CABANA ADL — Restaurant in Adelaide

We came here on a First Table booking and unfortunately, the experience was pretty underwhelming.

Service was poor and staff seemed untrained. When we walked in and mentioned our First Table booking, instead of offering us a table or menus, we were immediately asked “what could I get you?” with no menus in sight. Tables weren’t kept clean either, even though the restaurant wasn’t busy.

The First Table deal was also very misleading. Unlike every other First Table restaurant we’ve been to (where it’s a straight 50% off food, no strings attached), here the “50% off” only applied if each person ordered a mocktail. Not only were the mocktails awful—watery, bland, with a strange sour after taste—but they were also the most expensive drinks on the menu. That essentially cancelled out any savings since you’re basically back at square one paying full price. To make it worse, sides weren’t discounted either, which completely defeats the purpose of the deal (which is meant to be 50% off all food). No other First Table restaurants we’ve been to has ever done this, and we’ve dined at some fancier restaurants where the food is much more expensive, yet they’ve never been shy about sticking to the deal.

The food itself didn’t redeem the night either. Our salad was brought out halfway through the meal, which made no sense as it was meant to be a starter. The cheesy fries were questionable—just two or three slices of what looked like plastic cheese thrown over fries, barely covering the portion. The shawarma plate was another disappointment, served room temperature and completely underwhelming in flavour. Overall, dishes lacked seasoning and the vibrant flavours you’d expect from Middle Eastern food. Our group included two Middle Eastern diners who agreed the food was bland and forgettable.

Basic dining essentials were also missing. No cutlery or napkins were provided until we asked, and we were only given one napkin each—even though one of the drinks was leaking coloured dye over the cup and staining everything.

Desserts were another letdown. Despite asking for them to be served after our meals, we had to follow up, and then waited another 20–30 minutes for churros that tasted frozen and deep-fried. For a quiet restaurant, this was disappointing. When they finally arrived, the plate was first taken to the wrong table, then abruptly dropped on ours with half the plate hanging off the edge.

The ambience also needs work. The restaurant felt quite dim, with most tables not under proper lighting, making it darker than it should be.

Overall, we left disappointed and felt the bill didn’t reflect the quality or service we received. This place might be new, but attention to detail and proper staff training go a long way. Hopefully they can improve, but right now, it’s not somewhere we’d recommend...

Cabana Adelaide — Disappointing Experience (Misleading first table deal and poor food)

We booked Cabana Adelaide through First Table, expecting a genuine 50% discount. However, we soon discovered it was far from a real deal. To get the discount, you’re forced to buy their mocktails at full price — effectively adding back the amount you “saved” on food. It felt misleading and left us with overly sweet drinks we hadn’t even wanted in the first place.

The food itself was a huge let-down. The Makloubeh was so salty it was barely edible, and when we provided this feedback to the server, she seemed more interested in clearing the table than addressing our complaint. The Shawarma was underwhelming, and at its full price of $26, it certainly wasn't worth it — there are far better options elsewhere in Adelaide.

The service was non-existing. The restaurant was nearly empty, yet when we walked in, we weren’t told it was self-order, menus weren’t offered, and we were left sitting there unsure of what to do. The only thing Cabana seems to do well is food presentation — it looks great in photos — but that's about it.

Overall, we left feeling misled and disappointed. We’d warn future diners to be careful when booking through First Table here and not to be deceived by the...

The ambiance and decor impressed, and the staff's customer service was good. However, the food didn't meet expectations, it lacked authentic Middle Eastern flavor.

The lamb plate was overcooked, dry, and chewy, with only half a bread serving. The replacement chicken plate was below average and the bread serving size didn't improve (only a quarter piece). At $24-$26, I expect better value.

The Kabseh was a letdown, with minimal flavor and an odd ketchup addition. Rice & tomato sauce???Food cooked at home taste better than this place. Unfortunately, the food quality didn't match the atmosphere and service. Might not return."

Edit after the owners reply. I did not disrespect your staff in anyway. I only gave a friendly feedback with a smile about the meat being dry & that had me to almost choke, that's what triggered me to spit it out. I also apologised & pointed it to the server where it was on the plate, it was not just embarrassing for me, also because I was only provided with a single tissue. Instead of spitting it on the tissue. Secondly, if there is a Eat club offer that means the portion size is cut in half? Please do not offer such deals when you can't fulfill & shame the customer for not paying full...