Cafe Landwer — Restaurant in Boston

On Monday, I took my family who was visiting from outside the U.S. to this restaurant. My Israeli friends had recommended the place, and we were excited when we stumbled upon it while walking and discussing breakfast plans. After a short wait, we were seated.

Seating was a bit awkward. The lady at the front was not welcoming or nice but that was okay - at least at the time. Despite several open tables in the main dining area, we were placed in a separate room, right behind the door. We assumed the main room might be reserved, so we didn’t mind. Shortly after, a group of four ladies was seated directly behind us. They became quite loud, and given the size of the room and the many empty tables, we politely asked our waitress if we could move to a quieter spot. She was kind, understanding, and helped us relocate to a table by the window.

We had just placed our drink orders and were looking through the menu when the woman who originally seated us approached. In a surprisingly rude tone, she told us, “You cannot change your table.” I was shocked because this was the first time I’ve ever been spoken to like that in a restaurant, especially one with such a strong reputation.

She went on to explain that switching tables messes up their system, to which I calmly responded that we had asked the waitress, and she said it was okay. Her reply? “They don’t understand how the system works. They’re not in charge. They can’t make that decision.” When I asked who was in charge, she curtly responded, “I am.”

What made the situation even more uncomfortable was the way she spoke to the staff, not just us. She was dismissive and rude to the waitress who had kindly helped us, in front of customers. It was unsettling and frankly unprofessional. No one deserves to be talked to that way, customer or employee.

At that point, we chose not to argue further, but the interaction completely ruined the atmosphere and our motivation to stay. We got up, left and told her that her behavior was very rude. I understand there may be internal processes or frustrations, but this is something that could have been handled with grace and professionalism. A simple backend table update is not worth embarrassing or scolding guests, or your own staff by another staff, over.

If table changes are a serious issue, then staff training, not customer confrontation, is the solution. Teach your team how to handle such requests or clearly communicate table policies beforehand. Guests should never bear the brunt of internal miscommunication.

It genuinely saddens me how poorly we were treated within just 10 minutes of arriving. I was really looking forward to enjoying a special breakfast with my family. Unfortunately, I won’t be returning to any of the locations. I truly hope this feedback helps inspire some training and a greater emphasis on...

Food was rather average. Their "famous (chicken) schnitzel" was good but I wouldn't say it meets the expectations places upon it and barely meets the $20 price tag.

The weakest link here is the service. The servers are happy and cheerful, but the service is CONSISTENTLY far below what one expects in America. In the 4 out of 5 times I've eaten here, I've only interacted with the server to order and then pick up the check. They seem rather attentive in both instances, but it seems that you're expected to wave them down for anything else. I'm not sure if this is supposed to imitate "international" dining style that's distinctive low contact and attention while dining but if it is, it is this is not communicated in a clear way. Either way, they're still expecting American tipping rates with the suggested tip starting at 15%.

And if you end up at the "bar" facing away and outside, just assume you're going to be entirely forgotten about.

Atmosphere, I have to say is a bit above average. It invokes European café vibes that feels classy and also casual.

Overall, pretty average experience shamed by below expected service. Every time I come back for the schnitzel (which is almost impossible to find near me) the service reminds me why I don't go here often.

Second chance review: Wanted to give them another chance at meeting my schnitzel craving. I took a good look at their open table menu (their listen menu is behind an app, so annoying) and decides to go traditional and get it with mashed (or crushed or whatever synonym is in style) potatos. Put on a reservation on a Friday after work. I'm looking forward to this sweet Friday self-appreciation all afternoon. After making it to the restaurant, I see their menu and it's gone - no mashed potato sides. I ask the waitress and after checking with her boss, she says they can accommodate with another more fancy potato dish that's basicsly mashed potatoes, but AT A HIGHER COST.

Nope. I'm done. I left without touching anything and went to the bar across the street. I sure if I played it out I could have talked to the manager and convinced him, but I was out of patience both for the evening and for this restaurant.

I dislike,...

My most recent visit was horrible. Employees were rude, harsh, and blatantly disrespectful. Cafe Landwer used to be a great restaurant with friendly staff. Now all the employees are teenage girls to women in their 20s who still act like teenagers. Upon entering, I was not greeted by a host and had to ask for a table. The hostess at the front asked, “Is bar seating ok?” in the most monotone manner, and pointed to the furthest left side of the restaurant. I said “Yeah, sure sounds great”. It was freezing at this area and when my food came out, it got cold in 5 minutes. We also were right next to the open-air refrigerator. I had to eat with my puffer jacket on. There’s such limited space at the bar that I dropped my pita (extremely small portion of about 4 nacho-sized chips) and picked everything up respectfully and placed it on the plate that dropped. I apologized respectfully asked for another plate of pita and the waitress seemed annoyed by my request. Then, after eating for 5 minutes, I was handed the bill. The waitress did not indicate she gave me the bill, neither did she say, “Take your time.” Or anything of that manner. She just gave me a stern look. When I paid, the waitress looked down at the screen to tip and glared at me, as if I wasn’t going to tip? Most people look away during this time, or at least say something to me. The waitresses and hostesses barely said anything to me at all. They all seemed incredibly unprofessional. This is for the teenage hostess with brown hair, glasses, pale skin, and the waitress with tan skin, glasses, and dark brown hair with orangey-blonde ombré/ highlights. Every other staff member I’ve enjoyed, every waiter I’ve had I’ve enjoyed and were kind to. The food was also $27 for a measly kids’ size meal. Cafe Landwer has gone down. Needs to train staff better or fire...