Astoria Shish Kebob House - Richmond Hill: A Total Disappointment in Service and Quality
On November 12, I had the unfortunate experience of placing a takeout order with the Richmond Hill location of Astoria Shish Kebob House. I ordered a large lamb souvlaki dinner with rice and potatoes, requesting extra red sauce on the side and one additional tzatziki. After a long and busy day, I was looking forward to enjoying a high-quality meal from a restaurant I had previously frequented. Instead, I encountered a frustrating and unprofessional experience.
Upon arriving home after driving 20 km from the restaurant, I opened the bag to discover that my order was incorrect. There was no red sauce on the side, nor was there any red sauce on the rice as per the required plating. This was an inexcusable oversight, especially considering the $50 price tag for a single meal.
When I called the restaurant to report the issue at approximately 7:41 PM, I spoke with the “supervisor” on duty, who offered a dismissive response: "Sorry, but I can’t do anything for you." This lack of accountability was compounded when I requested her name, and she refused to provide it, claiming it was the “protocol” as directed by the owner. She stated that “Perry,” the owner, would contact me the following day.
When I pressed further, she reiterated that there was nothing she could or would do to resolve the issue, despite the restaurant having failed to fulfill my order correctly. Her statement—"Sorry, I never did anything wrong, so I can't do anything"—perfectly encapsulated the sheer indifference and lack of professionalism displayed by this establishment.
As I feared, Perry never called, and I received no follow-up from anyone at Astoria. This reflects a complete lack of regard for customer satisfaction or resolution of errors caused by their staff.
Having frequented various Astoria locations over the years, I can confidently say that the Richmond Hill location is by far the worst in terms of service, professionalism, and quality. The food provided was substandard, with the rice so dry it was nearly inedible—nothing like the plated meals shown in the restaurant’s promotional materials.
For a $50 meal, I have now expended over an hour and a half of my time dealing with incompetence, indifference, and a refusal to resolve the situation. This experience highlights systemic issues at this location: poor staff training, lack of accountability, and a complete disregard for customer satisfaction.
Advice for future customers: Triple-check every aspect of your order before leaving this location because the staff here is evidently incapable of doing so. Don’t expect professional service or any form of resolution should an issue arise—it seems you’ll only get excuses and avoidance.
Astoria Shish Kebob House in Richmond Hill has permanently lost my business, and I will actively warn others to avoid this location. This establishment is a disservice to the Astoria name and what it claims...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of dining at Astoria Shish Kebob Restaurant, and I must say that the experience surpassed my expectations. From the moment I stepped through the door, I was greeted with warmth and hospitality that set the tone for a truly remarkable evening.
Let's start with the star of the show: the food. Astoria Shish Kebob Restaurant takes Mediterranean cuisine to new heights. Each dish was a work of art, meticulously prepared and bursting with flavor. The kebabs were succulent and perfectly seasoned, while the salad added a delightful freshness to the meal. The diverse menu catered to all palates, with a wide range of options for vegetarians and meat lovers alike. From the tender lamb chops to the fragrant rice pilaf and potatoes, every bite was a culinary revelation.
What truly sets Astoria Shish Kebob Restaurant apart is its exceptional service. The staff members were attentive, knowledgeable, especially the manager Perry who went above and beyond to ensure a memorable dining experience. They provided insightful recommendations and was exceptional in accommodating our party requests. The servers were prompt and efficient, ensuring that our glasses were never empty, and our needs were promptly addressed. The level of professionalism and genuine care for their customers was truly commendable.
The environment at Astoria Shish Kebob Restaurant is simply wonderful. The elegant decor, with its warm colors and traditional accents, created an inviting and cozy ambiance especially on the patio which we all felt like on the Greek Riviera. The shade and ambiance added a touch of home away from home especially for some who is not from that part of the world, making it an ideal spot for group gathering, sports groups or a special occasion. The restaurant's attention to detail was evident in every aspect, from the impeccably set tables to the comfortable seating arrangements. It was a perfect blend of sophistication and comfort.
I also want to mention the attention given to cleanliness and hygiene. In the current times, it is reassuring to see a restaurant that takes the safety and well-being of its patrons seriously. Astoria Shish Kebob Restaurant adhered to all the necessary protocols, ensuring a clean and sanitized environment without compromising on the overall experience.
In conclusion, Astoria Shish Kebob Restaurant is a hidden gem that deserves to be celebrated. With its delectable cuisine, impeccable service, and enchanting ambiance, it is a must-visit for anyone seeking an extraordinary dining experience. Whether you are a fan of Mediterranean cuisine or simply appreciate exceptional food and service, this restaurant will leave you truly impressed. I can't wait to return and savor more of their mouthwatering creations. thank you for the...
Read moreThere were a lot of tables available so we got seated immediately. The service was great…Devon was very friendly and fast. The saganaki was tasty, although the battered calamari was terrible. We’ve ordered it at other locations and it’s usually fresh and larger pieces that were very tasty…guess they switched suppliers as this looked like frozen calamari (all the pieces looked too uniform and it wasn’t tasty. The serving at other locations were larger, so this surprised me. Too bad since one person ordered the calamari dinner, so this was a big disappointment. All the other entrées were delicious. My lamb was very tender and the 2 chops were filling…3 would be nicer. The pork and chicken souvlaki dinners were also tasty, as were the wraps. It would be nice though if you could order a 2nd wrap, without having to order the meal (didn’t want the 2nd order of fries); we went to another Greek restaurant and you could do this. The Greek salads that came with the souvlaki dinners were huge and covered with lots of feta cheese, so that was nice. Yet, it would be nice if there was more than just one olive and one slice of tomato; they really skimped on this…just lots of lettuce. I liked eating here, but the others weren’t as impressed because of the things...
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