Make a reservation, or else you will be moved to the driveway!

I came alone without a reservation to a place that I had eaten at having loved the truffle pizza. I was given a table after waiting in the middle of the patio. I was served wine while awaiting my pizza. I witnessed several other families be given tables who didn't have a reservation.

Suddenly, without being asked, I was told to help the waiter to pick up my table and move it to the driveway. This took place after a lady who had a reservation complained vigorously about her reservation not being honored. Stunned and not having any idea what was going on (I didn't make a connection to the complaining customer), I went along with it. Soon, another table was put in my former place and the frustrated lady and her parents were seated and served there. Despite the humiliation, I determined to eat my pizza and not complain.

Nearing the end of my pizza, I was approached by the head of the restaurant. He asked me how I was doing. I told him not well. He told me that I didn't have a reservation. Somehow, his problem was my problem: there was no apology. He blamed me. To answer his question directly: I proceeded to tell him I was unhappy and that it was not okay what he did. In reflection, I believe he chose me because I was alone, thinking I was younger and would not complain as much as the more entitled older and wealthier customers.

After arguing with him in English and German, he finally told me not to pay and go away. He told me several times to go away. I was in disbelief. Never an apology.

I know my experience is unrepresentative of many others, but I, unfortunately, will never go back to a place I once thought was one of the best pizzas I had eaten in Potsdam. He never took responsibility and blamed me for everything because I didn't have a reservation.

In short, perhaps my memory fails me, but this was the worst customer service I have ever had in traveling to over 50 countries and after having lived in Germany for 12 years.