Princi — Restaurant in Milan

I’m sad to leave this negative review following a suggestion of an employee handling the till at lunchtime today. As most of the weekdays, my colleagues and I choose Princi for lunch as it’s convenient and as usual we follow the simple queuing system. Today another sideline started forming and people started jumping on it, disregarding everyone else that was queuing in again, the simplest form of a line immaginabile. As i tried to recommend where the line started for them to go queue, I was confronted by 2 milanese business men that suggested that they are form Milan and they come here for 15 years ( this place is open for around 12) and they know better how the line works- i am not italian but speak fluently, I live in Milan for 12 years 4 of which I spent lunching at Princi. Some other people started supporting my argument- being the line is there, queue accordingly, but the girl at the till suggested it has always been this way ( again, there everyday) and people choosing the “ buffet” instead of a slice of pizza could line up in this abnormal- in the middle of the universe- line. She was having an laugh on her face and was apologizing to the 2 men - who’s argument was that they were milanese and knew better all while laughing in my face- and then suggested that as she is the youngest she recommends addressing this issue with a google review. I will speak to the manager when - if- return to Princi as I was told he was busy but I didn’t appreciate neither this experience nor the arguments used which are floating in the air and also- slightly...

Just another crowded breakfast joint that thrives because of its name and its forced connection with the identity of Milan.

In fact, it is just a very busy place that has not solved an identity issue itself: is it a cafeteria? A bakery? A brunch spot? All at once?

Tables are left dirty and it is not clear whether you should put back your tray or leave it there. Most customers choose the latter.

As it is customary in several Italian food venues, you got to pay first and then take the receipt to another place at the counter where food is served. This results in two queues and I believe it is one of the most barbarous things a venue can do to its customers. 15 years ago in Australia cashiers would just place your order in the system and waiters would either reach you or call your name at the counter. How comes Europe hasn't adopted this method? It is much easier and preserves the "first come first served" principle. It seems here Italians haven't yet figured out what a good service is, and how a clear distribution chain works. A smiling staff would make it easier for everyone. If only.

Pastries are okay but average. It is not fully clear what they might contain and little time to inquire. For example, my cream bun was also filled with caramel. Impossible to tell from the outside. My friend got a pistachio bun, a bit like mine, but the inside was dry and with no cream. Whatever.

This place is just hyped but has already...

Worse arrogance and customer service ever in a coffee shop. Went there 3 times, the first time I made my order which included a couple of croissants and while I was waiting to be served, a customer after me purchase mix box of pastries so the boy that served at the till and that referred himself as “the manager” once I asked to speak with one, came out and proceded in raiding the trays of croissants to fulfill he’s next order leaving me without mine after having already purchase them. I was then forced to choose something different since the croissants were gone and on top of that, since what was left had a higher price, I was ask to pay for the difference as if the mistake was mine..... The other 2 times early mornings it took me 10 to 15 minutes to get a cappuccino between the wait at the till and the time to get served, not because there was a queue but quite simply there was only 1 person at the till and making coffees, that likes taking he’s time, and another filling the trays with pastries. You won’t see me set foot in there again anytime soon, let alone take someone there with...