Maramia Cafe — Restaurant in London

I arrived at the restaurant for an early supper with my 16 year old kid. Our first dining experience together after a rough move into the area. I had tried the food on a prior visit and knew my kid would love any cuisine connected to our maternal side of family. Especially that she doesn’t get to meet them much.

The staff were incredibly nice to us including the guy at the door. They practically bent over backwards to get us indoor seating whilst pre-booking is required, it didn’t work out but it was very much appreciated ✊🏻.

We sat outdoors, great weather, tasty starters, it seemed like a very successful evening up until I noticed a guy in a white shirt taking videos of guests I assumed to be posted online. I asked the guy by the door to respectfully tell the guy In the white shirt (who turned out to be the owner) that we don’t wish to be posted on social media or online in general, next thing I knew the owner came charging at us and despite my please don’t chop my head off smile, he questioned in an interrogatory manner ‘‘Who are you???’’ multiple times, as his tone elevated gradually each time separated by an awkward silence and his beady eyes (kid stopped chewing), then dramatically pointed his index finger to the sky and aggressively stated “This is a Palestinian restaurant!!!!!!” Insinuating that we should be honoured to be posted online at his restaurant. (Ironically the Freedom of Palestine, and it’s Just cause was never at question in our heart body and soul here) (the Drama Queen just wanted his egoistic scenario to be true) At first I felt the urge to share my lineage.. then explain the rule my Father made for his offspring not to be take to a life posting their whole existence on social media; and that I shall respect his word until the End of time, Arab to Arab he’ll 100% understand (all in one breath), but his Machiavellian situ didn’t help. So I deferred to traditional reasons, and offered to use the plant next to me as camouflage if he wishes to retake a video. He replied “Your Right” and even showed me the deletion of the video, he retook the video but while shouting “Hide” multiple times in a derogatory manner, still I wasn’t ready to Judge, but when he walked across to his acquaintance sitting at the table next to us and stated very loudly “على صرمايتي” = “Over my shoe” and "آخر همي" = "least of my worries”. Very prominent Arabic insults. I intensely Judged him. Kid’s face dropped, appetite gone with the wind, and anger broiled within me (I never felt like transforming into Smaug so much in my life). Had kid not been there I would’ve told him that “الاحرار" =free people don’t behave like a ; صرماية = a shoe, especially when a minor is present, (and possibly threw my shoe at him) but my Mother’s instincts concluded crazy eyes here is looking for trouble. So I chose the amicable way, to leave with my head held high (after paying the full bill ofcourse).. (without waiting for the main course).. but in an Amicable manner at least , gracefully.

Reviewers, the food was great I shan’t lie but if you decide to dine there despite the owner’s absolute insolence, avoid him at all cost, he seems like the type that will spit in your food if you unintentionally hurt his ego, God be with you if you decide on intentional. And to the great staff.. with a very heavy heart I say …...

Maramia Cafe: A Celebration Dinner Disaster

If you're considering Maramia Cafe for your next dining experience, do yourself a favour and look elsewhere. Our visit to this so-called Palestinian food restaurant for a friend's lifestage celebration was nothing short of a nightmare. Here's a detailed account of why you should avoid this place at all costs.

A Gruelling Start

From the very beginning, Maramia Cafe proved difficult to deal with. Despite initially insisting on an outrageous minimum charge of £85 per person, they grudgingly agreed to a £50 per person charge due to our large group size. But the concessions ended there. We had to pre-order not just the food but also commit to specific quantities of beers and wines. To add insult to injury, several items on the menu were suddenly "unavailable," making it nearly impossible to finalize our orders.

A Dingy Atmosphere

Upon arrival, we were greeted by a small, cramped space with dirty walls and rickety tables and chairs. The decor, or lack thereof, featured walls riddled with nail holes from past paintings that were never replaced. The overall ambiance was untidy and unwelcoming, far from what you'd expect for a celebratory dinner.

Chaotic Service

The service was abysmal from the get-go. It took a full 30 minutes for the starters to arrive, despite us providing a detailed Excel sheet with names and orders. Instead of attempting to match dishes to guests, the staff simply plonked everything in the middle of the table, leaving us to sort it out ourselves.

The main courses followed an hour later, with the same disorganized approach. Orders were forgotten, and once again, dishes were haphazardly plonked down. To make matters worse, the staff began clearing unfinished plates and bringing doggie bags without even asking if we were done.

Deserted Desserts

The so-called dessert course was the final straw. Not only did it never arrive during our three-hour ordeal, but those who stayed behind were eventually served. Yet, everyone was charged the full minimum charge, despite many leaving without receiving their desserts.

Abysmal Food Quality

As for the food, it was a colossal disappointment. My mixed grill was inedible—dry, tasteless meat slapped onto a plate with no accompaniments like rice, potatoes, or even bread. My partner's couscous chicken was equally bland and uninspired. The overall quality was far below what you'd expect, especially at the exorbitant prices.

Rude and Incompetent Service

The service was not only shocking in its rudeness but also demonstrated a complete lack of experience and competence. The staff seemed more interested in starting their own party—dancing on tables—than serving paying customers.

Scammed at the End

As if the experience wasn't bad enough, when the bill came, they demanded £60 per person, scamming us out of more than the agreed £50 charge. This was after not even delivering everything we had ordered.

Verdict: Avoid at All Costs

In summary, Maramia Cafe is a disaster on all fronts: dreadful service, overpriced and subpar food, and an overall scam with their minimum charge policies. Save your money and your sanity by avoiding this place entirely. We left feeling unwell and utterly disappointed—certainly not the experience you want for a...

The food was delicious. There is no doubt about that. However many other things happened that significantly devalued my experience at this restaurant. Firstly, our party of 6 was waiting for at least 45 minutes for our drink and order to be taken. Once the waiter was finally taking our orders, his personal phone rang and he stopped to take his phone call. It was clear that he had taken the orders in a rather disorganised way, so there was some confusion when we finally got our drinks 30 minutes after ordering. The wait time for the food was also incredibly long. Our reservation was for 7 pm and food arrived on the table at around 9 pm. Moving past the initial disappointments and delays, the real blow came at the time of payment. Our party had split the bill amongst 6 people. Each paying a different amount. They accidentally charged one of our party £10 pounds more than he was supposed to pay and upon notifying the staff, they refused to refund the money. Instead, they offered him an overpriced bottle of wine charging him for the difference in price.

Given the significant service delay and the general lack of organisation of the wait staff and the payment situation,we were all l left incredibly disappointed.

The space also poses serious health and safety issues. For instance, the wine bottles used as candle holders are not fit for purpose. Long candles places in the small opening of the bottle were unstable and wobbly. Upon arrival, in the hassle and bustle of sitting down, the candle and the holder toppled over , pouring hot wax over a member of our party. Additionally the table top is not fixed to the table legs, so when moving around the table everything was incredible unsteady.

Overall, I will not be returning and I am very incredibly disappointed if not appalled by the behaviour of the staff towards accidental overcharge...