Zi Marie’s Original — Restaurant in Berkeley Township

April 26, 2025 was my 4th time at this place. Past visits were always pleasant and at least during those visits the food was very good.

This time, however, I was kicked out of the restaurant after providing feedback on their service that the owner and chef requested.

It was bizarre to say the least. I was sitting there with my wife, her aunt, and another female friend of the aunt, enjoying the salad and appetizer, which were very good.

That’s when the owner had come out in a huff and confronted me. Placing himself very close to me as though to intimidate me, he asked me if I would like to provide feedback on their service.

So I obliged and replied, “Ok, well, it’s a bit slow today.”, and I did so in a very calm, measured manner.

Well, this set him off. He went into what I can only describe as a rabid rage. He started yelling that the reason it takes time is the extra attention and care we give to each dish.

However, we had not been served yet and had already been seated for about 40 minutes. The bread and water had just recently arrived, say 30 minutes since arrival, and the appetizer came out at about 35 to 40 minutes.

I replied to his rant by saying, “Look, you asked med and I told you. Why did you ask me if you didn’t want to hear the feedback?”

Well, that just made him angrier. He kept going on and on and on until finally I got up as if to leave.

At this point things got worse. He put his face and body right up against my face and body, and his spittle was flying into my face.

I asked him, “Why did you spit in my face?”

To which he replied, “What? I didn’t do that. What, you trying to take me outside? You want to take this outside or something?”

That was very bizarre. My reply was simply, “No, I don’t want to take you outside, I don’t do that. I said, I am no longer comfortable eating your food, and you have a lot of nerve speaking to me like this.”

After that he simply yelled, “I don’t want you here, get the hell out of my restaurant.”

So I left with no further words exchanged, but I must tell you, I was shaken. I came back to this place because the prior visits had been positive food and atmosphere experiences. Something went drastically wrong this night.

Upon reflection, I recall that earlier that evening after we had been waiting 20 to 25 minutes for bread and water (everyone at the table was complaining about it but were too afraid to say anything) I had asked the waitress in a VERY POLITE MANNER if they were short on staff that night. The only thing she said in response was, “Things will come out to your table very soon.”

And I left it at that without saying anything else. Several 10s of minutes later the owner was in my face, so Zi believe he became enraged by me asking the waitress this question.

Folks, if I were you I would not dare to offer any feedback if you decide to eat at this place. The reaction you might can could be something that you never would...

I would give this a zero if I could. First of all. The waitress was nice so no reflection on her. I ordered a "side of meatballs". When the bill came I was charged 10.95 for a side of meatballs. I called the waitress over and told her I was over charged 4.00 for the side order and I was not happy. The owner came over to me and said and I quote: "THE PRICE OF BEEF HAS GONE SO HIGH-HOW CAN YOU QUESTION WHAT THE BILL IS". ALL THE PRICE WENT UP". i TOLD HIM the price on the menu ws 6.95 and that is what I expected to be charged. He didn't listen to me and said I'm rude and he wanted to throw me and my friend out of the restaurant. I wanted to pay for my order for which I did order. I asked him again. He became extremely angry and said I'll tell them to charge you 7.95. I again said to him...The menu states 6.95 and that's what I am going to pay for the meatballs. He was nasty/angry. I will NEVER eat there again. I suggest you check the menu BEFORE you order to make sure you are not over charged. If he stated the prices changed/why did it not reflect the price on the enu. DON'T EAT THERE/NOT WORTH THE TIME...

The food was catered for a barbecue at Silver Ridge Park West yesterday. I ate the grilled chicken, and picked at a piece of overcooked sausage (without the peppers and onions) and had nothing but heartburn and indigestion throughout the whole night. The only decent food that was served was the coleslaw and macaroni salad, which they ran out of halfway through. Needless to say, I was up most of the night feeling like I was going to throw up. To top it off, Umberto had words with a few of the residents in front of other residents in line, which were uncalled for and disrespectful. The best catering Is catering from your own kitchen. This way you know exactly what...