La Ghiacciaia — Restaurant in Civitavecchia

NOTE: Coperti (cover charge) is illegal in Lazio region which covers Rome and Civitavecchia. This restaurant charged me 2 EUROs for it.

But that's not the worst part - the surly, unfriendly waiters act as if they are doing you a favor by feeding you.

Went at 7:40 PM for dinner solo. Only 2 tables had guests and I was quickly shown to the 1st table that was still dirty - then to a cleaner table by the entrance. No problem.

I ordered the bruschetta as the opener (4 EUROs) and a linguine pasta dish with sea bass, zucchini and basil (14 EUROs). For drinks, I was in the mood for tea (3 EUROs).

First the tea - they brought a pot of hot water and a small cup (used for cappucinos). He put the tea bag in the small cup and poured hot water into the cup. Then he walked away with the pot of hot water before I could ask for it. As I said... surly service.

Then the bruscheta came - thankfully, they didn't screw up this simple dish - the tomatoes were plentiful and fresh - just not enough basil. While I was half-way through this 1st course, the waiter dropped off the 2nd pasta course on my table. I just shrugged it off that the kitchen was fast.

When I was done with the 1st course, I made space for the pasta course. For their part, they were very generous with the portions - it was enough for 2 persons. I don't know how folks can eat a 3rd or 4th course after that. Anyway... the linguine was over-cooked (not al-dente) and soggy. Thankfully the sea bass was OK and not fishy. Basil was non-existent - maybe they were out of basil that day.

I barely finished half my pasta and asked for the rest to take home. They took the dish away and came back soon after with a tin foil container with my leftovers. I asked for the bill and then saw the 3 EURO charge for the tea (1 small cup with no hot water refills) and 2 EURO charge for coperti - which is common in some Italian restaurants for a cover charge or bread charge. This time I was not offered any bread (which I would have declined since I know to do that). But since we're in Lazio region, it is illegal to charge for coperti and I'm sure this restaurant knows it.

Still... thinking I'm a tourist, what do I know? Lesson learned. I hope you learn it too. And avoid this restaurant...

Got lost and ran into the restaurant. Just before closing ,the place was empty.about 2.30pm.afternoon. We were tired after a 19 hr.flight. Ordered a couple pastas.the apparent owner suggested a appetizer.it was slice tomatos on bread.waitress brought bottled water and told her we didnt need any.it was rainy and cold and ask for hot water and would have paid for it.apparent owner came back with the bottle water and open it.told him we didnt want it again. All downhill from there.arrogant ,try to bully and also gave us the finger! Normally would have stop the scenario but jetlag. We ask for the food to go and he try to include the bottled water into the bill. We threw the food away not trusting it.you had to be there. I do not recommend...

I cant remember when I eat tasteless pizza like here. The service was terrible, the empty plate stay on the table for more than 20 minutes and I was the one of few guests in that "so-called" restaurant. The waiter without smile on face during my stay, and most probably during all his life. Warning for all potential guests...you will be billed for something what isn't in the price list, and the bill is not a real bill, it is a piece of paper, meaning that they most probably cheating state of Italy with the payment of taxes. Recommendation: avoid this place if you don't like bad...