Taste The Flavor Brunch Bar — Restaurant in Alpharetta

I visited this restaurant for a pre-birthday celebration, and unfortunately, the experience was one of the most disappointing I’ve ever had.

We were told there would be a 40-minute wait, but that stretched into nearly 80 minutes, even though the restaurant only had about 50 people inside. When we were finally seated, the check-in scan didn’t work, and the hostess had to be flagged down. Instead of menus, she pulled one up on her personal phone and left it with us. Another 15 minutes passed, and by then no one had even offered water or drinks. When I returned her phone, she seemed to have forgotten she left it with us in the first place.

During this time, I noticed a woman in an orange-and-white jacket walking back and forth straightening tables but never helping guests or staff. The restaurant looked chaotic and unorganized. Guests around us began leaving, and I soon realized it wasn’t just our table—service issues were happening everywhere. The hostess kept saying she was “working to get someone.” Eventually, a waiter arrived, but he was already handling two large parties.

When we tried to order, we were told the restaurant was out of steak, red snapper, and lobster. On a holiday weekend, that lack of preparation was unacceptable. We ordered from what was left, but the order was never entered—our server went back to cleaning tables. At that point, we decided to leave.

As we walked out, the hostess turned her head to avoid us. Other parties who had been seated before us were also leaving, including a group of 14 who said they had waited 45 minutes with no food. Some guests complained about receiving the wrong orders.

Before leaving, I asked to speak with the manager, who turned out to be the woman in the orange-and-white jacket. She was arrogant, defensive, and dismissive. Instead of listening, she argued with me in front of waiting customers, then walked away while I was still explaining the issue. She never once stepped in to help her staff or resolve problems, despite pacing the restaurant the entire time. This was the worst part of the experience.

To make matters worse, when I asked about Labor Day hours, the waiter said he didn’t know if the restaurant would even be open. The website listed Monday hours, but the sign outside still said “Closed on Mondays.” Our plan was that if the food and service had been good, we would bring family back on Labor Day. After this experience, that is no longer an option.

We went directly to Connors afterward, where the contrast was striking. Connors seated us quickly, provided excellent service, and even extended complimentary desserts after hearing about what we had just gone through. We had hosted a previous party at Connors and always had a great experience there. By comparison, trying this new restaurant was a complete disappointment.

The photos and 100 health score on this restaurant’s website do not reflect the reality of its standards. Anyone can put up attractive pictures, but customers should not have to endure long waits, unprofessional staff, or a manager who avoids responsibility.

As a businesswoman, I can say this was unacceptable on every level. The staff seemed untrained, unprepared, and unsupported by leadership. Unless there is immediate retraining—and a serious change in management—this restaurant will continue to lose customers and damage its reputation. Alpharetta is a diverse, thriving community with high expectations, and this restaurant does not meet them. The investors may look at the sales, but customers service is what keeps you in business. I have never wrote a review of...

I visited this newly opened restaurant last Sunday after seeing an enticing Instagram post announcing its arrival in my neighborhood. The establishment has been open since late April, so I expected the basics, like proper utensils and attentive service, to be well in place by now. Unfortunately, the buzz generated by that post seemed to overwhelm the restaurant, and my experience was far from enjoyable.

Despite the beautifully appointed interior, several operational missteps quickly became apparent. When my family and I arrived with a reservation, we waited approximately five minutes before a host greeted us. The host then cleaned a table and seated us, but the table was bare: no décor, no utensils, no condiments.

It took another 12 minutes before our server acknowledged us, even though she passed by multiple times serving other guests. When I placed my order for the Salmon Benny and requested the fish be prepared rare, we waited 40 minutes for the food to arrive, only to realize we still had no utensils. After flagging down our server, we were handed a plastic knife and fork, napkin, and salt and pepper packets in a plastic bag, reminiscent of a school cafeteria.

The salmon was so overcooked it was dry and nearly impossible to cut with the plastic knife. I requested a replacement but was served another well-done piece. I left the dish untouched. To make matters worse, the poached egg had a hard-boiled yolk, and although the sauce was flavorful, it couldn’t save the dish.

Meanwhile, the manager on-site was visibly rushing around trying to handle various issues, but not once did she stop at a table to greet guests or ask how anyone was doing. That lack of engagement was telling.

What was most disappointing was that despite the server’s repeated apologies for the poor service and mishandled order, the item remained on the bill. This, to me, is the clearest sign of a business chasing Instagram hype rather than building sustainable practices that foster loyal customers. If a restaurant can’t prepare for an influx of activity triggered by its own marketing, it shouldn’t be leveraging Instagram as a promotional platform.

That said, not everything missed the mark. The plain French toast, fried fish and potatoes, and wagyu burger were all delicious, at least the items that were still in stock.

If you enjoy your salmon dry and well done, the Salmon Benny might be for you. Otherwise, I’d recommend steering clear. We paid and left. If the restaurant had just opened, I would have given grace, but after several months in operation, these issues are inexcusable. I won’t...

Let start by saying that the food here was incredible, and the ambiance and artwork made for a great dining experience. I came with my wife and kids—everyone enjoyed their meals. The French toast was a hit with the kids, my wife loved her shrimp, and my steak and eggs were excellent. The butter on the steak was especially good. Our server was also fantastic.

Unfortunately, the way management handled an issue ruined what could have been a five-star experience. After a couple bites of the lobster. I noticed a strong ammonia taste. I informed the manager, who took it back to the kitchen. She returned and said the chef tasted it and found it fine, but they’d make me a new one. A few minutes later, she came back again and said they were out of lobster and offered chicken or shrimp instead. I chose the chicken.

When the bill came, the lobster was still on it. I assumed that they were going charge me for the chicken instead of the lobster. I asked about it, and the manager told me they don’t issue refunds, and that the chicken was provided to accommodate me. She said she, the owner, and the chef all tasted the lobster and it was fine. I explained I wasn’t lying and had spit the food out immediately after tasting it. It wasn’t about the money—my bill was over $300 either way—it was about the principle. I was over it at this point and I told her I will just pay for it.

Eventually, she discounted the lobster, but by then the damage was done. I left feeling like I was being accused of being dishonest to avoid paying for the lobster. My wife and I were so excited about this place. We were looking forward to becoming regulars here but we don't like the way we...