Portofino: When Beauty Isn’t Enough

Portofino: When Beauty Isn’t Enough

Portofino is one of those places that look like they belong in a painting: crystal-clear waters, pastel-colored houses reflecting on the sea, an atmosphere suspended between luxury and tradition. It’s easy to fall in love at first sight. But a trip isn’t just about the views; it’s about the whole experience. And unfortunately, my lunch at one of the local restaurants was anything but memorable.

After waiting far too long to place an order – with no success – I mistakenly queued where I thought I could pay, only to realize it was actually the line for the restroom. Instead of kindly clarifying the situation, a restaurant employee grabbed me by the arm and insulted me, likely assuming I didn’t understand Italian. When I responded in my native language (and added that, unlike him, I speak three more), his demeanor completely changed—from hostility to embarrassment. At that point, offering a digestif as an apology was more ironic than thoughtful.

So, between the lackluster service and the disappointing hospitality, we decided to leave and eat elsewhere. This isn’t the first time I’ve noticed a certain indifference toward customers in highly touristic spots, where the constant flow of visitors seems to make genuine hospitality feel unnecessary.

It’s a shame because dining should be a combination of excellent food and a welcoming atmosphere. And if one of the two is missing, the whole experience loses its charm.

Have you ever experienced something similar? Do you think service standards tend to drop in highly touristic areas?