Caffè Ateneo — Restaurant in Palermo

So my wife and I are in Palermo, Sicily on Friday, June 17, 2016, doing a little sightseeing and shopping when my honey says she would like a cappuccino. We found a place called CAFFE' ATENEO located on Via Maqueada at the intersection of Via dell'Universita.

Our coffee and a beer came to 5.7 euro. I gave the girl running the register a 20 euro note. I am 1000% positive it was a 20. All I had in my wallet was 100 euro that I just exchanged in a machine on the ship and I counted it when I received it.

The girl gives me change of 4.3 euro. I looked at it and said "I gave you a twenty". All of a sudden no one behind the counter speaks english but they manage to state that I only gave her a 10. We went back and forth a few times on whether it was a 10 or 20 and we're at an impasse where either I call the police and miss boarding our ship by 1:30 or I walk away and let the rest of the planet know what a bunch of thiefs are operating this cafe in Palermo.

If you're ever in Palermo, Sicily do yourself a favor and pass on this place. It's run by thiefs and there are MUCH nicer places closer...

5€ is a bit steep for a cappuccino (lukewarm) and a microwaved soggy croissant. Would not recommend it. Also, although the terrace is comfortable, there were annoying flies everywhere which made for a very unpleasant breakfast. I’d suggest (1) NEVER put a croissant or any bread that is supposed to be crispy, in a microwave; you’ll get mush (2) the cappuccino should be warmer (3) clean the tables after each guest departs & (4) do something about the flies. My table had a filthy ashtray which made the entire experience unpleasant & unhygienic. Probably the worse breakfast experience ever in Italy (and I’ve lived in Italy 3+ years) and visit often. This safe has potential though. Just take care of the above and it’ll be fine… especially the filthy tables, flies & mushy croissant. I RARELY leave a...

This place was my breakfast place every morning for about 9 days. They were always consistently nice and friendly and the pastries were really good. The granita was super nice as well as the coffee. Yes it may seem touristy and it is a bit but at least, they aren’t ripping off people with old and...