Tara - Bottega e Cucina — Restaurant in Palermo

I had a disappointing experience at Tara Bottega e Cucina in Palermo. From the start, the staff seemed more focused on attracting new customers than serving those already seated. It took us over 10 minutes just to place our order, a steak and pasta. After waiting nearly 40 minutes for our food, we received only the steak, which was dry and inedible. It was the worst steak we have ever had!

When we inquired about the pasta, we were informed it had been forgotten without any proper excuse or explanation. We decided to cancel the pasta as we could not waste more time and had other plans.

When we settled the bill, the manager, who briefly speaks English, insisted on charging us a service fee despite the poor service we received. She showed no understanding of our frustrations and simply stated that we needed to pay for occupying the table and because one of us had food! She did not apologise for the experience and that she wasted our time and night. After lots of arguments, she agreed to take one of the service charges out as one of us technically never received the order or any food, but refused to take the other, just to highlight that they do not care about the customer service and experience! The manager and staff showed zero empathy or accountability for the time we wasted and the terrible experience we received, which we were billed as forced service charge!

Indeed when a manager is so rude, unprofessional and impolite, the staff wouldn't know what to do rather than only bringing in costumers and leave them alone with horrible experience!

Overall, the experience was incredibly disappointing, and I would not recommend Tara Restaurant to anyone. We ended up getting takeout elsewhere, which was far better, but unfortunately ended up paying a high price for an awful experience which I wouldn't...

First of all please let me remind you of the concept of "Aperitivo" in Italy where you get a drink and some food or buffet is included in the price of the drink, however, what happened with us is kind of a basic scam that's not even innovative as follows: A staff member is offering us Aperitivo where the price includes 2 drinks and 2 shots, we finished the drinks and the food which away from the fact they call it Sicilian aperitivo that food is medium quality and not typical Sicilian adding that drinks were half ice not even done well and no one offered us the mentioned shots we went to pay found out we have to pay for the price of everything apart in addition to service fee that's not mentioned anywhere visible or verbal.. we called the same staff member back he lied about it with a face full of dishonesty that he mentioned everything in the first place, yet we debated with them about that lie and came another senior staff saying that yes it's included everything but price is higher than the menu by 5 EUR adding another 5 service fees, they amended the bill as you can see at the end and we didn't want to debate about 10 Eur more that wasn't mentioned anywhere as you see in the menu .. at the end they wanted to offer us shots as compensation however it was as mentioned included in the first place in the price, but we didn't accept it anyway as we were already scammed and wanted just to get out of there after being forced to pay what wasn't offered in the first place. Our final advice if it's useful to anyone the street is full of bars choose another one where the drinks/food is the same quality or better but staff are honest and not trying to...

Absolutely thrilled to share my experience at Tara - Bottega e Cucina in Palermo— lunch today was our second visit, and it somehow managed to exceed the first!

From the moment we walked in, I was reminded why I came back. The atmosphere is effortlessly charming, blending rustic Sicilian warmth with a modern, cozy vibe that makes you want to linger. Whether you’re seated inside or out, the ambiance wraps around you like a welcome hug.

Lunch was nothing short of exceptional. Every dish was fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor—you can taste the quality of the ingredients and the care that goes into each plate. It’s clear the kitchen takes pride in what they serve, and it shows in the presentation and taste. I had a seasonal special that was so good I nearly ordered it twice.

What truly elevates Tara is the staff’s attention to detail. From the moment we arrived, we were treated with genuine warmth and professionalism. The service was impeccable—friendly without being intrusive, and always attentive. You can tell the team here loves what they do, and it creates a welcoming, relaxed energy that makes the whole experience feel special.

Tara isn’t just a place to eat—it’s a place to savor. I’ll absolutely be back for a third visit, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone looking for a memorable meal in Palermo. Bravo...