This is an update to a review I wrote about our visit there last week. It wasn't the greatest review, primarily due to the service, which we felt really missed the mark. Both my husband and I have been in the restaurant business, and we know the challenges of service, but this just seemed to be a lack of awareness. So, tonight I received a call from the restaurant- I couldn't take it so it went to voice mail. Fair is fair. It was an impressive call, and something rarely done these days. The person representing the restaurant, ( wasn't clear on his name, sorry) said they were very sorry about the experience. They take the reviews very seriously, they did speak to the server for improvement, and asked us to consider dining with them again. He said they would like to offer apps or a round of drinks if we came. The call was exactly the right thing to do, and as I said, very impressive. It deserves to be recognized. Just please don't take this as a reason to complain hoping to get something free, we certainly didn't. Just give them a try and form your own opinion. I will go back. read more

i've been wanting to try la gallina, and the ambiance is very aesthetic and i loved their christmas decor. jerry at the bar was attentive and friendly. i ordered the garlic cheese bread and chicken souvlaki, along with a drink that was okay. everything was good enough, but nothing really wow-ed me. the chicken was decent, the garlic cheese bread was too big & too moist, and i didn't feel the marinara complemented well, but i really liked the sides on the chicken souvlaki plate. the pita on the plate was very wet & soggy, and jerry was happy to replace it with a fresh, hot, dry pita. hugo spritz: 3/10 cheese bread 6.5/10 chicken souvlaki 7/10 overall, i may try them another time, but i'm not in a hurry to do so. there are a couple other restaurants in this plaza i prefer. also they did place the menus on top of the sink behind the bar, so i'm not sure how often they were washing their hands. ambiance: 5/5 food: 3.4/5 drinks: 1.5/5 service: 4.5/5 la gallina: 3.6/5 read more

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Sloooow. So slow. On a Sunday when the whole place was basically empty. It was so frustrating that the food wasn't even worth the wait in the end. Weird vibes. read more

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Much better selections were made at this year's dinner and everyone was happy. We ate on the very well heated patio. Under a heat lamp. I am rarely warm enough anymore but I was. We ordered: Gambas al ajillo Greek chicken meatballs Roasted brussels Hummus w/avocado Sourdough I didn't have the bread but had a little of everything else and it was all good. The gambas were my favorite but I'd order all of these again. One weirdness that was repeated from last year was a lack of serving spoons. When we asked for some they brought forks because they were out of spoons. Come on, buy more spoons already. Some of what we ordered was awkward to portion with forks. Overall raising rating because we were much happier with our food selection and we spent less on our dinner for four than on our lunch for two at another place in the same plaza. read more

Food tasted great. Service was a bit slow. We had gone there for the jazz brunch (got there about 2:45) nobody was playing. Asked about the jazz and was told they were there and maybe they took a break? Never saw anyone playing. read more

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Dirty restrooms and very overpriced the food was decent but not worth the total and they added a kitchen fee?? Nope one and done. $200 for 4 one glass of wine No desserts bah read more

This was my first time trying la Gallina and I will definitely be back when in the area. I ordered the farm tray which had a lot of different choices of food. It came with the beef and lamb Kofta which were perfectly seasoned and delicious. There was also some fresh parsley salad with shallots, and I opted for the Greek salad instead of the fries. The salad had fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, olives, and herbs in a Greek dressing. It also had pita bread. There were several sauces that came with this dish, and I enjoyed all of them. The tzatziki was very good, but there was also an herby green sauce that was also tasty, and a chipotle mayo type sauce. The service was not great and our meal took quite a while to arrive, even though it wasn't overly crowded in there. Our waitress kept disappearing and took forever. We were all on a business lunch and had to get back to the office, so this was a little annoying. read more

We went again for a cocktail and apps. Service was better sitting at the bar. I still think it's very overpriced for what you get. Pizza was great but the artichoke hearts and zucchini chips were nothing special. Wouldn't order again. read more

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Ngl this food was amazing get the roasted potatoes mad crispy. I would recommend the farm. read more

