Ristorante Roma — Restaurant in Venice

Misleading Staff and Disappointing Experience – Avoid if You Want Canal-Side Dining

We visited Ristorante Roma in Venice expecting a pleasant canal-side dinner, but the experience turned out to be quite disappointing because of the misleading attitude of the staff.

When we arrived, we specifically requested a table next to the canal. The waiter clearly told us that the tables were full but as soon as one became available, he would shift us there. I asked him twice to confirm this, and he assured us it would be done. Trusting his word, we agreed to sit at another table and placed our order — he also insisted that we must order at least two dishes, which we did without hesitation.

A little later, two tables by the canal became vacant, so we reminded him about his promise. To our surprise, he then said that those tables were under another waiter’s service area, and we could not move there without that waiter’s permission. When we politely tried to take one of those seats, the second waiter actually stopped us and said we were “under the other waiter’s service” and could only move to the canal side belonging to that waiter, whenever it became empty.

This internal division between staff was never explained to us when we entered, and the first waiter’s assurance turned out to be completely false. Had we known this, we would have gone to another restaurant. The whole charm of dining beside the Venetian canal was ruined, and what should have been a memorable evening became a frustrating one.

For the prices they charge, we expected at least honesty and clear communication. Sadly, the experience felt misleading and poorly managed. We would not recommend this place to anyone who actually wants to enjoy a true canal-side...

From the outside this place looks brilliant. Don't be fooled. Much better places in Venice.

We sat at the table and were instantly presented with a bread basket consisting of packet bread sticks, crackers and some dry bread. (You get charged €2.50 per person for this) BUT - in full open view they have an old lady decanting down uneaten open bread into baskets for the next customer to eat, she was dressed in normal clothes sat at a table drinking a can of Fanta. imagine if it had been touched by others or spoken / sneezed over or dropped on the floor.

Food - The starter was ok but it should be for the price. My main course of a calzone pizza was stone cold and raw inside. This was taken away and my wife ate her meal rather than it getting cold - and to quote it was "OK." Eventually I get a second pizza which was cooked but was roughly 20% cheese, 5% ham and 75% tinned mushrooms - definitely not fresh by the size, slice thickness and taste.

Finished / empty glasses were just left on the table and there clearly was stains / marks from previous customers, easily sorted with a paper cover.

When the bill arrived, no discount or even a mention of the times we ate. When I said to the waiter I was a little disappointed we ate at separate times, he slammed down the receipt and walked away. Had there been a service charge added I would have asked it to be removed.

Of course this could have been easily sorted with an offer of a drink - even a lemon cello...

For our last meal in Venice we decided to treat ourselves to this restaurant as we had passed it on numerous occasions. I cant fault the location as its perfectly sitting on the main canal in Venice (lots of occasional waves and splashes passing underneath by passing boats, but its part of the experience). There is a real nice atmosphere about the restaurant and the staff are also exceptional in what they do, very friendly and attentive. The food is certainly decent also and the pasta dishes that were brought out were quiet good, so far as to say my son said the carbonara was the best hes ever had to date. My only gripe I have is the cost, yes (and from the owners below comments), it is mentioned that there is a €2.50 cover charge pp, but this is only on the menus when you walk in and they are handed to you. This is not mentioned on the outside "street" menu, even though you are given a false sense as its written in quite big letters that there is "no service charge" on the menu, so just beware of this. Also, the smaller things are dearer, for example my wife ordered just plain grilled chicken (priced against the parmesan chicken) and chips (additional). Her dish cost near €35 alone for chicken and chips. So, yes, its a lovely restaurant to visit, great atmosphere, good staff etc, but beware of the prices as you pay for...