Il Refettorio — Restaurant in Venice

Absolutely worst experience we’ve had in general since we came to Europe. If I could give it zero stars or a half star I would do so. First we walk in and the place is so hot you can barely breathe. The place was basically packed and yet somehow it seemed like the one pretentious bartdender there was the only one working as he was taking care of what seemed like 10-15+ solo as we did not see any other waitstaff. He asked if wanted water, when we said yes, we were going to order an appetizer, but the guy just rudely walked off when I was asking for it mid-sentence. After looking over the heavily meat based menu, and deciding the atmosphere and terrible service was enough to walk out, we headed for the door. We were about to walk out when the bartender/waiter rudely walked away from another table mid-order to confront us. I said my fiancée was not feeling well, which was true because she was nauseous after being in the overly hot restaurant (the weather outside was very cool despite it being summer because it had been raining). Instead of saying something like, “I hope you feel better” or anything nice at all, he said we owed him 3 Euros for the water he had poured. I slapped 5 Euros, and stated in front of the entire front of the restaurant, “I am SO glad we didn’t eat here.” We went to Regina Sconta instead, which was the best decision ever because they were so nice and the food/menu was amazing with being overly priced like this restaurant with people working there who actually know what hospitality looks like. Save your money and time,...

Ah, dining at Il Refetorio was truly an unforgettable experience – much like trying to erase the memory of a terrible accident. The highlight, if one can call it that, was the steak. It didn’t just flirt with the boundaries of poor taste; it sprinted past them straight into the realm of the revolting. The aroma alone was enough to conjure up images of neglected outhouses, and the flavor? Well, let’s just say it would have made a trash can wince.

If you're considering a visit, I’d recommend bringing a nose plug and an iron stomach. But honestly, if you're in the mood for something that smells and tastes like poo, just go to a landfill – at least that’s free.

Despite this assault on our senses, we didn’t complain. We paid for the meal because getting the message out there about a chef willing to serve off steak is more valuable than the price tag to us. As tourists, we expected a warm welcome, not an insult to our intelligence.

The place looks nice, and the service was okay. Avoid like the plague, the 'chef', if we can call him that is either unable to detect when meat has gone bad or will willingly serve it to you just so he's not stuck with a chunk of stinky meat. I can't decide...

Disappointing experience at Il Refettorio

As food enthusiasts, we frequently visit fine dining restaurants around the world, many of them Michelin-starred, as we appreciate good service and authentic flavors. We enjoy fusion cuisine when it’s well-executed, but our experience at Il Refettorio was a complete disappointment.

While the restaurant has an elegant appearance, the service was rude, particularly from the manager and the waitress, who made us feel unwelcome. The food, which they call fusion, is actually a poorly executed alteration of authentic Italian cuisine. If you truly appreciate Italian flavors, this place will not meet your expectations. The dishes lack the balance and essence that make Italian cuisine so special.

Although the prices are not high, there are far better options in Venice. You can easily find better food with warmer service at similar prices elsewhere in the city.

Additionally, we do not tolerate xenophobia or disrespectful attitudes, and unfortunately, that was the impression we got from the staff. We wouldn’t return, not...