Wheat Water Italian Kitchen - Bradenton

Service: Dine in Meal type: Dinner Price per person: $50–100 Food: 4 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 3 Recommended dishes: Chicken Marsala

I had high expectations as I read all the five star reviews. There was no problem getting a last minute reservations, but it was not needed as there was plenty of available seating. Upon arrival we informed the waiter this was our first visit. He did not offer a warm welcome, explain the menu or provide any information regarding the restaurant or chef. The pasta is imported, not fresh made on the premises. The restaurant IS called Wheat Water. They also do not offer dipping oil for the bread. I ordered the Lasagna Bolognese. It says five layers. Mine was missing the Ricotta and Mozzarella and the pasta was extremely overcooked. Mush! When I informed the waiter he stated the lasagna was cooked in large batches which then sat until gradually consumed. This causes the pasta to overcook. What??? How do other Italian restaurants do it successfully? He did offer me the opportunity to order a replacement meal but I declined, not wanting to eat after my husband had already completed his meal. He stated he would inform the chef. No response. No comment or visit from the chef. We each order one cocktail. Nothing out of the ordinary, yet these also fell short of our expectations. When the check arrived the waiter asked if we had a membership points card. On the first visit?? When he then started to explain the program I interrupted and stated that would not be necessary. [For obvious reasons] He quickly did an about face and walked away in silence.I do not understand the favorable reviews. Maybe the chef was absent the day I was there. UPDATE: I decided to give this restaurant another chance given its many good reviews. I am glad I did. The server was attentive and informative regarding the menu. I order the Chicken Parmagani with fettuccini and my quest ordered the Sacchetti. The pasta was a perfect al dente, the chicken was tender and the sauces were flavorful. I will be back.

Shane was Server, professional, knowledgeable, fun information too! They just changed the menu had the Chicken Tosca and app was grilled Italian Artichokes! Fresh baked sourdough bread is amazing too! Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 4

The place is phenomenal. Every duck is better than the last. Try the short ribs for something else. Had the artichoke appetizer last night. Could have eaten it for hours! Delish. And the waiting staff is wonderful. The main course sometimes takes awhile, but it is ready to order and so much worth the extra few minutes.

This restaurant has amazing food: chicken marsala was amazingly tender. If you dont like mushrooms, you can get it without it and the dish still taste great. Speghetti was delicious, the pasta favoil soup was so good I wanted seconds. The apple crostada dessert was good. The service was right on target. I would recommend this place to anyone. I will definitely come back to eat.