21/11/2025: I visited Tropea at the end of this summer, a city that's always beautiful and very popular. I chose this restaurant because it's the only one in town that's a member of the Italian Celiac Association (AIC), a key aspect for me.
The location is central, though slightly away from the touristy pedestrian area. The interior is pleasant and modern. Reservations are strongly recommended.
I arrived with a group of 12. The table was ready, but two chairs were missing, so we stood and waited for them to be brought. We then waited another 31 minutes before anyone came to take our order.
During the service, some issues arose: a bread basket was passed over the plate of the only celiac diner. I brought this to the attention of the restaurant manager, but she didn't seem to understand the seriousness of the situation. It was surprising to have to explain such a clear risk of contamination, especially in an AIC-accredited restaurant.
It should be added that the gluten-free menu carries a surcharge, despite the prices already not being particularly cheap. And unfortunately, it didn't end there: one of my guests' entire order was forgotten, and the dish arrived about twenty minutes late... and incomplete, to boot.
The place wasn't particularly crowded, so it's hard to justify such imprecise service. It's a real shame, because the food is good, and the robot waiter, while interesting to watch, doesn't make up for the staff's shortcomings.
Above-average prices demand adequate service. And gluten contamination is no joke.
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Update after the owner's response:
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Thank you for your time, although I find the tone adopted by a place that claims to be competent in the AIC field surprising. I'll clarify a few points.
Reservation and table
We didn't arrive "at very short notice": we had booked well in advance, as is normal for a group of 12 people with a celiac. The table for 10 had been set for 12, but there were no chairs: a simple fact. If you believe that limited space increases the risk of contamination, it would have been more professional to suggest two tables. Such a professional suggestion would have been more in keeping with the image of a safe and attentive establishment.
Wait and Forgotten Order
The establishment wasn't packed. The 31-minute wait for the order and the forgotten dish (which later arrived incomplete) remain objective facts. Your reconstruction is unfounded! Attacking the customer instead of acknowledging a mistake is neither a sign of competence nor wisdom.
Gluten Contamination
My complaint follows AIC guidelines: dishes containing gluten should not be passed over those intended for a celiac. The comments you attribute to me—about celiacs who should eat alone or couples who should sleep in separate beds—are embarrassing and misplaced trivializations, inconsistent with the image of a caring establishment. I say this with respect, but I express my disapproval.
Review Timing and Constructive Spirit
I wrote this review after two and a half months precisely to reflect and offer constructive feedback. Criticism, when based on facts, helps improve; arrogance and sarcasm do not. If I didn't respect your commitment—the food and the service—I wouldn't have taken the time to write such a detailed review.
My review wasn't offensive, and 11 other witnesses can confirm what happened. The tone of your reply—a mixture of sarcasm and emoticons—doesn't do the restaurant justice, and that's a shame, because the food is good. Sometimes it's enough to acknowledge a mistake and, above all, show a willingness to improve.
Best regards!
30/10/2025: We had a good dinner, both fish and pinsa were excellent, as for the service, the guy who served us was professional and fantastic, thank you👍
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