Yes I'd like a refill. It's $4.00 and my dinner hasn't even arrived. The food was subpar. The Alfredo was tasteless. Total letdown. The Sophia had a good amount of seafood, yet was tasteless. We both were disappointed. While the food was a disappointment, the time and company with my husband with no baby, that was priceless. Actually it cost us $70 but next time we will go someplace else.
(2)Monique A.
Had the ahi tuna salad and the tuna was cooked all the way through and chewy, which is not how tuna should be prepared. The flavor of the dressing was good and the service was good as well, but the food was disappointing.
(3)Abel V.
This is my favorite restaurant in town. They do a fantastic job of sourcing locally when they can . The beverage list is fun runs the gambit of prices without being cheap . The tomato basil soup alone is reason to go to la scala. Oh but back to drinks the Italian mojito is a nice dry cocktail made with proseco is baller. Bottles of vino start at 20bucks and they are decent dinner wines ... My wife gets the crispelles with risotto every time we go ... It's that good. I mix it up a bit more and have never been disappointed . Today I had butternut squash risotto and it was stellar. I can't wait to check out their new restaurant up Main Street!
(5)Kunn T.
This place is real nice for any dinner occasion. I have been here about 4 times throughout my undergraduate years at Purdue and it never fails to impress. The atmosphere is wonderful, the staff are super nice and the food is absolutely amazing. While the price could be high, the food you get in return is absolutely worth the cost. Would recommend to anyone, especially pasta lovers.
(5)Rachel G.
My first time going to this restaurant. The food and the service were excellent! I sat at the bar with my boyfriend and we both enjoyed our experience. I would recommend this place to anyone.
(5)Tom V.
We have dined here many times with family and friends. Have never been disappointed with any menu item. The bread, the salads, the pastas and seafoods have always been excellent, as is the service. They are so helpful and knowledgeable and always engage in conversation. Our favorite downtown restaurant for sure, and their new spot up the street was tried today for lunch. It was amazing!!! Local foods, great greens, organic pasta, risotto, and fabulous wait staff service. Loved it as we thought we might, knowing the connection! Wow, real food reigns in Lafayette, IN.
(5)Rich B.
This is an excellent restaurant if you like Italian. Lots of great choices. Was very busy before the Indiana Purdue basketball game. Wines are good. Great selection of wines from Italy. Had Brea and lamb. Extremely good. My wife also loved. Service was excellent especially considering how busy they were. Definitely recommend this restaurant.
(5)Rose C.
The food is wonderful here. I don't believe there's ever going to be a bad choice off the menu. The ambience is an upscale cozy jazzy funky thing. I'd give it five stars except for the service... These are bored, stuck up, dismissive young people who just want their day to be over. They manage to smile at your table but as soon add they are done talking... Sometimes before they can even turn around... They are back to being arrogant and apathetic. What a wonderful place this could be... All the other factors are there.
(3)Gracie D.
Not even Mediocre food, poor carbonation in the sodas and the desserts are frozen. Making reservations is worthless. Made reservations months in advance of a date and they did not honor it. Makes Olive Garden look like high class Italian.
(1)Mike S.
The food is good enough and portioned well. However, if you're looking for decent service: go elsewhere. I've never had a positive interaction with the hostess staff. Once, I had to wait 15min just to be greeted and find out the wait time, but the most recent time I attempted to dine here was the straw that broke the camels back. I was trying to get info on reservations. After calling multiple times and being put on hold or hung up on each time, I wrote to management and never got a response. If I, as a customer, am not worth the effort of courtesy, then the restaurant is not worth my business. Good food does not excuse poor service and I will not be returning.
(2)Andriy L.
We are a group of 7 there. It took a long long time to see the food. Italian style, I feel the sauce is too much. Anyway, the waiting time isn't worthwhile, I had higher expectation than that.
(2)Denise J.
The entrees we had were delicious! No complaints at all. Service good bread they served very tasty. Would recommend and would return!!!
(4)Mike H.
This was our second visit to La Scala, and I am just not that impressed. The decor is nice, but the food is just mediocre... On both of our visits, the food was just bland. I'm sure that's great for many people but not for us. I felt that it was just overpriced for the food we received...
(3)E M.
