Elephant Shoe — Restaurant in Valletta

This restaurant is an absolute nightmare. We arrived and saw a table that had been reserved for 10:15 AM, but the people never showed up. Since we were ignored at the entrance and all other tables were empty, we decided to sit there. We sat for an hour, completely neglected by the staff, who just gave us idiotic stares.

Finally, a waitress came over and rudely told us to leave because the table was reserved. We explained that the reservation was for over 45 minutes ago, and clearly, the guests weren't coming. Nevertheless, she insisted we had to go and treated us like we were the problem.

The sheer rudeness and lack of professionalism here are astounding. Instead of kindly asking us to move, we were essentially shooed away like pests. I've never experienced such hostile and disrespectful service anywhere. I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone. The staff here clearly doesn't understand basic decency or customer service.

RESPONSE:

Hi [Name of the Restaurant],

I'm really confused by your response and think you might be mistaking me for another customer. Everything you've described is completely false and simply not what happened.

As I mentioned before, the reservation at 10:15 AM was not ours but for some other people who still weren't there 45 minutes later. We arrived at 11:00 AM and then waited at the table for a long time. No one acknowledged us, and we were not told that we could come back at a different time. We were treated extremely rudely and were just brushed off.

Additionally, we walked past the restaurant several times afterward and could see it from where we were sitting at Oakberry across the street. All the tables were empty, and the staff was sitting outside together, not working. So, I really wonder what online orders you're talking about.

Furthermore, I did not write the same review twice. I was not alone; I was with my girlfriend, and we both had the same negative experience. It is entirely reasonable for both of us to leave a bad review when we were both treated poorly by your staff.

Even if we didn't get a table, it wouldn't have been a problem if we had been treated with respect, decency, and friendliness. We would have gladly come back at a later time if that had been offered to us or if someone had kindly accommodated us. No one goes to such lengths to write a negative review just because there’s no space at the restaurant. It’s about being treated inhumanely, disrespectfully, and without any warmth.

It sounds like nothing but excuses and lies. If you treat your customers poorly and rudely send them away, at least own up to it instead of trying to...

I had the opportunity to visit this restaurant twice, and overall, both experiences were very enjoyable. The ambiance is one of the highlights — quiet, relaxing, and perfect for unwinding either before or after a day of sightseeing.

Service-wise, we were fortunate to have Gabriel as our waiter. He was excellent — incredibly friendly, attentive, and more than willing to answer any questions we had. His service truly elevated our visits.

The food was another pleasant surprise. On the first day, I tried the Pasta with Kangaroo Chunks. It was my first time trying kangaroo meat, and I was impressed — it was tender and well-prepared. On our second visit, I opted for the Che Katsu! — a dish featuring chicken with coconut rice milk and kale salad. It was flavorful and well-balanced.

While some reviews mention that the food is overpriced or overrated, I personally felt that the quality justified the cost. The dishes were creative, well-executed, and satisfying.

The only downside was an unpleasant interaction with one of the staff members — a bald waiter with a beard. While waiting to use the bathroom, he approached me and, without any real courtesy, insisted multiple times that I use the public restrooms outside. His tone was dismissive and condescending, even after I clarified that we were dining in. It was an uncomfortable moment that could have soured the experience entirely if it weren’t for Gabriel’s professionalism.

In summary, this restaurant offers good food and a relaxing atmosphere. Despite the unfortunate encounter with one staff member, it’s a solid choice for a meal, especially if you're exploring the area. If you go, ask for Gabriel — he truly makes the...

I recently had the pleasure of having lunch at Elephant shoe. From the moment I walked in, I could feel the sense of camaraderie and teamwork among the staff.

What sets this restaurant apart is the fact that the owners and bosses work alongside the waiting staff, setting a great example for all employees. It was inspiring to see them rolling up their sleeves and helping out wherever needed, whether it was bussing tables, running food, or taking orders. This hands-on approach created a sense of unity and mutual respect among the team.

Not only does this restaurant prioritize a supportive working environment, but the food was also exceptional. The menu featured a wide variety of delicious options, all prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients. I particularly enjoyed the ribeye which was perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection.

In addition to the great food and fantastic service, the atmosphere of the restaurant was warm and inviting. The decor was stylish yet cozy, making it the perfect spot for a meetup or casual lunch.

Overall, I cannot recommend this restaurant enough. Not only will you enjoy a delicious meal, but you'll also have the satisfaction of knowing that you are supporting a business that values its employees and creates a positive working environment. I will definitely be returning to dine at this...