Valente's Restaurant

"This was our second visit to this old-school, apparently family run Italian place. Decor is simple wood-toned formica topped tables and booths, kind of old and a bit worn, kind of cramped. That said, the place was packed. We were able to be immediately seated but there were only two tables available...on a Wednesday evening past prime time. Our server, Danielle, was warm, friendly, knew the menu and was just the right amount of attentive, Food was outstanding. The pizza we had last time was like we would make at home, only better. A small sheet pan with fresh dough, tasty sauce and plenty of cheese, it oozed quality and care. Tonight's tortellini in tomato cream sauce was equally good. Oversized cheese tortellini, cooked just right, in a freshly made, very flavorful sauce. Delicious. The pièce de resistance was dessert. I don't usually get dessert but Danielle had me at homemade butterscotch cheesecake. She said that the owner's sister makes it and the flavors rotate regularly. It was a bit pricey but really excellent, worth every penny. See the photo. Great food in a homey environment. We'll be back."

"Well I sued to enjoy and evening at Valente's Restaurant. I just went there after a community concert and online Google stated that they were open, the sign in the window said it was open to 11 same as Google…. When I walked into the restaurant there was a bar full of people at 9:15pm. A gentleman to came over to us and said they were closed at 9. I thought that was odd and when I questioned why Google had a conflicting time he said they have a new website and the hours are changed on that… Now I knew about the website because the last time I was there he was telling patrons at the bar about this new website and how he was going to do better than the last person who ran the marketing of the restaurant…. I’m paraphrasing because this conversation that was loud enough for the whole place to hear there was no like 25 4 letter F words about these coworkers. Bottomline, it’s not cheap to eat out in Albany, and it cost a little extra to est at family own restaurants, but as a small business owner myself I know the struggles, and I also know that calling Google and changing a sign in the window, and Facebook are something you can do, that takes less time then someone wasting your time to come to your restaurant only to be turned away. I feel that want your money but they don’t want to put forth the effort. ."

"I NEVER leave reviews but my experience with Valente’s has warranted one for sure. I ordered fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken and a BLT totaling 39.15. Around 25$ for the Alfredo and 12$ for the BLT. I ordered pickup and I walked into the restaurant and was greeted by no one. There was a guy in front of me who was greeted and was helped by one of the waiters which it was safe to say they knew each other. After he got his food and left I figured I was next, nope. Waiters and waitresses passing by and making eye contact with me but not a single word from them. I was in direct view of the bar as It’s right there when you walk in and he didn’t even bother. A older couple came in behind me and was immediately greeted by the bartender and asked them are up here for a table or a seat at the bar, a waitress was ready with menus almost instantly. I’m still standing here waiting to even have a word spoken to me. I have to walk up to the bar and ask the bartender where do I go for pickup orders. He told me oh he’s checking on it … Wow to my surprise because how would I have known? I wait for my order and go home. The food was just ok. Nothing special. The chicken in my Alfredo made me laugh as it was definitely 3 hunks of boiled chicken just thrown on top. The Alfredo itself was decent, not awful, but for 25 dollars at least put some seasoning and cut the chicken up. The BLT was a basic BLT, very small on plain ol white bread, just was expecting a little bit more but my boyfriend thought it wasn’t awful. Overall I will never be returning and have learned my lesson with this place. So unless you personally know someone that works there I would NOT recommend because I could go to Olive Garden and get way better service and food."

"I must say I was pleasantly surprised by both are dishes here. I got the chicken Anthony and my daughter got the tortolini is was very good and there was a lot I’d definitely recommend trying this place out!!!"

"Excellent pastas, meatballs, salad and soup. Quick efficient service. Nice setting with tables and booths. Full bar available."