Loved this restaurant !! It's such a gem in this city- great Italian good and the atmosphere can't be beat! Truly worth every penny and didn't find it too pricy at all
(5)Sofia C.
Our family of 6 were visiting the University of Purdue and decided to try La Scala for lunch after the recommendation of google-map searches. I thought the service and the food were impeccable even when we arrived 10 mins before they were about to close for a mid-afternoon break. With that said, our lunch turned out to be in an almost empty but cozy Italian restaurant filled with smooth blues Louis Armstrong kind of music. The food was delicious! I would go back just for the bruschetta alone :D I was a little sad to not find more pictures on yelp so I uploaded several more. The highlight would be the gnocchi my brother ordered. The truffle icecream we got for dessert were beautifully presented in sleek white rectangular dishes. Next time I would try their chocolate desserts too! With a 5 stars I hope to bump this place to a 4 average :)
(5)Melissa K.
La Scala is the best Italian food you will find in Lafayette, IN. While that is not saying much, it is actually very good. The ingredients are fresh and everything I have ever had has been really good. Definitely a good choice for a first date or a night out.
(5)Jennifer V.
Best restaurant I have been to in the area. Everything from the decor to food was just right. My fiance and I sat out on the patio which was perfect for date night. We ordered a bottle of the house red which was some kind of a blend and we were pleasently surprised especially considering its price. We both got seafood pasta dishes and they were both great. The portions were a good size and we both left feeling quite satisfied. We can't wait to go back and try some of the other dishes!
(5)Karla C.
When we first walked in we were very worried because there was no hostess to be found and the server who kept popping his head around the corner didn't bother to acknowledge our presence with even a "someone will be with you soon" statement. Finally the hostess showed up and she took us right to our seats. After a few minutes with no service she came over and asked if we had been waited on. When we said no she took our drink and appetizer order, brought it out right away, apologized for the wait, told us she would be serving us and that our bruschetta appetizer would be on the house. She was an excellent server and all worked out well. To be fair, it was graduation weekend at Purdue and it was very busy for a Thursday night with all tables taken and several large parties. Although the bruschetta was not crispy, the rest of our meal was great. We had a shrimp and scallop special and Pasta Maria, with a cannoli for desert. All were excellent. We would recommend this restaurant and are happy to give it a solid 4.
(4)Sharon R.
Two sub par experiences, a few years apart. Both times had a great time anyhow because of company, and the atmosphere of the restaurant is conducive to that. The service was also friendly/helpful both times. The fault is with the food which wasn't any good. I can't remember exactly what I had a few years ago (gnocci?), dessert and coffee. The coffee was pretty bad which was surprising for an Italian restaurant, especially one that is trying to pass as upscale. I don't know if this has changed since that was a few years ago. Just went again and had one of their seafood and pasta dishes. You would hope that for pasta dishes ranging between $15-$20 the seafood would taste fresh but the shrimp tasted really off/fishy. Great... The sauce over the pasta was also not too impressive. I'm not sure what I would recommend this place for...the atmosphere is nice, but there are better places to go just for a drink...so...that's that.
(1)K S.
Eh. I was here over the weekend for a rather large party. I ordered a chicken dish and out of the 30 people in our party the 3 or 4 of us that ordered that meal came out first. We didnt want to be rude so we waited...little did we know it would be another 15 min before the rest of the food came out. Food was cold and wasnt that great. If im every back in town maybe I will try this place out when im with a smaller group.
(2)Graham W.
Great food, great service, great atmosphere. Definitely going back. Try the basil chicken when you go.
(4)Andreas B.
La Scala is one of the finer restuarants in Lafayette for sure. I went there with my girlfriend in the summer and had a great experience. The building itself seems rather old but the decor makes it a nice environment. Sitting outside on the patio when the weather permits makes for terrific evening dinner spot. Just be sure to make a reservation. As far as the menu: Plenty of a variety in the menu at a reasonable price. La Scala definitely provides for a variety of tastes. Speaking of taste, the food tasted great and the portion size was just right. I believe we had some of our meal to take home. Service was pleasant and attentive, the food is good, and I recommend it for a date or a nice family dinner. I'd say this is Italian done properly.
(5)Jessica T.
