Big Apple steak house — Local services in Rome

Sometimes you choose a restaurant that you know is a tourist trap and probably does not have the best food, but the location and convenience is worth it. The Big Apple steak house had multiple red flags that it was not going to be our favourite dining experience (the name, the huge menu, the waiters standing out front trying to get you in, the expensive prices for what you get, ketchup on the table, etc.), but we were willing to accept it because of the location and a World Cup game we wanted to watch was on and they had seating on the patio beside the TV.

As expected, most of the food was mediocre though we were surprised that the steak and desert (from the gelato place across the street) was decent. There absolutely is a 14% service charge (interesting that the owner denies this, as its printed on the menu). Of course we saw this before ordering, decided that although we have never encountered this outrageous service charge during our month in Italy and week in Rome that the location with the game was worth staying. We knew we were being taken advantage of as tourists, but decided to accept it and move on.

The problem was that when we got our bill (155 euros which was the most expensive we had during our trip despite eating at some amazing places with better food, wine, and service), the waiter went out of his way to try to tell us that the tip is not included. A service charge is a tip and no where else in Italy that we went to expected more. We paid by credit card and did not add more for an additional tip. The waiter looked at the receipt, then stood by staring at us only to come back and tell my husband loudly and forcefully, “sir, the tip is not included, the 14% is service for the restaurant, not tip”. He repeated this at least twice more as we sat at the table ready to leave. We did not leave anything more as we felt we had already left a tip (and a very steep one by Italy’s standards). He then stood in front of the walkway staring at us so we would have to step right past him, which we did. Then we heard him laughing at us as we walked away. All of the restaurants in this piazza are tourist traps, but I would recommend trying any other of the over this place. You’ll likely be taken advantage of, but at hopefully the server will not be so rude...

Food was decent, our original server was pretty good, however they rushed us to finish and brought our bill that included a 14% service charge. When the guy brought back our change, with no explanation he told us we were cheap and that the change was “good for the fountain”. When we asked what the problem was, he said the 14% was a cover charge, not a service charge, even though it clearly said SERVICE CHARGE both on the bill and on the menu. He gave us attitude and muttered ilalian under is breath (probably insults). Had the guy who brought us the bill been slightly more respectful, I may have given an extra tip, but the level of rudeness and aggressivity overshadowed all the good. Also, prices were slightly high for what it was. I do not recommend this place at all, you can get better food and service pretty...

This is an Italian Restaurant now, and the service sucks. Very busy and no division of tasks. The waiters have to do everything from seating people to bussing tables. It leaves them pulled in too many directions, distracted, and forgetful. Also the pasta I had was just plain....