I very rarely post negative reviews but feel the urge to do so this time, and I am only doing so after calling the restaurant manager afterwards to give the owner my cell number so he could call me for a private discussion about what we had experienced at his restaurant Bacini's on Saturday at lunchtime. It's Tuesday and he hasn't contacted me.
So here goes......We (me and my wife) booked in for lunch on Saturday since we live locally and had never been. Our waiter was attentive and helpful. We ordered the mushroom arancini to share as a starter. It was bland but OK and we ate all of it - no complaints. For mains, my wife ordered a pizza, again quite bland, but we ate most of it - no complaints. I ordered the Osso Bucco with papardelle pasta which sounded delicious. We cook a similar dish at home sometimes and love it. The dish was disappointing and we ate a few mouthfuls before deciding it wasn't up to scratch. The pasta was over cooked and the meat had a burnt taste to it and was under-seasoned. Both of us agreed. We simply left it. When the waiter came to clear the plates we asked for it not to be included on the bill without making a fuss.
A few minutes later the chef (Eva?) arrived at our table and told us the food was perfectly cooked and we knew nothing about Italian food. I said it was a matter of opinion and we both felt the dish wasn't up to scratch and should be deducted from our bill. She refused saying we can take it as a takeaway before appearing a few minutes later with our unwanted takeaway in a plastic container. I rejected the takeaway and again requested that it be deducted from the bill. When I went to pay, with all the other staff looking deeply embarrassed, the chef told me she had decided to take the dish off the bill and disappeared. The manageress apologised profusely and begged us to come back which we promised never to do.
Bacini's has a high rating and always appears popular so perhaps this was a once off - even if it was an exception, the chef, the owners and the management team need to know that it was one of the worst service experiences we have ever encountered in any restaurant across many countries.
We were insulted and patronised by an angry woman who seems to lead through fear whilst ignoring her own...
Read moreBacini's, located in Gardens, Cape Town, has made a name for itself as one of the best Italian restaurants in the area, and for good reason. With exceptional service, a cozy atmosphere, and outstanding dishes, it's no wonder why it has become a favorite spot for many diners. Starting with the food, there are a few dishes I have fallen in love with.
The Carbonara and the Beef Carpaccio are two must-tries, while it is impossible to get every wonderful dish in one sittin. The Carbonara is a classic Italian dish that is often tricky to get right, but Bacini's seems to have mastered it. The creamy, indulgent sauce is perfectly balanced, and the pasta is cooked to perfection. The Beef Carpaccio, on the other hand, is a light and refreshing starter that is perfect for those who want to try something different. The thinly sliced beef is tender and flavorful, and the dressing adds a tangy kick that complements the dish perfectly. One thing that stands out about Bacini's is their consistency in delivering quality food. We come here at least once a week, we wonderful experience every time.
This is no small feat in the restaurant industry, where maintaining high standards can be a challenge. It's a testament to the restaurant's dedication to quality and their attention to detail. Aside from the food, the service at Bacini's is exceptional. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, which can make all the difference in creating a great dining experience. It's always a pleasure when you feel well taken care of, and Bacini's seems to excel in this area. Finally, it's worth noting that while Bacini's may not be the cheapest restaurant in town, the prices are ENTIRELY justified.
When you factor in the quality of the food, the excellent service, and the cozy atmosphere, it's easy to see why they ate almost always fully booked. Again, we are coming here at least once a week.
Overall, Bacini's is an excellent choice for Italian food in the Gardens area. With delicious dishes, exceptional service, and great prices, it's no wonder that it has become a favorite spot for many diners. Whether you're looking for a romantic night out or a cozy family dinner, Bacini's has got...
Read moreWe (3 of us) had dinner at Bacini's on Tuesday, 28 April 2015. While it still had the bustling atmosphere I remembered from the previous occasions, I noted the following. We had arranged to meet someone at the restaurant. Upon arrival I'd asked to be directed to a table where one person would be sitting. The Manager said that there were no tables where one person was seated. We found the person, seated alone, without assistance from the restaurant staff. That did not bode well with me. I will never order the pasta Alfredo again (that's IF I go back) - it was bland and extremely oily. The pizza that was ordered was bland. Cannot comment on the pasta Bolognaise because I had not tasted it. There was no passion in that cooking. If you want a good pizza go to Narona's in Buitenkant Street, Gardens or La Frasca in Breda Street, Gardens. Our Waitron who was pleasant enough, was almost none existent. We waited and waited to settle the bill but after some time, we made our way towards the exit hoping to find her. No such luck. The Manager eventually saw us wondering around trying to find the waitron or someone to assist. When I said I was trying to settle the bill, the Manager loudly called out to the Waitron who still had not surfaced. Who does that? Who shouts out loud in front of their customers? The Manager then took the account and sorted the payment. I usually tip at least 20% of the bill but found it difficult paying the 15% I did last night. My sympathy for the Waitron being on her feet all night tipped the scale. Before I forget, please turn the music down Bacini's! The buzz of conversations add...
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