Citanos Cafeteria — Restaurant in Cape Coral

Okay let me get a couple things straight first, the issue is not with the food OR the servers. They are very kind and the food is delicious. Little bit of a mixup with our waiter and they brought us the wrong order, but no problem they corrected it and 10 minutes later our correct food was brought out. The problem is the pathetic excuse for an owner that runs this place. We came here 2 months ago and had the same issue we had today, the prices on the menu not matching the prices that they try to charge you. Both my entree (Cubano sandwich) and my Fiance's (Ham and Cheese pizza) were charged an additional $3 from the price advertised on the menu. Upon mentioning this to the server she was happy to call the owner to correct this. She let me speak to the owner on the phone, a rude woman with a clear lack of customer service skills and a big mouth. She explained that they corrected the price which I of course appreciated, upon giving the owner advice that they should change the menu, she became very defensive and confrontational saying that inflation affects everyone and that they corrected the price so I should just be happy. She seems to lack the intelligence or integrity to understand that the problem is NOT about the money but about the PRINCIPLE of running a business correctly. I tried multiple times to tell her that she doesn't need to order all brand new menus, either just order a large sign with the correct prices for the adjusted items, or write over the menu prices which we see plenty of restaurants do nowadays. Everytime I tried to talk she spoke over and interrupted me, until I finally said "Are you truly not even going to listen to your customers advice"? She then was quiet for the the first time and after explaining that she could invest in a sign less than $20 to correct this problem, she told me that there is a small sign at the front of the restaurant that indicates that prices may be increased (But does not detail which items or the increase amount). I told her once again it's about the principle and about having integrity to advertise the correct prices up front, and hung up the phone. As I was about to pay, the owner called back (Obviously very agitated) and server took the POS system out of my hand. She had the employee hand me the sign, which I attached a picture of here. If the owner thinks that this tiny sign that does not detail any item up charges justifies a 25%-30% increase on any item they want, she isn't just rude, she is completely delusional. When multiple of your employees have to apologize because they know the owner is atrocious, there is a serious problem with your business. To the owner if you are reading this, have a serious look in the mirror and next time don't take your frustration out from whatever is going on in your personal life out on your customers, and have the integrity to advertise the correct prices upfront. That sign isn't doing you any justice, same as your attitude. Left the servers a nice tip which they completely deserved considering they have to work for someone like this, and they were very sweet and thankful as we left. It is shocking to see the lack of reviews talking about this issue, which is most likely exactly what they want, for no one to question or look at the prices and unknowingly pay more than they were advertised. Once again, this speaks volumes about their lack...

Really good food, if it ever makes it out of the kitchen, that is. There is a complete lack of organization here. The owner is sitting at the bar counter as you walk in and doesn't so much as smile at you, let alone welcome you. In fact no one greets or directs you as you walk in. Eventually, you decide to seat yourself or start ordering at the counter when you can catch an employee's eye. We chose to seat ourselves. A waitress eventually came over after nearly 10 minutes to bring menus. We asked for water, a coffee and a pastry to start, then ordered 2 sandwiches. 15 minutes later, no water. We had to flag the waitress down, which I hate to do, in order to remind her about drinks and the pastry, which is ready made and just needs to be brought from the display. We got the water and the coffee, still no pastry. We had to remind the waitress about that too. Finally, we get our pastry. Another 20 minutes goes by with no food. A table of 4 that walked in and was seated after we had ordered somehow got all of their food before we did. Finally, my sandwich came out of the kitchen. My husband's didn't. His took another ten minutes. While the food is good, I don't see this place surviving if organization of the kitchen and table service doesn't change. The servers and the owner act as if you are inconveniencing them by staying to eat. At least get servers who are friendlier and can pay attention to diners without...

Citano's Cafeteria is a delightful Cuban restaurant that will transport you straight to Havana, or at least to a Disney-fied version of it. The food is delicious, but be prepared to pay extra for the beautiful ambiance. I mean, come on, who needs pretty decorations when you have a plate full of ropa vieja? But hey, if you're into that sort of thing, go ahead and fork over the extra cash.

Speaking of forks, the utensils at Citano's are top-notch. They're so shiny you can practically see your reflection in them. And the staff? Polite as can be. They'll make sure your water glass is always full and your rice and beans are never cold.

But let's get real here. I'm the type of person who would eat ribs from a smoker on the side of the road rather than a fancy restaurant any day. Don't get me wrong, Citano's food is delicious, but I'm there to satisfy my palate, not my eyes.

All in all, if you're looking for delicious Cuban food in a fancy setting with polite staff and shiny utensils, Citano's Cafeteria is the place for you. But if you're like me and prefer your food with a side of soul satisfaction with a more traditional budget friendliness ot it,...