Welcome, friendliness, and service were outstanding! Restaurant had several tables of regulars and the host/owner knew them by name, showing a personal interest and dialogue in/with her customers. Food was very good. Shared homemade potato chips (yum!) and stuffed mushrooms with friends. Great starters! Salmon on my salad was delicious. Hubby's chicken carbonara was tasty, but sauce was rather thick and heavy. As has been mentioned, it was a bit distracting that all food is served in aluminum foil pans with plastic silverware. Don't quite understand this, except to say it likely saves on dish-washing! read more

I am always type of person that likes to dine at small local establishments versus the chain restaurants. This one certainly fits that type and did not disappoint. I had the pork and bourbon special, which was amazing. My wife had the chicken carbonara, she loved it. Great portion sizes and could have easily shared one between us. Good ceases salad each to start and sadly was to full to try the desserts, but seen bananas foster go it to several tables, looked and smelled amazing. So if looking for a great local place to dine, you need to try this place out. read more

This is the best fettuccine I've ever tasted and probably ever will!!!! The service was amazing and they make you feel at home!!! I hope I can come back very soon!!!! read more

Sandra D's Italian Garden - Fettuccini - Italian Near Me - Auburn, Indiana

Wow, great place. Reasonable prices. Amazing food. Had the 3rd generation lasagna ( tons of meat) and the special, Marry Me Chicken. Both fantastic. The owners were wonderful hosts ( and chef) and checked in often. If you are anywhere near, definitely worth the stop. Overheard the owner/chef singing various 50's to 70's tunes in the back. Great voice. read more

This was my first time at this restaurant. The first thing I noticed upon entering Sandra D's was the cute decor! It was a very quaint, warm and inviting atmosphere. Our hostess/server greeted us with a smile and welcomed us in, she was very kind and attentive, explained the menu and took our order. I really liked that the menu was smaller. It made it less overwhelming and easier to decide what to order. The service was great! The chicken fettuccini Alfredo we ordered came out in a timely manor and was hot and cooked to perfection! Some of the best fettuccini Alfredo I've had! Will definitely go back and highly recommend. read more

Sandra D's is the best kept secret outside of Fort Wayne. My friend and I drove by and she mentioned she's always wanted to try it. So after our excursion, we stopped at Sandra D's. Best Decision Ever. We ordered the jalapeno poppers for an appetizer. They were literally mouth watering, phenomenal homemade poppers. The jalapeno is sliced in half and stuffed with a homemade cheese blend and battered in delicious breading, cooked to perfection. I wish we were smart enough to get two orders of them, I definitely could have eaten my own! For the main course, I got the Fettuccine Alfredo. The sauce was absolutely incredible!! I've never had a sauce like Bentley's (that's the chef's name). If I could bottle that sauce and take it home, I would! After telling the waitress how phenomenal the food is, we found out our waitress is the, Sandra D!! To our surprise even more, the head chef came out to introduce himself. His name is Bentley. He told us the alfredo sauce is made fresh to order. We also found out Bentley and Sandra are married and the only employees in the restaurant. I was shocked!! For the prompt service, generous portion size, and incredible food, I was shocked to learn they are doing it all alone! We loved this place so much, we came back a few hours later for dinner. This time we got the bruschetta for an appetizer. Let's just say, their food does Not disappoint! The bruschetta had the perfect amount of garlic and toppings. It was divine. I did get the fettuccine alfredo again. Yes, again. It was that good!! Next time I visit my friend in Fort Wayne, I will be stopping at Sandra D's for some more Alfredo. read more

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We arrived on a dreary Saturday at 2:30...the restaurant was empty but the hostess/server was welcoming and engaging. We had the specialty of the day, onion bisque. Tasty, although it was very filling on it's own. Comes with a homemade breadstick. I had the Mostaccioli). I asked for a half portion as we are staying in a hotel, and I will tell you that I couldn't finish it! Husband had the specialty of the day the Seafood Linguine. It was good, but not great...sauce was very "seafoody". Nice atmosphere, lovely proprietors. Reasonable prices. We didnt look at the wine list as we had more traveling to do.there was only one thing I found a bit off-putting...all cutlery and dinnerware was disposable. Glasses were not. read more

