RoYaL Art Cafè — Restaurant in Rome

A tourist hype over substance place. Avoid. At the cost of €100 per person, we were extremely disappointed with our experience and the quality of food. So much so that we discuss it with the manager and said we wished for a refund and to leave. On arrival, we were given our ‘welcome’ drink which was a half glass of artificial fruit juice- nothing very exceptional. We were told to make our way upstairs and eventually shown to the table. We were offered red or white wine or Prosecco. We tried 2 white wines (bothe were terrible) and then decided to have Prosecco. We are now already very disappointed. I told the waiter my seat was wet (not on the surface but inside) it made my dress wet (it was raining a lot today). He said he couldn’t do anything. Eventually I used google translate to ask Gian the manager if I could have a different chair and he was very good and changed it. The seafood starter was just ok- the spring rolls were dreadful and stodgy. The salmon was very bland. The pasta arrived and was undercooked and cold. We sent it back and it returned ’heated up’. We have been in Rome for several days and it was the worst pasta we have eaten. (We’ve travelled to Italy many times) this was awful in terms of presentation, flavour and undercooked (not el dente- it was raw) At this point - at €100 per person we decided this was enough and didn’t want to stay. Gian said because we had paid through the link to hat was sent at time of booking we have to ask for our refund this way. He was very apologetic and sorry for our experience.

We were recommended to come here and it was the worst place we have eaten in Italy ever. We have spent time in Tuscany, Florence, Rome , Venice, Naples Sorrento, Sicily- so this was so very disappointing as this was our last night and meant to be special. I emailed for a refund with a full explanation- nobody replied. I had some time to return there on my own the next day. This I did, and after around 15 minutes of the waitress who remembered me from last night explaining everything to a guy in a suite there, the manager appeared with my refund in cash ( I would have preferred it on my card but I was just grateful to...

We chose Royal Art Cafe for a late lunch around 3 PM, drawn in by the promise of their rooftop terrace and its incredible views of the Colosseum – and the view certainly delivered! The location and atmosphere, especially being able to capture great photos on the rooftop, are truly amazing and the main highlight of this restaurant.

Our party of four ordered a variety of dishes including Spaghetti Carbonara, Black Angus Burger, Braised Veal, Capricciosa Pizza, and Seared Octopus. The food was consistently good across all dishes – not the absolute best we've ever had in Rome, but definitely enjoyable and satisfying, earning a solid 4 out of 5 stars for the cuisine itself.

However, the service aspect of our visit was a mixed bag, which significantly impacted our overall experience. While staff at the entrance were very persistent in encouraging us to come in, once seated, it took over 10 minutes for any server to approach our table. Despite multiple attempts to wave someone down and being clearly seen, we were repeatedly told our server would be "right with us."

When a female server finally did approach, she seemed annoyed from the outset. We politely asked to start with coffees and water, explaining that we had a few questions about the menu and needed a moment to finalize our food order. She appeared upset by this request, stated we couldn't just order coffee, and then left without taking any drink orders, and the water never arrived.

This frustrating start was eventually rectified when we managed to flag down a different server, who was very nice, polite, and friendly. We were very pleased with this new server. It was only after we placed our entire food order with her that the water was promptly delivered, and our coffee orders were finally taken. While it was upsetting not to have water right away as hoped, we tried to let it go.

In conclusion, the stunning view of the Colosseum and the generally good food are definite positives. However, the initial experience with the slow and unhelpful service, which soured the atmosphere at first, prevents a higher rating. We would consider coming again, but only if we could ensure a different server...

BEWARE SOLO FEMALE TRAVELLERS. I am writing this to warn others as I had a very uncomfortable experience. Everything was fine at first, service was a little slow but I was appreciating the view which is lovely. The food is also good however, I have eaten better elsewhere in Rome. The waitress asked if she could take photos of me for their page and I thought this was so lovely, they also gave me a free drink for this, I thought I was going to have a great experience. Then a male waiter began to make unwelcome comments such as “you have the most beautiful eyes” and asked for my name. I understand this is a difference in culture and just assumed he wanted a tip, however it did make me uncomfortable as a solo female. Then I asked him for the bill, he said “cash or card?” I said card please and he left. A few moments later a waitress came over and asked me again “cash or card?” I replied card and she said “no, cash is better, you pay cash” I said card please and she said “no cash is better” she was very insistent and loud in a restaurant full of people. I felt anxious and agreed and gave her €40 for my €33 bill. She then asked me to leave a Google review and I said of course I will but she demanded my phone, she opened the Google review, selected 5 stars and watched me write it. She then left with my money and never returned with my change or receipt. They stole €7 from me and forced me to write a good review which I am now editing. I have now found out from another restaurant that it is illegal to demand cash (and obviously steal) and that I should have phoned the police! I just wanted to get away fast. I cannot in good faith recommend this place to people and definitely not to solo females. I do not feel it is safe! Given the illegal activity I would have given this 0 stars if I could.

Edit: seen other people say they were also forced to write reviews. I suspect by the same women. Do not reply to this attempting to defend her as it is very clear that this is a major issue as others have also encountered it. We can’t all be lying?! Clearly this is encouraged by the “owner”. Absolute joke of a place, breaking the law with...