Went for a late lunch with the family. Food is subpar at best. Salad was wilted and soaked with dressing ( used to be my husband's favorite). pasta was not well seasoned pretty much tasted like just tomato sauce was thrown on it. It has gone down in quality since a few years back. Won't be going back anytime soon. read more

Went with my daughter ordered a small pepperoni pizza and a chicken Alfredo and it was amazing. Definitely recommend! The ratio of cheese on the pizza was on point! Took a little while to get helped, but definitely recommend. read more

The service was extremely nice..so nice I wish they could sit and eat with us. During this pandemic it was so nice to got out and get good food and great service. read more

Strings Italian Cafe - Food and company was DELICIOUS ! - Italian Near Me - Modesto, California

We decided to stop by for the first time today. Our service was mediocre and the vibe was unwelcoming. This was going to be the first and last time we ever end up going here, and for the price (expensive) I don't recommend this place. I'd rather go to Olive Garden, same price and better service and environment. My pastas were watery. I do not recommend Update 2am: not only that, I've been on the toilet since 1am. DEFINITELY NOT RECOMMENDED read more

This is the 3rd time we have used Strings for a group type gathering. Not only is the food wonderful but it's always plenty. Staff and service is great and they are willing to adjust as to our request. Price is affordable and quantity is on point. read more

My family use to come here years ago and loved their signature salad with raisins. I had the Antipasto Pomodoro about 6 months ago and the pasta portion size was pathetic. The spaghetti was gone after about 4 fork swirls, and I was left with a mountain of sauce. I almost felt like taking it home and adding my own pasta to it. Embarrassingly, I was SO HUNGRY after a long day of work, I sat there and just ate spoon full after spoon full of bare sauce (which actually was not that good). Unless your making your own pasta, if your using standard packaged spaghetti, it is fairly inexpensive. Strings - I don't know why you're trying to cut costs here... Strings- you've lost your way, but as long as that Open sign is on your door it's never too late to turn things around. read more

First all, very good Italian restaurant, nice ambiance, convenient location. My favorite is probably the Frutti di Mare, but tonight I decided to try something different - the Pasta Mediterranean - excellent choice! Paired with a glass of Chianti. The bread is also very good. Now, after being a regular here in the past year, the last 2 visits I've had subpar service. A hostess comes to take drink orders, but cannot take wine order. But thats what I want to drink! OK, fine, they need the actual waitress to come...but I have to wait like 10 minutes for her to show up? Tonight was particularly odd, as our supposed waitress spent practically our entire time there having a conversation with another customer, with her back against us. How inappropriate! I want to love this restaurant but the service the last 2 times and the behavior of the waitress tonight spoils it. read more

4 stars for food, 1 star for service. We always enjoy the food itself, but the service is always, ALWAYS, poor. Our worst experience to date was 10/22/23, around 630pm. There were only 5 tables with patrons, including ourselves. A young man seated us and promptly brought us our drinks. We then sat there for over 30 minutes while the blonde ponytail waitress tended to the table next to us several times, not once even looking at us. We finally had enough and left. When I went up to pay for our drinks the other waitress refused my payment after I told her why we were leaving (thank you for that). The food here is great, but maaaan...the service is terrible. read more

Good portions good food fair price. Not as greasy with lots of oil or butter like most Italian places

I came here once and the service was excellent. It was during Holy Week and I wanted to make it back to church for a service in the evening. I had only about an hour to eat. I asked my server if she thought I could sit in and eat or just carry-out based on the evening. She said it would not be a problem and she could get me out of there within the hour. I ordered a full meal, with salad and bread and the people who came to my table were top knotch! The quality of food was good, their signature salad with raisins was fresh and bread was straight-out-of-the oven SOFT! I will be coming back for sure. read more

The price I paid reminded me of a suspect getting away with robbery. I was the victim. I paid $4.99 for the tiny chicken slices, and $12.99 for noodles and cream, which was the "Chicken Alfredo" I ordered. The tiny chicken slices, noodles and cream was bland and needed flavor, so I had to use my own seasoning to make it taste better. Looks are definitely deceiving at Strings. read more