The Eggplant Parmesean is superb! This is a hard dish to find close by...but I found it here and it is worth the hunt! The service is perfect. You have their attention from the moment you walk through the front door. Very personable but not over whelming or over the top. The perfect hidden gem! read more

Tried the lunch special Ultimate Fried Bologna sandwich. Great choice. Owner and his wife are excellent host and hostess read more

Sandra D's Italian Garden - Ultimate Fried Bolona Soup - Italian Near Me - Auburn, Indiana

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Fabulous food, seafood lasagna is to die for! We love Friday night takeout is our favorite. Add a couple house salads.

What a hidden gem in Auburn, Indiana. After a morning exploring the Auburn Cord Dusenberg Museum, we were ready for a quick bite to eat. When driving into downtown we noticed Sandra D's and the special of the day listed on the board out front. When I saw that it was wild mushroom and spinach lasagna, it was an easy decision to stop. The lasagna was perfection - I'm still thinking about it a few weeks later. We also shared meatballs, breadsticks, and a Caprese pasta salad. The meatballs were in a tasty red sauce, so I'm sure the rest of the past would be fantastic. There aren't many seats, so be sure to arrive early! read more

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This is a hidden gem in a small town. Whether you are passing through, attending the ACD Festival, or nearby at the lakes or Ft Wayne, stop by this restaurant. The ingredients and menu are quality just like the chef and owners. We love the specials and look forward to checking them out every time we travel through town. You will go home with full stomachs and no regrets. read more

Food is ok, the restaurant definitely has changed since under new management. You no longer get free bread, they no longer cut it. Our server made assumptions and thought my husband was my father and couldn't keep her hands from his shoulders. Who does that?? If she wants to put her hands on someone else's spouse, she's definitely in the wrong industry. Servers, don't call your guests pet names & keep your hands off the guests. Makes you look terrible! read more

OMG! The best Italian food ever. You need to save room for the bread pudding. The ambiance was great and the service was outstanding. The only thing better was our meals read more

Was in town visiting family and decided to try Sandra D's after seeing some great reviews. Much better than expected. Everyone loved thier food! Lasagna and burger were huge hits. This is a small spot and run by what I assume to be a husband and wife team. Chef/owner was very engaging. Will definitely return when back in area. To those complaining about the disposable utensils and tins, seems like a measure to counter lack of staffing. Not a big deal IMO. read more

We came here for date night tonight. Besides the absolute morons at the table next to us we had a fantastic meal and excellent service. We had breadsticks, a glass of wine each, entrees, and dessert for $50. I had the chicken carbonara and my husband had the lasagna. My sauce was divine. The chicken was slightly crispy and perfect. For dessert we had the Raindrop (I believe that's what it was called), which was ice cream and lemon deliciousness. The only downside to me was the size of the dining room. I counted 7 tables, which is fine but that means you're close to the people next to you. And for us, that was a table of morons. If I can't hear my husband sitting across from me, you're too loud. I don't want to hear about your feet. I don't want to hear your commentary on pop culture, I don't want to hear your ignorant comments on the food. Shut up! Overall a great experience and we look forward to coming back. read more

Sandra D's Italian Garden - Dessert!! - Italian Near Me - Auburn, Indiana

It is our anniversary and we checked this place out 10 yrs ago but it was closed. This time being we have moved to area I looked more closely and made sure they would be open. Upon driving to/in we found it and when arriving make sure you turn right by restaurant due to parking is in back. Going in, it is a quaint little place and we were warmly greeted and seated. Immediately upon being seated I saw a table of lovely desserts calling to me but I fought the demons and did not steal one. The waitress gave us menus then came back in a few. I ordered water and wine. My husband ordered Diet Coke. The soda/water is served in a bottle. Wine, only if you buy the bottle. lol! Anyways, we both started out with the rosemary chicken with rice soup and it was so yummy. All soup does come with one garlic breadstick which was good. My husband ordered the traditional lasagna and on my it was delicious!!!!! I ordered the chicken carbonara and it was out of this world! The food and service here is outstanding! However, due to the plastic cutlery and paper napkins, it kills me to give a 4 star rating. But this place is not cheap and the dishes, silverware and drinks should be in regular solid dishes and cloth napkins. I will def be back regardless. I can tell this is a local place but they will treat you right and can't go wrong. If coming in evening probably need a reservation. It really isn't good for big crowds or kids but kids can come. It's medium-high prices but don't worry, it's very casual. Absolutely recommend! read more

