I had two extremely disappointing experiences at Public Restaurant in Dubai Mall, both marked by poor service, lack of organization, and questionable hygiene standards. 🤮
First Visit: Takeaway Experience I decided to visit the restaurant to take away a tiramisu. Unfortunately, the experience started off badly as there is no dedicated line for takeaway orders, forcing me to wait in the same queue as dine-in guests. After patiently waiting for my turn, a man in a kandura stepped in front of me as if I was invisible, claiming he was “in a rush.” Shockingly, despite the staff noticing this unfair behavior and my clear reaction of disbelief, they chose to serve him instead. This made the entire situation feel discriminatory.
When I finally received my order and took it home, I was further disappointed to find that the tiramisu for takeaway was entirely different from the one available for dine-in and nobody and nowhere was this mentioned, and I felt misled by their lack of transparency.
Second Visit: Dine-in Experience Hoping my first visit was just an unfortunate incident, I decided to give Public another chance a few days later and visited with my partner. We waited outside for 12 minutes after being told they were cleaning tables on the terrace. However, I could clearly see that four tables were already empty, and only one had some leftover dishes, which nobody seemed in a hurry to clean. It felt like we were waiting for nothing.
Once we were finally seated at table 8, we were left unattended, without a menu or even a QR code to scan. Only after asking a staff member did we receive a QR code for the menu. I knew I wanted to order a tiramisu and a bottle of sparkling water, so I immediately requested to place my order. Instead of taking it, the staff member told me to wait for a waiter, and so we waited… and waited.
For about 10 minutes, the waiters were busy arguing at the Micros machine over what seemed to be a billing issue. One of them was repeatedly counting cash in front of two others, completely ignoring guests. Meanwhile, a runner arrived carrying food orders but had to wait for help because the waiters were too preoccupied with their dispute. Eventually, one waiter stepped in to assist the runner, but still, nobody came to take our order.
Adding to my frustration, a new group arrived at the table next to us (table 7) after we had already been waiting for a while. Shortly after, a waitress in a hijab approached them first and took their order, completely disregarding us. When I spoke up and reminded her that we had been waiting, she glanced at me, checked something with the hostess, and then returned to table 7 to confirm something with the guests, once again ignoring my request.
At this point, I had lost all patience. To make matters worse, I witnessed a waiter with eyeglasses trying to set a table while holding a fork by its prongs (the part that people eat with) using the same hand he had just been handling cash and his Micros card with. The lack of hygiene was appalling.
Feeling utterly frustrated by the disorganization, poor service, and unhygienic practices, I asked to speak with a manager. The only response I received was a weak apology and an offer to take my order. By then, I had lost all appetite and left feeling completely disgusted.
Public Restaurant in Dubai Mall is a place that desperately needs serious improvements in customer service, staff training, and hygiene practices. If I could rate it -1 star, I absolutely would. I sincerely hope that HACCP auditors and Dubai Municipality conduct an inspection here because this level of service and hygiene is unacceptable for a venue in such a...
Read moreIf you find yourself in Dubai Mall and in need of a delectable dining experience, look no further than Public! From the moment I stepped foot into this gem of a restaurant, I knew I was in for a treat. As a food enthusiast, I had heard whispers of their mouthwatering pizzas, flavorful pastas, and exquisite tiramisu, and I couldn't wait to see if they lived up to the hype.
Upon entering Public, the first thing that struck me was the spacious and inviting casual dining area. Despite being situated in the bustling Dubai Mall, the ambiance was relaxed and comfortable, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day of shopping or sightseeing.
The restaurant's contemporary décor and warm lighting created a welcoming atmosphere, while the ample seating ensured that even during peak hours, I didn't have to wait long for a table. I opted for a seat near the open kitchen, where I could catch glimpses of the talented chefs crafting their culinary masterpieces. Watching them work only served to heighten my anticipation, and I eagerly perused the menu to make my selections.
The menu at Public offered a delightful range of options, but it was their bites, pizzas, pastas, and tiramisu that I couldn't resist. I decided to start with their bites and signature pizza, topped with a medley of fresh ingredients that promised to tantalize my taste buds. As I took my first bite, I was immediately transported to food heaven. The crust was perfectly crispy on the outside yet tender on the inside, and the combination of flavors was simply divine.
But the real star of the show was the tiramisu. It's no wonder this dessert is famous here, as it was nothing short of extraordinary. The layers of coffee-soaked sponge cake and creamy mascarpone were a match made in dessert heaven. It was the perfect ending to an already unforgettable meal.
However, the standout feature of my experience at Public was undoubtedly the excellent service. The staff members were attentive, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable about the menu. They took the time to explain each dish and even offered some helpful recommendations. Their genuine passion for the restaurant and its offerings shone through, making my dining experience all the...
Read more"Public" Italian Restaurant: A Hidden Gem with Fountain Views and Fantastic Pizza at Dubai Mall "Public" Italian restaurant, nestled just outside the Dubai Mall with captivating views of the fountain, is a true culinary delight that might require a little searching to find, but is absolutely worth the effort. Its somewhat discreet location, accessible from the fountain side of the mall, can be a bit misleading if you're relying solely on an online search, but consider it part of the adventure to discover this charming spot. Once you arrive, you're greeted by a very friendly and attentive staff who contribute significantly to the inviting atmosphere. While the restaurant itself is on the smaller side, it offers an intimate dining experience, making it perfect for a relaxed meal with a beautiful backdrop. The highlight of the experience is undoubtedly the stunning view of the Dubai Fountain. Whether you're there for lunch or dinner, watching the fountain shows adds an unparalleled touch of magic to your meal. Now, let's talk about the food. "Public" truly excels in its Italian offerings, particularly its pizza. It's safe to say that their pizza is a showstopper – genuinely delicious and arguably one of the best choices you'll find in Dubai. The crust is perfectly baked, the toppings are fresh, and the flavors are incredibly well-balanced. If you're a pizza enthusiast, this place is highly recommended. Beyond the pizza, the Chicken Parmigiana also stands out. It's a testament to the restaurant's quality, offering a very good and tasty rendition of the classic dish. The balance of tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly melted cheese makes it a satisfying and enjoyable option. In summary, "Public" Italian restaurant at Dubai Mall is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic and delicious Italian food, especially pizza. Its slightly hidden location makes it feel like a discovery, and the combination of excellent food, friendly service, and breathtaking fountain views creates a memorable dining experience. Don't let its smaller size deter you; the charm and quality more than make up for it. Highly recommended for a delightful Italian meal...
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