LùBar — Restaurant in Milan

I had high expectations for LuBar based on their marketing and positioning, but unfortunately, the reality fell far short. What should have been an enjoyable evening out turned into a frustrating experience marked by poor service, food quality issues, and misleading practices.

Food Quality Issues: While the food was generally acceptable, there were notable problems with execution. The chickpea bread, advertised as crispy, arrived soggy and unsuitable for dipping into the accompanying avocado sauce. The ceviche contained what appeared to be roasted garlic that was overly crunchy and bitter, detracting from what could have been a pleasant dish.

Poor Service: Our waiter, Enrique, provided subpar service throughout the evening. He failed to check on our table, didn’t refill our water glasses, and never asked if we wanted additional drinks. When we flagged him down for another glass of wine, he poured the dregs from a nearly empty bottle without opening a new one or ensuring we received a proper serving.

Unacceptable Table Management: The most egregious issue occurred when we attempted to order dessert. Despite having a confirmed reservation, Enrique informed us we had only 15 minutes before we needed to vacate the table for the next party. At no point during booking or upon arrival were we informed of any time restrictions. When we questioned this policy, both the waiter and manager simply repeated that the next party had arrived and we needed to leave.

This approach is fundamentally unfair to paying customers who made reservations in good faith. The restaurant offered no accommodations - no option to take dessert to-go, no complimentary drink at the bar, nothing. Their inflexibility and apparent disregard for customer satisfaction was shocking, especially given Milan’s reputation for hospitality.

Misleading Marketing Several aspects of the experience felt deceptive: • The “greenhouse-like” decor featured plastic plants rather than the lush, real greenery suggested by their marketing • Live music was advertised starting at 7pm, but despite leaving at 7:45pm (with a 6:30pm reservation), no musicians appeared

Overall Assessment LuBar appears to rely heavily on style over substance, with marketing that promises more than they deliver. The combination of mediocre food execution, poor service, pretentious attitude, and misleading advertising creates an experience that feels like “smoke and mirrors.”

For a restaurant operating in a culture that values genuine hospitality, LuBar’s treatment of customers is particularly disappointing. They seem more interested in table turnover than customer satisfaction, pulling surprises on diners and showing little care for the overall experience.

Would I recommend? No. There are many other restaurants in Milan that offer better food, genuine service, and respect for their customers’ time and money.

Would I return?...

Had late lunch inside. First impression, the hostess received us graciously and led us to our table without issue. We made reservations via Google so that worked out great. We waited 10 minutes before our waiter showed. And no we weren’t asked if we wanted anything to drink though it is in the 90’s temperature wise. The place was packed. I understand when places are busy and often understaffed, one usually ends up waiting. You know sort of like going to see a doctor in the USA, they just make you wait even though you have an appointment. I digress. Unfortunately, the waiter was not the most friendly. He asked us what we wanted but did take the time to upsell us fresh langoustines. He seemed a bit annoyed that we couldn’t tell him our order in Italian so we scrolled to the menu on our phones and pointed the line items to him. We got the order out of the way. Food came fast and furious. They brought everything all at once to our small round bistro table. I guess I’m Italy they don’t pace the serving? 🤔 Anyhow, all the food was delicious. The langoustines were served raw. Shocking how sweet they were though two of the four did not get deveined. Environment was lively. It was Friday and packed. The room was too warm to our liking. Is it an Italian thing or a European one where the air conditioning is kept at too low a setting. We were not offered any water though we ordered their homemade orange iced tea (too small a glass and not flavorful). We wanted to get water but our waiter never returned after dropping off the food. We asked another waiter for new plates. Meal came out to 80 Euros, and the waiter asked for a tip. My wife added a tip though I felt his service certainly did not warrant one. Last but not least we had to fend off flies during the entire meal once the waiter dropped our food off at our table. That...

(Read it all. Important. )We went there Monday afternoon, at around 12:00 after searching for a nice place to have brunch. What a disaster ... everyone was extremely rude .. in the entrance we were welcomed from a rude guy asking us if we have reservation. Lol. On Monday morning far far away from duomo... we said no and then he told us that we have only an hour to our disposal. They put us in a corner table that I couldn’t fit (I am 1.92m) while the cafe were totally empty. Lol. Literally there was only one more table with a couple. When we asked to be moved they told us no. After 10 minutes a couple of girls came... they changed two tables without anyone tell something ... the place is very beautiful BUT extremely dirty. The waiters were sitting outside to smoke and eat to the yard were millions of pigeons were next to them and then they were coming to serve us the food... The floor was also very dirty but the toilets were disastrous ... what happened guys???. When the waiter came to order he didnt knew how to explain the menu in English. Tragic. Then he forgot to bring plates and a marmalade that we have ordered. He brought only the knifes with the bread and the butter. The tables are really small so I put my jackets and my wife’s bag to the next table which was very very close to ours. When people came to sit next to us the maitre came he told me to move our bag and the jackets ina very rude way. To conclude... the place is very beautiful but everything else sucks. Loud music, expensive food ... really guys ??? Two small pieces of bread with avocado 15€ ??? LOL.. we stayed in milan for a week and the food was delicious in every place that we chose to go ...but in lubar... no.. avoid it it’s...