CAJU by Joseph Hadad — Restaurant in Bucharest

Editing since the owner decided instead of addressing the issues attacking the comment ...

Our group of six from Israel, including four who had visited this restaurant a year ago, decided to return based on our previous experience. However, our recent visit left us with mixed feelings.

Upon entering, we were greeted by a waiter attempting to converse in broken Hebrew. While we appreciated the effort, it led to some communication challenges. Throughout the ordering process, the waiter spoke rapidly and recommended numerous dishes without explaining their content or cost. For instance, they encouraged us to order four hot peppers for 5 euros, but the portion size and sharing details were unclear.

Despite our initial confusion, we managed to place our orders. The food, though, was only okay. The main issue was the portion sizes, which felt disappointingly small. For example, a duck dish consisted of just four small slices of duck, and the hamburger dish included only two small burgers. Additionally, the food lacked a unique or outstanding flavor, and we found similar or better dishes in Bucharest at a 30% lower price point.

Another peculiar aspect was the inclusion of the tip on the bill, with the amount pre-decided for us. This practice was unusual, as we had not encountered it in other restaurants in the same area.

In summary, this restaurant seems to target Israeli people with a Hebrew menu and familiar dishes from home. However, the high prices and attempts to upsell and confuse customers during ordering left us with a less-than-ideal impression. As someone who dines at various establishments in Israel and around the world, including Michelin-starred restaurants (you can check my previousreviews) , I find it unfair to label customers as unable to appreciate quality or as being overly cost-conscious.

The feeling we had was the same for all 6 people. We might be wrong, but attacking the customer is a strange strategy

original comment Be careful. This seems like a tourist trap! Directed to Israeli people. The waiter tols very fast in broken Hebrew and makes you order you don't want/ need Expansive with small portions...

I’ll start by saying that Caju is very well located, just behind the Atheneum concert hall, which is breathtaking. The restaurant has an outdoor terrace during warmer months. The chef, Joseph is a name brand in Romania, and his menus here at Caju and just up the block, at Mace, offer delicious options with Mediterranean/Middle Eastern flair. He is often to be seen in the restaurants. He is friendly and hands on. Unfortunately, yesterday’s experience was tainted by a dictatorial waiter, far too self absorbed to notice that his dismissive manner was bothersome. He was very curt, on the brink of being rude. When asked what appetizer I should choose between three choices, he felt the need to remind me that they are very different…as if I didn’t know. I had to patiently rephrase; if he were in my seat, which would he order? He then answered, and I later thoroughly enjoyed the tortellini dish. We also ordered the mixed appetizer, and had asked if it’s shareable. He wasn’t able to simply answer, yes, it is enough for two to have and that we should order two portions of homemade bread, and then entrees. He preferred to explain that we cannot think in terms of sharing, that in this industry ‘they’ think in grams, that we should calculate in grams and how hungry we are. Really? He seemed like a head-waiter, and if that is the case, it may be that it’s gone to his head. But honestly, as a customer, I don’t care to be reminded of the restaurant’s hierarchy. I just want friendly guidance, a smile, chit-chat… So, all in all, the food, the decor, the bathrooms, every detail make the place a great choice. I like to think that my reviews are fair, and if I do criticize, I hope it brings value, and helps the management take positive measures. Oh! We also ordered dessert: the halva with passion fruit was delicious, and the creme brulee is also very good. Please talk to the waiter, and though I didn’t catch his name, I am certain the description is correct and the waiter identifiable. Talk to him. Tell him to tone it down a notch. Five stars are...

Exceptional food, but once again a disappointing experience at reception. We returned to Caju due to the outstanding quality of the dishes – the flavors, presentation, and ingredients are consistently top-tier. The drinks are pleasant, and the table service is exemplary: attentive, courteous, and efficient.

Unfortunately, for the second time, our interaction with the host at the entrance was disappointing. We were informed that the only available option was a shared table located in an extremely warm area, directly next to the oven. Once we expressed that we could not remain due to the uncomfortable heat, a table in a properly ventilated, air-conditioned section suddenly became available.

Throughout our entire dinner, we noticed that at least three outdoor tables remained unoccupied, raising doubts about the honesty of the initial response. Additionally, we were told that the kitchen would close at 10:00 PM, yet we arrived at 9:00 PM and left precisely at 10:00 PM – clearly, it was unlikely that another reservation was expected to take our place afterward.

Regrettably, this is not the first time we have encountered issues with the host, although the previous experience was two years ago, so it is not necessarily the same individual responsible. During that visit, we were not acknowledged for over 40 minutes, and we only received menus after I personally approached the hostess to request them.

In conclusion: Caju offers exceptional food, quality drinks, and impeccable table service. Unfortunately, the attitude and approach of the reception staff consistently detract from the overall experience. More transparent communication and a respectful manner at the entrance would greatly enhance the guest experience and align it with the high standards the restaurant...