MACE by Joseph Hadad — Restaurant in Bucharest

Maybe the American in me was expecting a bit more customer service at a place like this, but i would like to share my experience with anyone who decides to come.....

I came with my girlfriend and her 2 friends, ordered the duck and Argentinian filet along with some sides.

The appetizers came and they were fine.. Once the duck and filet came we all noticed that they were greatly undercooked.

I love steak, and I know the difference between medium, well-done and rare.

I had asked for medium but the steak came seared with the inside raw, as well as the duck.

Fine, mistakes happen and so we asked the staff to please re-cook the food and the staff was more than happy to redo the order.

Once we got the food again the steak came back well-done and the duck came with long brown hair in the dish. Completely unnaceptable and not hygenic at all.

My issue wasnt really with the food , but the manager that handled the complaint after. The manager proceeded to come to the table in disbelief and saw the hair, then started to tell us that its impossible that the hair is from their staff. Nobody in my group had brown long hair, but somehow it came from us.

He then came back after he picked out the hair to convince us that it surely wasnt from them as he was twirling the strand of hair in his hand right in front of our face. When we asked him to stop doing that as its incredibly rude and gross he made some remarks that its not gross and that its not like he's putting it in our mouth.

I was in disbelief !

Ive seen people treat street dogs with more etiquette.

If this was some small establishment off the street, I would be more inclined to expect this treatment ... But, being backed by Joseph Hadad I expected better. Shame on me for thinking that.

I still paid for most of the food even though i dont believe it was justified, only because I was tired of the manager arguing as well as speaking over me that its not their fault.

I would highly suggest this establishment learn the most basic customer service on how to assume their responsibility and treat customers with respect.

I dont mind the prices, and i had a wonderful dinner at Mace a few nights back. I take blame for expecting the same level of respect and service, doesnt seem that consistency is really a strong suit at Mace.

I wont be coming here again, and i hope that this establishment can grow from...

An elevated culinary journey where technique, creativity, and personal passion blend into one of the most refined dining experiences Bucharest has to offer.

Under the masterful guidance of Chef Joseph Hadad, that often comes to the tables, Mace offers an experience that is both bold and intimate, sophisticated yet approachable.

I can say every dish, no matter how simple or sophisticated was above average in taste. A simple salad was amazing here.

The very concept of Mace carries within it a subtle narrative. Inspired by the ancient spice mace — known for its warm, complex aroma and versatility — the restaurant embodies exactly that: layers of flavor, unexpected notes, and refined balance.

The menu is carefully curated to reflect Chef Hadad's multicultural influences, blending Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, North African, and French traditions into a modern reinterpretation that remains uniquely his own.

The interior design is elegant yet warm, combining natural materials with tasteful lighting that creates both privacy and intimacy. Every detail, from the choice of tableware to the flow of the service, speaks of thoughtful hospitality and attention.

Dishes arrive plated like works of art — colorful, balanced, yet not excessive. The flavors are layered harmoniously. Whether you explore the seafood, the lamb, the vegetarian options or the extraordinary desserts, each course feels like a celebration of both simplicity and refinement.

Often this type of excellence deserves even greater international visibility. In a region where fine dining is still emerging as a serious art form, Mace is already operating at a level that could easily rival many well-known establishments in major European capitals.

We loved it....

Located slightly outside the heart of Bucharest, Mace by Joseph Hadad is a vibrant culinary destination that offers a memorable dining experience. From the moment we entered, we were captivated by the stunning interior design—an intriguing blend of colors, textures, and artistic details that create a warm yet sophisticated atmosphere.

🧑‍💼Our lunch was elevated by the exceptional service provided by our waiter, Bibi. Friendly, attentive, and highly knowledgeable, he ensured that we had the best possible experience, offering great recommendations and insight into the dishes.

🫓We started with the pita bread, which was soft, fresh, and wonderfully fluffy, alongside the 🧆koupa served with creamy tahini. Both were packed with flavor and perfectly complemented each other, setting the tone for an excellent meal.

🥩For the main course, we selected the dish of the day: a perfectly cooked rib-eye steak served with 🥔🍄‍🟫smashed truffle-infused potatoes and a small, refreshing salad🥗. The steak was tender, flavorful, and expertly prepared, while the creamy truffle potatoes added an indulgent touch that made the dish stand out.

💸While the food, service, and ambiance were all exceptional, the pricing was on the higher side. Our bill came to 553 lei (approximately €108), which felt a bit steep for lunch, despite the high quality of the experience.

⭐️In conclusion, Mace by Joseph Hadad is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. While it’s a bit outside the city center and slightly overpriced, it’s a fantastic spot for a refined culinary treat and a beautiful dining atmosphere, perfect for special occasions or...