Arabesque Hookah Cafe & Restaurant — Restaurant in Winnipeg

*updated review

Many things remain the same with a few changes. I deleted most of the food information as they will be updating their menu. I got to order off the new menu.

Everything we tried was great. They asked me for my honest opinion and there was nothing negative that I had to say. I tried to find something but I was very pleased with the flavors. The salads are some of the best in the city for middle Eastern restaurants that I've tried.

The photos I have of the interior are no longer accurate as they have added in some smaller tables to accommodate their busy restaurant. It's also better for when you only have 2 people. It can get cramped if it fills up. I forgot to take pictures of the updated interior.

Parking is available on the street as the restaurant is directly located on Corydon. This restaurant is on the second floor.

----- old review but what is still valid----- There is no separation for people who smoke hookah (which is normal for most places that serve hookah) so if you aren't comfortable with that, this isn't the place for you. I do not smoke hookah, so the review I am doing is more about the food. My friend does smoke hookah and you is his number one choice 2 Pros about this restaurants, they have a lot of different combo choices to choose from. They also have a nice assortment of drinks for non drinkers which includes a variety of teas served in what looks like a copper pot with beautiful glasses. I am very interested in going there to try the rest of their tea variations. Its comfortable and the service was very friendly and...

As much as the owners are wonderful people and the food typically is quite nice -- the cons are way too extreme and frequent. There is no regulation in how this business is run, it's like they're a big friend group that doesn't care about your experience.

-- Food is overpriced, $20 for a donair that takes 45 minutes to make.

-- Service is non existent. I've actually made note of this before to an employee, asking if this was normal. I was told that it wasn't -- but I don't believe they cared to speak with that employee at all as the SAME employee did this again on my next visit.

-- Not inherently the business's fault, but parking in this area is extremely frustrating and often causes me & friends to go elsewhere. There is no dedicated parking.

-- There's either extremely loud music playing beside you the entire time, or no music at all with ads occasionally popping up. Who's regulating this? Do they not own Spotify premium?

-- I've recognized a trend where they do not check for vaccine cards but they WILL for large groups. They also welcome in "close friends" and service them closely, but ignore the entire floor of eagerly waiting customers.

-- Employees will straight up hide in the back for upwards of 30 minutes before coming out to check the floor. I've seen people walk in, not be serviced and simply walk out within 15 minutes.

The people are really nice, but this is amateur hour. I'm surprised they're still in business. They can do better, but...

Went there last night for the first time with my sister to meet up with 3 of our cousins. They had already started a hookah and me and my sister just wanted to join beside them and play cards and not smoke. This older guy (not sure if hes the owner) came by with a menu and we said we didnt want anything just water. He rudely stated we have to buy another hookah because 1 hookah is for 2 people only and we should know the rules (not like its plastered on a wall). First time I have ever stepped foot in there and I was very appalled that it was assumed we should know this plus forced upon us. He rolled his eyes and gave us a dirty look and walked away- not to mention didnt bring us our water. Not a welcoming environment. So we left in disappointment. We understand if we are taking up tables for potential paying customers but there was no line up and there were still empty tables available for others. You are better off going to Siraj...