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Excellent Dining Experience. Will Definitely Go Again. Great Service. Great Food. Wine Glass Was Full. Worth Looking For. Comfortable and welcoming atmosphere . read more

Glad we stopped. The food was high quality and delicious. The service was warm and friendly. Weird thing was all the plates and silverware were disposable. Made the experience less...we'll just less. I got the special that day and it was something you would find at a top of the line restaurant...in a to go container and had to cut my fish with a plastic knife and fork? Just was weird. All beverages were bottled, including my water. I'm not sure if this was a COVID change or what. I will still go for the food when I'm in town because it was just that great and love to support the special little places...but I'll make sure not to order anything I need to cut because plastic knives are worthless. read more

Foods always good enough. Great? Not but good enough for Auburn. I'd take a chance if I loved Italian.

What a pleasant surprise! Fresh homemade Italian dishes prepared and served by the nicest people you'll find. In our world of franchised, pre-packaged food served from freezers and microwaves Sandra D's is a real pleasure! Don't miss the tiramisu! read more

Sandra D's Italian Garden - REAL food made by REAL people :-) - Italian Near Me - Auburn, Indiana

What a great find after visiting the Auburn Cord Duesenberg museum! I wish it was closer to home.

Great food and awesome people running the restaurant. Authentic Italian food, choices of wines were good

Quite frankly, I had my doubts about this place as we drove up. It doesn't look like much from the outside and the inside isn't anything to write home about but the service and food was absolutely phenomenal! Upon entering, we were warmly greeted by a lovely lady (Sandra) who seemingly welcomed us into her home. Our party of 8 [from the Toledo area, Cincinnati, and Los Angeles] was easily accommodated in the dining room as one of the tables magically expanded to a large square perfect for conversation. The menu options were vast and had us oooing and ahhing as we struggled to make our selection. After ordering, we raised a glass of amazingly delicious Chianti to toast our father, patriarch of the family and WWII Veteran, in honor and celebration of Father's Day. After a bit of conversation and laughter, our food arrived and more ooo's and ahh's filled the room only to be replaced by mmmmm as we tasted our first bite. Everyone was in awe of the culinary masterpieces put before them and prepared by Chef Bentley. It was one thing to visualize the result of the menu description but to see it masterfully presented was like looking at art on a plate. As we prepared to leave, many of the patrons rose to shake the hand of the 96 year old WWII Veteran we call Dad, and to thank him for his service. It meant so much to our dad to be honored by so many. I don't think we will ever forget our experience at Sandra Ds. read more

It's extremely expensive for the price they charge with horrible service. Seafood Lasagna horrible read more

Still a wonderful place to eat. My girlfriend and I come here whenever we can. Anniversaries, birthdays anything for a sensual, romantic evening. One of the best parts still remains the owners. They are the most kind and welcoming people. They make every visit feel unique. I can't think of a reason to not go. read more

Very good food and nice atmosphere! Service was prompt even though they were very busy that evening.

When you spend enough time in Auburn and you ask around for where to eat, at some point someone will mention that you need to eat at Sandra D's--the only "five star restaurant in town." I'm not sure where that designation came from (perhaps their business card) or what criteria were used, but it does make you want to check the place out. So we went on a Wednesday at lunch to see for ourselves. It was relatively quiet. Just us and a few business guys at another table. Some others have mentioned the décor. I, too, am not a huge fan of fake plants, vines, etc. However, short of distasteful (lewd/racist/sexist, etc.) I don't really care if the place is covered in pink teddy bears or decked out in an Elvis motif as long as the food is delicious. Unfortunately, I did not find that to be the case either. The pasta and even the breadsticks were just okay. I wasn't expecting real authentic Roma cuisine, of course. I was hoping, however, for something of at least Olive Garden quality. I found it fell short all-around. The customer service was okay. Definitely not bad, but not the stellar small-town wait staff that other reviewers have highlighted. Maybe we hit an off day service-wise. The moral of this review is that I don't intend to go back. I will look to Fort Wayne for good Italian food (or just make it at home!). I do like that it's not a chain (which plague Auburn), so I wish I liked it better. Sadly, I did not. Ciao, ciao. read more

