Tamarai reviews
Was very disappointed with the staff here at this restaurant. Also, for the price you pay I would have expected the food to be far superior to what it was and the portions to be of a better size. We waited ages for someone to serve us drinks, then once they arrived the waiter nearly dropped all the glasses over one of the diners at our table. Further to this, all our orders were brought out at different times and not served to the people that had ordered them; instead we had to pass them around ourselves to the correct person.
When we questioned the 12.5% service charge and told them that we would like to pay 10% we were told that it was not discretionary, that we had to pay it, and if we wanted our starters at the same time we should have told them!! Sorry, I didn't realise that when you go out to a restaurant these days you actually have to tell them how and at what times they should be serving their meals... especially if you are paying astronomical prices.
I would NOT recommend this restaurant to anyone and I will never be going there again.
by franklymykate, 11 Mar 2010
When we questioned the 12.5% service charge and told them that we would like to pay 10% we were told that it was not discretionary, that we had to pay it, and if we wanted our starters at the same time we should have told them!! Sorry, I didn't realise that when you go out to a restaurant these days you actually have to tell them how and at what times they should be serving their meals... especially if you are paying astronomical prices.
I would NOT recommend this restaurant to anyone and I will never be going there again.
by franklymykate, 11 Mar 2010
Covent Garden’s Gem. Outstanding service and friendly staff. Perfect location for a romantic dinner for two or a celebration for many.
by Aliciajones, 26 Dec 2009
by Aliciajones, 26 Dec 2009
This place is beyond appalling. Manager and doormen both very rude. Coming from Mayfair expecting to have a good night, this place was dull and lacked atmosphere. It was a) empty, and b) looked more like a student night.
by shanadesigns, 29 Oct 2009
by shanadesigns, 29 Oct 2009
Our 2nd anniversary was very, very special thanks to the staff at Tamarai. The little personal touches that don't seem like a big deal enhanced our entire evening. The food was fantastic, service was impeccable and the prices were actually very reasonable for the level of dining we experienced. We would recommend Tamarai to anyone looking for a great dining experience in Covent Garden.
by moore.damien, 26 Oct 2009
by moore.damien, 26 Oct 2009
Absolutely disgraceful customer service.
I've been to Tamarai twice this year and had a great time, both times. The first was just with my partner and I was very impressed with the venue, and particularly the food and drinks. The staff were very nice too. I was so impressed (and it was so nice to be that impressed) that I invited a group of friends there for another meal a few weeks later. Since then I've been out of the country all summer but was looking forward to eating there again.
Unfortunately, as things stand right now, that won't be the case. One of my friends who I brought with me the second time was also impressed when she came that time. So much so that she booked a meal on 20th August for her and another friend. When I came back to London recently I suggested she and I return to Tamarai but she said "never again" so naturally I wanted to know why.
She recounted her experience of the 20th August and being heavily involved in customer service, frankly I'm shocked. I won't go into all of the details but it seems the meal started well enough but later on they ordered more drinks with their meal and this took a while to come. When they did, the waitress managed to spill her drink on her so that it completely soaked her clothes she was wearing. It's a restaurant, these things happen from time to time. In my experience of such matters, the restaurant usually bends over backwards to make things right, especially the nicer establishments.
However, what happened from then on was far from that and she and her friend ended up leaving the restaurant furious by the way it was handled. The restaurant tried to charge for the drink they spilled, nothing in particular was done to try and appease them, and when they complained about the service and the way it was handled they were made to feel even worse by the restaurant manager that night. At the very, very least I'd have expected the manager to offer to pay for dry cleaning without prompting. But they tried to persuade her that it wouldn't stain, she should try and wash it and if it didn't come out she should bring it back, show them the evidence and then they might do something about it!
They ended up feeling terrible from the way they were treated and that they were the ones who had done something wrong. Nothing was done about the bill, they didn't even get a "thanks" or a "good bye", as if the staff didn't want to ever see them again... It looks like they'll get their wish.
Consequently, my looking forward to experiencing Tamarai's admittedly outstanding food and drinks has been brought to an abrupt halt. Bad customer service doesn't necessarily just affect the people directly involved, they have a habit of telling their friends too.
Incidentally, I tried mentioning the above to the restaurant manager but no reply.
by carefactornil, 11 Oct 2009
I've been to Tamarai twice this year and had a great time, both times. The first was just with my partner and I was very impressed with the venue, and particularly the food and drinks. The staff were very nice too. I was so impressed (and it was so nice to be that impressed) that I invited a group of friends there for another meal a few weeks later. Since then I've been out of the country all summer but was looking forward to eating there again.
