This was, hands down, the worst food I've eaten from a restaurant since moving to Boulder a year ago. I was so disappointed, because I was looking forward to some lovely, fresh pasta and I got the opposite. All I ordered was fettuccine alfredo and garlic bread. The noodles were thick and gluey. The alfredo sauce was essentially flavorless - it tasted like there wasn't a single crystal of salt added to it, nor a single shred of Parmesan. It tasted like a cream-cornstarch slurry. What I imagine happened is someone took a large can opener and opened a can of Sysco Alfredo sauce and slopped some on the overcooked noodles. I'm probably wrong, though, because I guarantee Sysco sauce would have some flavor. The garlic bread we got shouldn't have even left the kitchen. It was burnt, hard as a rock, and didn't taste like garlic. The most disappointing part of this experience was paying $50 for something we took one bite of and threw in the garbage. I'll never eat here again and I don't recommend it. read more

Strap in, y'all! I have something to say. First, a little background on me that you need to know, so that you can understand my credentials and authority on Italian-American cuisine. I'm Puerto Rican and Italian. My grandmother's maiden last name is Russo. She used to make pasta by hand. My dad and mother met in Bensonhurst Brooklyn when they were kids. Bensonhurst was majority Italian-American until I was about 6 yrs old, so both my parents grew up and lived in an area heavily influenced by Italians. My dad, the Italian half, lived there his whole life until last Oct, where he retired to Las Vegas. I say all of this to say, I have eaten a lot of spaghetti in my 30 years of life. I've even made my own and failed. So when I type this next sentence, it's out of genuine confusion. What the actual heck is up with this place's spaghetti? It's like a chef had an 8 yr old neighbor who has only seen spaghetti in cartoons and that 8 yr old gave the chef a drawing of spaghetti and the chef said "eureka! I know how to set my Italian eatery apart from the rest! I will make the thickest, wonkiest noodles I can and call it spaghetti!" Years later, on a summer day in Colorado, I happen into this Italian eatery. I order the spaghetti, and I don't know what to do when it comes to the table. I eat it, because I don't know how to not eat pasta that's set in front of me. I have always been compelled to eat pasta. And this experience has only proved my theory that even the worst pasta I've ever had is still good pasta, because it's PASTA! Weird spaghetti aside, the service was good, the drinks were good, and the food was decent. Also, heads up, they treat a caprese salad as an actual salad, with like greens and stuff, but with an olive oil dressing. Wait, lemme rephrase that, with olive oil as dressing. I never thought I could say this, but maybe a bit too much olive oil. Again, still decent food. Basically, everything about the food left me confused, but it was edible. I wouldn't be against going again to try other things, but I really don't think it earns the right to be categorized as Italian. I've never been to Italy, though, so I just have my own Italian-American heritage to base this all on. Take from that what you will. read more

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Had a great experience Saturday night with the family...great salads, drinks, pastas and sandwiches! Big menu with lots of choices. As always...Roge (our server) was fantastic! And always wonderful to see the Manager Meridith! She rocks. Even brought our 1 yr old granddaughter, and she Loved the raviolis with cheese and butter sauce! read more

This place had fantastic food. We ordered the calamari, pizza and spaghetti. Pretty simple meal, but it all came out perfectly. Service was great even though they were busy. Prices were reasonable. Would definitely come back again. read more

Yummy! Placed an order through the toast app for take out. Only 2 items- pizza and garlic bread. Arrived after the scheduled pick up time and had to wait for my order. But to be fair, it's move in week at CU, so everything is busier than usual. Good service, excellent food! read more

Have enjoyed every meal here and the place is beautiful inside, reminding one of the old Boulder Cafe in ambiance. We go in for late lunch, or early dinner so can't comment on busier hours. The place is much bigger than the storefront implies, even has an event room in the back where you might host a rehearsal dinner etc. The long bar with many stools looks inviting for socializing and the two staff we met were friendly and offered attentive service. Open for lunch, hard to come by for Italian restos in Boulder these days. read more

