Tarboosh Lebanese Kitchen Crows Nest — Restaurant in Sydney

Not family friendly and rude service staff.

We used to dine about once every fortnight at Tarboosh Crows Nest with our toddler. He loved the food and it was a nice way to introduce him to a different cuisine. Sadly, after our upsetting interaction with the female manager this evening, we will no longer be returning.

As with every young child, our child sometimes was a little messy. However, we were always conscious of this and made an effort to clean up any scraps on the floor after the meal. This was even though one of our usual waiters would always insist that we didn't need to.

Unfortunately, his hospitality is not shared by the female manager and the other waitstaff. Because this evening, the female manager came up to us when we sat down and told us that, apparently due to complaints from her staff, unless our toddler improved his cleanliness, she would need to refuse us service going forward.

Obviously, we were extremely shocked and disappointed, and left. We were particularly surprised that this is how they would treat one of their regular customers, and we had not encountered such feedback at any other restaurant in Crows Nest (or indeed elsewhere).

Further, on reflection, we had in the past been turned away apparently on the basis that they were fully booked, even though when we walked back later in the evening they never seemed that busy. It now seems clear that, if you have a young child (or even if you are a somewhat messy eater), you are not welcome at this restaurant.

It is a shame that we will no longer be returning here, given that we had supported this restaurant for several years including throughout the COVID lockdowns. We will be happily taking our business to Jijos for Middle Eastern food in Crows Nest going forward.

Comment in reply to owner's response: First of all, I can tell what the linked image that it was not from our last meal (which was actually a couple of weeks ago, given we left without ordering yesterday following our unpleasant exchange with you), or indeed any time we dined at your restaurant. This is because it includes scraps from dishes that we have never ordered.

Further, the last time we dined at your restaurant, we were urged not to clean up further by a member of your staff when we attempted to do so before we left.

In any event, even leaving aside the fact that you have clearly just taken and selected an image to suit your own purposes, any family with young children would appreciate that it is the kind of mess that would take hardly any time for a member of your staff to clean with a quick wipe and sweep. The fact that you and your staff seem to be troubled by this, and that you have gone to such lengths to attempt to justify your position, probably reveals everything you need to know about your approach to customers and alleged...

Went to Tarboosh in Crows Nest last night for dinner. Came away very disappointed. The restaurant and seating was ok and staff attentive until the order was placed. After that it was pretty downhill. The starters took nearly 40 mins to arrive. As our table was close to the kitchen we could see that they were busy just fulfilling UberEats and Menulog orders - at the expense of dine in customers who were left waiting. We heard the table next to us also complain to the staff about how long it was taking their food to come out.

Then when our starters arrived (we ordered spinach triangles, grilled haloumi and falafel), the haloumi was lukewarm. When we told the waitress about it she said it shouldn't have been and that she'd speak to the kitchen about it. But never came back with a replacement nor a discount on the bill at the end. The spinach triangle filling was also stone cold and right in the centre felt icy like it was still frozen. Never having had them before we didn't complain about them. But after a quick check online for recipes (on returning home) it was clear that these should have been hot on the inside. The falafels were ok.

The mains were another round of disappointment. We ordered two mixed plates (chicken and mixed grill) and Lubye with rice. Given Lebanese cuisine is so meat centric you'd expect well marinated and succulent meats. Instead they were bland and dry and chewy (the bbq chicken as well as the lamb skewer and kafta). The baba ghanoush was very floury/doughy and not the light eggplant dip it should've been. The hummus was ok but didn't taste fresh. Have had better from other Lebanese restaurants. Don't think we'll be going back. And the table next to us had the...

I won't be back!!!

The food is fantastic and congratulations to the chef however the front of house staff let the team down. Tonight I had dinner with my partner and we were sat on a small table which would not have enough space for our meal and wine. The restaurant was half full and I asked for a larger table. The waiter said no smiled, and then proceeded to put a chair behind me to hold my wine and bread. They need bigger tables.

Upon paying for the dinner I mentioned to him that this was not ideal and he told me that if I had made a reservation that would have been better. I asked if this would have ensured me a bigger table and he said no.

The whole time he smiled and smirked at me while I tried to provide constructive feedback so that they would know why their business was not fully booked out.

While ever this waiter is still at this restaurant I won't be back.

There are plenty of nice restaurants who treat customers gratefully and I will support them while this waiter is at Tarboosh.

(The manager knows the waiter I am talking about. You should of not let him talk to me the way he did and got rid of him to make the experience better - I have deliberately decided not to post of picture of...