Strings Italian Cafe - Bland food - Italian Near Me - Modesto, California

We ordered Strings (delivery). Paid $70 for a very sad portion and with disappointing or lack of flavor. We ordered the Portabella Raviolis with shrimp and the Cheese Tortellini, it came out to almost $70. I honestly would have only paid $30 tops for it. The Portabella Raviolis were supposed to come in a sun-dried sauce and I'm honestly not sure what that sauce was. The best thing about the order was the side salad. I'm haven't had Strings in quite awhile, but my opinion has definitely gone from great food, to disappointed. read more

Strings Italian Cafe - Italian Near Me - Modesto, California

Absolutely the best service. The owner went out of her way to get my party of 14 in for my moms birthday. Love the ambience of this place. Owner has done a great job with the decor inside and outside. Had amazing service and food was absolutely delicious. Will definitely be back. read more

Terrible lunch experience. Coworker & I decided on a quick (we expected) soup & salad lunch, and she loves Strings. We were seated, but it took longer than typical for our order to be taken. When the salad was brought, it was by itself. We were waiting a long time for the soup, managed to finish an entire bowl of salad, and we're still waiting for soup. Finally had to ask for the soup (server was walking past us without looking our way for the 2nd time), and when it was served, had to specifically ask for a spoon to eat it with! My friend had the seafood bisque, so there were no options except wait another long time for the spoon to be brought. I was able to use my fork to start stabbing at the tons & tons of cabbage in the "minestrone" soup. Seriously, it should have been called cabbage soup. Minestrone has red beans & pasta. This bowl of soup had, literally, one single bean and 4 pasta shells, and a broth that wasn't as hearty as minestrone usually is. Then we were waiting for our checks. And waiting, and waiting. When they came, there was a mistake on them, and the person who brought them (not our main server) said she'd "ask her about it", then eventually she brought the corrected receipt (but failed to say anything else, so we were left wondering if we make the corrections ourselves on the copy to sign from the original tag, or what). More waiting ensued so we made the edits on the original "Restaurant Copy", signed them and got up to leave, when our server (name on the receipt is Jayden) curtly walked up and said, "I'll take your cards now!". We were caught off guard and had to dig out our cards again. We said we didn't know she'd need them again and she just as curtly replied, "I deleted the other one!". After she walked away my friend observed that the server was acting like a B towards us. Never at any time did she apologize for her mistake, or any of the delays during our time there, and we were in our work clothes so clearly on a timetable... hence ordering food that did not require cooking. The delays & errors cost money out of our pockets for being late back to work, so an acknowledgment of the problems would have gone a long way. Mind you, a larger group at another table with cooked entrees had their food twice as fast as it took us to receive soup. Very disappointed. read more

Thanks Keelie!!! Lunch was great as always... Food and service are always top notch! The Artichoke Dip Appetizer is one of my favorites. Every entree I've had is d'lish and the desserts (YUM!) Thanks again! Will be back soon read more

Service was okay. Table was sticky. Oil and Vinegar bottles need to be wiped down! Food was mediocre. I haven't been to Strings in over 10 years and most likely won't be back either! read more

Strings Italian Cafe - Calamari appetizer. - Italian Near Me - Modesto, California

Food was good , service was very good...music was good but way to loud...couldn't even hear what people were saying at your own table...asked for it to be turned down, that never happen so we finished eating and left so we could talk to each other as this was a girls night out! Only will go back if there is no music or weather nice enough to set out on the patio where it wasn't so loud read more

Terrible food. Completely fake frozen Italian and sauce is just completely fake. Bread isn't even good.

Good stuff here, one of my favorite places to go for a nice somewhat quiet dinner, ive had several dishes all were good. We've met people ther for lunch and they have liked it too. Salad and bread is a good opener. Totally recommend this place read more

This is kind of late to be leaving a review for Strings, as I have been coming here literally since I was in junior high school. Love this place, never disappointed. I am only NOW posting a review to tell about my last experience here. Came in on Mother's Day with my Mother to have lunch for the holiday. Was seated immediately. Had the privilege of being served by the most adorable waitress who had PERFECT eyebrows, excellent customer service, a smile and positive attitude the entire time we were there. She was on it. But in the midst of us enjoying our meal, I don't know if it was a manager or one of her coworkers, but there was a male that came in and started to give her a hard time. It was not quiet at all, what I do for a living, I am a very CALM person, so nothing startles me, but I kept looking up from my meal to watch this man upsetting her; dude was a pest honestly. At one point even my Mother turned around to watch IT. I don't know what was even going on, but that was NOT IT; nor was it professional. Side bar, I hate the new decor WAY too modern. Doesn't feel like an Italian place, Reminds me of those TV shows where they come in and redecorate the spot, there is no character at all. I wish they would've kept it how it looked previously. JMO .. Food. Was. Excellent. read more

