John T.
Google
This is one of the most difficult reviews we are writing after 26 days in France. We were drawn to this restaurant by its #1 ranking in TripAdvisor and its menu. We had a noon reservation and were one of the first customers in this rather small establishment. We were warmly greeted by the owner, shown to our table and introduced to a delightful young lady who was to be our server. We had wonderful conversations, prompt service and proceeded to order our pizzas.
As the attached receipt shows, we ordered the Sinfonia, the Travitata, and a bottle of wine. The food was absolutely delicious, and we enjoyed our meal immensely, so much so that we promised them we would return on the back half of our trip around France. We changed our minds based on two reasons.
At the end of our delicious meal, when the server brought the charge machine, I noticed the wording “Tips Not Included”. Now we are aware that Service is, by law, already included at all restaurants in France; but having shared a delightful bottle of wine with my wife, I questioned our waitress, “So does this mean the Service is not included (Service, not Tips),” and she replied “Yes, not included.” Note that the printed receipt also says, in very large letters, “Tips not included.” Being the generous Americans that we are, we left a 30% tip.
I believe that this a very deceptive practice on the part of this establishment. I would be willing to venture that there are two types of receipts at this place--one for tourists and one for locals (where the locals’ receipts do not say “Tips not included”), but I could be wrong. When I had time to reflect on what occurred, I kicked myself but also vowed not to return to this place again, despite the wonderful food and service.
And we did not return there. Upon our return to Paris four weeks later, we chose to return to Iovines, which has equally exceptional pizzas and service (and does not play games with its receipts). Pizzeria Arrivederci may want to consider using "Prix nets, service compris" on its receipts like every other restaurant we ate at in France over 26 days.
The second thing--just my opinion that I can neither prove nor disprove (and has been pointed out by others in their reviews)--how does a small Italian restaurant in Paris, the city of food, get the #1 ranking on TripAdvisor? In going through its reviews and seeing the number of those posted by individuals who have posted only one review on TripAdvisor (as if they have only ever visited one place in their TripAdvisor history) makes us wonder and say “Hmmm?!?” Just saying, buyer beware of the “#1” ranking.
11/2025 - The owner's response only chose to address the definition of tips and not any of the points that I addressed in my original post...and the 1 person, 1 review of 5 stars with very little or no comments continues.J ust saying...