Unfortunately, as things stand right now, that won't be the case. One of my friends who I brought with me the second time was also impressed when she came that time. So much so that she booked a meal on 20th August for her and another friend. When I came back to London recently I suggested she and I return to Tamarai but she said "never again" so naturally I wanted to know why.
She recounted her experience of the 20th August and being heavily involved in customer service, frankly I'm shocked. I won't go into all of the details but it seems the meal started well enough but later on they ordered more drinks with their meal and this took a while to come. When they did, the waitress managed to spill her drink on her so that it completely soaked her clothes she was wearing. It's a restaurant, these things happen from time to time. In my experience of such matters, the restaurant usually bends over backwards to make things right, especially the nicer establishments.
However, what happened from then on was far from that and she and her friend ended up leaving the restaurant furious by the way it was handled. The restaurant tried to charge for the drink they spilled, nothing in particular was done to try and appease them, and when they complained about the service and the way it was handled they were made to feel even worse by the restaurant manager that night. At the very, very least I'd have expected the manager to offer to pay for dry cleaning without prompting. But they tried to persuade her that it wouldn't stain, she should try and wash it and if it didn't come out she should bring it back, show them the evidence and then they might do something about it!
They ended up feeling terrible from the way they were treated and that they were the ones who had done something wrong. Nothing was done about the bill, they didn't even get a "thanks" or a "good bye", as if the staff didn't want to ever see them again... It looks like they'll get their wish.
Consequently, my looking forward to experiencing Tamarai's admittedly outstanding food and drinks has been brought to an abrupt halt. Bad customer service doesn't necessarily just affect the people directly involved, they have a habit of telling their friends too.
Incidentally, I tried mentioning the above to the restaurant manager but no reply.
by carefactornil, 11 Oct 2009
Visited this place for a birthday. Good music, good bar staff but TERRIBLE, TERRIBLE BOUNCERS. My female friend was kicked out out for being a little drunk and when we asked if we could get a friend to go home with her, they kicked us out! Another female friend got kicked out for calling a taxi for her! Crazy club, bouncers ruined night and cleared the club out.
by callis_r, 23 Aug 2009
by callis_r, 23 Aug 2009
Wow, this place is bad! I don't normally review restaurants online but I feel duty bound to help fellow diners avoid the experience I was subjected to last night.
It was terrible on so many levels. Cheap decor (trying to look expensive), terrible service and the most astonishingly rude general manager I've ever encountered.
Three mains (out of 8) were unavailable. Drinks took 15 mins to arrive. Food was spilt in a friend's lap by a waiter. Starters were OK but overpriced. White wine was served at room temperature. The manager was unforgivably rude. I could go on...
Tamarai now has the distinction of being the only restaurant in London that I've ever walked out of. Don't waste your time or your money.
by nichojenkins, 13 Aug 2009
It was terrible on so many levels. Cheap decor (trying to look expensive), terrible service and the most astonishingly rude general manager I've ever encountered.
Three mains (out of 8) were unavailable. Drinks took 15 mins to arrive. Food was spilt in a friend's lap by a waiter. Starters were OK but overpriced. White wine was served at room temperature. The manager was unforgivably rude. I could go on...
Tamarai now has the distinction of being the only restaurant in London that I've ever walked out of. Don't waste your time or your money.
by nichojenkins, 13 Aug 2009
The food was good but the service was dismal. Here's why:
1) The staff were all new and didn't have a clue about the food that they were serving.
2) Once we arrived I waited for 10 minutes to be asked for a drink - so opted to go to the bar, and was only asked if I wanted a drink on my way back to the table.
3) The foie gras appetiser arrived after the starters.
4) From what I could see, there was no allocated waiter/waitress for any of the tables - all our dishes were served by different people.
5) Grabbed the attention of member of staff and ordered another drink, only to watch it slowly warm as it sat at the bar for 10 mins; stopped another member of staff to retrieve it for me, at which point the original waitress came up to the table to serve another course and asked me "Have you not got your drink yet?"
6) Ordered one jasmine rice and a plain rice but was served just plain rice as it comes in one bowl; the waiter stated it was jasmine rice (didn't bother complaining, I was happy I got something...)
7) Opted not to pay the service charge and wanted to explain to the manager the reasons why. He said that as we hadn't yet paid for the meal he didn't want to hear my feedback. I corrected him and said that we had paid for the meal but not the service charge and that it was in his best interest for his staff to learn from complaints. He still didn't want to hear my feedback, which left me fuming.
The good points:
1) There was one female waitress who was equally disgusted with the standards of the restaurant service and explained it was due to new staff and a lack of training - she, however was very good at her job.