Big menu with a ton of different options that sound good. My favorite item is the veal piccata. It's been really good both times I've had it. My favorite thing about la scala is definitely the patio! It is so nice in the summer and spring to be able to sit outside! This restaurant is a good place for a date or somewhere to bring the parents when they come visit. and its reasonably priced for the quality of food!
(4)Dana A.
Best Italian restaurant in town. My husband and I have never had a bad meal here. Definitely make reservations if you go on the weekend.
(5)Ravi N.
The food is excellent, however I expect a fine dinning restaurant to have a coat check or a hanger. May be it missed it, but keeping winter coats hanging from your chair feels like you are eating a fresh cooked food in a sporty bar with very good artwork. Not a negative comment but just a different perspective. The dinner was memorable and had been tattooed in my brain.
(4)Lisa C.
My husband and I love La Scala! It's our go to restaurant for special occasions. We always get fried calamari for an appetizer and tiramisu for dessert. La Scala is the only place that I will eat and enjoy scallops.
(5)Emily H.
If you're looking for a restaurant with great Italian pasta dishes, this is the place! The seafood dishes are delicious. It's a bit more expensive than taking a trip to Olive Garden, but it's worth the extra cash.
(4)Tanya S.
The only reason I'm giving La Scala 4 stars instead of 5 is because on the night that I was there, there was nothing available to drink except wine. Barely even hot water for tea. There was something wrong with how the restaurant served their beverages ????? Anyways... The food was very good, service was good and the prices were cheap for Italian.
(4)Rachel F.
Incredible food. Would be 5 stars, but the 3rd time I went the hostess didn't even take our name for 25 minutes and then didn't apologize at all for the wait. Amazing food. Bad hostess/seating system
(4)Michael S.
I have eaten at La Scala once in my life. I walked into the restaurant and smelled the odor of feet. It was exactly like a sweaty gym sock. I'm a biochemist, and know that to be the smell of festering bacteria. However, I was there on a lunch date and the girl was pretty so I didnt want to simply walk away. I ordered soup and salad. The soup arrived first, and it became immediately apparent that it was the source of the foot smell. It smelled so bad, that I didnt dare take a taste. My date agreed. We were both completely grossed-out. We told the waiter about our displeasure who said he would check with the chef. Naturally, he came back saying it was completely normal. We left without taking a bite or paying. I have never returned. This experience occurred back in 2008 the restaurant and staff may have completely changed by now.
(1)PR B.
Service was decent, food was not good. Went with my in-laws to celebrate my mother in-law's birthday. We ordered a bunch of dishes, including a tomato basil soup, a crespelles del mare, brie en croute, bruschetta, risotto, and a few other dishes. Except for the brie en croute, which was decent, everything else was bad. The tomato basil soup was over-seasoned and the underlying chicken stock was detectable; the crespelles was sweet and made me think i was borderline eating dessert, and the risotto was more like babyfood. My wife had the gnocchi and my in laws had a mushroom fettuccine and those were decent. We also ordered a chocolate torte and tiramisu (which apparently is ordered in from Italy). The torte was hard as a brick (we had to use all our might to cut it into pieces) and the tiramisu at Olive Garden is a 1000% better. I would never go back. Sorry, for a $200 in West Lafayette, I expect a way better meal.
(2)Gregory H.
I enjoy eating at La Scala. The atmosphere is done right, without a doubt. My friend and I have gone here multiple times. If you're looking for a more romantic place to take the date/gf/wife this is a stellar restaurant for that. However, be prepared to pay for it - the prices are higher. My reason for giving La Scala 4 stars is mainly because I believe the food quality doesn't quite justify the prices of the restaurant. The food is definitely good, but not great. Looking for a romantic night out with your significant other? This is the place. Anything else probably leads to a pass.
(4)Leslie H.
Great bruschetta and prosciutto sandwiches! Their soup bowl can feed 2 people and the price is just right.
(4)Juan A.
Without a question one of the best restaurants around the Lafayette/ West Lafayette area and a very good Italian restaurant overall. The food is always fresh and flavorful but the best part is the service. We come here often and so far we haven't have a bad experience with either the food or the service. The are usually pack so make sure you make reservations otherwise it would be hard to get a table specially during Friday and Saturday evening. Great place to bring a date or just when you are craving some good Italian....