Strings Italian Cafe - Moms meal, no idea what it was, but it was delicious .. - Italian Near Me - Modesto, California

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I am sooooo disappointed! I will not be eating here again. I ordered lunch today. Baked lasagna with meatballs..it was a 2.5 x 3.5 cut of lasagna and 2 meatballs plus side salad and that was 15 bucks. The meatballs were horrible! Cheap pre-made and frozen packaged! Oh rubbery too! Ugh The lasagna was ok once you got rid of the hard gross edges. Like how many times was it baked?? I am including pictures.. the salad was wilted and brown... really bummed!! read more

Strings Italian Cafe - Brown slime edges - Italian Near Me - Modesto, California

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Most disgusting fettuccini Alfredo I've ever had. The sauce tasted like something out of a jar you could find at the grocery store. Not even homemade, yet still overpriced. The food was cold. Totally disgusting. Never going back. read more

My husband and I was so glad to see Strings reopened under new management. That's good but we always bought Calzones but when they come from the back and our first bite we knew it was not the same. Actually mine was disgusting, the chicken in it was not all the way defrosted and the broccoli and mushrooms were very scant. Needless to say "Bye bye Strings". You just didn't hold a stick to the old one. Our meal was $45.09 and I will not go back! read more

I've been to Strings pre-Covid and post-Covid and i think a solid 3 solid stars is what it deserves. It's not my go to Italian restaurant, but it's what my family likes. They do have good pizza. read more

I'm really sad. I thought new ownership would not change a thing, but boy, was I wrong. The food is so inconsistent. Sometimes it's hot and good. Well, yesterday was not good. Our "Alfredo sauce " had the consistency of sour cream, It was thick and cold. The one male waiter is always so cold that it makes you feel like you're bothering him. Honestly, we loved going to Strings for family dinner, but for the prices ,service, and not sure if the food is going to be good or not. We pass more often than not. **UPDATE** 5/30/24 around 7:30pm. I honestly think it's his personality, but he doesn't seem like he wants to be there. it is just take your order serve your order move on. He's that way every time we have gone. 1 ticket we had the spinach ravioli with Alfredo 2 kids meals with pene and Alfredo. The other party had the spinach. Pepperoni bake it was really dry. It was super hot but dry so she asked for a side of Alfredo they also had 2 sides of meatballs, which he said were really good side of sausage and side of chicken and shrimp scampi appetizer. read more

Sure do like the lunch option of pick your pasta and sauce. What a deal! Also have learned that you can order your salad as you like. I don't like raisins or the creamy garlic (my wife like both) so I order greens with ranch and am very happy now. Not a problem, so tell the server. When you are knackered and hungry, drop in, relax and have a nice homey meal and glass or two of wine. And the tab will not break the bank. Don't understand the negative reviews. Am I am a fussy critic. read more

Tasteless, small portions and pricey. You're better off cooking a box of Pasta Roni at home. At least it would have flavor.

Amazing time, the food was so delicious literally 100/100, mash potatoes are heaven sent. I love this place so much and can't wait to come back read more

Strings Italian Cafe - amazing time , the food was spectacular,comfy, Must try, food is literally OUTSTANDING! & order mashed potatoes, TRUST ME - Italian Near Me - Modesto, California

I ordered food via door Dash and the food arrived cold and it was rancid and smelled awful. I had to call door Dash and get a full refund I will not be going back to Strings. read more

This place is great! We came here on a Saturday night, my wife's birthday. Initially we were planning on eating at Olive Garden since we had gift cards there, but the wait was too long, and with two little ones, we decided to go elsewhere. And so glad we did! My wife and I love Strings in Manteca, so we decided to head over to the one in Modesto. When we got there, we were seated right away by a very friendly lady. The server was wonderful, helped me choose the pasta Siena, which was delicious! My wife loved her soup and salad, and the kids loved their macaroni and cheese and cheese pizza. The four of us left there with a bill under $50, probably cheaper than Olive Garden and in my opinion, much better food than Fina where we ate the previous weekend, and a lot more inexpensive too! We are already looking forward to going back! read more

Delicious food and great service! The food prep was quick and spot in to our request. Definitely a family staple!

