Eli’s Restaurant — Restaurant in London

I had high hopes for this place and was disappointed and then some..

I'll explain (if you care to read).. when two people manage a restaurant of roughly 35 covers, they have to be on the ball on a Saturday night in London's Kensington. There's a bar so you need to do drinks and coffees as well as food. Orders need to be correct and the service efficient.

If you have a waitress who struggles with English a little then it's not ideal, but ok if experienced. The waitress was not however experienced and it showed. Meanwhile the owner/manager spent most of his time talking to friends on the table in front, whilst the newbie waitress tried her best. The girl got our water order wrong, not a tragedy I know, but then couldn't remember which wine was which for girls on the table next to us. Then whilst the manager chap was socialising she took our food order and I asked if we got sides with these mains. One did for sure, but mine the rotisserie chicken was unclear. She said it did and I ordered a side of green beans.

The meal itself was fine although the salad we ordered to share wasn't that great and lacked any real dressing. Also apple in a salad can be nice if cut finely and not sliced in large slivers and popped on top.

The locale is decorated nicely although, the George Michael ballads playing slightly too loud didn't do it for me.

When we came to pay I was charged for the green beans and the manager spoke to me as I explained his colleague had told me it was included. I said that I shouldn't really have to pay for the girls error, but that I wasn't too fussed. I really wanted to see how he reacted. The answer.. angrily! He begrudgingly discounted the side dish and was in an obvious strop. I could have complained about many small things (no ice or lemon in my tonic, small still water instead of a large sparkling. No dressing on the salad. Not removing the main course dishes once we finished for about 20 minutes. But these things were let go. I just wondered if the beans would be on the bill. I knew the girl had told me in an uncertain manner.

Bottom line, I didn't really rate the place and had better meals on our brief trip to London, but the boss took the prize for arrogance and rudeness. If in my establishment a team member makes a mistake then we don't quibble over a fiver. It's not like I was demanding he refund me the whole meal.

Most people would probably enjoy their meal, but if you want top service AND delicious food then go elsewhere. Not one star but definitely not 5 on this night.

The waitress tried hard, smiled a lot and nothing was really her fault. The most experienced staff should always take orders and the least experienced are better as food and drink runners....

Eli’s Restaurant in South Kensington is a delightful culinary gem that offers an exquisite blend of French and North African cuisine. The moment you step into Eli’s, you’re greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere that promises an exceptional dining experience. The restaurant prides itself on its succulent French chicken rotisserie, which is perfectly complemented by a range of sides, including the flavorful North African-inspired dishes like Couscous. The menu also features hot and cold starters such as creamy Hummus, grilled Halloumi, and crisp Falafel, catering to a variety of tastes and preferences. What’s more, the selection of desserts is a sweet conclusion to any meal, ensuring that every guest leaves with a satisfied palate. Eli’s doesn’t just stop at food; they also offer a well-stocked bar and specialize in serving Flora Tea, a unique hand-tied green tea with aromatic flowers that bloom in boiling water, providing both a visual and sensory delight. The service at Eli’s is nothing short of exceptional. The staff are known for their friendly and cozy approach, making every guest feel like part of the Eli’s family. The restaurant’s decor adds to the lovely ambiance, creating a setting that’s both elegant and comfortable. Whether you’re looking for a place to enjoy a most amazing meal created from the freshest ingredients or seeking a venue that welcomes families and accepts bookings for parties, Eli’s Restaurant is the perfect choice With a 4.5 rating and glowing reviews, Eli’s has established itself as a must-visit spot in London. Patrons have consistently praised the tasty food, especially recommending the roast chicken, sweet potato fries, and leaf salad. The consensus is clear: Eli’s Restaurant is a place where exceptional food meets welcoming service, all wrapped up in a cozy and...

I don’t understand why people are raving about this restaurant. The service is very dry, it is very obvious that the staff members change their attitude depending on the customers.

Update: their reply shows their true colours. So now I am going to explain what happened.

1. I asked for the available table outside but I was rejected because I was on my own. The table was for two people.
2. I accepted to sit inside, which was quite empty then, there was only one other group.
3. I was going to have lunch there with some alcohol drink, but since I was told to sit inside, I knew I wouldn’t stay there for long simply because I am not vaccinated. So, instead of having lunch, I decided to have a drink.
4. yes I ordered hot chocolate, but then what did you say to me? You pulled out disgusted face and said ‘…that’s it?’ which I found rude.
5. yes I used my laptop because I work over the weekend too which is none of your business, and I didn’t stay there long. So what’s the issue with me working on my laptop for 40-45 minutes, or reading my book instead? What difference does it make to you?
6. I left before the restaurant got busy -if it ever got busy. There were only two other groups inside of the restaurant when I left. So I don’t think me drinking hot chocolate for 40 minutes didn’t make you lose money.

And your rudeness started the minute I entered the restaurant. It wasn’t because I was ‘using your place as an office’ it was because you thought I wouldn’t make money for you, or due to my race? I don’t know.

Either way, I was going to come back with a friend of mine next time so that I wouldn’t receive a bad service, but now I saw your reply, it confirmed how rude you are so I wouldn’t go. Good luck with...