SEEN by Olivier, Rome — Restaurant in Rome

What a disaster of an evening… we have previously absolutely loved the Anantara Hotel both in Koh Samui Thailand in 2023 and the Maldives earlier this year but as guests visiting this Anantara restaurant our whole experience was appalling. This is probably our fault for not reading the reviews and realising afterwards that it had more ‘terrible’ reviews than any other, but rather going by our previous experiences and expecting outstanding dining and service. We received anything but… Upon walking the 1.5km to the restaurant and dressed in ‘smart casual’ as it requests, my husband who was in dress shorts and a button up shirt was told he couldn’t enter as the dress code required pants. We paid €50 to get back to our hotel so he could change into pants and get back in time to keep our reservation only to see 2 other patrons in the restaurant not only in shorts but with t shirts. What a joke… if the front of house staff claim to patrons there is a ‘dress code that must be adhered to’ then perhaps they should do their job more efficiently and without prejudice. We divided not to let it ruin our evening as we were looking forward to our ‘panoramic views’ as stated on the website, only to be seated in a restaurant that doesn’t offer any such views. Upon completing our meal which was nothing special but still costed close to €200 we thought maybe we could still have a view if we stood outside on the balcony. There is no view unless you lean right up on the plants on the balcony to grab a small glimpse of the fountain below. After finishing our wine outside my husband spoke with the front of house lady regarding the inequity of the dress code and she fobbed him off and made excuses for the restaurant. Please don’t make the same mistake we did thinking there are views, good service and food. There are many other places in Rome that will not...

We stayed with Anantara for few days and because Seen looks nice, we decided to try to dine there, twice (the second time was exactly to make sure the first time was, maybe a bad day, but unfortunately wasn't)

Food - On the first night, we requested a Veggie Lasagne, and it was overcooked, and until the time it arrived (poor service), it wasn't hot anymore. On the second night, we requested a Salmon Teriyaki, and the skin was completed burnt. The chef said it was normal, as it was marinated on Teriyaki sauce and grilled. However, there is a huge difference between grilled and burnt. The Manager came to explain it was normal and when I showed him what supposed to be the correct colour (because there was a small part not burnt), he excused yhem saying "It is okay, this is the outside part of the fish" (seriously? I couldn't believe when I heard that)

Service - I can't generalise that all the staff was bad. There was a woman waitress who was attentive and kind, compared with the others. Nevertheless, most of the staff were not friendly. They serve well some people whom they really want, and the rest of the costumers, they simply forget to check. We always need to wait. Wait to make an order, to have someone serving us,.. and when I say wait, I'm saying at least 15 minutes... even to have sparkling water that never arrived (on the first day).

It was ridiculous the experience we had there. The second time we went, was to confirm the first time was a unlucky day, but no... it was really a bad experience.

We gave a second chance for the place. Won't...

My experience at SEEN by Oliver in Rome was nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment I walked into the restaurant, I was captivated by its chic and sophisticated ambiance.

The highlight, of course, was the breathtaking view from the Anantara hotel. The panoramic vistas of Rome's historic skyline were simply unparalleled. It's not just dining; it's a visual feast, making the experience truly exceptional.

The food was a work of art. Each dish was beautifully presented and bursting with exquisite flavors. The fusion of Brazilian and Asian cuisine was a delightful surprise, and every bite was a revelation. The culinary journey was a symphony of tastes, a testament to the creativity of the chefs.

The service was impeccable. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and made us feel like VIPs. Their recommendations enhanced the dining experience, and their passion for their craft was evident in every detail.

The cocktail menu was a masterpiece in itself, with unique concoctions that perfectly complemented the flavors of the food. Each sip was a delightful adventure, and the drinks added an extra layer of sophistication to the evening.

SEEN by Oliver is not just a restaurant; it's an unforgettable experience. It's the kind of place you'll remember for a lifetime. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply savoring a night in Rome, this restaurant offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience that's truly remarkable. I can't...