Tutto Italia is a chain?

[disneybliss2]

I just read that it's a chain. Is that information correct? If that's true,that disappoints me a bit. I feel like that takes away from the authenticity. I was already iffy on this reservation because it seems to get mixed reviews. We will be on the dining plan, so the higher cost there isn't a factor (a plus with the dining plan, actually). I just don't want to feel like I've been to Olive Garden. Don't get me wrong, I love Olive Garden. I just think the idea of it being a chain detracts from it's draw for me (I know that seems a tad silly, sorry). Does it taste like true Italian food?

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

I don't know if it's a chain or not, but we really enjoyed our meal there last January. I know Via Napoli is part of a larger restaurant group - we've been to their Naples 45 location in NYC. Not sure about Tutto though.

 

[LittleStinkerbelle]

That's funny, my response ended up above the original post.

 

[ghosty1000]

We have eaten at Tutto Italia 2 times and have enjoyed it both times. I didn't get the "chain restaurant feeling". I would definitely eat there again.

 

[MinnieGirl33]

They are part of The Patina Group and while I don't think there is more than one Tutto Italia, they are part of a larger group, sort of how Levy owns Puck's, Fulton's, etc.

http://www.patinagroup.com/

 

[vicki_c]

Being owned by a restaurant group is not the same as being a chain. Tutto is not a chain restaurant.

 

[disneybliss2]

I'm glad to hear they're not a chain. For some odd reason, it would take away from it being an authentic Italian eatery/restaurant that represented Italy at Epcot if I knew it was a chain.

 

[La2kw]

I preferred Alfredo's, which was based in Italy. Another Patina Group restaurants doesn't feel authentic to me.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

I preferred Alfredo's, which was based in Italy. Another Patina Group restaurants doesn't feel authentic to me.

Ironically, Alfredo's was more of a chain than Tutto (with locations in Rome, New York, and Orlando).

Via Napoli's pizza is a step in the right direction, so hopefully the Tutto refurbishment will also improve the menu.

 

[TDC Nala]

Tutto is operated by the same restaurant group that operates Via Napoli and the Naples pizzeria chain. I don't' think they operate another Tutto Italia anywhere, though. Most restaurants at WDW aren't all that authentic anyway.

Tutto is also currently under extensive rehab and we don't know what it will be like when it reopens.

 

[raidermatt]

Saying it's not a chain is really just playing with semantics. The Patina Group restaurants may not have the same names and therefore are not technically part of a chain, but for the purposes of the OPs statement, yes, it is a chain based in the U.S.

The former Alfredo di Roma was technically a chain, yet has much more authentic Italian roots. Originated in Italy, family owned and operated, only 3 locations (Rome, NY and WDW), and the originators of Fetuccine Alfredo. Again, for the purposes of the OPs post, not the type of chain they were referring to.

http://www.yesterland.com/alfredo.html

 

[raidermatt]

That's funny, my response ended up above the original post.

That's been happening to me as well. I think it's something screwy with the timezones. My post (west coast) will show up with the correct time, but there will be other posts after it with later times even though they are in the future. I assume they are other time zones but the system isn't recognizing the difference for some reason.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

Saying it's not a chain is really just playing with semantics. The Patina Group restaurants may not have the same names and therefore are not technically part of a chain, but for the purposes of the OPs statement, yes, it is a chain based in the U.S.

The former Alfredo di Roma was technically a chain, yet has much more authentic Italian roots. Originated in Italy, family owned and operated, only 3 locations (Rome, NY and WDW), and the originators of Fetuccine Alfredo. Again, for the purposes of the OPs post, not the type of chain they were referring to.

The OP asked if Tutto is a chain in the same vein as Olive Garden (hundreds of identical restaurants). The answer is no. A chain of restaurants shares the same name and, perhaps more importantly, the menu. Tutto’s menu appears to be unlike the other restaurants operated by Patina. Here’s the list:

http://www.patinagroup.com/restaurants.php

Tutto might not serve the best Italian food (I don’t think it does), but it’s not a chain. Similarly, Alfredo’s might have had an authentic Italian origin, but its menu (especially in Orlando) was largely Americanized. From what I know about traditional Italian cuisine, pasta is supposed to be an appetizer (il primo piatto). Alfredo’s was infamous for its huge plates of heavy, cheesy pasta entrees. IMO, Tutto is actually a step in the right direction (even if it’s not great), and I heard that the menu will be further updated with the refurbishment. Epcot seems to be increasing the authenticity of various WS establishments (Katsura Grill, Via Napoli, Hacienda, San Angel’s slight menu update, etc), so I’m sure any changes will be positive.