2) The food was good, 6.5 out of 10.
by levelthinker, 05 Aug 2009
1) The staff were all new and didn't have a clue about the food that they were serving.
2) Once we arrived I waited for 10 minutes to be asked for a drink - so opted to go to the bar, and was only asked if I wanted a drink on my way back to the table.
3) The foie gras appetiser arrived after the starters.
4) From what I could see, there was no allocated waiter/waitress for any of the tables - all our dishes were served by different people.
5) Grabbed the attention of member of staff and ordered another drink, only to watch it slowly warm as it sat at the bar for 10 mins; stopped another member of staff to retrieve it for me, at which point the original waitress came up to the table to serve another course and asked me "Have you not got your drink yet?"
6) Ordered one jasmine rice and a plain rice but was served just plain rice as it comes in one bowl; the waiter stated it was jasmine rice (didn't bother complaining, I was happy I got something...)
7) Opted not to pay the service charge and wanted to explain to the manager the reasons why. He said that as we hadn't yet paid for the meal he didn't want to hear my feedback. I corrected him and said that we had paid for the meal but not the service charge and that it was in his best interest for his staff to learn from complaints. He still didn't want to hear my feedback, which left me fuming.
The good points:
1) There was one female waitress who was equally disgusted with the standards of the restaurant service and explained it was due to new staff and a lack of training - she, however was very good at her job.
2) The food was good, 6.5 out of 10.
by levelthinker, 05 Aug 2009
Last Monday we went for a dinner to celebrate our first wedding anniversary. Quite simply the food was amazing and the wine list spectacular. With 50% off bill, it was simply amazing!
by abrahambrown16, 04 Jul 2009
by abrahambrown16, 04 Jul 2009
The negative reviews on this site echo my experience at Tamarai when I brought a few high net worth clients to dine at the restaurant.
We ended up at Tamarai on a Thurs eve, as I recalled reading on their website that they offered 50% off Food Bill. We ordered alcohol worth £100++ and dined there. However, when the bill came and I had asked about the offer they advertised on the website, the General Manager dismissed it as an offer which was not valid to walk-in diners! His explanation for this was that if he gave the offer to us, others would overhear and ask for it too (how is that a customer's problem?!). A 10 minute debate ensued, during which I suggested that their advertising was misleading, (the term and condition that Food Offer was only valid for reservations was NOT stated on their website). Money was never an issue as I've spent more in other restaurants, it was a matter of principle and ethical advertising. I had asked for the GM to check his website and he was dismissive and defensive and said the term was stated.
What would have been a good evening for my party turned out to be an uncalled for negative reference on the restaurant. We paid the full bill with an understanding with the GM that I would check the website again to prove that the reservations only term was NOT stated. If I was mistaken, no problem since the bill was paid in full. If the GM was wrong, I would have appreciated an apology and request for me to return with my party on some kind of complimentary deal.
When I called the following day to inform the GM that the website indeed did NOT have the term, he was again dismissive and defensive. After, I found out that he had updated the website to include the new term. Now, it is common sense that only the guilty would act defensive and quickly patch up the error as was done on the website. I had collated screenshots from before and after the website was updated and it was evident they were covering their tracks on a misleading ad.
Since the GM did not understand the concept of customer satisfaction and repetition of business from customers, I believe word-of-mouth is the only way to inform London that there are better places to spend your ££!! In conclusion, Tamarai's arrogant management style does not measure up to the food put up by their chef. Even my Gordon Ramsay lowest range 'pub' experience far exceeded the service levels that Tamarai can only dream about but will never reach. Fellow diners, take your money and business elsewhere!
by angiew, 13 Mar 2009
We ended up at Tamarai on a Thurs eve, as I recalled reading on their website that they offered 50% off Food Bill. We ordered alcohol worth £100++ and dined there. However, when the bill came and I had asked about the offer they advertised on the website, the General Manager dismissed it as an offer which was not valid to walk-in diners! His explanation for this was that if he gave the offer to us, others would overhear and ask for it too (how is that a customer's problem?!). A 10 minute debate ensued, during which I suggested that their advertising was misleading, (the term and condition that Food Offer was only valid for reservations was NOT stated on their website). Money was never an issue as I've spent more in other restaurants, it was a matter of principle and ethical advertising. I had asked for the GM to check his website and he was dismissive and defensive and said the term was stated.
What would have been a good evening for my party turned out to be an uncalled for negative reference on the restaurant. We paid the full bill with an understanding with the GM that I would check the website again to prove that the reservations only term was NOT stated. If I was mistaken, no problem since the bill was paid in full. If the GM was wrong, I would have appreciated an apology and request for me to return with my party on some kind of complimentary deal.
