We arrived at Sucar Brusc Ristorante Mantova with high expectations, drawn by the Michelin symbol displayed at the entrance and our reservation for 8:00 PM, anticipating a memorable dining experience. Unfortunately, what we encountered was utterly appalling—undoubtedly the worst restaurant experience we have ever had at any establishment praised by the Michelin Guide. We felt extremely disrespected by the treatment we received throughout the evening.
Despite having a confirmed reservation, we were left waiting for 20 minutes without any acknowledgment from the staff. Only then were we finally seated at a table. No one approached us to take our order or offer a greeting. After this inexcusable delay, a waiter asked what type of water we wanted. We requested sparkling water, but five minutes later, he unceremoniously placed a bottle of still water on the table and hurried away without a word. When we noticed the error, we had to request the sparkling water we initially asked for, which was brought reluctantly after another delay. This was only the beginning of the neglect.
After another substantial wait, the waiter finally decided to take our order and brought over a small bag of bread. The bread was placed in an old soft leather or plastic bag that looked like it had never been cleaned, appearing disgusting and unsanitary, and lacked the paper lining typically used by restaurants for such containers. It was so unappealing that, despite feeling extremely hungry, we skipped even trying the bread.
By the 60-minute mark, our food still had not arrived. To add insult to injury, we watched in disbelief as two tables, seated 30 minutes after we arrived, were promptly attended to, had their orders taken immediately, and received their dishes within 10 minutes. Meanwhile, we sat hungry at an empty table, completely ignored.
The service was not merely slow—it was nonexistent. The waiter made no effort to suggest menu items or engage with us in any meaningful way. While we were left with a bottle of water unceremoniously placed on our table, we noticed the same waiter at another table, courteously opening a water bottle for the customers and pouring it into their glasses. The disparity in treatment was baffling, infuriating, and deeply disrespectful.
After 65 minutes of waiting, with no food in sight and no apology or explanation from the staff, we decided to leave. Approximately an hour after departing the restaurant, we began receiving harassing phone calls and messages on the number used to make our reservation. The calls and texts persisted for about three hours, with the caller first claiming we had dined and needed to return to pay for our meal. This was followed by various threats, including a threat to call the police, and absurd lies claiming we had brought our own bottle of water to the table. The most hilarious thing is that they sent messages with kitchen orders claiming we ordered two items at 8:50 PM and two more items at 8:54 PM. This is beyond bizarre, considering our reservation was for 8:00 PM. It is unbelievable that they think it is acceptable to place a kitchen order for food for customers 50 minutes after they arrived at the restaurant. They even sent a picture of a police car, claiming they were filing a report with the police, alleging we dined and didn’t pay.
After we posted an initial review, the restaurant responded by falsely claiming we were never at their establishment and had confused them with another restaurant.
This is, by far, the worst experience we have ever had at any establishment recommended by the Michelin Guide. It was not just a disappointment; it was an outright insult to anyone expecting even basic hospitality, let alone the quality promised by a Michelin-recognized venue. We felt utterly disrespected by the staff’s indifference and the restaurant’s subsequent harassment.
Sucar Brusc Ristorante Mantova does not deserve any Michelin recognition and should be avoided at all costs. Save your time, money, and appetite for a restaurant that genuinely cares...
Read moreToday, I had the pleasure of dining at a charming restaurant in Mantova and experiencing some of the most authentic local cuisine that the city has to offer. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the warm and friendly staff who made me feel right at home.
As a lover of Italian cuisine, I was thrilled to indulge in some of the traditional Mantuan dishes that the restaurant had to offer. Every dish was beautifully presented and made with the freshest ingredients that truly captured the essence of this wonderful region. I was particularly impressed with how well the flavors of the dishes were balanced, and how each dish had its own unique character.
Of course, no Italian meal is complete without a glass of wine, and the restaurant did not disappoint in this regard either. I had the pleasure of sipping on a delicious glass of Franciacorta, which perfectly complemented the rich flavors of the food.
The ambiance of the restaurant was also delightful, with a cozy and comfortable atmosphere that was perfect for a relaxing lunch. The decor was tasteful and elegant, with just the right amount of rustic charm to add to the overall experience.
In terms of service, the staff were attentive, courteous, and knowledgeable about the menu. They were always on hand to offer recommendations and provide any assistance that I needed throughout my meal. I was particularly impressed with their attention to detail and their commitment to making sure that every guest had a truly enjoyable dining experience.
Overall, I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who is looking for an authentic taste of Mantuan cuisine. From the delicious food and wine to the inviting ambiance and exceptional service, this restaurant truly has it all. I will definitely be returning on my next...
Read moreTartare ⭐️ Onion and his ice cream ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Pears Puff pastry ⭐️ Pork cheeks ⭐️⭐️
Tartare ⭐️ Unfortunately, the tartare was made with extremely chewy meat—to the point where I had to spit out parts with every bite. This made for an unpleasant experience. The flavor was also lacking: little to no salt, spices, or sauce, leaving it bland overall.
Onion and his ice cream ⭐️⭐️⭐️ This dish was more enjoyable. The onion itself wasn’t bad, but it leaned a bit too sweet for our taste.
Pears in puff pastry ⭐️ A disappointment. The portion was very small, and the pastry was soggy, which didn’t help its underwhelming flavor.
Pork cheeks ⭐️⭐️ This was the best of the meal. However, the cherries served with them contained pits—a surprise that could have ended poorly. Thankfully, no teeth were seriously harmed.
Service The waiter asked after each dish whether we enjoyed it, and we gave honest feedback—mentioning issues like the chewy tartare and the cherry pits. Unfortunately, the responses felt dismissive, with no acknowledgment or apology—just excuses (e.g., “they’re cherries; they come with pits”). It left us wondering why the question was even asked if no real interest in our experience was shown.
Overall Given our experience, we’re genuinely surprised this restaurant is in the...
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