Being part of a 'chain' is not always a bad thing, either. Shula's is a chain, but everyone constantly claims it serves the best steak at WDW.

 

[raidermatt]

I've been in several of the Patina restaurants and while they strive to be of higher quality than an Olive Garden, the Patina's feel very similar to each other. Certainly not a one of a kind experience and not particularly authentic in feel. In fact, they feel very Americanized, like many mid-level Italian restaurants in many American cities.

That's not necessarily bad, it's all about what you want.

Alfredo's did serve some of their pastas as appetizers if you wanted them that way (at least they did on our visits). Their Fettucine Alfredo was like none I have had anywhere else, including places like SF's North Beach. They are/were family owned and felt nothing like a chain.

Disney's moves in World Showcase have nothing to do with being authentic. They simply look for the best business deals they can make. That's why Alfredo's left and why Patina came in. It's also why there hasn't been a new pavilion in over 20 years.

I agree though, it's all about personal preference. Certainly some like the new restaurant better and that's fine. Neither could really be called a completely authentic Italian restaurant (the same is true of every other restaurant in WS). But Alfredo's had several edges over Patina, and if you are going on pure feel, it wins the authenticity battle hands down.

Again though, doesn't mean you will like it better.

You mention Shula's, and it is hands-down the best steak on WDW property. A couple of key differences though. Shula's is an American steakhouse, so authenticity is a non-factor, in America at least. Also, the competition on WDW is virtually non existent. Sure, places like Yachtsman and Le Cellier call themselves steakhouses, but they really aren't striving to be a true American steakhouse. But you are right, certainly being a chain does not automatically mean you are of lower quality. That said though, Shula's hits their mark much better than the Patina's, at least the ones I have been to.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

I've been in several of the Patina restaurants and while they strive to be of higher quality than an Olive Garden, the Patina's feel very similar to each other. Certainly not a one of a kind experience and not particularly authentic in feel. In fact, they feel very Americanized, like many mid-level Italian restaurants in many American cities.

That's not necessarily bad, it's all about what you want.

Alfredo's did serve some of their pastas as appetizers if you wanted them that way (at least they did on our visits). Their Fettucine Alfredo was like none I have had anywhere else, including places like SF's North Beach. They are/were family owned and felt nothing like a chain.

Disney's moves in World Showcase have nothing to do with being authentic. They simply look for the best business deals they can make. That's why Alfredo's left and why Patina came in. It's also why there hasn't been a new pavilion in over 20 years.

I agree though, it's all about personal preference. Certainly some like the new restaurant better and that's fine. Neither could really be called a completely authentic Italian restaurant (the same is true of every other restaurant in WS). But Alfredo's had several edges over Patina, and if you are going on pure feel, it wins the authenticity battle hands down.

Again though, doesn't mean you will like it better.

You mention Shula's, and it is hands-down the best steak on WDW property. A couple of key differences though. Shula's is an American steakhouse, so authenticity is a non-factor, in America at least. Also, the competition on WDW is virtually non existent. Sure, places like Yachtsman and Le Cellier call themselves steakhouses, but they really aren't striving to be a true American steakhouse. But you are right, certainly being a chain does not automatically mean you are of lower quality. That said though, Shula's hits their mark much better than the Patina's, at least the ones I have been to.

I was never much of an Alfredo's fan (which is odd because I love pasta). I'm not a huge Tutto fan either, but I don't think the 'feel' of authenticity is too different. Both restaurants (at least the Epcot incarnations) featured Italian hosts and servers. Tutto basically kept the decor of Alfredo's, but spaced out the tables a bit (and with the outdoor seating in nice weather, it looks like a casual Italian cafe). And from a food standpoint, I think both are pretty mediocre. For me, Tutto was a net gain over Alfredo's, even though neither are restaurants I feel the need to return to (Tutto's refurbishment could change that).

Disney's recent dining changes have been intriguing and feature relatively unique/authentic foods: Kouzzina, Via Napoli, Sanaa, Hacienda (and updated menus at Cantina and San Angel Inn), Katsura Grill, etc. While none of these restaurants are completely authentic, I think overall they're arguably more authentic than many previously existing WDW restaurants (Japan's sit down locations, Nine Dragons, Akershus, etc). Even Art of Animation's food court will be a step above other resort quick service offerings. I think in some regards, Disney is trying to improve the food offerings, which I appreciate (at least at World Showcase and quick service locations).

In terms of Tutto, I think we need to wait and see the result of the refurbishment. Before, it basically occupied the shell of Alfredo's. Now, there's the potential for some noticeable changes. I'm hoping that the menu will be tweaked and improved, but I suppose it might not happen.