Poor Service and Empty Promises – A Disappointing Experience

After being turned away the previous evening due to the restaurant being fully booked, I popped in the next morning to ask about availability. A staff member assured me that while they were fully booked, we would definitely get a table if we arrived after 8 pm—no reservation required. Given that we had small children with us, we wouldn’t have taken this chance unless we were certain.

To be extra cautious, I stopped by again at 7:30 pm, especially since loadshedding was starting at 8 pm. Another waiter confirmed there was no issue, took my number, and even said he’d call if a table opened up earlier.

However, when we arrived at 8 pm as planned, a different staff member—who seemed to be the owner or manager—flatly told us they could not accommodate us. He claimed they had only ever said they might be able to help, which was absolutely not the case. Not only did he make no effort to resolve the situation (despite a vacant table being available), but his manner was abrupt and dismissive. There was no hospitality, no warmth, and certainly no attempt to acknowledge the inconvenience caused.

This is clearly a busy and popular restaurant, but if you’re looking for a place that values customer service and honors its word, this is not it.