La Gallina - Mediterranean Near Me - Lynnfield, Massachusetts

We had reservations for 12:30. We were seated immediately and waited about 10 minutes for a waiter to come and take our drink orders. When he came back with our drinks we put in our lunch order. Then we waited and waited and waited. Finally at 1:40, I spoke to the manager and told him we had no food. Tables of people who came in after us were served and left. He told me he would see about our food. He told me they were slammed and not to "be negative". Anyone would be negative after sitting there for over an hour and noone checking up on us or asking if we needed anything. Turns out our waiter(who never checked on us) was tending bar--and never put our order in. The manager acted defensive as if we shouldn't be complaining. I told him he should have more help on and he said there was enough help(???) The manager then said not to worry we'd get our food and he would comp it. We waited more than another half hour for our lunch. In the meantime we were never brought chips or anything to munch on while we waited and had been there for nearly 2 hours. We finally did get our food but the manager never came back. I ordered a roasted veggie sandwich but the veggies were raw but the sandwich was still tasty. The others said their food was okay. I had been to LaGallina many times and the service and food was always good. Mistakes happen but more training is obviously needed. We should not have sat there for over an hour with the manager and servers walking by us seeing we had no food and nobody even once checking on us. We would have still been sitting there being ignored had I not spoken up. read more

The food and service was great. Food was delivered fast. We went during lunch hour. We order humus with salad, chicken Milanese. All was good and feeling. read more

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Lovely restaurant and ambiance! We had a 45 minute wait on a Saturday night for a party of four with no reservation. We sat down and ordered a few different dishes which were all quite good. The tomato soup crock to share was pretty awesome. Would definitely recommend this place and if you try and eat low carb, then the Mediterranean grill platter with house pickles instead of fries is amazing! Definitely recommend. read more

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La Gallina Restaurant and Bar opened this evening in the former CPK space at Market Street Lynnfield. They offer a variety of Mediterranean style dishes including appetizers, salads, soup, sandwiches, burgers, pastas, brick oven pizza, tapas, seafood, chicken, skewered meat entrees, and dessert. The atmosphere here is modern casual with an open dining room has booths, tables, high top tables and seating up at the bar with two flatscreen TVs, full drinks list including 10 draft beers. Upbeat background music was playing over the speakers and the crowd noise echos throughout the place. The food prep area including pizza oven is in the open. There is also a covered open air seating seating section and outside patio table seating in front of the restaurant too. The prices here are high moderate. I stopped by La Gallina for dinner on opening night when the doors opened at 5pm. I was given a menu and I headed to the bar with marble countertop and plenty of open seating. The bartender brought out a glass of ice water as I was deciding on what to eat. I placed my food order with the bartender. I started with Today's Ragu + Soft Mascarpone Polenta ($15 plus tax) which was served table side out of 2 pots (polenta and meat Ragu) on a long wooden tray with a grated parmesan cheese cup. However, the portion served to me wasn't that much (a lot of empty tray) and I finished it in a few bites.  The other tapas on the menu were also modest portions as I saw other customers with the meatballs and calamari. The hummus dips and spreads with pita chips looked like right size portions. The pepperoni flatbread pizza ordered by the customer next to me looked like a good size, a thick airy doughy crust topped with plenty of sauce, pepperoni, and melted browned cheese. I also noticed other customers had homemade bread and dipping oil & parmesan cheese, Bar Bread Service (add $4 plus tax) which I decided to get. The 4 chewy slices of ciabatta bread was good, dipping into olive oil and parmesan cheese. Next, the Our House Beef Burger, Blend of 3 Cuts of Beef* ($19 plus tax) 2 very soft moist smashed patties, thick soft cheese, red onion, fresh iceberg lettuce, tomato slice, dill pickles, orange tangy house sauce with Parmesan fries on the side. The burger and fries along with the bread & oil was very filling and satisfying. After I was done, I ordered dessert which has a few housemade selections including gelato and dessert drinks. I chose the Orange Pistachio Cake + Sweetened Greek Yoghurt ($10 plus tax), which was a good size slice, soft and a dry texture with whipped yogurt and pistachios and burnt orange sauce on the plate. The place was very busy and it took a while for the bartender to give me the check. The owner was also walking around checking on customers and staff. The check with tax before tip was $52.80 which also had a 3 percent Kitchen Appreciation Fee, which is a first and I think they deserve appropriate compensation from the restaurant. I've seen resort fees (restaurants in Vegas casinos), COVID surcharges, economy adjustments, ingredient upcharges, optional musician fees, and automatic large party gratuities added to meal checks. The service here was delayed due to the place being very busy on the first official night in business. read more

