Yaz Restaurant — Restaurant in London

I attended as part of a large group booking and, unfortunately, the experience left a lot to be desired.

To start with, we were told that the remaining balance had to be paid in full before any food would be served. We had already paid £20 deposits per head for a £40 set menu, despite the website stating only a £10 deposit is required for groups over five. I’ve never encountered a restaurant that demands full payment for food and service before anything is served—especially not for a sit-down meal—which felt both unwelcoming and unorthodox.

When the starters eventually arrived, some were passable but others were frankly disappointing. The cheesy garlic bread lacked garlic flavour entirely and had the texture of something microwaved. The cheese looked melted but had set into a strange consistency. The feta and parsley borek was underwhelming—it tasted more like mozzarella, and we could barely find any parsley at all.

To make matters worse, the kids weren’t served any starters, nor were their meals brought out alongside the adults’ starters, which left them hungry and irritable. When the kids' meals did finally arrive (with the mains), the children had mostly lost interest and barely touched their food. The overall timing of service was poor—I received my main course long after most of the group had already finished eating.

As for the mains, the lamb was tough and chewy, the chicken lacked flavour, and the meats were excessively oily. They were served atop what seemed to be a slice of tortilla wrap, which became unpleasantly soggy due to the oil.

Service-wise, it was a mixed bag. One member of staff in particular was unwelcoming and borderline rude. She ignored a spill of apple juice on the floor near the kids’ table several times until I personally requested a mop and tissue—something that should’ve been addressed immediately for safety reasons. Even then, she seemed annoyed and gave the children disapproving looks, which felt completely inappropriate.

The one bright spot was Lauren, who was warm, courteous, and professional throughout. She was attentive and kind, and I genuinely hope she’s recognised for her excellent service—she was the saving grace of the evening.

All in all, this was a disappointing dining experience that fell short on both food quality and hospitality, with the exception of Lauren’s...

I met my friend here a few months ago for dinner one sunday early evening. After we were seated we waited so long for someone to serve us we had to walk to the bar and ask for a drink. Our main meal and 1 drink took 3 hours due to the bad service we experienced. Only when we put our coats on did someone come over to take our money. It wasn't busy and there were plenty of staff there. However I must say the food was good. I emailed the restaurant and heard nothing back. As Yaz has good reviews and thinking this was a just an off I booked Xmas dinner in November on the site. Early December I thought I would call just to clarify my booking. I was told that they were not sure they would be open Xmas day yet and once they had decided would I like someone to call and confirm? I said of course I do! Its Christmas dinner and I need to know. 2 weeks before Christmas I still hadn't heard anything so called to confirm the booking. I was told they would be open and the dinner would be £35 pp and I would receive a email shortly to confirm and browse the Christmas menu. 1 week before Christmas day I still hadn't recived an email so I called and spoke to Yaz. I explained how disappointed I was and he apologised,confimed my Christmas day booking with him. He confimed the price was at a charge of £80?! I told him this was not what I had been told and he apologised again. I told him that I wanted to support his local business but he was making it very hard for me after the experience I was receiving. Yaz asked if there was anything he could do to make me come back. I told him giving me my Christmas dinner at the price I was first quoted would be nice but he could not agree to this. He said he would send me the Christmas menu and told me to reply to what I thought would be a way of making me come back and eat at Yaz. I'm still waiting for that email!!!! I won't be going back. If you don't mind going to Yaz on a quite day and get bad service, if you don't mind booking an important dinner well in advance only to be told you will be charged double the price, if you don't mind receiving no reply or wasted words when you finally do speak to the owner then this is the place for you!...

Lovely ambience, nice food but wretched service. I say this but with ⚠️ as it's not directed at all staff (bar and female staff lovely). However, to the male staff. I witnessed members of staff actively arguing with customers (the customer is always right), rather than be polite and offer to correct the problem. Manager approached with a terrible attitude, to a complaint. Never, ever approach a customer with your arms folded! Christmas party booked 5 weeks ago, for 20ppl but received a call the week prior, stating our booking was cancelled, without explanation. Upon questioning, was rebooked. On arrival, to restuarant, there was no table for us, resulting in staff pushing tables together. £38 each, for two course meal. Starters were small and simple, having to request for more. Steak, fatty but tasty. Due to booking service, we were removed from out table, asked to sit in "lounge" area but chairs were not provided for us, upon asking we were met with disdain, being told that we should be leaving not sitting. If people are paying 💰 and filling your till why would you throw them out, talking about your booking system when no one is in the way, sitting in guests laps, getting under diners feet or causing problems. Because a complaint was made, 3 desserts were brought, with 8 spoons, as a good will gesture. Who's eating 3 desserts when there are 20 of us. We've just come out of covid. I'm not putting my spoon, in a dessert, 19 other people are dipping into, with 8 spoons! This might be an amazing place for a young person but for a woman, who works in hospitality, and comes from a family line, in hospitality, not impressed. Could only be a family business. Would never happen at Pizza Express, the manager's head would spin, if such treatment took place. Upon leaving, the host enquired about my night and experience. I made it very clear the review would not be pretty and here it is. Our party was not made to feel comfortable at all. BUT... the DJ is banging and bar staff make good...