Good Morning Vietnam — Restaurant in Budapest

My rating is in response to an online comment my partner received from the restaurant on her online review. Our visit had ultimately been a poor one due to a misunderstanding about a table we had initially expected to utilise but unfortunately our friend failed to show and did not contact us until after we had left. We apologised when the waitress challenged us about not making the table available to others when we asked for the bill. My partner stated that she felt we had implied that we did not expect our friend to attend but obviously if not, we were sorry for the confusion. The apology was deemed insufficient and the waitress continued to explain proper etiquette to us. We found this to be rude, intentionally or otherwise. My partner then left an honest review stating that the exchange had soured the experience.

The response we received was frankly appalling and lacked a scintilla of grace. The owner informed us that despite our interpretation the waitress had not been rude. Rather than apologising for any misunderstanding they decided it more prudent to accuse us of having deliberately hoarded tables. They also mentioned that a table of three had asked for the table and were told by us that we were waiting for somebody. The fact we had been sat down less than 15 minutes at the time was omitted for some reason. At that point we certainly thought were were to be three. The owner said they were glad that we felt ashamed. Mild embarrassment maybe but shame I am afraid not. Importantly it was not what we said, either in the restaurant or in our previous review. Possibly this highlights how easily misunderstandings can happen. They then went further and suggested we ought to have interrupted the table of three (mid-mouthful) and offered the table at a later point. Possibly we could have done. I would have thought this responsibility actually belonged to the restaurant...which it certainly does. Certainly checking with us at any point would have made sense.

The response also told us to use common sense in future and avoid these situations. I think common sense is clearly lacking when a company decides to respond in such a a classless fashion. As a company, had you simply accepted a sincere apology and later an honest review (whether you agreed or not) any unpleasantness could had been avoided.

Customer feedback is important and negative feedback is always better avoided. Take the feedback. You don't have to...

My partner and I had a varied experience in that the food was above average but left less than happy. Having asked for a table for three, we were seated readily. We then waited for a friend who failed to show and so we ordered starters promptly and having finished those, we proceeded to order our mains and stated that we were not going to wait for our friend to proceed with our meal (who had not made us aware if/when they were to arrive having been held up in work). Having been at the restaurant for an hour and twenty minutes at the point we asked for the bill, we were asked why we had asked for three and not made them aware that our friend was not coming. We apologised and stated that we thought we had implied that our friend was not coming, we were then rudely told that we had not done so and despite our apologies and without any questions during the eighty minutes as to whether three chairs were still required or any reasonable explanation that the additional chair or table could not be held indefinitely (which we would have found entirely reasonable) we were informed of better practice for future visits. We feel that in situations such as these, the fault for the misunderstanding is 50/50 but with an apology, an explanation of decorum was needlessly rude and as for our future visits, sadly we will not be able to make amends as we will not be returning.

A real shame as up till that point we had thoroughly enjoyed...

I had an absolutely fantastic experience at Good Morning Vietnam in Budapest and can’t recommend it highly enough! I ordered the beef pho and chicken banh mi, and both dishes exceeded my expectations. The beef pho was a true highlight—rich, aromatic broth with perfectly cooked noodles and tender slices of beef. Every spoonful was packed with authentic Vietnamese flavor, and the fresh herbs and condiments added a wonderful freshness. The portion size was generous, making it a hearty and satisfying choice. The chicken banh mi was equally impressive. The baguette was crisp on the outside and soft inside, filled with juicy, flavorful chicken and vibrant pickled vegetables. The combination of textures and tastes was simply delightful, and the sandwich had just the right amount of spice and tang. Service was prompt and attentive throughout my visit. Prices were very reasonable, especially considering the quality and portion sizes. I left feeling completely satisfied and already planning my next visit. If you’re craving top-notch Vietnamese food in Budapest, Good Morning Vietnam...