Lousy Service in Rome
Not all Romans are created equally. That goes for Roman restaurants too. Avoid crowded tourist areas and choose wisely.
Having lived in Italy for many years, I have heard horror stories from many a tourist about being treated badly by people in the service industry in Italy. It is sad to see tourists come away from this wonderful country with memories of rude waiters, standoffish cashiers, and less-than friendly business owners. While I hate to make excuses for the above, as I do believe that friendly customer service is an essential to any successful enterprise, I also must point out that Italians for the most part simply have not embraced this philosophy.
Firstly, Italian waiters and bartenders do not depend on gratuities. Some may leave a euro or two as a tip for good service, but the Italians do not expect it and refuse to “earn it”. They make the same salary, whether they dote on each guest or hurriedly slam down the dishes in front of you. This is especially true in the areas along the usual Rome day tour route. Restaurants in Rome that are near the Vatican are used to tourists who come through looking for a quick meal and are not likely to ever come back. While the occasional eager businessman will strive to leave a lasting impression in the mind of the tourist, for the most part vendors will serve up mediocre food, overcharge, and make no effort to wine and dine. Travel a bit off the beaten path in Rome, and the dining experience becomes quite different. Still one will not fine the quality of service most Americans are used to, but a significant improvement can be noted.
Also to consider is the fact that in Italy, there is no such thing as an “employee of the month”. People are just expected to do their jobs, without looking for recognition or a pat on the back. Knowing that they are unlikely to ever be praised for going above and beyond the call of duty, they will do the bare minimum that is required of them.
It is always nice to come to a restaurant that is family owned and see the grandparents sitting behind the scenes supervising the goings on, the adult children managing things, and the younger generation serving, etc. Places like this provide a reminder of the “old Italy” and the kinds of stories that made us all want to come here in the first place.
If your time is limited and your precious hours are consumed on a Rome day tour, my advice is to venture away from the main attractions for your meals. Below are a few suggestions of places that are fairly central and yet offer authentic fare and service with a smile.
Colosseum area:
Le Naumachie Via Celimontana, 7 Phone 06 7002 764
Testaccio area:
Checchino dal 1887 – Via del Monte Testaccio 30 Phone: 065746318
Via del Corso area:
Gusto – Piazza Augusto Imperatore 7/13 Phone: 063226273
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In Rome there is so much to see that I didn't know where to begin. We took all your suggestions and if we ever get to go back, I'd definitely do it again.
As someone who has worked as a waitress and cashier, and lived in italy with friends who are waiters over there I have noticed a big difference in what is expected here and there.
In italy the meal is the experience of the restaurant, you go there to have food with your friends, family, date etc. It's not about the waiter- italians tend to be straightforward when they order- they figure out what they want, order it and get it.
When americans go to a restaurant they want the waiter to be smiley and friendly, it's considered part of the experience, they also tend to be more fussy with their food and want it quickly and to their specifications. And because it's part of their job american waiters have to put up with a lot of abuse while keeping up a cheery appearance, often getting really annoying customers who'll blame them if their meal is no 100% right even if it's the cook's fault. They'll often expect the waiter to be friendly even if they don't say please or thank you, and treat them as if they were part of the furniture. Because italian waiters don't have to do that, if they're friendly it's because they want to be, because the customer is nice to them, regular customers are often treated very well if they're known to be pleasant. Tourists tend to (unfortunately) be lumped in with stereotypes- and sadly many american tourists give the rest a bad name by being rude and demanding- getting very unpleasant when their food is late. Food also takes much longer to prepare there so americans who are used to fast food get impatient.
A waitress friend of mine told me of an american man who threw his food at her because it took too long in his opinion- not really any wonder they get a bad name. I would probably be standoffish too.
