Taboon Modern Middle Eastern Cafe — Restaurant in Gold Coast City

I started going to this place since they opened over 15 years ago and loved it. I haven't been for about 2 years now due to moving about a half hour away and they are usually closed when I am in the area during a weekday evening. Today was really disappointing. The front counter service was very good and cashier fellow very helpful in helping me decide what to order (steak bowl). I also ordered 2 types of baklava and pointed to which types I wanted and said them by name. The staff asked if I wanted that now or after my meal, and I said after. The bowl I ordered tasted very good but the pieces of beef were very fatty and chewy. I had to remove about 90% of them from my mouth due to them being riddled with fat or chewy gristle. This was very unpleasant and of course I paid for meat, 90% of which I could not eat. Makes me think they are buying cheap cuts of meat that to me are not even edible. Had the beef been lean and edible I would have very much enjoyed the bowl (quantity, flavour, etc.) After eating the meal (without most of the meat) I waited 10-15 minutes before I was brought the two baklavas I ordered (and when I arrived no other customers were in the restaurant and after I ordered a group of about 4-6 showed up so they were not busy). One was the right one I had ordered, the other was not. I told the waitress I could not eat most of the meat (which she could see it on the table under my bowl) and I told her why. She made no attempt to address it in any way...apparently I just lose out. So, I ate the two baklavas I paid for (though not the two I ordered) and left. It's a shame...they used to be really good and well worth going to but the quality of meat and the care for a customer who clearly could not eat what they served is a thing...

Before the owner or management feels entitled to shoot this review down, understand that I haven’t travelled to the Middle East, though I have spent the vast majority of my life in south west Sydney, having dined at many GENUINE and AUTHENTIC restaurants true to the flavours and dishes of the region prepared fresh and offer excellent value for money.

Our visit to your restaurant was met with optimism to enjoy something like what we experienced before moving, unfortunately we won’t be back and wished we had read more reviews before spending so much money.

We ordered a share plate for two which had skewers (3x for 2 people) which had pieces of meat that were frankly undersized for the price and because of this were kind of tough and dry. Serving with a small chutney side and yogurt don’t compliment the numerous dry elements

The many dry events had similar flavours which weren’t unappealing but also were mildly flavoured and similar tasting.

Please consider your value offering of the menu, the other reviews complaining about the cost of dishes and drinks is spot on for the servings, flavours and combination's that are being offered currently.

Also, I think restaurants should also take orders from the guests seated rather than seating and asking to order at the counter, just my...

We understand Israeli meals is different from middle eastern Kitchen. but its good to see a place trying to make similar of middle eastern meals and good luck for that. After I had eaten i have comment about the food and service. middle eastern kitchen doesn't cook the meat rare, the meet still has little blood inside. Restaurant Staff or into menu need to mention if clients like to have their meat rare, medium or well done, not the clients ask specially its the first visit. the owner insets that the clients need to ask , and again middle eastern doesn't cook the meat rare. Second The portion of food on the plate not enough for one person and when i mention this to the restaurant owner he said: i decide if the plate portion enough or not. will thank you for this kind of answer. Price is really very expensive comparing to the portion of meal. $29 for handful of rice. 8 small pcs balls of meat. 3 spoon of yougart , 6 spoon of salad + the lemon Juice was more water Than lemon. with this price i rather go to Persian Restaurant or Turkish Restaurant. Just Remember Costumer comments about the services help the business to grow up and to avoid similar future mistakes. always costumer is right. for sure will not back....