Manicomio — Restaurant in London

A Beautiful Setting, but a Disrespectful and Disappointing Experience

At first glance, Manicomio looked like a great spot for a family meal. The ambiance was lovely, the staff seated us without any issue, and we were excited to enjoy what seemed like a promising menu.

Unfortunately, everything went downhill once the food arrived.

My mother ordered a spring salad, clearly described on the menu as containing parmesan, eggs, and dressing. What was served was something completely different—mostly broad beans and other ingredients that were never listed. My mother is allergic to those beans, and we politely explained this to the staff. Shockingly, the manager himself responded rudely, loudly saying that we had “already tried it” and should just order something else. He showed zero concern for her allergy, which is incredibly irresponsible and dangerous.

Still trying to make the best of it, we ordered a different salad. It was even worse. What was advertised as a regular salad turned out to be mostly fennel and rocket, drowned in bitter olive oil—and I say that as someone from a town known for producing excellent olive oil. Again, we respectfully said the dish was inedible, but the staff became distant and unhelpful, and we felt looked down upon—especially in a way that felt racially charged.

I didn’t even complain about my own dish, an incredibly bland fish. Despite asking repeatedly, we were never brought salt and pepper—simple basics that should’ve been readily available.

Hoping dessert would redeem the experience, we ordered a strawberry millefoglie. Sadly, we found a small black hair inside it. That was the final straw. We were more embarrassed than the staff seemed to be.

To make matters worse, when the bill came, we were charged for both salads we didn’t eat and the dessert that had a hair in it. After several complaints, they removed the dessert( said it was free like we ate it despite leaving there with the hair on it) but not the salads. The manager argued with us aggressively, insisting the menu listed the ingredients (it didn’t), and acted as if we were trying to get out of paying for something we had barely touched. On top of that, a 15% service charge was automatically added.

We left feeling humiliated and incredibly disappointed—not only by the food but by the total lack of professionalism, empathy, and basic respect. (Felt completely robbed)

I don’t leave reviews lightly, but I hope this helps others avoid the experience we had. This restaurant needs serious improvement in both customer service and food transparency—especially when it comes to allergies...

Very bad experience in that "restaurant" that is more interested in your wallet than giving you a good service. Starting with the hostess who welcomed us with a very rude attitude (dark long hair in her 40's). She had to choose our table at the opposite of where we wanted to sit even though the terrace was empty. I thought first she had a problem with us but I realize she was like that with all customers. I observe her all lunch, she didn't smile once and chew her gum with huge jaw movement that is unacceptable for the kind of place they would like to pretend to be.

Food was really basic for 30 pounds mains, and mostly overcooked (even the plain half portion pasta for my son charged 10,50 pounds - ridiculous!). Plus they charge us 4 cover charge even though we were 3 person eating.

Only good thing in there was our waiter who was very nice and efficient (tall shaved hair lovely guy - I'm really sorry I didn't tip you but the all experience was a really bad joke)

Next day, my wife was meeting some friends and she went there again (I told her not too, but her friends wanted to go there!). They were 4 people eating and been charge 6 cover charge - I really don't get it. I came to join them at the end of their dinner (not ordering anything) and their waiter kept passing next to me mumbling in Italian what I'm guessing was insult, not once or twice but maybe 10 times - very classy! (short blondish messy hair Italian guy).

When I went to the manager asking about my son overcooked pasta from the day before and those extra cover charges, he explain me that rent in there is very high so they have to overcharge. So be aware that you don't pay for the quality of the food but to help them pay their rent.

I don't mind paying the price but I expect to have a nice experience and I don't like to be taken as a cash machine.

If you have to eat in the area, go to POLPO next door where I had a great service and lovely staff.

I never posted any review on internet, you guys are my first :) If you are the lucky owner of this place, send a mystery guest to have a real idea of...

Easily the worst experience I've had in a restaurant. Service was slow and our starters arrived before our drinks. It was a particularly hot day and I asked the server if we could get some water as our drinks hadn't arrived. He mumbled something about them coming and walked off. I then caught the attention of another waitress and ask if it was possible to get some water. We had been in the restaurant for over 20 minutes by then (I normally expect water to be offered as you are seated). She brought the water and I said that I wasn't very happy that it's taken so long. She obviously told the on duty manager who came over to tell me that our drinks were actually only ordered 8 minutes ago!!! I was surprised that he went out his way to not apologise but instead to tell me that I shouldn't be expressing my dissatisfaction. I explained that we had been in the restaurant for 20 minutes and that it had been difficult to get the waiter's attention to order in the first place and that our starters had arrived before our drinks. He continued to argue with me before offering some bread (still no apology). I declined and we continued with our meal. After our starters we ordered more drinks from the on duty manager who started the argument again. I explained again that we only expected an apology. He continued to say that it is very hard in the hospitality industry at the moment, which I agreed with but said it doesn't excuse his behaviour. At this point I was still not offered an apology and he was not forthcoming with one. I asked if we should leave and he responded "that will be amazing"!! I'm flabbergasted that it got to that point over something so minor so we left! I dine out regularly and this has never happen to me. In fact I rarely complain as I know how hard the job is. A very rude and stubborn manager who clearly shouldn't work in hospitality. Shame all the restaurants are so desperate for staff so have to put up with subpar...