How the reviews of Yelp’s #1 Italian restaurant reflect its business goals
Fratellino has been dishing out homemade Italian comfort food to its Coral Gables, Florida community for nearly a decade, helping it earn the #1 spot on Yelp’s 2024 Best Italian Restaurants in the U.S. and the #5 spot on Yelp’s 2024 Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S.
Carrying on the legacy of his father and grandfather, owner Beto DiCarlo aims to create a familial atmosphere, ensuring every guest feels at home and treating his staff with the utmost respect. These principles have not only defined Fratellino’s identity but also set it apart in a competitive industry.
And one of the best ways for Beto to see that it’s truly working? Fratellino’s reviews. The restaurant’s Yelp reviews echo how Beto’s business goals have translated into memorable dining experiences, inspiring Fratellino’s loyal following to leave reviews and cementing its reputation as a beloved local treasure.
Dive in to see how Beto’s vision and dedication shine through the voices of those who have been charmed by Fratellino.
1. Creating a family-oriented atmosphere
The energy you emit to your customers can sometimes be equally as important as your product or service. This energy—created through your business’s service, decor, and ambiance—is something that stays with your customers long after they’ve left. Beto said that he wants his restaurant to embody a family home, a welcoming atmosphere for those who decide to enter.
From Beto:
“I always made it a family-oriented restaurant, and the pictures on the wall… it just looks like a big dining room of my house. It’s like going to somebody’s house where you have family pictures up and just nice decoration, clean flooring, like a family‘s house.”
From the reviewers:
“The best Italian food in Miami. The seafood risotto, the fried calamari are second to none, as well as the service by Lazaro, Andres, Carlos, Eduardo, and Javier [who are] always making sure that everyone is having an amazing experience. Finally thank you to Beto and Betico Jr. for making us feel part of a family. This is a family-owned restaurant that feels like you are in Italy, with a great atmosphere.” – Jorge A. (January 23, 2024)
“From the minute you walk in to the minute you leave, you are treated like family… Family is the theme, and they truly embrace that in service and feel.” – Steve L. (March 27, 2024)
“I love to go to the best Italian restaurants in all the cities we visit, always in hopes of finding ‘the place’ that makes me feel transported back to all the wonderful times I had in Italy growing up. This is it!!! The warmth, the charm, the people, the food… this place has it all. Beto is a wonderful host and makes people feel at home, as if you are family.” – Jesena M. (November 10, 2022)
2. Being friendly and kind to everyone
Treating each individual customer with kindness and respect is important in ensuring positive experiences for all. Beto said that Fratellino’s service standards are rooted in friendliness, and he aims to create a welcoming environment for anyone who steps into his establishment.
From Beto:
“You never judge a book by its cover, you treat everybody the same. That’s the best advice… you treat everybody with grace, kindness.”
From the reviewers:
“Starting the year off at Yelp’s 2024 #5 restaurant in the U.S.!!! The ambiance was authentic, friendly, and attentive service, and the food amazing. It was a great double birthday celebration. ” – Michael T. (January 29, 2024)
“This is by far my favorite Italian restaurant in Miami. I have been fortunate enough to come here twice, and both times were fabulous… The service here is excellent and so friendly.” – Melissa F. (January 17, 2023)
“From the second we walked in, the young man who greeted us knew exactly who we were from our calling for reservations over the phone. Every table was taken. The service was really great. All of the staff are very helpful and friendly.” – Sam S. (July 18, 2022)
3. Treating staff well
How your staff is treated heavily aligns with the quality of service that customers receive. To create a warm and welcoming environment for customers, it’s essential to first treat staff with kindness and give them adequate resources and training to succeed. Beto said he’s proud to say many of his staff members have been with Fratellino since the beginning, and they provide stellar service that clearly resonates with reviewers as well.
From Beto:
“90% of our staff has been there since day one, which is going to be 10 years in October. To keep our staff happy, we gotta treat [them] with a lot of love because they’re going to show the love to their customers.”
From the reviewers:
“Incredible, compassionate and polite owners and staff… I always tell people that if you want the best food, service, and scenery, you have to go to Fratellino… As a disabled person who uses a bicycle to get around, it is great to have good food by great people. They should receive an award for their kindness, professionalism, and dedication to the world.” – Chaunce O. (June 22, 2024)
“The service was impeccable, with attentive staff who ensured we had a wonderful dining experience.” – Bruce B. (June 29, 2024)
“The food is made with absolute love! The staff treat you like you’re one of a kind! By far the best Italian place I have ever ever gone to!!” – Natalie L., (July 8, 2023)
At Fratellino, Beto’s clear and heartfelt objectives have translated into genuine customer satisfaction, reflected in glowing reviews. Customer reviews can serve as a powerful testament to the effectiveness of your business goals, providing real-world validation that your efforts are making a meaningful impact.