Ocean Basket OR Tambo International Airport — Restaurant in Gauteng

10 July 07h45

Disappointing Experience – Ocean Basket Must Re-evaluate Its People and Values

My wife and I had a deeply disappointing experience at the Ocean Basket located near the domestic departures area, at the far end of the fast food section. She was booked on a flight to Upington and after quite a walk, we arrived to find the restaurant completely empty. There were only two staff members present: a black gentleman who politely stood up when we approached and confirmed that the restaurant was open, and a female staff member who remained seated the entire time.

Despite my wife addressing her directly, she neither stood up, smiled, nor welcomed us. Her dismissive attitude and complete lack of hospitality were a poor reflection on the Ocean Basket brand. Hospitality starts with basic human decency – eye contact, a smile, and a willingness to engage. Sadly, none of that was present here.

In an industry that relies so heavily on first impressions and personal engagement, it is unacceptable to encounter such arrogance and apathy. Staff selection, ongoing training, and consistent monitoring should be non-negotiables for any hospitality business. You can serve the freshest seafood, but if your front-of-house staff behave like they’re doing customers a favour by showing up, you’ve already lost.

We turned around and walked past the many eateries we’d passed earlier. What drew us into Wimpy? A broad smile and a warm “please come in” from a female staff member. That’s all it took. We spent R350 between the two of us, and left feeling respected and appreciated—something Ocean Basket failed to offer from the moment we arrived.

This isn’t just about a poor meal or service—it’s about values. Hospitality is rooted in respect and human connection. Ocean Basket, at least at this location, seems to have forgotten that. We won’t be back, and we won’t be recommending...

Hubby and I are not fans of airport food butttt this place was a very pleasant surprise!!! Ms. Sweetness was our server and served us with genuine kindness and efficiency. This restaurant is located on the upper level near the takeoff and landing area where you can watch small aircraft arrive and depart. This eatery is clean, well lit and more importantly the food is deeeelicious! I had Japanese sushi platter in an African airport prepared by native Africans and it was delicioussss. Hubby’s seafood platter was to die for. With the exchange rate from American dollars to the Rand the meals were super cheap, too … around $10.00 to $15.00 per person (lots of food). Kudos to the manager Ben for running a great eatery and to our wonderfully kind server Sweetness for making sure our meals were to our satisfaction. HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS RESTAURANT IF EVER AT...

Do NOT eat here. I got food poisoning, food is awful and service is horrendous.

Not only did we eat horrible and clearly off food, we didn't even get all the food we ordered AND the waiter entered a higher amount than the bill, giving himself an extra R30 tip on top of the R110 tip included in the bill (they force you to give 15%).

The waiter clearly did not want to be there - he was slow and unfriendly and kept wondering off into the airport. When he eventually returned, we complained about not get food ordered and his response is "oh, I didn't check haha", but by that time we were done eating and were not interested in waiting longer to now get it. And no, they still charged us for the food not received.

Will NEVER ever come back. Worst Ocean Basket I have...