Gran Caffè Visconteo — Restaurant in Milan

Tourist trap – disappointing and overpriced experience!

We had a very unpleasant visit at this café and unfortunately fell into what felt like a clear tourist trap. As we were walking by, we were approached and pressured into sitting down. Almost immediately, we were asked multiple times where we were from and were showered with excessive compliments – it felt forced and manipulative rather than genuine.

The menu was surprisingly expensive for the location and overall atmosphere. We ordered one pizza, one pasta, and two colas. The waiter asked if we wanted the colas “large,” and without being given any price information, we agreed – assuming it would just be a regular size. Instead, we received oversized glasses mostly filled with ice, and were charged €10 per drink.

After a long wait, the food arrived cold. The pasta portion was ridiculously small – barely half a handful – and the pizza tasted like it was straight from the freezer. It wasn’t inedible, but certainly not worth the price. After the meal, both of us experienced stomach aches and nausea, which says a lot about the quality.

When we asked for the bill, we noticed that a 10% tip had been added by hand with a pen – not printed, not optional. The total came to €60, which was outrageous for what we received. To make things even more uncomfortable, the waiter (Caner) actually asked us for our Instagram while we were paying – extremely unprofessional. When he realized we weren’t happy and stopped engaging with his small talk and compliments, his attitude shifted and he suddenly became cold and dismissive.

We’re writing this to warn others: this place uses charm and flattery to lure in tourists and then overcharges them for below-average food. We do not recommend...

The issues started when I asked whether they did gluten free meals (senza glutine). They assured me they did everything, and I was silly to take their word. Then I went to order and they said they couldn't do anything on the menu except for a Margherita Pizza. Then after I said, ok we will have to go then, they suddenly could do pasta but it was a recipe that wasn't on the menu. This should have been my warning sign to leave but I was so desperate to eat as I had just spent the whole day travelling that I couldn't be bothered. Regrets. I proceeded to order the pasta they offered (fatal mistake). When the pasta arrived, it looked horrendous. I'm not one to be too fussy and I eat most things, but wow this was next level. I started to eat it anyway as I was so hungry I was going to pass out, and then the taste nearly made me throw up. After a few mouth fulls I stopped eating and we left. I should have complained and refused to pay but I have never had to do that before so was a bit taken aback and expected someone to ask how the meal was and then I'd have the opportunity to tell them. But this of course didn't happen and they didn't even ask if the food was good when we went to pay. They really don't care. It was by far the worst meal I've ever ordered in my life. I recommend avoiding this place all together. McDonalds a few doors...

Where to begin. Having already a long day in Italy, sightseeing and enjoying its beauty, we really wanted a good Italian restaurant to get pasta and enjoy our last meal in the country. We chose this place because it was right near Ilduomo and looked pretty promising from the outside as it was busy. The menu looked a bit dodgy but we were to hungry to get up and find another place. And that was the worst mistake. We ordered a salad with tomatoes, ham, mushrooms, corn and lettuce, plus 2 mains and 2 drinks. The only good thing were the drinks. But even that, the glass smelled like eggs. The salad ingredients were all canned, smelly and absolutely horrible. The waiter came and asked what's wrong and we said that everything is canned and we can't eat it, so he brought the mains. My gnocchi was poor, stuffed with tomato sauce (ketchup) and portion size was small. My friend ordered a pesto pasta which was hard as rock and smelly. Of course we didn't touch the food but when the check came we paid absolutely everything getting charged for sitting in store as well. The worst experience in a restaurant in my life. Don't waste your time and money there. We still can't believe...