Scacco Matto In Palestrina

08/01/2026: It was my first time at this restaurant, and I had heard from many people living in Rome that it is considered one of the best Japanese restaurants in the city center. In terms of food, I truly have no complaints. The beef was excellent, and the shrimp was very fresh and flavorful. The quality of the dishes was impressive. Unfortunately, the service did not fully reflect the level of the cuisine. While the food was being served, my glass of water was almost spilled. I ordered a second Negroni, which took some time and only arrived after I asked again. We also had to request the chili/spicy sauce three times before receiving it. During the meal, no one came by to ask if we would like to order a main course or anything else, and empty plates were not cleared promptly. At one point, my chair was accidentally bumped several times by staff passing by. At the end of the evening, when we asked to split the bill, I was mistakenly charged twice. Thankfully, Carolina noticed the error while we were waiting for the elevator and immediately came back to inform me. The situation was handled quickly and professionally, and I truly appreciated her honesty and care. I would also like to be transparent about my rating: the reason I gave a 3-star review is because of Carolina’s professionalism. Without her intervention, this would have been a 1-star experience. I say this with respect and honesty. Considering the high price point and my own background in hospitality, I believe there is significant room for improvement in service. The food is excellent, but with more consistent attention, the overall experience could match its reputation.

05/01/2026: Friendly staff, excellent food!