Ditta Artigianale Sant' Ambrogio — Restaurant in Florence

It’s a shame. I worked as a consultant for restaurants for a long time. I really recognize and appreciate, when someone puts a lot of thought, time and money in corporate branding, interior and the menu. Everything is put together in a thoughtful way, the location is outstanding as well. Beautiful courtyard, interior, open kitchen. The location was empty before, so I had high hopes, that the well known brand ditta artiganale will revive the space and be an excellent addition to the other bars in the piazza. So it is very disappointing to witness, someone has forgotten the No. 1 rule: all falls and stands with your staff.

You can put as much money as you want into a bar/restaurant, if the service is bad, this is remembered more than a good espresso and avocado toast. The waiter is the first and last face you see, like the business card for your company. Good service should leave an positive impression and create a calm and friendly environment. If you are taking big money the over all experience should be “big” as well. But ordering here, it feels like you are watching people drowning. Waiters are running into you, screaming, ringing the bell aggressively, a complete disaster.

For the last six months I visited about once a month. Every time, the waiters were completely understaffed. We waited for 30 minutes, just to be greeted. Another time I ordered, and 15 minutes later the waiter came and said, we have to leave, because our table is reserved. He was very polite, most of them are, but you can clearly see, that they are saving money on staff.

One time I ordered at the counter, an witnessed the cashier lady texting on WhatsApp and then making personal calls about personal matters, while the line was getting longer and longer and people tried to pay for their food. Her working speed was the slowest I’ve ever seen. I observed the situation, and was surprised that no one was telling her to put down the phone and start working. That can’t happen in a business. There is a “general” missing, a person who corrects, delegates and observes the staff. It feels like everyone is doing what they want, very inefficient and unprofessional. Hire one or two good ones, they will rise the level. One positive thing, two times I saw a male waiter, middle east heritage, at the counter, he prepared juice, collected money, and cleaned all at once, very fast and friendly. But one alone can’t...

I really really hate leaving bad reviews but on this occasion I was left speechless by the way that I was spoken to. Upon arrival I went up to the bar to order a coffee and was told to sit down and that someone would be over to take my order. I went to the outside area (for which I had come as I had seen it advertised on instagram) and was seated by someone who I told that I was on my own. 15 minutes later (I was on my phone with two notebooks on the table) the same gentleman came over to tell me that if I wished to study I would have to move. I completely understand that places don’t want to be full of laptops but I was simply going to read through written notes like a book. I got up dutifully but the other places to sit are not at all the same ambience… you’re either outside on the street or in an inside coffee shop with music and noise (it wasn’t crazy loud or anything just not what I’d come for). I live in a tiny little flat and wanted some outside time in a peaceful place which their courtyard offers. As I was going to leave the manager came over and explained that he was only carrying out the rules of the chain of coffee shops (I completely understand that). The rule is that for 2hrs during lunch and 2hrs during aperitivo people are not allowed to study. I couldn’t quite get down to why the rule was there… I asked him if it was about the “vibe” he told me no. I asked if it was because I was in my own and he told me no. I assured him that I wouldn’t block the table for hours… I was told no. Needless to say that I left and went somewhere else. I find it extremely surprising that a paying customer is told how they can act when they’re on this company’s premises. If it is the rule I shouldn’t have been allowed to sit down and wait for 15 minutes before being told. I would like to point out that in their small outside area consisting of about 6 tables… at least 3 were empty. Awful awful awful and it’s such a shame because the place was...

I’d like to get a response with this honest review from the manager as in why it takes so long for staff to take your order, I had been sitting in front of the bar with 3 staff on floor, as each one past a numerous times over the course of 5mins with nothing in their hands, just previous to this I had came into this cafe to the bar and asked for a cappuccino and croissant to which was replied to me( take a seat we will have someone come to your table and take your order) now I had sat in view point of the bar to see the full situation, the the lady behind the bar said to one floor staff about the fact that I’m looking to place an order, that’s now 5mins in the past… I understand table service and all but why,, would it be easier to ask for a takeaway and pay straight away and then take a table… then sit and wait this long to even order as the place was calm at the time then after getting my coffee and croissant to the have to go to the bar and the pay,, while queuing just to pay….

If you had the possibility to ask for and get a coffee over all things in a cup and pay straight away and walk to a table.. it’s logical that this would save costumers time and overall the cafeteria time and again overall the staffs time would be in a better place to serve bringing in more profitable money for less time… I mean if you have half an hour break from your workplace to get a coffee this place is a big no no….. Nothing against the staff they are really great at what they do!

I will be back again… but for a takeaway system to table…. A coffee is a coffee not a sitcom. Looking forward to hearing back...