The food here was really good, the calamari and garlic knots were incredible and all three pastas we ordered were great (although lacking spice, even when I ordered extra spicy). Cocktail menu is lacking, but they were able to make other drinks for us upon request and all the drinks were good. This is a 4-5 star place in terms of food quality relative to price, however I'm knocking it down due to service. My two friends and I are scruffy looking college guys, so I'm sure our waiter didn't expect much of a tip from us. I believe this led to his attitude, which was not particularly rude, but very passive in service towards us. No "you're welcomes" after we said thank you, rarely checked on us, and just overall fell short of 'good service'. Once our waiter saw that we were spending a decent amount of money (bill was around $170 for 3 people), we instantly saw him treating us much better. This rubbed me the wrong way, and while I never tip less than 20%, this is one of those times that made me question that ethic. Long story short, great food, nice atmosphere and menu, but service is very sub-par (especially if you look like you'll spend less than average). This is pretty typical for my roommates and I, we're all 21-22 and dress in hoodies most of the time so we tend to get viewed as low-level guests at restaurants. But this effect seemed especially transparent and exaggerated here. Not against returning here, just hope we get a different server. I see that the owner is pretty active in replying to reviews, which I always really appreciate. Hopefully you can just remind waiters that they do not have to treat us like kings, but also shouldn't treat us like peasants (a hyperbolic statement, but I think it simplifies the point I'm trying to make). read more

Hands down the worst food I've had in Colorado. Can't even believe they would feed this to people. Pizza was inedible and soggy. Chicken parm was over cooked. Charged us $3 for 4 pieces of broccoli in a order of pasta that we had to throw away because it tasted like dishwater. Ordered the 3 meatballs and they came in a tuber-ware filled with what looks like dirty water. Most expensive food I have ever order and the entire $100 order went in the garbage read more

Food was good. Service was terrible. Feel bad saying it because it seems like they're just college kids - obviously not too trained. It got to a point where it was almost comical. They didn't fill our waters unless we asked and didn't clear the table. When we asked them to clear the table, they would clear one plate and for some reason leave everything else. It was weird. Regardless, the food was alright. Although they didn't seem to reduce the white wine in the steamed clams enough. The homemade garlic bread was a standout. Marinara was delicious. Spinach dip was good. Enjoyed the loaded arugula pizza with balsamic reduction drizzled on top. One of the best things was the panna cotta. read more

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I live in Denver now, but still dream about Gondolier pizza. Super chill spot that will always have a place in my heart.

I'm almost never in Boulder but had meetings to attend recently. I got Chicken Piccata which comes with a side of spaghetti and Tomato Gorgonzola soup takeout. Holy moly the flavors were outstanding. Like other reviews have mentioned the house made spaghetti is definitely on the soft side. I'd like it more firm but the flavor and mouthfeel texture were great. The star was the marinara sauce (please offer pints! Or quarts. Or gallons.) and the soup. Both very complex and delicious, having the quality of delivering a succession of tastes/layers not just the first hit and ends there. If I'm in Boulder again it will definitely be on my list. read more

Was skeptical about visiting given the reviews, and was thinking going was a mistake, since we weren't greeted right away. Mind you, it was about 3 in the afternoon and only 2 tables were occupied. However our server was friendly and attentive. I had the ziti bolognese and it was awesome. My fella had the tortellini and it was delish. Something was off with the calamari, but otherwise we were very pleased and will be back. I want to try that butterscotch happy hour martini. read more

Oof. We keep coming back here for its proximity and our occasional pasta hankerings, but our visits have been a mixed bag. When we sit at the bar, the same guy serves us and he's always attentive and efficient. We had a server who seemed to really dislike us when we were seated once near the back section, but I also only ordered one soda for the two of us (tryna be healthy, guys!!!) and then we both drank it and so it seemed like we were trying to be cheap with refills, haha. She made us order two sodas. Fine. WE SHOULD BE SHAMED AND PUNISHED. After that visit, however, we stopped coming as much and have been making our own pasta at home, so it was definitely one of our more negative experiences. Anyways, the homemade noodles are so excellent and the wine on tap is okay and a great price. The spicy marinara is delicious but doesn't always agree with our bellies. Great place for big family dinners. I'd recommend bar seating for couples if you can snag them. Definitely go for all-you-can-eat nights... it's a steal! read more

The service was bad and the food was worse. Do not eat here if you have any self respect.

