I recently visited Misk Restaurant at Mall of Oman with my wife for lunch, and unfortunately, it turned out to be a highly disappointing experience in terms of service.
As we arrived, a gentleman was standing at the reception desk. Surprisingly, he neither greeted us nor acknowledged our presence. I had to proactively approach him and request a table, even though it was visibly clear that we were only two people. When I asked for a table, he coldly responded, “A table for how many?”—which felt indifferent.
I requested to be seated inside the restaurant, but he insisted on placing us outside, right along the pathway where people were continuously passing by from both sides. There was absolutely no privacy, and the location felt more like a corridor than a dining space.
After pointing to the table, another staff member came to attend us. He only asked for the water preference and then removed all the cutlery and plates from the table, which was quite odd. He didn’t explain why or offer any replacements. I had to ask for the menu myself. Instead of handing us a physical menu or suggesting the specials of the day, he simply pointed to a QR code and said we could scan it. There was no effort to introduce the menu or recommend anything.
We ordered a soup, a Fattoush salad, and a boneless chicken dish. I specifically requested that the soup and salad be served first, followed by the chicken. The soup was fine taste-wise, but the way it was served was concerning. The soup bowl was placed on top of a half plate, without removing or repositioning it. After we finished the soup, the bowl was cleared—but no fresh plates were provided. We were expected to continue eating the salad on the same used plate, which was both unhygienic and unprofessional.
To add to our disappointment, the boneless chicken dish we ordered was served with bones. This showed a clear lack of attention to our order and basic communication within the kitchen team.
Throughout the meal, I had to request cutlery multiple times, as everything had been cleared earlier for no reason. Despite several staff, including supervisors and managers, standing around, no one approached us to check on our experience or offer assistance. It truly felt like we were being ignored. I couldn’t help but wonder if we were being treated differently due to our nationality, which is disheartening in a professional dining environment.
Although this is a Lebanese restaurant and they seemed attentive to Arabic guests, I was also a paying customer—paying the same price for the same food—and deserved equal service. The service was extremely slow, and the overall attitude of the staff was disengaged. To make matters worse, I noticed some F&B staff chewing something openly while standing in the dining area, which is completely inappropriate in front of guests.
When I requested the bill, another staff member delivered it without asking a single question about our dining experience, satisfaction, or if we needed anything else. As we were leaving, a lady was standing at the reception desk, but again, no eye contact, no thank you, no farewell—absolutely nothing. Even in small local restaurants in Muscat, we are greeted warmly and treated with courtesy.
Overall, the service was extremely poor and unprofessional. From start to finish, we felt unwelcome, uncomfortable, and ignored. I sincerely hope the management takes this feedback seriously and works toward improving guest service and training the staff. No guest should leave feeling...
Read moreMisk Restaurant, nestled on the third floor of the Mall of Oman in Muscat, is nothing short of a culinary gem that delivers an unparalleled Arabic and Lebanese dining experience. From the moment I stepped in, I was captivated by the warm, inviting ambience that perfectly blends modern elegance with traditional charm. The atmosphere sets the stage for a meal that’s as delightful to the senses as it is to the palate.
The experience begins with the exceptional hospitality of Pratiksha, the hostess, who handles bookings with grace and efficiency. She made reserving a table seamless, ensuring our group felt welcomed and valued from the outset. Her professionalism is a testament to Misk’s commitment to top-tier service.
Once seated, the food took center stage, and oh, what a performance! Every bite bursts with authentic Lebanese flavors, crafted with meticulous care. The freshness of the ingredients is undeniable—each dish, from creamy hummus, halloumi bites, mixed puffs to perfectly spiced mix grill, is a celebration of quality and taste. The star of the show? Their fresh breads, baked à la minute style, arriving warm and fragrant at the table, elevating every dish they accompany.
The service staff deserves equal praise for their speed and professionalism. Plates arrived promptly, and every interaction was marked by genuine warmth and attentiveness. Midway through our meal, the manager stopped by to personally ask for feedback, a thoughtful touch that made us feel truly valued as guests. This level of care is rare and sets Misk apart.
Compared to overhyped spots like Em Sherif, which often feels like a rip-off, Misk is a revelation. They’ve won me over as a loyal customer, and I’m already looking forward to my next visit. For those seeking the best Arabic and Lebanese cuisine in Muscat, look no further—Misk is the gold standard.
A word of advice: make sure to reserve your table, as walk-in wait times can be long, especially on weekends. But trust me, it’s worth planning ahead for this unforgettable...
Read moreWe tried MISK Restaurant today for brunch. The place looks fancy and stylish at first glance, but the service experience was far from what you’d expect in such a setting.
When we arrived and asked the host for a table for our group, he didn’t greet us properly—just pointed at a table with minimal effort. I asked politely if we could sit inside instead, and to my surprise, he suddenly shouted at me, saying, “Wait, let me check, I have reservations,” in a very disrespectful tone. The restaurant was nearly empty, and there were no signs indicating any reserved tables. It felt like we were being treated as if we were intruding into someone’s private space.
Eventually, he showed us to another table in a dismissive way. Once seated, we placed our first order and I clearly mentioned, “This is for now,” since I was planning to order drinks later. But the moment they realized we weren’t ordering drinks immediately, the staff came and removed all the glasses from our table—without asking.
The food itself was excellent—no complaints there. It was flavorful and well-prepared, though slightly overpriced, which is expected for such a fancy place. But while we were still eating, with food on our plates and even a spoon left in one dish, the staff started clearing everything without asking. It felt like they just wanted us out of there. The way they kept pointing at each other and rushing to clean up made us feel like we were being watched constantly—more like prisoners than guests.
For a restaurant that looks this premium, the service was absolutely unacceptable. Great food alone isn’t enough. I wouldn’t recommend it based on the attitude and treatment...
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