Vatra — Restaurant in Bucharest

You see, this is the kind of review you get when you hire people who are rude or who are owners who have no training and come from the older generation. Hoping for a good meal, I was disappointed because of the behavior of one individual. Looking over the menu, and unsure of what was actually included with and coming with my food, I had questions, naturally. The woman taking my order, probably around 45 years old was in a huff and puff, rolled her eyes to her colleagues a few times until I finally had enough of it and called her out on it. Her response, she’s fine, there is no problem, but her body language said otherwise. You see, no matter where your guests are from or what language they speak, you need to be polite. And what I have noticed is those over a certain age, just don’t have the craft to be polite to customers and thus need to be retrained or fired. I am at the age where I am not afraid to call out your behavior, I am not the 20-30 something tourist who is afraid of making waves. And reading over the reviews here, I see that others have witnessed the same garbage, and I bet it is from the same waitress. Frankly, next time this happens I will just walk out, as a customer there is no point or need to be belittled by staff who don’t appreciate customers who come in. Do you realize that we are the reason you have a job and a salary? Because I wasn’t feel that way. You said to me that you don’t have time or because it wasn’t busy yet that you only had a little time to explain to me the menu but normally you won’t do that. What’s this kind of attitude? Seriously? We are guests, again, no matter where we are from and what language we speak, if you don’t want tourists, and you don’t want to use English, kindly write a big sign outside your door that tourists aren’t welcome and I guarantee we will stop coming and then you can stop being annoyed. I find it rude and disrespectful to be treated like this anywhere in the world and you forced me to start calling out this behavior when I see it. Maybe I should say thank you for that, because I will no longer tolerate that belligerent behavior of staff who don’t appreciate where their salary comes from. And those other staff members who encouraged her behavior, shame on you also. You are learning something bad from the older generation and you had better think again about your own behavior. The food was ok, presentation was lacking, and it was overpriced. 130 lei to be ridiculed.... It's ridiculous. I hope that this review serves...

Oh how it hurts my heart to come back in here and change my review. Please read my glowing review below from when I ate here 2 days ago. Best meal I've had in that's 6 months! I finished with the service was not so great but the food was so good I was going to make a reservation and go back. I thought with a reservation I might get better service. Nope. This time it was even worse. I walked in right on time, I was taken to my table, and I sat there completely ignored for 15 minutes. And I know how stupid it sounds but now I'm standing on the sidewalk two blocks away crying because this was supposed to be my stress free completely relaxing vacation and tonight is my last night here. They can't even play the dumb "we thought she was waiting for someone" game because I had a reservation FOR ONE.

The very best meal I've had in at least six months. I'm sure it had a lot to do with the polenta. I LOVE polenta. I grew up in the American South where we eat grits. Grits are very similar to polenta. In the US you can't find grits anywhere outside the South and if you mention them outside of the South people will make fun of you. They're considered poor people's food to the ignorant. They just don't know what they're missing. In the American South there's a traditional meal called Shrimp and Grits. It's one of my favorite Southern meals. My dinner at Vatra was like shrimp and grits but it was mutton and grits (polenta-slightly different but close enough) and it was heavenly. The mutton was cooked to perfection and so was the polenta. If it weren't for my personal rule to try a different restaurant for each meal while traveling I would have returned here every night for dinner and eaten the mutton and polenta for dinner every time.

Tonight is my last night here and while writing this review I have convinced myself to break my rule and make myself a reservation for dinner for one. Food in my town is so terrible and I'll be stuck there for at least 3 more months before I can travel again. I should treat myself, right? Mutton and polenta, here I come!!!

Oh! I almost forgot. The service kinda sucked. But only for me. I noticed them buzzing around all the other tables. It's a pattern I've noticed here in Bucharest. As a single woman, when I go out to bars I get incredible service but restaurants? I'm either ignored or treated like a problem. But oh my god, that food was worth the annoyance. I'm going...

Vatra Restaurant is an absolute gem nestled in the heart of Bucharest, offering an authentic and delightful journey into the rich culinary tapestry of traditional Romanian cuisine. From the moment you step through the door, the warm ambiance and welcoming staff set the stage for an extraordinary dining experience.

The menu at Vatra is a culinary masterpiece, showcasing the diverse flavors and exquisite tastes of Romania. Each dish is a celebration of tradition, prepared with a meticulous attention to detail that truly reflects the passion of the chefs. The sarmale, a traditional dish of cabbage rolls stuffed with a savory mix, was a symphony of flavors that transported me to the heart of Romanian culinary heritage.

The ambiance at Vatra is both cozy and elegant, making it the perfect setting for a romantic evening, a family celebration, or a gathering of friends. The attention to detail in the décor enhances the overall dining experience, providing a comfortable and inviting atmosphere that complements the delightful flavors on the menu.

The staff at Vatra deserves special mention for their exceptional service. Attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly, they went above and beyond to ensure our dining experience was nothing short of perfection. Their recommendations were spot-on, and their genuine enthusiasm for the cuisine added a personal touch to our evening.

To complement the outstanding food and service, Vatra boasts an impressive selection of Romanian wines and spirits. The staff is more than happy to guide you through the options, enhancing your meal with the perfect pairing.

In summary, Vatra Restaurant is a true culinary treasure in Bucharest. Whether you are a local looking to rediscover the flavors of your heritage or a visitor eager to explore the richness of Romanian cuisine, this restaurant is a must-visit. With its superb food, inviting ambiance, and impeccable service, Vatra has secured its place as a top destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of Bucharest. Five stars...