Oblivion Bar & Kitchen — Restaurant in Claremont

Our last experience at Oblivion Bar & Kitchen was terrible. We waited over 90mins for our meal and when it arrived, it was not what we ordered. It was annoying because we were the ONLY couple upstairs for the full almost 2 hours we were there. The kitchen could not have been busy. We thought it was unfair to dismiss a restaurant after 1 poor experience and considered that maybe it was just an off day and gave it another try.

Today, we tried again and as with the last time, the kitchen was very slow. It felt terrible to watch our waiter getting annoyed with the kitchen, trying to get our order out because it was not his fault that it took as long as it did.

We were the only patrions downstairs when we arrived. The floor was not busy at all. There was 1 other customer downstairs with us who arrived after we sat down.

If the place was packed, I would fully understand a long wait time but outside of the 2 of us, there was 1 other couple downstairs.

Eventually, we had to leave and our meal was still not ready. Even though we did not ask for assistance, 3 staff members asked if they could help which was really nice of them but we still had to wait an unreasonable amount of time for the bill (we asked several times).

As we headed to the door, the manager asked if we would accept our meal on the house as it was being boxed. We accepted.

To be fair, the waiters/waitresses are super nice (especially the first young lady who walked up to us, asking if she could be of assistance) and very attentive. We appreciate that. The manager is also very hands on, professional, friendly and approachable.

I think it's a really good place if you don't...

I am a regular at Oblivion. I love their Latte and Eggs-Benedict so I visit the place regularly. In my last visit, i was there early in the morning on an unusually cold rainy/stormy day in Cape Town. I had just got rained on in my early morning errand and i figured i should get a warm cup of Latte and do some work while at it. After about one hour, it was still pouring and getting even colder outside and inside, despite the fine efforts of one nice gentleman (waiter) to put a fire to warm the room. So considering i am completely bald, i decided to put my jacket hoodie on to just make sure i am keeping warm. This is while I am seated in a well-lit area facing the main dining/common room. After few minutes the nice gentleman (waiter) approached me and reluctantly (to my judgement) indicated that the manager had instructed him to let me know that the restaurant doesn't allow people to wear hoodies on. I could tell he was uncomfortable with the instruction. I also felt confused and uncomfortable. I understand being vigilant (the place has experienced a robbery incident in the past) but this was 11h00 in the morning, i was in a well-lit area, it’s a cold rainy day, and i only put on a hoodie an hour after sitting down so there’s already many clear photos/videos of my face on the CCTV. It just felt like, at the very least, an unnecessary attempt at exerting power/control or at worst profiling. Especially when there’s no visible sign (or at least I didn’t see one) indicating that this is an established policy that is enforced universally. I still like the place; I just think that specific 'manager' needs a bit of training or...

Oblivion…the finest wine of them all!!! This establishment has just gotten better and better with age. We first started coming here when our interests were dancing on the pole and drinking too many shots on a crowded Friday night. Having not been here in a good many years due to growing old, I can honestly say that we had a better time today than all those years ago. From the minute we walked in we were welcomed with the most friendly greeting from absolutely everybody. Very rarely do you see management or owners as eagerly and happily involved as what we witnessed today. We are quite a loud, boisterous family, and usually get the stink eye. But every body at Oblivion was humorous, accommodating, laid back and attentive. The food was out of this world, so much so that my children DEVOURED their burgers, even though I was sure the spicier than what they are used to sauce would leave them breathing flames like their dragon mother 🙄 their father abroad didn’t get to discuss anything but the incredible burgers and milkshakes they had.

I would like to give a special mention to our server, Matthew. From the minute we walked in your infectious positive energy had us hooked. Vast knowledge of specials, recommendations that didn’t disappoint and your up selling would put Herbalife reps to shame!!!! If everything else had been average, we would keep coming back just for you.

Thankfully everything was perfect t and I don’t think we have ever had such an...