Safina World Restaurant — Restaurant in Columbus

Very disappointing customer service. My friend was excited to take me and my mother here. We went on Wednesday around 5pm/6pm. It was our first time and he was very embarrassed by how one the male employees acted on the shift. He said they’re normally much nicer than the way they acted. My mother ordered mango juice and simply didn’t like it, I tried it too and it had no taste. Ok, whatever no big deal. I’ll pay the difference/pay for another drink. But, the way the male employee reacted was extremely rude? First, he was like “did you put something in it to water it down?” Who would say that to a customer? Then he goes to the drink machine and drinks a sample of the mango in front of us. I work in the food industry and I’m in management, you’re not supposed to drink or eat food behind the counter while you’re serving people btw. Also, where would she have time to water or lie about her drink? We never left the store and were dining in? I ended up just paying my mother for a smoothie that tasted better. He was just very hostile for no reason. Also, the other guy on register forgot ring in one of my drinks? Even though we had just confirmed it with him? Idk like the employees just acted dissociated and like on autopilot. It was weird. We felt ignored lol. I work in the food service industry, so I really hate writing complaints because I understand how draining it can be to deal with customers you know? But this was a completely unacceptable way to react to a customer simply not being satisfied with their drink. I just felt it was insulting. The rest of our food was fantastic, me and my mom just felt completely unwelcome at the location. :( Not likely to return, we were very bubbly and trying to engage but the employees vibe was just too disorganized and depressive in my opinion.

I’m just going to stick...

It was my first time coming to this place, I just happened to Google places to eat late night and this place popped. I looked at the reviews and saw nothing buy positive things, so I decided to check it out. I order online and walked in 35 mins later, I dis have to wait in a line because it was busy there. