Bernini — Restaurant in Rome

Curly black hair in salad .. gross!

Ok-- there is a pretty good track record of reviews for this place... which is why I am shocked at our experience here. This was THE worst restaurant experience we had in 35 days of Italian dining.

We are a family of 4 (2 little kids under 7). We called ahead and asked if there was any outdoor tables available. The response was "yes", so we headed over right away. It was our last night in Rome, and since we had eaten a late lunch, nobody in our family was overly hungry to eat a heavy dinner before we hit the hay prior to our early morning flight the following day. Plus, our two kids don't eat much when they are hungry. So at best we usually get a pasta/pizza, a meat dish and a salad and share it all. But on this particular evening, we felt like a bit less. Anyway, upon ordering just a pizza and meal-sized Greek salad to share amongst the 4 of us, the waiter (who we later deduced was a co-owner) became abruptly rude and told us that the patio seats are reserved for those who spend more money - and that we had to be done in an hour when his next reservations commences. We were absolutely shocked. Our last night in Italy- a place where waiters will never even bring you your cheque (unless you request it) for fear you will be insulted at the insinuation that you are being asked to leave prematurely. It is about taking your time, ambience, the great views. And here we were being flat-out asked to choke down our food quick to make way for incoming big- spenders. I am sorry, but if you are going to tell folks this, you really need to add a sign outside of your establishment that states a minimum revenue per table. I mean the restaurant was half empty when this occurred-- was this necessary?

Anyway, this was only the start.

Instead of a Greek salad, we got a mixed salad. Normally no big deal, but after the attitude we got on ordering described above, maybe cause for a mea culpa.

Finally - and perhaps worst of all, in the middle of the salad we found a dark black, coarse hair (see photo). Our family is blonde -- so it wasn't ours. After half-finishing the salad I found myself hoping it just came off the chef's head- but as you can see from the photo it more resembles something from "the Deep South" so I have my doubts.

For the record-- we unexpectedly got comp'd the entire 30 euro meal for the above issues. And we got a halfhearted apology. But the apology we got on the first issue was unacceptable and still accompanied by a "if I give you my best table I need more money", which sounds incredibly greedy and is not the typical Italian service attitude we have consistently encountered on this great holiday. I understand they need to run a business here, but it is a bit ridiculous to expect to be able to make table assignments contingent on what customers select...

Went here for a late dinner, the best part of the meal was the drinks. The espresso martini was absolutely amazing! And the prosecco was very refreshing. Food was satisfactory. The pizza was quite good but the caprese salad left a lot to be desired. (Adding the arugula from the salad to the pizza added greatly to the pizza) The service was the main issue, everything took forever! After being seated, we waited for so long before anyone checked on us, truly we almost left. After ordering, our drinks didn’t arrive until we had our food and there was nothing on the table in the meantime, not even water. The restaurant was hardly crowded (maybe three other tables) so I see no reason why it took so long. We were never checked on during our meal and once we asked for the check it once again took a ridiculously long time for them to bring it (a table near us was served their food and completely finished it in the time between us asking for the check and receiving it). Also there was a fairly strong pressure from the server to tip, which as an American I am used to back home but I was under the impression that this was not normal in Europe so I thought I would mention it. The restaurant was in a beautiful location with the fountain right in front of it and the table setting and lighting matched well creating an inviting atmosphere. My issue was just that vendors would approach us and try to sell us things during the meal (while this is not the fault of the restaurant I wish there were measures taken to prevent this) At the end of the meal there was a free shot of limoncello...

Ristorante Bernini, nestled in the heart of Piazza Navona, offers a dining experience that combines authentic Italian flavors with an unbeatable view of one of Rome’s most iconic squares. The setting alone is enough to draw you in, with outdoor seating providing a front-row seat to the vibrant atmosphere and the artistic beauty of the fountains.

Food and Drink

The menu is a celebration of classic Roman and Italian cuisine. The homemade pasta dishes, particularly the ravioli, are rich, flavorful, and expertly prepared. The seafood risotto was fresh and perfectly cooked, while the Pizza Bernini impressed with its thin, crispy crust and well-balanced toppings. The wine list is extensive, offering both local and international options to pair with your meal.

Service

The service was warm and attentive, with the staff going out of their way to ensure a pleasant experience. Our server provided helpful recommendations and even took the time to share the story behind a few dishes. Despite being in a busy tourist area, the team managed to maintain a personal touch. They also brought out a highchair and supplied our baby with milk for no additional cost.

Overall

Ristorante Bernini is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Whether you’re stopping by for a romantic dinner or a leisurely lunch while exploring Rome, this restaurant is a fantastic choice. The combination of delicious food, exceptional service, and the stunning backdrop of Piazza Navona makes it...