When I called the following day to inform the GM that the website indeed did NOT have the term, he was again dismissive and defensive. After, I found out that he had updated the website to include the new term. Now, it is common sense that only the guilty would act defensive and quickly patch up the error as was done on the website. I had collated screenshots from before and after the website was updated and it was evident they were covering their tracks on a misleading ad.
Since the GM did not understand the concept of customer satisfaction and repetition of business from customers, I believe word-of-mouth is the only way to inform London that there are better places to spend your ££!! In conclusion, Tamarai's arrogant management style does not measure up to the food put up by their chef. Even my Gordon Ramsay lowest range 'pub' experience far exceeded the service levels that Tamarai can only dream about but will never reach. Fellow diners, take your money and business elsewhere!
by angiew, 13 Mar 2009
Excellent food*, mediocre service and the worst ever placemats known to man!
The strange thing is that this place completely changes into a noisy club/bar on Friday and Saturday nights, so talking during dinner becomes near impossible. A good place to go to for a late night drink.
*Sweet Chilli Lotus and Crispy Red Mullet are to die for!
by Milla "top london reviewer" (46 reviews), 15 Jan 2009
The strange thing is that this place completely changes into a noisy club/bar on Friday and Saturday nights, so talking during dinner becomes near impossible. A good place to go to for a late night drink.
*Sweet Chilli Lotus and Crispy Red Mullet are to die for!
by Milla "top london reviewer" (46 reviews), 15 Jan 2009
Had drinks last Friday at Tamarai. The service was excellent and the place was buzzing.
by Ben Colland, 30 Oct 2008
by Ben Colland, 30 Oct 2008
We went to Tamarai to celebrate a special occasion. Excellent service, excellent ambience and excellent food all combined to make a magical evening. I will certainly recommend this restaurant to friends and will be returning very soon.
by Brad Corvin, 11 Oct 2008
by Brad Corvin, 11 Oct 2008
Very pleasant experience. We liked the atmosphere, the food was well presented and surprisingly tasty. All together it was well worth trying, especially with the offer on Tuesday evening. Was quite packed for a week night.
by Charles.cheer, 25 Sep 2008
by Charles.cheer, 25 Sep 2008
Went to Tamarai last night and had one of the worst dining experiences I have ever had the misfortune to suffer. We were part of a large party and had been told in advance that we would therefore have to have the set menu. No problems, fair enough for a large group.
Due to some late arrivals we were not ready for our meals until 8:30 or so, when some of us were given some of the starters, dim sum and duck spring roll. Not bad tasting, although the portions were quite small. About half an hour later more starters were brought to our table. It turned out these were actually meant for the other table that was part of our group - sitting right behind us - who had not been served during that time. We had already eaten about half of these but the waiting staff didn't bother to top them up or bring new ones and gave them straight to the other table, who had to take what were now half portions.
Roughly an hour after this (ie an hour and a half after being served our starters) the mains were finally brought out. Whilst I am told the seabass was actually quite nice, the Thai green curry was overly hot and there was not nearly enough rice to share properly between people.
Another hour or so after the mains had been cleared away we were brought the dessert, some sort of white chocolate ice cream which was tasty enough but quite frankly was at most enough for three quarters of a mouthful.
The fact that it took approximately three hours to be 'served' a three course meal where everyone at the table was having one of three choices at most off a set menu was absolutely appalling - particularly in the case of the mains, where the three choices were the seabass, a Thai green chicken curry or a Thai green vegetable curry (the last two of which were presumably cooked up en masse). The starters and the dessert would also have been cooked up en masse, so there was no excuse whatsoever for the length of time it took to get our meals.
This was while enduring one of the more overpriced drinks menus I have ever seen. £4.50 for a bottle of Kirin (the only type of beer they had), overpriced cocktails and ridiculously expensive wine and champagne.
To add insult to injury the bill at the end included a 12.5% service charge, which if we were not part of a large group I would have refused to pay. However, as it was a friend's birthday I did not want to make a scene.
It may be possible that this restaurant is OK for couples or small groups but I doubt it having seen the absolutely appalling service we received. The only recommendation I can give about this restaurant is to avoid it like the plague. I intend to post this review on as many websites as possible so that others do not have to suffer the appalling experience we did.
by sean_moran76, 21 Sep 2008
Due to some late arrivals we were not ready for our meals until 8:30 or so, when some of us were given some of the starters, dim sum and duck spring roll. Not bad tasting, although the portions were quite small. About half an hour later more starters were brought to our table. It turned out these were actually meant for the other table that was part of our group - sitting right behind us - who had not been served during that time. We had already eaten about half of these but the waiting staff didn't bother to top them up or bring new ones and gave them straight to the other table, who had to take what were now half portions.
