Ecco Ristorante

It pains me to write this review as Ecco was until now one of my favourite Italian restaurants. My husband and I enjoyed meals regularly with various friends. We came here not only for the wonderful food, but for the sophisticated and relaxing dining room and atmosphere. Unfortunately, we can no longer say this about this restaurant. We were here with friends on Friday night and were enjoying dinner up until dessert. Just before 9pm, someone put the music up so high that it was unbearable. We thought there may be a special occasion or a birthday cheer coming up, but after the 4th or 5th song, including Lebanese music, we realised that it was not. We asked 2 waiters what was happening, but they both said, we don’t know and shrugged it off. The music was so loud that the 4 of us sitting together could not hear each other talk. It felt like we were in a tacky club. I couldn’t believe that it was happening in such a classy restaurant.  I couldn’t finish my dessert or my coffee as it was no longer enjoyable. We decided to leave, as did a few other tables. I was watching the kitchen staff and they were staring out to the restaurant in disbelief. I felt for the kitchen staff who had no control over the situation, since it is mostly because of their hard work that diners keep coming back. When we were leaving, one of our regular waiters was apologetic, but one of the ladies that was also working the floor that evening, handled our disappointment terribly. She left a bad taste in our mouth, we felt disrespected and decided as we left that we would never dine at this restaurant again. I hope they pick up their game and take this review seriously. So disappointed.