A Taverna d' 'e Zoccole — Restaurant in Naples

A disappointing and discriminatory Experience

I want to share a very disappointing experience we had at this restaurant. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a waiter who seated us at an outdoor table. Everything seemed fine until a second person, probably the manager, came over and told us that it was not possible for us to eat there, without any explanation. When we explained that it was his colleague who had seated us, he then changed his excuse, claiming that the table was “at risk” due to potential rain, even though the sky was perfectly clear.

We had a very strong feeling that these excuses were completely fabricated and that we were being discriminated against. This experience left a very bitter taste, and it is unacceptable that such discriminatory behavior occurs, especially in a place that is supposed to be welcoming.

I strongly advise against visiting this restaurant if you expect to be treated with respect and dignity.

Update : I noticed from recent reviews that the same issue happened to someone else. I imagine we are not the only ones…

Update: Response to the owner after their reply

It is strange that several reviews recount similar incidents, all experienced by people of a different origin or ethnicity. There was also a Western couple sitting at an uncovered table, very similar to ours, who were not moved due to the risk of rain.

I had to leave a review reflecting my experience. Logically, I wasn’t going to give a 5-star rating for the food. A little common sense, please.

I would never give a single euro to people with such values. I will never return and have no regrets. I encourage those who want to improve the society we live in to...

Upon entering the restaurant, we were warmly greeted by the host. Unfortunately, things went downhill from there. Our waiter arrived at our table and literally threw the bread down, displaying an extremely rude attitude. At first, we tried to overlook it, but we soon noticed a clear difference in how he treated other patrons.

We ordered the linguine with scampi and vermicelli with seafood. While waiting for our food, their POS system went down, so we had to pay with cash instead of a credit card. The food was decent, but the waiter's attitude turned what could have been a pleasant meal into a disappointing experience. When we asked for the check in English, the waiter stormed over and mockingly demanded that we ask for it in Italian and said to do it with a smile, humiliating us in front of a full house.

In summary, if you don't mind terrible service and the possibility of being mocked for not speaking Italian, this place might be for you. This was, by far, the worst service I've ever experienced, and I've traveled all over the world. As a side note, we were the only Asian patrons there. The table next to us, occupied by Caucasians from the UK who also didn't speak Italian, received completely different treatment. Also we observed the same from other tables that were English speaking. Interpret that as you will.

I suggest that any international travelers especially those of color to avoid this place at all costs and if you don't speak Italian, be ready to be...

The food was okayish. We ordered mussels, but were served octopus meatballs instead. Could not object as the waiter/owner did not speak any English. They also charge 2€/person. With two kids just sitting at the table, not even eating anything, a 8€ was added to the bill.

Edit: We stopped to try some sea food and did not have time for a full sit-down experience, hence did not order drinks (which apparently also surprised and disappointed the owner). According to my Google timeline, we spent exactly 64 minutes at the establishment (and not two hours). We would have left in 15 minutes if the service was quicker... The inside was completely empty and yes we had to sit down (the owner seems to be surprised that as a customer we had to take up few of his precious seats). The table definitely had only 4 chairs (not 5). And yes I usually try to finish any food I have ordered and paid for (not sure what the owner expects me to do about this either). I will ignore his comment about Hungarian food as I have no idea what he is talking about (no, I am not Hungarian). And just to be clear, I have no problems with a local establishment not speaking English, and the stars have nothing to do with the languages spoken. I just find it a rip-off to charge 2€ per person for occupying a chair for the duration of...