(4)Jenny V.
zomg. mahi-mahi a la vodka. NOM.NUMMY.YUMMY. of course i found this place when my bf is a SENIOR at Purdue. this means i have to go visit him a few more times before he graduates. the service was great and the place gets PACKED in a short time. definitely try the tomato bisque-yum. and i had a few bites of the bf's salad- perfecto. he got caesar with the right amount of dressing, unlike some places that pile on dressing. my bf got the ravioli ara gosta, lobster chunks, spinach in a tomato cream sauce on top of jumbo cheese ravioli. SOOOOOOOO GOOOD. please.please.please go try it if you're in the area. i read some reviews and ya'll yelpers are crazy. this place is so good, you're not gonna find a good italian restaurant like this anywhere else in indiana. oh and try the tiramisu-yum!
(5)Spencer B.
I've been here twice. First time wasn't bad, second time was very good. I got the spicy gnocchi. It was a large portion and was very filling. Had a bloody Maria as well, which is a Bloody Mary with tequila instead of vodka. This was good, but over priced. Good date place.
(4)Jillian C.
This place is awesome. The shrimp & crab dip is fantastically creamy. It's wonderful but make sure you only have it under two conditions: 1) you are planning a lighter entree or 2) you have a HUGE appetite. The dip is really filling. I always, without fail, get the Lobster Mac n' Cheese. It is beyond incredible. They use orange liqueur in the sauce and you would think it would be a bit weird but it's perfect. The sauce is dreamy and I basically wish I could bathe in it. Oh my gosh, scrumptious. My boyfriend has gotten quite a few entrees, though I can't remember the names, but he has never had anything he hasn't absolutely LOVED. In short, go and indulge. It is so incredibly worth it.
(5)Jon B.
I'm not sure how some folks can say this is the best in Lafayette. I completely disagree. Service was somewhat slow in taking care of my party. Seating arrangement seemed a bit strange with our table being close to an entry door where our table was bumped by other guests coming in. Onto the food; bread to start was cold. The dipping oil was actually good though. Risotto was dry and clumpy. Chicken was rubbery. Ravioli was drenched in a pesto cream sauce to the point where anything more than a bite was enough. I would also add that our plates were chipped and cracked. They really should take care of that issue. It doesn't add any charm to the mediocre decor.
(1)Nina R.
I recently brought my in-laws here and had a better experience than I have in the past. I went with the meal recommended by our server, Antonella's Favorites. And everyone else seemed to really enjoy there meal as well. Our sever was quite amusing and coincidentally had some common interests of my husband and I. I don't make a habit of going out to Italian restaurants often, because I cook that ethnicity reasonably often at home. I wouldn't be as apprehensive to bring out of town guests here as I was before. We also came almost as soon as it opened for dinner, so it wasn't as packed as usual in there...
(4)Zach F.
Best Italian food in the area. Ambiance is very nice and romantic. Perfect place for a date. I would recommend trying their tiramisu. It's excellent.
(4)C K.
Why is it that La Scala is thought to be such fine dining? The restaurant seems to focus more on quantity versus quality, and while the menu does offer a variety of options (including plenty of vegetarian choices), nearly all of the dishes fall flat. They are much too creamy and heavy and lack seasoning and flavor. Of note, the dressing automatically comes on the side for the Caesar salad, a little annoying because it is difficult to toss the thick dressing with the greens in such a tiny bowl. Service was friendly but fairly incompetent with uneven wine pours, forgetting silverware, etc.
(3)Nikki S.
I love this place! I tend to get the seafood dishes because I haven't been to very many restaurants in Lafayette with good seafood. And the risottos are AMAZING. I love that taste of soft rice soaking up the soup/sauce flavor :D And I always ALWAYS get Paco's Famous Tomato Basil Soup. Little spicy and incredibly delicious. But I would also like to warn you; don't go when you're super hungry or in a hurry. I've only been there for weekday/weekend dinner but I usually end up waiting good 30 minutes before getting seated, the place is packed (very popular), and the service is bit slow too. This place is more for a leisurely dinner with friends and family because you'll have plenty of time to chat and relax. Also great for romantic dinner, if you like your date :)
(5)