I'll start with the positives, the food was very tasty and we greatly enjoyed our individual dishes.
That's where the positives end. The amount of food that was presented to myself and my mother, for the amount we paid, was very little (it was the Linguini Ai Gamberi Rossi). It was a little embarrassing that the pasta was almost gone in a few short minutes into the meal, compared to my Dad who had the lamb.
The dining room, though it was quiet when we initally arrived, has not been sound proofed adequately enough, with the noise from the full room of patrons reaching deafening levels to the point where trying to have a conversation was near impossible and unpleasant. The decor is great, but needs more soft furnishings to absorb more of the noise, especially during peak times. This is the same problem that the previous restaurant had, no lessons have been learnt.
The service, though the staff on hand were doing their best, was unfortunately very slow and seemed understaffed for peak serving times on a Saturday evening, with waits between meals becoming noticeably longer, culminating in a near 30+ minutes for 2 scoops of ice cream and a tart to appear for dessert. More waiters and better sectioning is required for a smoother service - we did notice several other customers getting irate and making complaints. What did not help either is that there is no proper cloak room for jackets or coats, instead there were/are two heavily laden coar stands, and our coats where not even on these, instead in the supply room for the bar!
It is a pity that the service was the letdown, and though I can't blame the staff, a few months after opening and this should not be an issue, with more staff being on hand to assist the suited waiters. That and the portion sizes.
Would I visit again? Perhaps not now that I have seen it...
   Read moreBocca Social is a gem nestled in the heart of the Tunbridge wells, offering a delightful blend of culinary mastery and warm hospitality. Under the guidance of Manager Kavi, this restaurant transforms dining into an unforgettable experience.
Upon entering Bocca Social, one is immediately struck by its inviting ambiance. The decor strikes a perfect balance between chic and cozy, creating an ideal setting for any occasion, be it a romantic dinner or a lively gathering with friends.
The menu at Bocca Social is a testament to culinary excellence. Each dish is a work of art, carefully crafted to tantalize the taste buds. From appetizers bursting with flavor to entrees showcasing the freshest ingredients, every bite is a journey of culinary delight. The wine selection complements the menu perfectly, offering a variety that pairs beautifully with the dishes.
What truly sets Bocca Social apart is the impeccable service led by Manager Kavi. Kavi's passion for hospitality shines through in every interaction, ensuring that guests feel not just welcomed, but truly cared for. His attention to detail and commitment to excellence create a seamless dining experience that leaves a lasting impression.
During my recent visit, I had the pleasure of trying their signature dish, the Bocca Special Pasta. It was a symphony of flavors, with the homemade pasta perfectly cooked and the sauce bursting with freshness. Paired with a glass of their recommended red wine, it was a culinary journey I won't soon forget.
Whether you're a food enthusiast seeking new culinary adventures or simply looking for a place to unwind and enjoy delicious food, Bocca Social is a must-visit. With Manager Kavi at the helm, you can expect nothing short of an exceptional dining experience that will keep you coming...
   Read moreNew restaurant, wedding anniversary, high expectations. Unfortunately the new owners have not addressed the ambient noise aspect. In fact playing hits of the 80's and everything a little too loud for conversation it would appear they are aiming at the cocktail/clubbing demographic. As a professional audio installer, I would like to know why and what they are expecting from the sound system. We had an early, 6.30 booking and were there for less than two hours. The food was well prepared and very good. This is where the pluses finish as whilst we were drinking our coffee a waiter came up to me and asked if we would be much longer as they had another booking in 10 minutes. My reply was short and direct. He never came back. In fact they asked another table of 30 somethings if they could continue with their drinks at the bar or outside. They were more accommodating! This may be the norm but not for my generation or standards. If we wanted fast food we would have gone elsewhere. On top of this after attracting a waiter for the bill, he disappeared and went about other jobs, forgot about us and we had to attract a female member of staff to bring the payment machine over!! So much for the urgency! This is not a cheap restaurant and we booked over the phone. At no time were we forewarned of this situation until drinking our coffee! Totally out of order. We will not...
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