Rome restaurant threatens legal action against complaining tourists.

The Rome restaurant at the centre of an international media storm over its alleged 'rip-off' prices has threatened to sue customers who complain about the service it provides, according to The Times.

The Antico Caffè di Marte made headlines around the world after two Japanese tourists posted a copy of their €430 bill, for two plates of spaghetti with fish, which included a tip of €80.

The restaurant, located on Via Banco di S. Spirito in Rome's historic centre, says the negative media attention has resulted in a dramatic loss of business.

Lawyers representing the restaurant refute claims that waiters bullied unsuspecting tourists into paying hundreds of euro for fish lunches, according to The Times, adding that the customers did not notice that the €6.50 price on the menu is per 100g of fish.

The viral photo of the Japanese tourists' receipt led to a flurry of negative reviews on TripAdvisor, and the restaurant was subsequently fined €5,000 for charging an "obligatory tip", according to Italian newspaper La Repubblica.

For advice on what to do if your restaurant bill seems suspicious, see related article.

Photo Scatti di Gusto