If you like cream, I suppose this is the place for you. My pork marsala definitely tasted just like it had been smothered in alfredo instead. The sauce was so overwhelming that I couldn't taste the mushrooms even when they were the only thing on my fork, and I wouldn't have believed there was any wine in it except for the slight brownish tint. My husband's piccata, of all things, suffered the same treatment. Waiter didn't check on us often and walked around like he had blinders on so we had to really work to flag him down. Two stars only because the calamari was okay and they did a good job on (no surprise) my son's mac and cheese. Finally an appropriate venue for their free hand with the dairy. read more

They're back baby! Same great food in a nice new location. A welcome return of an old Boulder favorite. read more

Gondolier Italian Eatery - Boulder - The new digs. - Italian Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

Tonight we stumbled upon this gem! We had no idea what we were in for when pulling in to the parking lot. We had wonderful service and even better food. While ordering we ordered items that looked good, traditional Italian food you could get at any chain. Once the food came out, much to our surprise, the plates were full of amazing looking food, then the chance to bite into our meals, we discovered all that is homemade noodles. WHO DOES THAT ANYMORE!? Needless to say... We WILL be back! read more

Gondolier Italian Eatery - Boulder - Half eaten eggplant parm is awesome and amazing. With homemade spaghetti on the side!! - Italian Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

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The food is amazing!! We arrived in Boulder late after a long day of travel and needed a quick bite. The menu has something for everyone. Salads, pizzas, seafood, pasta - everything looked delicious. I had the crab cakes appetizer as a meal, which was served on a bed of greens and was the perfect size for my appetite. My friend had the garden pizza and loved it, served with flag sauce, which is a mixture of pesto, EVOO and marinara. You absolutely must try the garlic knots. They were fresh out of the oven and the warm marinara sauce it came with was perfect. The Gondolier is a great local place. My only reason for not giving 5 stars was that the service could have been better. Our server was polite and friendly but he wasn't super attentive. I would still highly recommend if you are in the area. read more

Gondolier Italian Eatery - Boulder - Italian Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

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A dear friend recently had several entrees, salads & desserts delivered to us from Gondolier. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this place! We were treated to the Caprese salad, a House Salad Italian Dressing with grilled vegetables, the Arugula, Berry & Goat Cheese Salad (SOOO GOOD!), the Minestrone Soup, Grilled Atlantic Salmon (EXCELLENT!), Penne Verda Primavera, Homemade Spaghetti Marinara, Margherita Pizza and a Chocolate Torte & a Tiramisu!!! EVERYTHING was sooo delicious & was such a wonderful treat...no complaints whatsoever!! read more

I got bolognese which was pretty good tbh, my friend got spaghetti @ meatballs, the spaghetti was not really spaghetti, the noodles were super thick and the meatballs tasted kinda weird i honestly dont know how to describe it, i think it would be better if they had more sauce on it - like an ounce more . Service was really fast doe. My friend dropped her vape down the side of the booth and we got that tig ole bitty outta there with the help of the staff! read more

Gondolier Italian Eatery - Boulder - Garlic bread mane Wee-Woo - Italian Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

Always consistent Italian American food and wonderful service. Great happy hour menu too!

Amazing staff, pasta and pizza. Generous pours at the bar, great ambiance. What more could you ask for? 2 amazing ladies the host vanessa and server monica! I will be back! read more

Aaaahhhh! Winter comfort food!!!!! Thanks for the Tiramisu!!! Pizza and spaghetti were marvelous, too! read more

Gondolier Italian Eatery - Boulder - Italian Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

Came to Gondolier with my roommate on Valentine's Day. The ambiance is very laid back and friendly, with huge tables and booths and wood finishing to make it feel like a homey Italian restaurant. After checking out some reviews I ordered the garlic knots. Everyone is right. They're incredible. Eat them while they're hot!! I also ordered a phenomenal side salad that consisted of arugula, goat cheese, sliced almonds, strawberries, balsamic vinaigrette, and some sort of strawberry reduction sauce that blended perfectly with the tart bitterness of the balsamic. I also ordered the spaghetti with spicy marinara and wasn't too blown away. The noodles are very thick and authentic with a pretty rich marinara. Unfortunately I'm picky about pasta and the spaghetti just didn't cut it. The portions are HUGE so I was excited to take basically my whole dish home for future meals! For dessert we ended with the chocolate torte; a dense slab of flourless chocolate cake served with cherries and sliced almonds. Our waitress was absolutely amazing and even gave us flowers for Valentine's Day along with our check! read more

