Masala Dabbas — Restaurant in London

Recently visited this restaurant for the first time. We were the first customers there having arrived at 18:00 when they first opened for the evening. A waiter appeared from behind the counter and went to check with an older gentleman for available tables (we hadn’t booked), the waiter was just handed a phone by the gentleman and told to take an order so we were left standing in an empty restaurant for a few minutes wondering what to do. Finally we were seated in the middle of the restaurant but we asked to move which they were fine with but it was made clear other tables were booked. Another couple arrived soon after us also without booking and it was touch and go wether there were any tables available for them, they also had it made clear that other tables had been booked, they were eventually seated next to us. Very soon the restaurant was nearly full and there was a delay getting our order taken, eventually we placed our order. Food was very good indeed, I asked for mine to be slightly more Spicey than the standard but my curry eating all over the world must’ve dulled my sense of spice so I should have asked for even more. Rice tasted nice and fresh and not left over from the lunch time like some restaurants might do. It was hard to get someone’s attention to ask for the bill but eventually it came. The 10% optional service charge is clearly shown on the bill and although we didn’t mind paying the full 10%, there was a mistake in our change but the young waitress candidly admitted to being “rubbish at maths” (and clearly she was) so this made the whole paying experience more painful than was necessary. To summarise, it’s best to book, food is good, the young waiters all seem to try hard but it’s clear they are all either very new to the industry or need more instruction and guidance, as does the older gentleman who might be the owner and may be best suited back of house.

I posted the above review on Trip Advisor. The restaurant replied and told me to “ask for extra spice next time”. That’s all very well but if I had done that it may have blown my head off and I may not have been able to eat it. I’m pretty sure they would then tell me to ask for less...

We have visited a number of times and have always had lovely food and nice service. We took friends with us on Saturday. The usual front of house guy who is very good was not there. There were three people serving tables. It was very quiet but we put this down to being a hot evening so not many people want to sit inside to eat! The staff were polite but not very well trained. So, if they were new then the owner (who was there) should be observing ! When we were ordering our food the lady asked us if we really needed 3 rice's (there were 4 of us) and when we pointed out that we did she then asked our friend, when he ordered his food, if he really needed another rice as we had 3 already? We also had confusion over bread but she may not have heard correctly ? The food came and it was lovely! She then asked if we wanted sweets and then only gave us 1 menu and after a minute came back to ask if we knew what we wanted (obviously 4 people had not had a chance to look at one menu in a minute). We ordered some sweets and our friend ask for a coffee. She was told 'no' by a very timid lady who could not understand us. I approached the owner and he imformed us the machine was broken and he could make an instant coffee but we decided against it. As soon as we finished our sweets the owner came over and told us that they close in ten minutes ( good we didn't have that coffee as we would have run over their closing time. I appreciate they close at 10.30 because they dont want people in there from the pubs. There's a lack of customer awareness and service here! We did not expect to sit there half of the night but fail to see why this needs to be pointed out so quickly. It's almost like....we have your money now you can go, thanks. Our bill was £150. I should think the lack of customers that night they would have be...

AWEFUL. I used to visit on a regular basis - but tonight. NEVER AGAIN, and the only reason they have 1 star is that Goolge won't let me leave none. WHY? I booked a table a week ago using the online booking system, but didn't get a response. When I checked my reservation today I was told they were fully booked.. without asking my name. I asked if they would check to see if my reservation was there and again was told they were fully booked, and if they accepted my reservation they would have emailed me. More fool me for assuming that a reservation request would be accepted by default unless you are told otherwise. SO if you book hear assume by default they are full and your reservation request is denied. This is not the first time we have experienced such bad service hence the reason I am venting my anger now. On the last occassion we went here it was for Valentines, there were just 5 couples, the staff were overun - appaling service and we had decided not to return, zero atmosphere and a total passion killer for the night. Today has proofed that the current managers are as bad. ZERO customer care or service... Their loss not mine. Thank God for Village Cuisine in Farnborough Village who have found us a table and saved the day.

It is now the next day. I recieved an email from Masala Dabbas today telling me they were declining my reservation... A week after I made it and the day after the meal was supposed to take place. Enough said.

I am however glad because we went to The Village Cuisine in Farnborough who delivered a fantastic meal, huge portions, far better quality than we had previously been experiencing so actuall, on reflection I need to thank Masala for their poor service as it has given us the reason to try...