Il Sorpasso — Restaurant in Rome

TLDR: Other 1 star reviews shared similar experience: foreigners were left waiting for food (30 minutes in my case, due to a “machine error” at that exact moment my order was put in), rude/disrespectful behavior from waiters. My points below were confirmed.

Waited 35 minutes for the pasta. Then when the bill came, I saw a charge of the bread that I did not order. Yes, I ate the bread when they brought it out, but assumed it was free, for 6 slices. When I asked the waiter why I’m charged for the bread, he immediately became angry and disrespectfully told me “You don’t want to pay for the bread you ate?” and “The bread is charged for the folk, the spoon, the napkin” - he literally said that while raising his voice. He could’ve just explained to me in a hospitable manner, but instead chose to be hostile. I asked to talk to the manager who is also the owner, and to my surprise, he also raised his voice to me and said “Everyone here is happy why aren’t you happy? You don’t have to pay. It’s my restaurant, you can just go.” I was literally shaking by the disrespect of both men. Why couldn’t they just explain things as a matter of fact instead of anger and sarcasm? I insisted to pay because I certainly have 2 euros to pay for those 6 bland slices of bread. What I didn’t like is how sneakily you charged customers for something they didn’t order (not all Rome restaurants do this), and the way the waiter even slammed the card machine in front of me twice when I asked to pay. Please, manage your anger.

I have been to 29 countries and ate at countless restaurants, and even the cheap ones don’t treat their customers like this. I’ve been in Italy for a couple days and all other waiters were sooooo nice. Clearly, this is just your restaurant‘s problem. Couldn’t believe what just happened, with waiting for 30 minutes for 1 dish and again, the patronizing and upsetting attitude of both the waiter...

My friend and I have been at “Il Sorpasso” for a business lunch. We couldn't book because the waiter told me on the phone that they accept reservations only during the weekend. I was confused about that. We decided to go there at 12.15, and we asked for a table inside because I feel not acceptable to eat in the middle of the hectic Roman traffic. I have to say this is typical in this area.

Here’s the experience in short: Atmosphere & Place 6: Il Soprasso is a cosy place with a basic fitting-out. It’s nice to have the table under the glass roof, especially if the sun shines. Restrooms need a renewal ASAP, the soap dispenser was broken, and the toilette was a mess even if we arrived at the first shift and a few clients were there. The location is very close to Vatican City. Hence parking is not an option. Menu 6 ½: The menu a la carte has plenty of choices. I appreciate the variety of different dishes with a good link between the Roman tradition and other types of Italian recipes. We opted for the Tuna sticks with hand-made mayo, the amatriciana and the beef steak with sliced potatoes. All three dishes were well done and delicious. Nothing unforgettable, though. Service 6 ½: As usual, interacting with the staff was the added value to our experience. All of them were very nice and highly professional. Considering the time we arrived, I expected to have my lunch in about one hour, but it took longer without any specific reason. This is not cool, especially if you are there for a quick lunch. Bill 5 ½: Considering we had tuna, beef, and pasta with tomato and guanciale, I consider the price high compared to the raw material used to...

While in Rome for one week, we visited Il Sorpasso three times—yes, it’s THAT good. The first time was for lunch, for three, where our waitress described each dish as if she were painting a picture you wanted to step into. I could describe each dish on this first experience but I’d fall short of her enthusiasm so take my word for it—be sure and order the steak. The second time was also for lunch where we met friends who were also traveling in Italy and passed through Rome. We hesitated nothing and suggested we meet there. Again, everything was delicious—burratta, pasta, salad, ambiance, attention. And that very night—alone I visited Il Sorpasso one last time before leaving Rome. I ordered a rosé, the insalatina di místicanza con salsa delle puntarelle—and I’m ruined for life since all simple salads will fall short of this ecstasy. Then I ate, for the first time alone since I previously sharedBucatini “Mancini” alla Amatriciana con seleccione de guanciali which translates into English as so damn f&*#ing good I’ve lost the ability to use my words. This was the most packed I had seen Il Sorpasso during the last two visits and let me tell you—beautiful people depo. If you want to see and meet beautiful Romans and beautiful people period—you won’t be disappointed. Ciao to Paul—the delicious owner and chef who lovingly overlooks his creation. I’ll be back soonbasically can’t live...