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Excellent food and drinks at this location. I love the chicken Milanese! I get it every time I come. Everyone is extremely friendly and I love the beautiful way the bar is decorated! Even the ladies room is very nicely decorated and always clean. read more

La Gallina - Chicken Milanese - Mediterranean Near Me - Lynnfield, Massachusetts

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Place sucks. They could have the best food in existence but it wouldn't make up for how terrible and genuinely inept the service is at this place. Multiple orders never arrived; wrong orders brought; save your time and money and go literally anywhere else. Heck, eat at home instead. read more

We enjoyed the atmosphere and service. Ordered lots of little plates, everything was fresh and tasty. Calamari was the best, would go back just for that! Also make sure to try the tiramisu, it is very unique read more

La Gallina - Calamari & coctails - Mediterranean Near Me - Lynnfield, Massachusetts

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Went there for Mother's Day, the food was terrible! I got some kind of chicken that a frozen chicken patty with a salad thrown on top! No taste , no flavor. Left more than half of it. Another person got a Greek salad w/salmon, extra $9. The salad was a few pieces of arugula with 3 large tomatoes cut up and a chunk of blue cheese, the salmon was a small piece the size of a pineapple chunk! The only good thing was the truffle French fries. Won't be going back! read more

Visited for lunch, first time there. First, FOH staff was engaging and checked in throughout. Impressive. Got lamb gyros and truffle fries, and the portions were generous and expertly executed. The place is well appointed--plush booth seating, high tops in the bar area, and a pretty and heated atrium. Highly recommend. read more

It was ok. The appetizers were good, although on the salty side. The main dish was horrible. Ordered the beef dish. I was not expecting a Filet Mignon, but for $36 I was expecting a cut of meat that is chewable. We couldn't even cut through the meat. We had 2 of the same order. One was medium rare and one was medium. The meat was not edible. We did not get charged for the 2 plates and I don't consider this an extraordinary gesture. They know what kind of meat they are serving! The service was ok. The waiter shadowing didn't know what he was doing! Ambiance is ok! Not sure if I will go to this establishment again! read more

Went over the Labor Day weekend. The food was outstanding. The service was very attentive and took great care of us. Seating was very comfortable. Will definitely return soon. read more

Drinks and service were good. Food was mixed, some of it was ok nothing crazy good. Place looked clean and was comfortable.

We have been to La Gallina numerous times and each time we have gone we have had a great experience. The food is always fresh tasting and delicious. They have their custom drinks at the bar that are always good. Bar tenders ( there are two regulars every weekend) are amazing. They are very attentive and ready to get you another drink or run out back to get your food order. We will definitely continue going to La Gallina. read more

This venue cancelled my grad party event less than a week before. I had been planning it with them for over 2 months bc it is a busy weekend and hard to find someplace for a larger group. I have people coming from out of town and not sure I can find another place short notice. Very unprofessional. I'm very disappointed and will no longer be patronizing them. read more

JJ is an excellent bartender! My husband and I totally recommend sitting down and having the Manhattan! Very rich, smooth and nice notes of citrus... I saved the best for last... JJ created The New Apple Cider Martini is a must have; trust me you'll thank me later. An all American Apple Pie in a martini glass! Not too sweet and it definitely packs a punch; that sneaks up on you... Exceptional job JJ! :) Thank me later read more

