Mesopotamia Kurdish Restaurant — Restaurant in City Centre

This was, without a doubt, one of the most soul-crushingly disappointing dining experiences I have ever had. I came to Mesopotamia seeking the authentic, vibrant Kurdish flavors I've grown to love, and what I got instead was a culinary abomination – a complete and utter betrayal of everything the restaurant supposedly stood for. It's clear that Mesopotamia has completely abandoned its roots. The "Kurdish food" they now serve is nothing more than arbitrary, glorified Western takeaway. The rich, complex spices, the slow-cooked tenderness, the distinctive aromas that define true Kurdish cuisine – they've all been systematically stripped away, replaced by bland, generic, and frankly, insulting substitutes. My "kebabs" tasted like they were cooked in a microwave, the rice was tasteless and clumpy, and the supposed "traditional sides" felt like they were pulled from a frozen supermarket aisle. They haven't just changed the menu; they've destroyed the entire concept and experience. What was once, I imagine, a celebration of Kurdish culture and hospitality has devolved into a soulless, conveyor-belt operation churning out anemic imitations. The authenticity is gone, replaced by a cynical attempt to appeal to the lowest common denominator of Western fast food tastes. This isn't a restaurant; it's a monument to gastronomic betrayal. If you're looking for genuine Kurdish food, run – no, sprint – in the opposite direction. Mesopotamia has obliterated its own identity, and in doing so, they've ruined what could have been a truly special culinary journey. Avoid at all costs.

OLD...

Our experience here was not great at all, when i called to enquire regarding trading times we were told to reserve a table as they were expecting to be busy, made the booking and asked for a smoking table near a screen, when we arrived there was no table booked. We were told to choose a table anywhere and though I booked,we were okay with the freedom of choice, at this point.

We chose to sit inside due to bad weather but was offered a table(where did our choice suddenly go?)completely blocked by the screen, we then moved to a different better table just to be told it's reserved yet our reservation was not fulfilled.

They then offered a table in non smoking which was annoying as we ask for smoking, ended up sitting where we were not really happy but decided to make the best of it.

Then the waiter asked if he could place two people at our table, not really okay with it we decided to say yes and hope for the best, only for 4 more people to be squeezed in at our table, trapped from going to the bathroom, our waiter was non existent, took me 20 mins to get his attention to ask for a drinks menu, 40 mins later still nothing and when I asked where's the menu he wasn't interested, left without ordering drinks or desert.

They only thing I will say is the food was good, but doesn't make up for the bad experience.

This was our first time.

The service needs major upgrade!

The prices are a little too high but at least invest in the decor and better staff so that the price you pay aligns with the visual experience and service. For now prices are unjustified.

FYI we spent...

My daughter booked a table for 4 for my birthday, we sat upstairs as it was a bit chilly outside. Loved the table at which we sat , although the seating cushions could use some tlc, as some were torn. The food was great , we ordered 2 starters to share , the falafel starter & a shrimp starter , both were great & portions were good. We ordered a bottle of red wine 🍷 , wanted a Merlot but they only had Pinotage, also ordered Pina coladas🍹👌🏼. The main meals were fantastic portion size & flavours were great although my Hummus kebab , the beef was slightly salty & the hummus needed more flavour , my husband ordered the Wok Kebab & that was fantastic, the flavours were amazing👌🏼, the seafood pasta was also good although it needed more sauce , it looked a bit dry , my daughter enjoyed the ETnazik which was dished in hot plate. We also ordered a Shisha( occa pipe) wanted the cherry flavour but unfortunately that didn't have that so we opted for another. We were disappointed that the belly dancer was not there as we were told when we booked she would be & also please update your pricelist online as the prices was totally different when we arrived. Some of the prices was ± R200 more. Overall the atmosphere was great , food was great but certain dishes was a bit salty & dry , we enjoyed ourselves & will definitely consider...