Osteria Scudo di Francia — Restaurant in Verona

We were excited to eat here for a special birthday meal, but we were so disappointed. Unfortunately, Osteria Scudo di Francia did not live up to expectations in either food quality or service.

We gave the restaurant two stars, as the antipasti were good—we ordered oysters and a cheese plate. However, that’s hardly a reflection of the restaurant as these items are typically bought in.

Things quickly went downhill from there. One of our primi dishes was completely inedible, gnocchi with gorgonzola, beetroot and walnuts. I’m a cheese lover and have enjoyed gorgonzola many times, but this dish was so overpowering and unbalanced that it was inedible. The smell alone was so off-putting to my partner that we had it taken away. This was done with an air of subtle derision, and we felt judged for daring to provide feedback. No effort was made to offer a replacement dish or improve our experience. Instead, the staff became noticeably colder and less attentive as we expressed dissatisfaction, as though our dissatisfaction was an inconvenience rather than a concern. The bigoli with duck ragu was disappointing—dry, bland, and stodgy. We struggled to finish it despite our best efforts. When the waiter cleared the dish, he made no secret of his incredulity that we hadn’t finished our meal, adding to the overall uncomfortable and judgmental atmosphere. Being judged by staff is not the mark of a high-quality restaurant or good service.

To end on a somewhat positive note, the wine was delicious, and we ordered the tiramisu to take away after reading its glowing reviews, but it was just okay—certainly nothing special.

When the bill came we politely raised the issue that the primi that we didn't eat was still on the bill, they begrudgingly removed the inedible dish only after we requested it. For over €100 (for two antipasti, one primi, two bottles of water, and three glasses of wine), I expect much better quality and a welcoming atmosphere. I have no issue paying this and more for exceptional food and service, but this place is not it. We couldn’t wait to leave the judgmental and condescending environment.

I’m aware that this review will likely elicit an antagonistic response, reminding us that we are the problem, as I’ve seen similar treatment of other negative reviews by this establishment, but I’m not writing this for the restaurant—I’m writing it for other diners, so they don’t make the same mistake we did.

This place is the definition of a tourist trap—it lures people in with a delicious-sounding menu, an excellent location in the heart of Verona, and beautifully designed decor. At first glance, it seems like the perfect spot for a high-quality meal, but once you're seated, the reality sets in. The food is underwhelming at best, and the service leaves much to be desired. Instead of delivering an exceptional dining experience, the restaurant seems to rely on its prime location and stylish ambiance to draw in unsuspecting diners.

If you're looking for authentic, high-quality cuisine with warm hospitality, there are far better options in Verona. Don't be fooled by the elegant setting and appealing menu—this place is all style and no substance.

I don’t leave negative reviews lightly, as I understand that a restaurant is someone’s livelihood, and I always try to be fair in my assessments. However, in this case, the experience was so disappointing that it warranted an honest review. Poor food quality, dismissive service, and a condescending atmosphere are simply not acceptable—especially at this...

This restaurant caters to the unwary tourist. They served a flavorless tuna sashimi with a soy sauce and chicken soup and charge 18€. The secondi, a chicken was a hard over done cheap dry flavorless chicken breast with mashed potatoes for 25€. To say the least overpriced and tasteless. [IF THE DISH TASTED GOOD I WOULDN'T COMPLAIN FOR THE VALUE].

Service, the place was empty. That should be a sign. The waiter, neither good Italian nor passable English speaking making communication difficult, seated us in the darkest smallest table and the place was EMPTY.

What about table with some light, and a spread. The place was empty!

His attitude was condescending and bored.

The other waiter said, oh it's a slow night as there isn't an opera tonight. This is NOT a good place to eat as it caters to the desperate. Not a place if you have a choice. We spent over 100€ for this tasteless experience.

If I were the manager, I would train this waiter with customer service attitude, that seat guests on an empty night so other guest will see the restaurant has other guests.

Give them a good table. Not in a horrid little table in a corner, as if that's where the dog should eat. That was the general flick of the wrist by that waiter.

We ended up buying a bottle and spending on an appetizer and dinner. None worth it.

A corner pizza washed down with a cold beer would have been a better choice.

This is not a fake review. I stand...

Mid September 2025 Saturday lunch Service - we came in towards the end of the lunch service and tables outside were full but we were given a lovely corner table in the very cosy main room - female Maitre-D and two waiters, obviously all very experienced and were moving so quickly in very cramped space but always, always able to stop, pay attention and make you feel like a valued guest Room - brilliant decoration - perfectly judged for the tiny space - giving a sense of real class and style - toilet door at the corridor end so brilliantly disguised I missed it the first time and found myself in the basement Food - we blew the lunch budget on a whole roasted turbot which was very good indeed and was preceded by a beautifully dressed heart of lettuce and tomato salad, just right for getting the digestive juices going, all well presented on lovely plates. There was a good looking wine list but no time to enjoy a bottle, the house chose a glass of local Chardonnay which was good as well. This is professional, grown-up dining, able to serve locals and tourists equally well. Of the three places that we ate in Verona, this is the one we would go back to in...