My husband and I went to Strings in Modesto off Oakdale road. Our server, Keelie, took our drink/food order and the hostess did the rest. The server didn't ask how we were doing until the end of our dinner, when I needed a box. She didn't even take our check and bring it back with our receipt, that was the work of the table busser. There were 7 other tables she was tending to, but 2 others were suffering as well. We got refills and checked on by the hostess. She was the one to receive the tip from us. I understand that some places might be overstaffed, but this restaurant was small and she could've easily came to check on us more than once. read more

Strings Italian Cafe - Receipt with name of server - Italian Near Me - Modesto, California

We went for are Anniversary Great food and Great service, very nice place. we will be back.

We love strings but last night we ordered the artichoke dip appetizer and it was so thin. this is a picture after just one dip. It was just a small thin layer. I'm hoping it was just a mistake of the day and not how it is normally prepared. read more

Strings Italian Cafe - Artichoke Dip Dinner Appetizer - Italian Near Me - Modesto, California

Simple Italian food hit the spot but price point a bit too high for what it was. Ordered the family meal to go (salad, bread, pasta with veggies) and it was good but it was $70! I'm not sure why adding veggies to the pasta is $25 more (meal advertised as $45 with plain fettuccine and add EITHER CHICKEN OR VEGGIES FOR $25). BJs restaurant family meals are cheaper and ready quicker. read more

We have been going here often. The food is good, service is good. One of the waitresses knows our drink orders. It's good to have good food and good service during the pandemic. read more

Well, where do I start. Sunday 10-22-17 4:15pm It would be helpful if you had a sign that either said, seat yourself, or please wait to be seated. After standing in the doorway a couple of minutes without being acknowledged, we decided to seat our party of 4 ourselves. We then got scolded by your employee to wait to be seated. We then were seated, and not asked what anyone wanted to drink. We wondered after a while if we were going to be even waited on. Soon thereafter, a very somber gal, ask for our drink order. Then, our waitress finally took our order in which we felt we were a bother to her. Unfortunately, we will choose to go to another Italian Restaurant in Modesto where we are treated as a customer and not an inconvenience. read more

Ordered delivery on a Thursday night and the wait time was surprisingly minimal. I ordered the Spaghetti dinner w/meatballs (++ chose the pomodoro sauce option) and went with the seafood bisque as my side. The bisque was screamin (dare i say....bitchin, even?) and the meatballs were BAMB.COM.Now for my complaints. The pomodoro sauce left so much to be desired. An "effort" that i can only imagine its creator attempting to pass off as 'rustic' is nothing more than a hack job. This is unless i was given maranara on accident. In which case... The maranara sauce on my spaghetti was forgettable at best. (SIDEBAR FUNFACT:Typically pomodoro consists of minced tomatoes that simmer for hours, producing a thicker viscosity.....) Also I was hoping that after not finding an option to order table bread or even garlic bread on the menu anywhere that maybe they might siliently include it with the order since id imagine its served pre dinner when one dines in. Alas i did not. So placing an option to order any sort of bread might be clutch considering this is "traditional" Italian food. And no side of parmesan cheese was the most disturbing of all my complaints. Now, I'm not a kook, so I'm fully aware that the owners, nor the chefs or servers, or the grub hub delivery girl don't know me from Adam.... But the no parm. thing. It seriously sucked...and it felt deeply personal. read more

We have ordered take out and loved the lasagna and spaghetti with meatballs, but last night was our first time dining in the Cafe! We had a reservation of 11 and our waitress Amy was amazing....She was there for our needs before we had to even ask!! The food was outstanding!! We ordered take out tonight... it's so fresh and tasty!!! I Highly recommend dine in or take out! The customer service is A+++ Thank you!! read more

The calzones are our favorite! Love their salad as well. Have had some of their pastas and those are good too. Overall, a solid place to eat if you're craving quick Italian. read more