Cipriani

I have been to Cipriani many times, most times it was bad, once it was ok. The reason I kept going back was mainly because of other people's curiosity or invitations which I could not refuse. I would describe the food as lazily prepared (some pasta dishes look & taste like they have been pre-cooked and later microwaved), sloppily served and ridiculously overpriced. I don't care if Naomi Campbell is sitting in the same room, I am much more interested as to why the hell my expensive wine has not been decantered and why I am forced to drink it out of cheap small water glasses you might find in a bad pub…Not acceptable!
The meats and fish are mediocre, the pasta incredibly disappointing (although once I had a pappardelle al ragu' dish which was ok and did not taste microwaved), the starters and desserts average and uninteresting. Even the espresso is scandalous, there was no crema on mine and it tasted like starbucks (which means bad). In my opinion the kitchen in Cipriani has no respect for food or their patrons. Most patrons actually seem very pretentious and unknowledgable about food and are much more interested in being seen than eating well. The average patrons age is approximately 94, which makes it perfect for people watching while having a drink at the bar. But definately avoid eating there – Cipriani e' una catastrofe.

Have been a couple of times and always I am afraid been disappointed. One of those restaurants where it matters where you sit. If you are in the back, its like being in a different restaurant and not in a good way. The food is expensive and good if unremarkable. By and large at lunchtime its full of property people, although possibly less so these days. Atmostphere is lively if you are in the main room.