Kalabash Restaurant & Lounge — Restaurant in Muscat

Nice and elegant restaurants are both indoors and outdoors. Service is ok but staff need training. Menu is acceptable (not wow).

During my recent dining of Feb 3, 2024 experience at Kalabash with business guests, I initially appreciated the improved attentiveness of the staff. The restaurant's atmosphere was inviting, creating a pleasant environment for socializing and enjoying a meal. The staff members were notably more attentive and accommodating compared to previous visits, which added to the overall positive impression of the establishment.

However, despite these positive aspects, the highlight of any dining experience—the food—fell short of expectations. I was genuinely surprised and disappointed by the lackluster quality of the dishes served. The flavors were uninspired, and the execution left much to be desired. It was evident that more attention to detail and culinary expertise were needed in the kitchen to elevate the dining experience to match the restaurant's inviting ambiance and attentive service.

Furthermore, the absence of basic amenities such as sparkling water was a notable oversight. While it may seem like a minor detail, such oversights detract from the overall impression of the establishment and can leave patrons feeling unsatisfied. Attention to these small yet significant details is crucial for ensuring a memorable and enjoyable dining experience for guests.

In conclusion, while Kalabash has made strides in improving its ambiance and service, there is still room for growth in terms of culinary excellence and attention to detail. Investing in a talented chef to curate a more inspired and focused menu, perhaps drawing inspiration from local cuisine, could help elevate Kalabash to a destination known for both its inviting atmosphere and exceptional dining experience.

I believe Kalabash has the potential to offer much more than location, ambiance, and staff services. Kalabash can drive Omani fusion dishes while embracing distinctive...

Love the vibes, but not the food.

A lounge that is comfortable, lively, and despite how busy it always is actually has incredible service!

It's definitely a smoking focused venue, so you should definitely make note of that before visiting the place. The food and beverages presentation is really nice, but not that great when it comes to taste.

For example, the halloumi cubes were drenched with oil. It was to the point where for me at least, they became inedible. And speaking of inedible, I ordered a soda based drink that was dangerously sweet. What was weird about the drink, is my friend, on the same table, ordered the exact same thing, and his one was a lot lighter in terms of the amount of sugar used. (Please Note: The aforementioned and described foods are in the photographs).

Another MAJOR negative comment I have about this place is the parking lot. Problem with it isn't just that it is small, or that Kalabash itself is very popular, but it also shares the parking lot with several other businesses. You're either lucky enough to spot a car leaving, and you can quickly take its spot, or you're going to be spending a VERY long time looping around the car park, trying to eye cars with headlights/break-lights on giving you that false hope of finally finding a parking space.

With that said, I really do like this place. As in, the actual physical space. The music can get a little loud at times, but I suppose that is expected from a place of...

Was on a trip from Dubai and was looking for a place where they serve great food and shisha. Came across this place by chance and it surely didn't disappoint! We ordered the Fatoush salad (very large size), lamb Ouzi and the house special Cherry lamb kebab which was recommended by Casper. This was by far the best lamb Ouzi we ever had! Thapa gave great service and helped to make our stay comfortable and enjoyable. Shisha was great and complimented the food and beverages very well. We usually travel to Muscat twice a year and this place has made it on our permanent list to eat whenever we visit. They surely do need to open a branch in Dubai! Would love to try the Kalabash Prawns next time I visit. As always, Muscat is great to visit and Kalabash Lounge will surely get an extremely high recommendation to all friends, colleagues and acquaintances who come to visit. Thank you Kalabash for the amazing hospitality and service, will visit again during the next long weekend break that...