Sandra D's Italian Garden - Business Card - Italian Near Me - Auburn, Indiana

Always drive past this place & it's closed, so today when I drove by & saw an open sign-- I had to stop in! Very pleasant experience, 2pm in the afternoon so my son & I were the only ones there. Taken care of promptly. I did have to pay for bottled water, but it was inexpensive & didn't bother me. The seafood lasagna (Friday special) was easily a 12/10 for me, delicious & rich without being too heavy on the stomach. Definitely will be returning here. read more

Sandra D's Italian Garden - Italian Near Me - Auburn, Indiana

Great place for a great meal. Seafood lasagna was perfect and the seafood gumbo was delicious. The Mostacciou was also outstanding. Service was perfect and friendly. This is a hidden gem in Auburn! read more

I have taken many friends and family there. Each time is better. Food is fantastic and the service is even better. Small town atmosphere with a unique experience you are sure to enjoy. Their hours open are tight, but understandable and well worth the experience. read more

I still love this place, but...I'm disappointed in the weird foil disposal tins they serve food in, and it's time to get rid of the plastic cutlery. If that's a permanent change after covid, we won't dine in anymore. read more

My favorite place in Auburn to eat. Great atmosphere where each guest is visited by the chef to ensure their satisfaction. Everything I've tried on the menu is delicious. Their salad is the best I've had anywhere and the chicken fettuccine is my favorite pasta. I highly recommend Sandra D's! read more

This is a small place in auburn , IN. We go there for lunch as it's near office . They have a fixed menu. It's a family run restaurant and food is so good and I feel it's authentic Italian. A must go restaurant in Auburn, IN read more

This place is a Gem! Immediately I am impressed when the Chef himself walks up to the table to introduce himself and tell you the specials and ask if you have any questions. The chef is obvious in his conversation and food presentation passionate about what he does. I had a sausage and cabbage soup to start which was absolutely delicious. My meal was a vegetable polenta which was so flavorful and fresh. Speaking of fresh, you can watch as the chef pulled all the vegetables down and cut them to order. While the place is small and has limited hours, it is worth taking the time to plan a visit! read more

Sandra D's Italian Garden - Vegetable Polenta - Italian Near Me - Auburn, Indiana

A really good choice for dinner. The food is exceptional. Their house salad dressing is homemade and phenomenal. One of my favorites is also one of the cheapest, the alfredo. The sauce is outstanding, and i usually add chicken to it. It is a small and cozy place, good for special occasions. In the summer i've seen them put a table or two outside. There service is also excellent, and they always make good recommendations. I've never been disappointed. They are closed Mondays. read more

Great food! Adorable family owned restaurant. Very good food! Ravioli, lasagna and Mac and cheese were all amazing! Great food! Adorable family owned restaurant. Very good food! Ravioli, lasagna and Mac and cheese were all amazing! Worth a stop! read more

Hot, fresh breadsticks. Wonderful atmosphere. Kind and welcoming staff. Excellent food. I got lasagna, he got the pork medalions. Full bar. read more

Sandra D's Italian Garden - Front - Italian Near Me - Auburn, Indiana

Outstanding Italian food. We're from out of town, and Sandra D's was recommended by a long-time local resident. We had a seafood lasagna (special), carne panini al forno, and pollo gorgonzola salad. Homemade chocolate tiramisu for dessert was delicious. I plan to have the sausage (specially prepared to the restaurant's specifications by a local butcher) and peppers on my next visit to Auburn. Note: wine list is sparse but adequate. read more

We stumbled across this restaurant on our way home from the winery. The atmosphere was really nice and the chef even came out to check everything was ok! I had the Brunswick stew and the baked spaghetti special - both were very good. My husband had the house salad (dressing was excellent raspberry almond cream yummy) and a panini. All in all very good quality and prices - a must try when you're in this area! read more