Riwaz by Atul Kochhar — Restaurant in England

RUINED BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION We booked a table for 3 for yesterday(Friday 7th February)for an early dinner at 6.30pm to celebrate a significant birthday.This was mentioned to the booking team at Riwaz. Having travelled over 90 minutes to get to the venue we were shown into the large restaurant which only had one single table being occupied at that time.The table we were shown to was in a narrow passage linking the main restaurant to a small room at the side of the restaurant.The table was directly across the entrance to the disabled toilets. We were of course not happy with this and pointed this out to the manager. Having been to numerous top class restaurants,including a few by Atul Kochar(Mauritius and Wembley and indeed Riwaz once before),we expected the manager to somehow accomodate our request to be assigned another table in the empty restaurant. This was shockingly not meant to be despite our pleas. The manager,who refused to provide his name despite a number of requests,was adamant that it was this table or none at all. We decided that despite not having alternative arrangements,we would not dine there. We managed to get a last minute booking at Giggling Squid just along the road,and what a completely different experience that was to the argumentative manager at Riwaz. The staff at Giggling Squid could not do enough for us to make our day special. It must not have been easy for Atul Kochar to build up his reputation and having staff like the Manager at Riwaz is a sure way of losing the hard won reputation. Thanks for ruining our...

It started off so well. First night out with my wife in 8 months, saved up and booked. Upon arrival met with friendly staff and excellent starter. Then it bombed..

We were happy with the pace though as we hadn't been out for a while but after an hour my wife's main came without any sides. Another 10 minutes later the sides arrived with mine - COLD!.

Obviously the chef had just ladled mine into a cold copper serving pan which took all of the heat out of it so my Rogan Josh was excellent in taste, only if you like your food out of a fridge.

Without anyone to complain to explained our experience and asked for the bill, which following the offer of more drinks was presented with a heavy service charge and fully priced, accompanied by a 'doggie bag' of more cold food, I presume to say sorry. Oops!

I can imagine the chef saying 'apologies, here is some food you can take home and cook yourself'.

This was probably the funniest outcome as you go to a renowned restaurant for an experience not a take away. So be warned probably the most expensive microwave meal I will ever have purchased at £146.00.

"Please do come back again" pleaded the waiter...No thanks I suggest everyone goes to the Spice Society in Amersham if you want excellent hot food served with the same smile.

P.S. I gave it a one star, probably should...

The food was great, but the service was hugely lacking for the price point.

We had 3 tasting menus - one normal, one veg, one vegan. Whilst at times the service was incredibly slow (it took 3hrs to complete a meal and leave), the food was fantastic. But too many thighs went wrong to be a coincidence or one off.

There was nobody at the front of house. We we're greeted by someone behind the bar.

2 meals were missing bits of salad or garnish, and the wait staff had no idea if something was wrong - I'd expect them to be able to recognise it.

They gave me the wrong dessert for my menu, and when I pointed it out they made it seem like they were doing me a favour by bringing the right thing.

1 dish out of about 18 were explained to us when they hit the table.

Whilst perfectly friendly, it's clear that this is Michelin-star quality food but the service is no way near there.

It also took about 40 mins and having to gesture across the room to get our bill at the end. We didn't leave a service charge and nobody seemed interested in why.

If I were running the restaurant, that feedback is hugely valuable and I'd at least ask if they seem willing to talk. But no, they just didn't care.

5 star food, 2 star service,...