Sasso — Restaurant in England

Having dined here since the days it was known as Conti, my wife and I had both looked forward to an evening reservation in Sasso after their recent refurbishment. Sadly it was a disappointment from the beginning! Staff greeted us with remarks that they were very busy and would not be sure when our 19.30 reservation would be available. There was an offer to stand at a packed out small bar, noting that the previously provided guest seating had been removed during the refurbishment. We were very nearly to leave and find another restaurant when the manager seated us. Strangely the manager who seated us played off that his team were 'jokingly' saying they couldn't guarantee a reserved table time! Had a different approach been taken then we would have not been considering leaving and going elsewhere. The refurbishment looks good and the food still lovely, however the place has been packed out with tables to the point there is little space for staff and customers to move about. This change has all led to a chaotic experience and a poor show on ambience, in comparison to the many family meals and celebrations of the past we have enjoyed at this restaurant. Sadly, the service experience was also disorientated with our meals first being served to other diners and the meals of others being served to our table first in error. There didn’t appear to be any single waiter taking responsibility to look after each table either, which is often the best way to create a personal sense of hospitality. When we were served our main meals the waiter didn’t offer to order more drinks or take away our empty glasses. We chose to leave after our mains in favor of desserts, cocktails and wine elsewhere. The manager did see our poor experience and make an apology when we left, with the justification of it being a busy night. I dont think there was much he could have done to avoid the shortcomings of our experience and could also see other diners were seeing similar issues. In my opinion the place has taken on far too many tables for the space available, which could continue to impact the reputation of this very popular restaurant. Hopefully its just teething problems and potentially a new staff team finding their feet. Its rare that my wife and I manage an evening out together and with a long awaited evening ending in disappointment, we will be in two minds about choosing Sasso when the opportunity next arises for a date...

Bit of a weird one, we've been here before and never had any complaints before only positive experiences.

Tonight was very different. Party of 6, table booked for 7.30pm, food ordered at 7.35, starters came out at 7.45- which was abit too fast. But ok.

The ribs normally amazing, tasted extremely strong of aniseed and had like a weird aftertaste. So were a little unpleasant. The garlic breads with cheese were a little bit soggy, but the pate was really nice.

We then got served our mains at 8.05, less than 5 mins after our starters were clear, and was asked immediately when our food came out 'is everything ok'. We hadn't even started eating yet!

2 pasta dishes,gorgeous! 2 T-bone steaks, amazing. 1 chateau briand, was bland not well seasoned, and cold and not really up to scratch. We were disappointed.

We were getting our table cleared by 8.25, and sending back half the chateau briand meat.

We then got asked if everything was OK, we explained it wasn't then the manager came to talk to us, and proceeded to say, other people have ordered it and thats how it is.

Unfortunately after 24 years in hospitality, ive never heard a restaurant manager say anything like that, I merely said I wasn't asking for a freebie, I didnt say I wasn't paying for it. I was giving him my feedback instead of just writing a review.

I think its important they get feedback in person. Not just on here, We left at 8.35pm. It was just weird, and we almost felt like they were trying to get us in and out as fast as possible and we were sat in a very quiet empty area of the restaurant. I've had a better steak at hickorys, and it may be that the supplier hasn't supplied great cuts or something, but never felt so rushed in an well established restaurant before, not saying ill never go back but for the price ive been put off returning for the quality...

Health hazard!! Sasso should be ashamed

We have had many meals at Sasso in the past but have noticed that over the last 12 months service, attention to detail and food quality has been slowly dropping. Lasts night's meal was a disaster. My wife and I went out with friends expecting to have a nice time, but it was not to be. The Scallop appetizer at just under £11 consisted of four of the tiniest scallops you will ever see - they were smaller than my thumbnail. My friend had the same, tiny portion. Then the main course arrived before we had finished eating the appetisers!. The waiters hung around with the main course until we finished, grabbed the empty plates and left the main course. When I complained they told me they were busy and if we didn't take it it could be a while before we got served new mains...we therefore reluctantly took the food. We shouldn't have. I had ordered the veal chop, which while charred on the outside was stone cold and raw on the inside. I suspect it had been cooked from frozen..... I don't believe anybody in the world should be served raw cold veal as to me its definitely a health hazard. My wife's Cod was undercooked with soggy skin, and the lasagne was burnt. The salmon dish looked ok but was a tiny portion. When I spoke to the manager he just grinned inanely and told me "they were busy", no apology for serving hazardous raw food or spoiling our evening.. And to add insult to injury they mentioned paying the bill, although after a little discussion they agreed this should be completely waived. At this point we had had enough and left. Based on the slow decline we have seen, culminating in this experience, we will not be going back. Zero Customer Service by Sasso and they should be ashamed of themselves. Very, very...