A Taiwanese tourist couple looking confused and slightly embarrassed, an angry Italian restaurant owner gesturing dramatically, a single modest-sized pizza on the table between them, a stereotypical Italian trattoria setting.
A Taiwanese tourist couple looking confused and slightly embarrassed, an angry Italian restaurant owner gesturing dramatically, a single modest-sized pizza on the table between them, a stereotypical Italian trattoria setting.

Italian Restaurant Owner's Outrage Over Taiwanese Tourists' Modest Pizza Order Sparks International Controversy

In November 2025, a heated incident unfolded at the "Pizza Dal Pazzo" restaurant in Montecatini Terme, Italy, when owner Patrizio Pazzini became visibly upset with a group of 16 Taiwanese tourists who ordered only five pizzas and three beers during their visit.

The Controversial Encounter

The situation escalated when Pazzini recorded a video of the Taiwanese group, speaking in Italian while expressing his frustration over what he perceived as an insufficient order for such a large party. Unbeknownst to the tourists, who smiled and interacted with the camera thinking it was a friendly gesture, the restaurant owner made derogatory remarks including telling Taiwan to "get out."

Social Media Backlash

The video was subsequently posted on the restaurant's Instagram account, quickly gaining traction and sparking widespread outrage among Taiwanese netizens. The incident went viral as social media users condemned Pazzini's behavior as unprofessional and disrespectful toward his customers.

Online Retaliation

In response to the perceived mistreatment, Taiwanese internet users launched a coordinated campaign against the restaurant, flooding its online platforms with negative reviews and critical comments. The digital backlash highlighted the power of social media in holding businesses accountable for customer treatment.

Apology and Resolution

Facing mounting pressure and negative publicity, Pazzini released an apology video on November 14, 2025. In his statement, he addressed both Chinese and Taiwanese people, concluding the video by expressing his love for China and Taiwan in an attempt to quell the controversy and repair the restaurant's damaged reputation.

Cultural Implications

The incident brought to light significant cultural differences in dining practices and expectations between Italian restaurant culture and Taiwanese tourist behavior. It also underscored the importance of cultural sensitivity and mutual respect in the global hospitality industry, particularly in tourist destinations that regularly serve international visitors.

The controversy serves as a cautionary tale for restaurant owners about the potential consequences of public criticism of customers and the importance of maintaining professionalism regardless of order size or customer behavior.

The prompt for this was: An Italian pizza restaurant owner is fuming at 16 Taiwanese tourists because they ordered only five pizzas.

Visit BotAdmins for done for you business solutions.