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We always have such a nice time here. The food is always delicious, hot and fresh. We were so happy when they moved in near our neighborhood in South Boulder. Now we can walk or bike in nice weather, what a treat! read more

Gondolier Italian Eatery - Boulder - Italian Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

We had the garlic knots to start, then had the house made spaghetti and a side salmon. The food was wonderful and so was our amazing waitress! Everything got to us really quickly even though the restaurant was completely full, there even was a line forming at the door! The spaghetti was amazing and you could definitely tell by the taste and look of the noodles that they were handmade. The portion size was also very very big, so I would say the portion size makes up for the price! I highly recommend starting with those super fluffy and palm sized garlic knots! This place is worth the stop and money! read more

Another delicious meal! The service was excellent and it was very busy. We enjoyed the Unpasta which is vegetables in the shape of spaghetti with the marinara it was delicious! My son enjoyed the Ziti Bolognese all wonderful! read more

We had a great dinner last night for a family birthday. Food was tasty and service was super. We had a little issue getting our order in, but it was fixed immediately and the food came out quickly. Our waiter was the BEST! Plus free dessert to go on a birthday! Wonderful locally owned family restaurant. read more

Great food, fast service. We had the garlic bread and sausage sandwich and the fries were great

Good old Gondolier. The service and home cooked quality food is dependably homey, but you're losing two stars for the dramatic cost increases -- Husband and I dropped $110 for a pretty simple 2 person dinner and a small carafe of "house" (ok, but let's admit it -boxed-) wine. That same dinner was a $45 night only a few years ago. Best of luck with the new Longmont location. We've already passed it by once because we can't easily afford you anymore. **If you truly think your prices are 'competitive' you aren't comparing yourself to the right restaurants. read more

We enjoyed the food from this local eatery. We were out of town guests, staying at a nearby hotel and this restaurant hit the spot.

Food is generally not bad, but their takeout packaging skills could use some work. Ordered the garlic cheese bread and it came with the foil inside the baguette...sandwiched between layers of melted cheese. You can see the result in the photos. read more

Gondolier Italian Eatery - Boulder - Italian Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

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Doesn't look like much tucked into a strip mall but the looks are deceiving. Food was good and very reasonable priced for the area. Service and food were both great. read more

Ordered chicken parm and the noodles were over cooked and mushy, and the chicken was so soggy and wet and lacking seasoning. I know it's hard to keep chicken parm super crispy, but it probably also shouldn't be literally soaked in tomato water/dripping either. If I'd been eating there in person, I'd have sent it back but I didn't eat it till I drove home. I expect food at restaurants to be better than what I can do at home, or at least on par. I don't make tons of money so when I eat out and it's gross food, I'm super mad. I'd probably been better off with a lean cuisine. read more

Had take out spaghetti and Italian sausage. Maybe a couple spoons full of sauce, but could have been one of the worst meals I've had in a very long time. Noodles mushy, sausage very bland. Very disappointed. read more

ordered penne pasta verde, got served the most pathetic plate os TASTLESS green mush that i have ever imagined. How do you make basil, and garlic etc. into a completely tasteless mush? Do you make this stuff a month in advance? store it in freezer for afew weeks, then throw it in a microwave? the chef should apologize to each customer before and after each meal. Pathetic! read more

This is one of my spots. Can't go wrong. I've been here a few times and have tried several menu options. Go with the bolognese.

My favorite place to go for dinner in Boulder without breaking the bank... Great food. Nice atmosphere . Could use some ice in the glasses the tap water is kind of plain. read more

Tried to place a catering order off their website prices. Apparently they had an increase and would not honor the pricing on their site. Shame on you. I needed up with Pasta Jays and it was fantastic. They don't even charge for the bread. read more

Going to a strip mall for Italian isn't my first choice and I didn't expect much. However, this place was fantastic with great food. They have fast service and if I were in town longer I would definitely go back. It is a great place for a date or every day dinners. read more