Roughly an hour after this (ie an hour and a half after being served our starters) the mains were finally brought out. Whilst I am told the seabass was actually quite nice, the Thai green curry was overly hot and there was not nearly enough rice to share properly between people.
Another hour or so after the mains had been cleared away we were brought the dessert, some sort of white chocolate ice cream which was tasty enough but quite frankly was at most enough for three quarters of a mouthful.
The fact that it took approximately three hours to be 'served' a three course meal where everyone at the table was having one of three choices at most off a set menu was absolutely appalling - particularly in the case of the mains, where the three choices were the seabass, a Thai green chicken curry or a Thai green vegetable curry (the last two of which were presumably cooked up en masse). The starters and the dessert would also have been cooked up en masse, so there was no excuse whatsoever for the length of time it took to get our meals.
This was while enduring one of the more overpriced drinks menus I have ever seen. £4.50 for a bottle of Kirin (the only type of beer they had), overpriced cocktails and ridiculously expensive wine and champagne.
To add insult to injury the bill at the end included a 12.5% service charge, which if we were not part of a large group I would have refused to pay. However, as it was a friend's birthday I did not want to make a scene.
It may be possible that this restaurant is OK for couples or small groups but I doubt it having seen the absolutely appalling service we received. The only recommendation I can give about this restaurant is to avoid it like the plague. I intend to post this review on as many websites as possible so that others do not have to suffer the appalling experience we did.
by sean_moran76, 21 Sep 2008
The '50% off food' offer made the food very reasonable. It was excellent and I was very impressed. The drinks, however, were too expensive, which was disappointing.
The best part of the night was a magician coming to the tables. He was brilliant and really made the night.
I would definitely recommend a friend.
by Alex.Faulkner, 05 Sep 2008
The best part of the night was a magician coming to the tables. He was brilliant and really made the night.
I would definitely recommend a friend.
by Alex.Faulkner, 05 Sep 2008
Went to Tamarai last weekend and had the worst experience ever in a restaurant. We were a group of 4 girls and 3 boys happily celebrating our bi-monthly get together, hoping to spend some quality time at Tamarai.
The attending waitress informed us that because we had booked through Toptable, we were eligible to the Chef's Tasting Menu at £48 for two persons (normally £48 per person). We accepted the offer and opted for the Chef's Tasting Menu.
We were eating starters when the waitress returned to our table. She informed us that the offer she had made was for an even number of diners and, since there were seven of us, asked whether we wanted to order a la carte for the 7th person. We agreed to pay for 8 at the offered price of £24 per person and resumed our meal.
When the bill arrived, the total did not reflect the offer. We were billed for 7 Chef's Tasting Menu at £48 each. We queried the bill and asked to speak to the manager. The latter admitted that a mistake had been made on the offer, but that we had been told about it by the waitress and that we had agreed to pay the full price. Which is absolutely false and untrue. He did not accept our version, said the waitress had left and refused to contact her on the phone. The manager then came back with 3 bouncers and told us we had to settle the bill in full. We felt threatened by the bouncers and in fear of our safety, so reluctantly settled the bill in full and left.
To conclude: if you do not mind having bouncers coming to your table during a nice friendly reunion, then Tamarai is the place to be... Good luck!
by belshass, 25 Mar 2008
The attending waitress informed us that because we had booked through Toptable, we were eligible to the Chef's Tasting Menu at £48 for two persons (normally £48 per person). We accepted the offer and opted for the Chef's Tasting Menu.
We were eating starters when the waitress returned to our table. She informed us that the offer she had made was for an even number of diners and, since there were seven of us, asked whether we wanted to order a la carte for the 7th person. We agreed to pay for 8 at the offered price of £24 per person and resumed our meal.
When the bill arrived, the total did not reflect the offer. We were billed for 7 Chef's Tasting Menu at £48 each. We queried the bill and asked to speak to the manager. The latter admitted that a mistake had been made on the offer, but that we had been told about it by the waitress and that we had agreed to pay the full price. Which is absolutely false and untrue. He did not accept our version, said the waitress had left and refused to contact her on the phone. The manager then came back with 3 bouncers and told us we had to settle the bill in full. We felt threatened by the bouncers and in fear of our safety, so reluctantly settled the bill in full and left.
To conclude: if you do not mind having bouncers coming to your table during a nice friendly reunion, then Tamarai is the place to be... Good luck!
by belshass, 25 Mar 2008
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