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Server was friendly and efficient but didn't hover. Food is overpriced for what you get. $4.50 for 4 small pieces of sourdough with dipping sauce. $17 for the watermelon salad which was more like a side salad Size wise And that's without protein. Fried zucchini were hot and crunchy with tangy tsziki sauce, add another sauce for perfection! But should be priced at 6 or 7 bucks not $10. It's a small container. All in all was $160 for lunch before tip. Cocktails are in the $15-20 range but that's everywhere. Maybe nitpicking but I thought the cost didn't match the quality and serving sizes. Won't go running back there. read more

Great place! Cool vibes. Good service. Awesome food. We tried the mussels, pizzas and chicken Milanese. read more

Initially I was pleased with my server. He had answered my questions regarding the items I was interested in ordering. He was friendly enough. I ordered one item and said I'd decide about another when I finished the first. Unfortunately, when I was finished with my first dish, he seemed to have disappeared. It took at least 10 minutes before he showed up again. I'm not sure that was all his fault. It looked like he had been assigned to a different area of the restaurant. I ordered another dish. While waiting, I realized he was never area again. I was in view of the kitchen and saw my order was ready. Someone else delivered my order. When I was finished, I waited a good 15+ minutes before my server came so I could ask for the check. After I received the bill and put credit card on the table, I still waited another 5 minutes. At that point I brought my slip and card to the front to pay. I would normally tip better but this reflected my pleasure. As for the food, it was very good. I ordered the octopus with potatoes and chick peas. It was delicious. There were more vegetables than octopus, however. Nothing like octopus in Spain! I also ordered the Mussels. They were good as well. While waiting at my table, I noticed a gentleman watching the food coming out of the kitchen and possibly timing how quickly it was getting to the tables. That's really good. Perhaps there needs to be a quick walk around the restaurant now and then to see how the flow is there as well. read more

Sat outside on a beautiful night. Service was great. Everyone loved their food. Shared a lot. This place deserves more clientele. It's gorgeous and they all try so hard to please. read more

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I enjoyed lunch at La Gallina it's a bit expensive for a lunch spot but clean and pretty on the inside. It's not very consistent I'd say. Sometimes it's Just ok, & other times it's good.I wouldn't spend my money here for dinner personally I think the lunch menu is better. We had dinner here on Mother's Day, & it was pretty chaotic. Our meals were all messed up, & the steak tip looked like they were on the grill for 2 minutes, because the server never put our meal in and by the time we got it it was 1.5 hours later. we barely touched it. I've been back since, knowing that holidays are a good judge of a restaurant. read more

My 2nd time here. Positives - love the vibe. Love the. Servers and bartenders. Tonight - ordered greeek salad and steak tips medium. Third time cooked correctly. No excuses. Ridiculously long. Time in between. read more

The food was delicious. Seriously almost 5 stars for the food, but...the service was SO SLOW. We were there for almost 2 hours. All we got were 3 little tapas and a couple drinks. Like...the place didn't even look crazy busy either. Idk if the food takes a long time to make because it's so delicious or what, but 3 little tapas shouldn't have taken 2 hours to get... read more

La Gallina is lovely inside and I've had nothing but the nicest bartenders and servers. However, the food is just okay. I'd still go and have appetizers as it's a different cuisine than the rest of market street. The trouble is, the drinks are some of the worst I've ever had. Their signature drinks are all incredibly sweet. They all taste like melted candy. Classic drinks are presented well but lack any bite. I feel with a new bar program Gallina could improve greatly. Maybe charge more for the drinks but actually put enough of the liquor in the drink that it tastes balanced and not solely of simple syrup or other sweeteners. The location is convenient so hopefully the quality of food and drinks will improve!! read more

This place is great!!! Service is amazing. Apps and entrees are so so good! The hummus is wonderful! Drinks are delicious. Mocktails are thoughtful and yummy (not just juice!!). read more

