Caffè Tropea — Restaurant in London

Terrible Customer Service at Caffè Tropea - Disrespectful and Discriminatory.

I have been a regular at Caffè Tropea for years, attracted by its prime location in Russell Square and the decent quality of food. However, I am compelled to write this review to shed light on the appalling customer service that tarnishes this establishment's reputation. Despite boasting a 40-year history, it appears that Caffè Tropea has yet to grasp basic British values and courtesy.

The customer service here is abysmal. While the food might garner four-star reviews, the treatment of customers deserves zero stars. The predominantly male staff, dressed as if they are straight out of southern Italy, are loud, sexist, and exhibit a shocking disregard for disabilities. My recent experience underscores this deeply ingrained problem.

During my latest visit, I faced an incredibly frustrating and humiliating situation. As I walked towards the seating area inside, using my crutches, one of the waiters accosted me multiple times, insisting that the seating area was for customers only. Despite explaining repeatedly that my Italian wife was in the queue to order our beverages, the waiter persisted in his rude interrogation, oblivious to my visible disability.

This macho attitude and lack of empathy are unacceptable. It seems that the longevity of this café owes more to its location, which attracts tourists and regulars, rather than any genuine appreciation for its service. The staff’s behaviour suggests a hostile policy towards customers, especially those with disabilities. Their lack of understanding and respect is not only disappointing but also discriminatory.

I implore the so-called 'Papa Italiano,' who presumably started this family-owned business, to address this unacceptable instils . It is high time that the management instils proper training and instigates a cultural shift within the team. Understanding and accommodating customers, especially those with disabilities, should be a fundamental aspect of their service. Until this issue is addressed, I cannot in good conscience recommend Caffè Tropea to anyone seeking a respectful and pleasant café experience in...

I CANNOT recommend Caffè Tropea to anyone. Ridiculously rude and aggressive staff.

I went to Caffè Tropea to have a full English breakfast with a group of colleagues on 17th May 2025. After breakfast we left but one hour later, I came back to the café and ordered a cup of tea. The tea was served in a small pot about the size of a teacup. There were only three tables with customers indoors in the Café, so not very busy. I chose a moment when the staff were even less busy to go get a refill of hot water for my teapot. A bit later, doing this a second time, when I walked to the barista, he shouted aggressively at me, saying customers could only refill their tea pot three times, and he insisted that this was my third time! I was shocked by his hostile attitude and immediately decided to leave. I peacefully told the barista that I no longer needed a refill, but there is one thing I wanted to make it clear: ‘This is NOT my third time to come get a hot water refill! And there is no need for you to talk to me like this!’ It seemed as though the barista could barely contain his rage and his bodily gestures looked increasingly aggressive. There was a moment I thought he might throw something at me. I said again: ‘This is not my third time to come to refill my hot water and I would like you to understand this’. Then, I could not believe what he replied: ‘When you first bought the tea, that was your first refill!’ Ridiculous! At this point, one of his colleagues held his arm and gestured him to stop talking to me. I left the café immediately, without even a hint of an apology from the staff. I understand that different establishments have different policies on refills, but there was no need for this unpleasant attitude.

I would suggest people avoid Caffè Tropea and simply enjoy the beautiful scenery of Russell Square: The park is free for everyone. Just grab your book, buy a drink from a local shop, then you can enjoy the beautiful scenery in the park. You do not need to pay Caffè Tropea to be humiliated by their...

Caffè Tropea is a great place to go for breakfast, especially if you're looking for a French-inspired meal. They have a wide variety of pastries, croissants, and sandwiches to choose from, as well as a full coffee and tea menu. I especially recommend the iced Americano, which is made with fresh espresso and has a delicious crema on top.

While Caffè Tropea does have a few pork and beef options, there are still plenty of choices for those who don't eat meat. I had a delicious quiche and my friend had a croque monsieur, both of which were made with fresh ingredients and were very tasty.

The location of Caffè Tropea is also great, right next to Russell Square. This makes it a perfect place to stop for a quick bite to eat before or after a walk in the park.

Overall, I highly recommend Caffè Tropea for a delicious and convenient breakfast. Here are some specific things you can mention in your review:

The cafe has a wide variety of French-inspired pastries, croissants, and sandwiches to choose from. The iced Americano is especially delicious, made with fresh espresso and a delicious crema on top. There are plenty of options for those who don't eat meat. The location is great, right next to Russell Square.

If you're looking for a delicious and convenient breakfast, be sure to check out...