Osteria Pesce Fritto e Baccala’ — Restaurant in Rome

My family and I went to this restaurant while on vacation in Rome, Italy. The host that seated us was eager and friendly. After being seated we waited quite some time for someone to take drink orders. Initially we all asked for water. The server brought one liter of water for 8 people. We waited a bit more for him to return to take any kind of order. He never returned. Another family came in after us. They also had 8 people. Immediately upon sitting they were served water and drinks. (Strike 1) The owner came out and greeted them ro make sure they were comfortable. He made sure the air conditioning was on for them (it was behind our table but not turned on and we were hot. He summoned another host to turn it on. He looked at our table, his smile faded then turned and walked away No greeting, no nothing. (Strike 2) The server then returned and began taking their order. (Strike 3).

At strike 1, I was perplexed. Strike 2 ready to leave but stayed because of my family. Strike 3, we ALL walked out.

As we were leaving the owner addressed us asking why we were leaving. One member of the group was nice enough to tell him what he and his staff did. I wouldn't have given him the satisfaction. I would have ignored him just as he and his staff ignored us.

The restaurant across the alley was the complete opposite, in fact we ayr there 3 times ans have no complaints at all. Good was great! Service was great! Staff was excellent!

Either they're not like us or they...

I would recommend this restaurant to anyone coming to Rome. It was so good we went back for Valentines dinner. The menu has tons of variety and the prices are amazing. They can also make the pizza and pasta gluten free and it’s the best i’ve had. We sat outside and it’s in a little street with twinkle lights that’s only for walking so the environment is peaceful and so pretty. While the food and the atmosphere make the restaurant amazing, the service is what would make me want to go back 1000 times over. It’s run by parents and their children that clearly have a close relationship and they want everyone to have a great experience. The father brought out his own crystal dish for my friend to use as an ashtray and used translate to tell him that it was the dish from his first communion. The server gave us his own umbrella to use for the walk home because it was raining. Everyone was so kind and so happy that we were having a good time. We gave them all hugs when we left, it was the best restaurant experience...

Service: 1 out of 5. The welcoming person at the entrance initially wins you over and you think that things will continue to be just wonderful, but no. We ordered Gnocchi Moscardini Cozze and Fritto Misto Pesce and waited for them for 40 minutes. I would have accepted the kitchen being busy as an excuse, since there was a group of about 8 people in addition to the rest of visitors, but two (!) tables that arrived later than us had their orders brought earlier. So the excuse would not have worked. Then the dishes were brought to both of us at different times (the second one waited for 5-7 minutes). For the dishes where you have to peel shrimp and mussels by hand, they didn't bring wet wipes, as they do in all other restaurants. The plate for peeling was brought only with the second course. As for Gnocchi Moscardini Cozze, subjectively: a bit spicy, the gnocchi may be a bit overcooked, not enough seafood. Overall rating: 2 out of 5, where +1 for the Fritto Misto Pesce because it was...