Paneolio — Restaurant in Nice

I recently had a deeply disappointing experience at Paneeolio restaurant that I feel compelled to share. While dining with friends, one of us realized her phone was missing. She hadn't left the table or gone to the restroom, so we were understandably concerned. Fearing someone might have taken it from the table, we approached the bar to ask if they could check the security cameras.

To our shock, they asked us for 10 euros before even considering our request. Then, after asking if we spoke French, they suddenly produced the phone. Confused and relieved, we spoke to the manager and owner, hoping for an explanation or at least an apology. Instead, they told us the staff behind the counter were "making a joke." How this situation could be considered funny is beyond me.

What made matters worse was the complete lack of responsibility or apology. Instead of acknowledging their unprofessional behavior, they tried to blame us, suggesting that my friend had asked them to charge the phone and simply forgot. This was not the case at all.

The entire experience was baffling and left us feeling disrespected and unwelcome. I strongly advise against visiting Paneeolio—there are plenty of other places where customer service and basic decency are...

This restaurant looks very appealing.However, from the moment we arrived we were given terrible service. Firstly, we were seated in the worst place despite it being half empty, which left us being nudged and jostled by passing staff. A large group arrived and were immediately given full priority. We were ignored. Bottles of fresh water and bread arrived for them and entrees, long before we were even served. After a long wait, I gave in to waving to the waiter for his attention. He waved back sarcastically and took his time coming to take our order. We asked for a Peroni from the menu and were told  'You won't be having that today!' No explanation or apology, and sounding very rude in delivery. We watched as other tables appeared to be prioritised - receiving complimentary bread, for instance. We received nothing. I had to ask for water and was given 2 meagre glasses whilst every other table received a carafe. After waiting an additional 20 minutes (after a 20-minute wait to be served), we requested the bill for drinks and left. Hungry, but glad we didn't waste another minute feeling unwelcome and...

Je connaissais déjà ce restaurant pour y être venu plusieurs fois par le passé, mais ma dernière visite remontait à un ou deux ans. J'en gardais un bon souvenir, notamment pour l'originalité de sa pizza : une forme rectangulaire, servie sur une ardoise, avec une pâte savoureuse et particulièrement digeste. Je savais que je n'y trouverais pas une pizza napolitaine classique, mais une version originale, que j'appréciais beaucoup.

Malheureusement, lors de ma dernière visite, j'ai constaté plusieurs changements décevants. La portion de pizza était beaucoup plus petite qu'avant, au point de ressembler davantage à une bruschetta qu'à une véritable pizza, tout cela pour 14 euros. Le rapport qualité-prix m'a paru déséquilibré.

De plus, l'ambiance générale du restaurant a changé. Derrière le comptoir, un monsieur d'origine des Pouilles (visiblement) faisait beaucoup de bruit pour tenter de mettre de l'animation, mais de manière assez excessive et agaçante. Son attitude bruyante, loin de créer une atmosphère chaleureuse, a rendu l'expérience plutôt désagréable, comme en témoigne la réaction d'une cliente française qui a fini par lui répondre assez sèchement.

J'ai eu l'impression que l'organisation du service reposait essentiellement sur le bon sens et la gentillesse d'une jeune serveuse, très polie, qui tentait d'atténuer les débordements du personnel derrière le comptoir. Peut-être que l'accent mis récemment sur l'aperitivo à volonté a modifié l'esprit du lieu, mais à mon avis, un restaurant doit rester avant tout un endroit où l'on peut manger dans une ambiance agréable.

Le vin (un verre de Primitivo) était bon, mais la quantité servie initialement était vraiment ridicule (deux doigts dans le verre pour 7 euros). Heureusement, après avoir signalé le problème, la serveuse a eu la bonne idée de compléter généreusement le verre.

En résumé : une certaine déception pour un endroit que j'avais apprécié...