Dog-friendly outdoor seating. Tasty food if a bit overpriced. Definitely not deserving of its 3-star rating but for some reason people love to hate on just about every restaurant in Market Street. The service was excellent. Servers were attentive but not overbearing. They even brought a bowl of ice water for our hot canine guest. As far as the dishes, the garlic shrimp appetizer was the least successful. It was overly heavy and overpowered by the chorizo. However, the red pepper feta and Tsaziki dips were excellent. Chicken Milanese was a bit heavy on the balsamic for pairing with a chicken cutlet but good nonetheless. The Lebanese shrimp skewers with stuffed pita was an unexpected combination but worked well and was quite tasty. Daily catch of grilled swordfish was cooked perfectly and paired perfectly with the Mediterranean salad. Hazelnut gelato and Pistachio cake with burnt orange sauce were not too sweet and delicious. Highly recommended! read more

Gorgeous ambiance. But my pasta and Caesar salad were very mediocre and my guest's burger was meh. I will try this place again, but I'm not in a hurry. Note: the menu is more American than I expected. Was hoping for a mezze splatter or something? read more

We made a reservation for 7:30 on a Saturday evening. We were greeted immediately and led to our table adjacent to the bar area. I found the service to be a bit "clunky" and all over the place; waitstaff was very friendly, but disappeared for several stretches, as there were long wait times for beverages - we had a glass of wine and bottled beer, no mixed drinks or anything fancy. The charcuterie board was pretty good, the Parmesan slices seemed a bit drier than I'd generally like. We got it with the additional olives -- olive-lovers, it's a large bowl of olives, maybe I'd have dug into a bit more if they were seasoned with some garlic/lemon, regardless we managed to make a bit of a dent in it. I do love manchego cheese, and there was a whole corner of that included. I got the 3 meat bolognese, which I liked the flavor of, but personally think that maybe a bit less lemon ricotta dollop would have complemented flavors in a more balanced way. He got the focaccia style Margherita pizza, which was good, the corner/edges were a bit dry, but middle slices with more sauce proved to have a bit more flavor. Someone on staff played with the lighting/dimmers and brought "the house" all the way up and down multiple times over the course of ten mins, and then seemingly gave up and dropped the lights much lower than they'd started out. Some older man in a suit abruptly asked if we were happy with everything while I was mid-chew, but without a point of reference (ie, 'hi, I'm the manager') neither of us were prepared to respond appropriately. I think maybe I'd come back for bar bread service and drinks at the bar. I like the build-out and design of the place, but maybe this place needs to get its "sea legs" together for a bit more of an enjoyable dining experience? read more

Server was very attentive. Drinks were amazing. Food was excellent. Decor was very pleasing. Would definitely return.

We were sat immediately for a party of 5, 3 adults and 2 kids. It wasn't too busy but service was soooo slow. The food was good! We got the margarita pizza, the avocado hummus, and french fries. It wasn't busy at all but the service was really slow and lowkey bad. We got gelato as well and we saw it being scooped and sitting on the counter for 10 min/: melting. Collectively, we thought the food was a 4 and the service was a 2 at best. It's aesthetically pleasing. Very cute plates and decor. Great for pictures. The food is pretty too. Not sure if I'd come back. I probably wouldn't crave the food but if someone suggested it, I wouldn't be totally opposed. read more

Ambiance was nice and the service was very good. The food was average. My salmon was overcooked and the other meals at our table barely met expectations. What annoyed me the most was the added 3% optional FEE for the kitchen staff. Begrudgingly I paid it because I felt the cheap owners were not paying their kitchen staff enough. Another gimmick by business to shirk their duties to pay their employees a fair wage and pass their overhead onto the customer. I would understand that concept if the meal prices were lower than most restaurants but they were not. So another money grab by the rich. I know it was optional but ... it's annoying and it says a lot about your ownership. Not a great long term business strategy. Never again for us read more

Can't say enough good things about this spot. Friendly helpful staff great food and great drinks. A home run !! The menu is nice with several Mediterranean options ( different areas ) so everyone leaves happy !!! read more

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