Disappointing Experience at Bentley Kitchen – Poor Service and Rude Manager
I had dinner at Bentley Kitchen at The Galleria, Abu Dhabi with friends, expecting a quality experience based on its reputation for food, service, and ambiance. Unfortunately, the evening turned into a frustrating and disappointing one due to poor service and a deeply unprofessional attitude from the restaurant manager.
We used the Entertainer app, which offers a buy-one-get-one-free deal on main courses at this venue. We ordered the Wagyu Ribeye and Lobster, only to be told several minutes after placing the order (and only after mentioning the use of the Entertainer) that the lobster was no longer available. This delay was completely avoidable—no one informed us of the item being out of stock when we first asked about the menu.
We then changed our order and opted for the Meat Platter instead. However, when it came time to settle the bill, the staff informed us that the Meat Platter counted as two main courses, and the Entertainer offer would only cover half the price of that one dish, instead of offering one free dish as expected. This policy was never made clear beforehand—the menu does not indicate this, and the server did not explain it either.
When we politely questioned the charge, the restaurant manager—an African woman—was shockingly rude. Instead of clarifying the situation calmly, she raised her voice at us, spoke in an aggressive and condescending tone, and asked if this was our first time visiting, implying that we should have known this "rule." Her behavior was completely unprofessional, hostile, and unworthy of any establishment claiming to offer fine dining. We felt embarrassed and mistreated in front of other diners.
We chose Bentley Kitchen for a special evening out, but we left disappointed and upset. What should have been a pleasant dinner turned into a tense and unpleasant encounter. I sincerely hope the management takes this feedback seriously, as this experience was far below acceptable standards. A sincere apology and staff retraining—especially at the managerial level—are in order.
Not recommended, and we will certainly think twice before returning.
Dear Bentley Kitchen Team, Thank you for your response.
However, I must express my disappointment with the way my concerns were addressed. While your message acknowledges the issues I raised, it does not offer any real resolution—nor does it take meaningful responsibility for the experience I had.
Regarding the Entertainer offer, the explanation you provided after the fact does not justify the lack of clear communication during our visit. It is completely unacceptable that the terms were only mentioned at the time of billing, rather than being clearly explained by the staff when we expressed our intention to use the offer and placed our order. This kind of post-facto clarification feels misleading and unprofessional.
What made the situation even more frustrating was that we spent over AED 800. For this type of restaurant, we expected not only quality food but also clarity, fairness, and respectful service.
More importantly, I am deeply dissatisfied with the attitude of the service staff that evening. The way we were treated—particularly at the moment of billing—was dismissive and disrespectful. A vague reference to internal review is not sufficient. I expect a formal and direct apology for the way your staff interacted with us.
Your response feels overly scripted and lacks genuine accountability. I had hoped for a proactive and sincere effort to make amends, not a generic message that sidesteps the core issues. If Bentley Kitchen truly values hospitality and guest experience, I urge you to address this matter more seriously.
I am still open to hearing how you intend to take responsibility for this situation—and whether you are willing to demonstrate that your commitment to guest satisfaction goes beyond standard...
Read moreFrom our arrival, to the service, to every morsel we savoured, we were blown away on our casual Tuesday visit to Bentley Kitchen.
The service was the best bar-none: starting with a the welcome sign on the table, to the attentiveness of our server Curt, the floor supervisor, “Joker,” and even the gracious general manager André, all of whom provided plenty of details on the food & drink offerings and even a little history of the restaurant itself. We couldn’t have asked to be in better hands!
The tuna tartare served with puffed crisps was fresh, citrusy, and light, with a visual presentation made to impress even the staunchest of reviewers. My partner’s main, the famous Bentley Burger, was phenomenal as usual. Sporting a premium sesame bun, perfectly grilled patty, and can’t-just-have-one garlic & truffle oil-drizzled fries. But more importantly (for me, at least), was the absolute perfection that my Seared Salmon Fillet was elated to. I’m so glad I took Curt’s recommendation to have it done medium-well done, because it had a perfectly crisped skin on top of a melt-away tender fillet. It was balanced on a bed of crushed baby potatoes and swimming in a lake of lemongrass crema that added an incredible element of flavour-infused smoothness.
My partner’s Raspberry Fizz mocktail garnished with blackberries was so good that I ended up requesting the Passion Fashion for myself, which they graciously adjusted for less sugar on request. We weren’t planning on ordering dessert, but Curt convinced us, and since his recommendations were on point all night, we dove right in. The Pecan Pie Cheesecake was the perfect sweet treat to seal off the meal. The toasted pecans added just the right amount of crunch to compliment to silky cheesecake center. The only thing I would recommend is they offer the option of adding a small serving of something chilled on the side of the dessert, be it a smidgen of vanilla ice cream or a even some frozen dalgona.
To top it off, the ambiance was excellent, with contemporary music at an enjoyable level on the patio, gorgeous evening views of Al Maryah Island, and just the right amount of lighting. Needless to say, we're looking forward to...
Read moreA Wonderful Dining Experience at Bentley Kitchen – Abu Dhabi
If you’re looking for an exceptional dining experience in Abu Dhabi, Bentley Kitchen at Galleria Mall is a must-visit destination. From the moment you step into this elegant restaurant, you’re greeted with a luxurious ambiance that perfectly blends sophistication and comfort.
The restaurant’s interior is sleek and modern, with soft lighting, plush seating, and a welcoming atmosphere that sets the stage for an unforgettable evening. The attentive staff adds to the experience, offering impeccable service from the start to the finish of your meal.
The Culinary Journey
Bentley Kitchen’s menu is a masterful blend of European-inspired dishes with a contemporary twist, designed to please even the most discerning palate. For starters, their foie gras terrine and seafood platters are absolute standouts, featuring fresh, high-quality ingredients presented beautifully.
The mains are equally impressive. The wagyu ribeye steak, cooked to perfection, melts in your mouth and is accompanied by rich, flavorful sauces and sides like truffle mashed potatoes. If you’re a fan of seafood, the black cod is a must-try – tender, buttery, and perfectly seasoned.
For dessert, the signature chocolate fondant with a molten center paired with vanilla ice cream is the perfect way to end the meal. Every bite is indulgent and satisfying.
Why It’s Highly Recommended
What sets Bentley Kitchen apart is the attention to detail in every aspect, from the quality of the food to the exceptional service and luxurious setting. It’s an ideal spot for special occasions, romantic dinners, or simply treating yourself to a premium dining experience.
Whether you’re a resident of Abu Dhabi or visiting the city, Bentley Kitchen is an experience not to be missed. It’s not just a meal; it’s a culinary journey that leaves you wanting to...
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