Friends Indian Takeaway & Dairy — Restaurant in Gisborne

I see a lot of "Friendly Service" reviews. This contrasts my experience quite strongly! I went in early one evening, 5.30ish, to dine in on my own, wasn't greeted with a smile and barely a polite "welcome". The constant impression was that I wasn't wanted. Service was rushed, and when I asked for a "whiskey" the owner(?)/waiter couldn't understand, so I repeated it 3 times; he asked how I would like it, I said "straight", this seemed a shock, and then it was delivered in a cordial drinking glass - not a tumbler in sight. Disappointing.

The entrée came quickly, so I had not much time to settle and relax into my whiskey from the cordial glass, or a spot of writing; and within a minute, before I was a quarter of the way through my entrée, the main course arrived. I wasn't particularly happy about this, as I didn't get the chance to finish the entrée and reflect on it as its own meal without my curry going cold, but the host didn't seem to care. He did smile though after placing the meal, and he also smiled after I paid the bill, so there's that I guess.

The meals weren't the best Indian I've tasted, neither the worse - probably better than Tandoori down the opposite end of Gladstone Road who put way too much spice into a medium curry which ends up burning your mouth out and leaving you unable to taste the meal. Friends medium spice has a strong bite, but the curry flavours can still be tasted. Good meals!

I've been here twice over about 2-3 years, and this experience has been the same. It's very odd that other visitors get the "friend" treatment, and I just "another customer" treatment. Not at any time during my most recent visitor did I see a smile from any of the other staff - it just looked like no one was enjoying themselves, and I mean no disrespect if everyone was having a bad day, but friendly customer service is vital. I want to be greeted and welcomed, not necessarily with a smile, just with a feeling of wanting to be served, whether I'm alone or...

SCAMMERS. They got my original review removed. When I got to store and went to pay I noted the total shown on the eftpos terminal was a couple dollars more. When I questioned it I got told "prices have gone up and we charge for a bag". I pointed to the menu, stuck to the counter, showing what I ordered and how much it added to. The person tried to say "those prices are wrong". I said keep your bag and charge me correctly. After a huff he adjusted the price. To top off, it was hands down the worst Indian in Gizzy. Go...

SCAM WARNING: They deceivingly upped the price on the eftpos(knowing most don't check), then when questioned about it he tried to say his menu prices were wrong. Had to stand there and argue to get the difference in change back. AVERAGE curry. There are other options in Gisborne, go elsewhere or check the eftpos terminal window! Rip offs Scroll down and read MaJ S review. They tried to...