The Italian restaurant accused the customer of trying to ‘damage’ their reputation
Il Paradiso slammed a reviewer online over a ‘fabricated visit’ (Image: Robson McCallister/BirminghamLive )
A Birmingham restaurant slammed a review on Google and accused the guest of ‘attempting to damage our reputation’.
The diner claimed they left the Italian restaurant ‘shocked and disgusted’ after spotting a mouse in the kitchen.
In response to the review, management examined CCTV and called it a ‘completely fabricated visit’.
Read more: Birmingham restaurant fires back at customer who ‘got 10 chips for £6’ after checking CCTV
The review took place at Il Paradiso in Harborne, located on Northfield Road.
Il Paradiso has a near-perfect 4.8 score out of five stars on Google Reviews, based on over 100 reviews.
A customer identified as Mary said: “Four of us went last night. We enjoyed excellent service, food and wine selection was first class.
“Recommend this place wholeheartedly. Steak excellent as was risotto and seafood pasta.
“Ample car parking next to butchers. We will definitely return.”
A different visitor named Kay commented: “Lovely people, restaurant is very clean and quite spacious.
“Food is delicious and generous portions.”
And another happy diner posted: “The food was absolutely delicious. Family friendly and food came out quickly.
“I can’t fault the food and tell you how great it was, you will have to visit. It’s a great small independent restaurant”
However, a recent diner made a controversial claim they witnessed a mouse in the restaurant’s kitchen.
The customer said: “I came to the restaurant with my family to dine but the waiting time was ridiculous.
“The waitress took our orders and disappeared, seemed like she forgot our order.
“I went to the toilet, and on the way back, I saw a mouse in their kitchen area.
“I was very shocked and disgusted.
“I didn’t know how to react so we left the restaurant and spoke to the waitress about the issue.
“This restaurant needs to be reported to food and hygiene department.”
The review was called ‘fabricated’ by the Italian restaurant who criticised the review and called the whole situation ‘saddening’.
Management at Il Paradiso responded: “Thank you very much for taking the time to leave this review.
“After speaking to our staff and reviewing CCTV footage, it has become apparent that for some unfortunate reason, you have decided to leave a review based on a completely fabricated visit to our restaurant.
“We welcome both positive and negative feedback as we see it as an opportunity to grow and better improve our service to our genuine customers, many of whom return on regular basis.
“We do however find it saddening when people feel compelled to leave reviews such as this with what we can only imagine is an attempt to damage our reputation.
“We would be grateful if you could kindly take down your review, but in the event that you choose not to, we hope that our many customers will leave reviews such that truly reflect our hard work and dedication, not to mention our delicious food and commitment to upholding outstanding hygiene standards.”
Il Paradiso has the maximum hygiene rating of ‘5’ (very good) on the Food Standards Agency website.