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Credit: Darla Khazei / INSTARimages
Yes, JudgeThe new restaurant, Il Vero, is speaking out amid its controversial no-kids policy and bad reviews.
After being criticized for refusing to serve families at the Bergen County, New Jersey facility, Gia’s business partner, Maria Sausadoubled down on the adults-only atmosphere they created at their venue, noting that it was “intentional.”
“Our decision to create an adults-only dining experience at IL Vero was intentional,” Maria told Daily Voice on Oct. 16. [and] we firmly stand behind the scene we created.”
According to Maria, she and her team wanted Il Vero to be a high-end setting where adults could dress up with their friends or enjoy a romantic evening with their partners.
“Both concepts can exist, and neither needs to be criticized just for being different,” she said.
In a one-star Google review shared earlier this month, one person revealed they were kicked out of Il Vero after arriving at the restaurant with babies in strollers.
“The GM then comes over and says they don’t allow children…at all…anywhere in the restaurant…at any time.
Others complained about spending $100 for four drinks, $73 for three drinks, and $10 for water.
However, Maria felt that most of the feedback online depends on personal preferences.
“We really believe that constructive feedback has value. We are always willing to listen and improve where necessary. However, there is a difference between real constructive criticism and criticism just because a restaurant offers something that does not match someone’s personal preferences,” she said, pointing to Il Vero’s four and five star Google reviews and support from social media.
“It seems like everyone these days wants to be a food critic, and social media has made it easy to judge an entire establishment based on one experience or one personal opinion,” she continued. “Not every restaurant is going to be for everyone, and that doesn’t automatically mean the restaurant is doing something wrong. Sometimes, it just means it’s not right.”
On Instagram, after it appeared that people were complaining about Il Vero’s no-kids policy, several commentators defended the restaurant.
“People are writing a two star review on a no kids policy? I’m going out to eat to get away from my kids lmao. I don’t want yours at the table next to me,” one person said.
“Her restaurant is her policy if it doesn’t sit well with someone just don’t go,” advised another.
Meanwhile, another couple expressed disdain for the policy.
“Any kind of exclusion is wrong especially in a world where everyone started as a baby… I regret anywhere that can’t accommodate mothers with children but that’s just me. You deserve a life without a child, not a world,” said someone.
“Westwood is a family town, it’s a town where most people have children. The building just doesn’t fit the environment,” said another.
