Italy, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and exquisite cuisine, remains a top holiday destination, particularly the capital city of Rome, which attracts between 7-10 million tourists annually. However, a growing frustration is evident among locals regarding the popular tourist trend of al fresco dining, where restaurant visitors eat their meals outdoors. This trend is especially prevalent during the summer when Rome's temperatures soar, creating an appealing environment for outdoor dining.
Locals are increasingly annoyed as more restaurants serve customers outside, occupying valuable pavement space with extra chairs and tables. This congestion hinders residents from walking freely and parking their vehicles. Furthermore, noise pollution has surged, becoming disruptive late in the evening and early morning as tourists dine late into the night. Consequently, some residents have labelled this outdoor dining trend as "monstrous," indicating their displeasure with how it impacts their daily lives.
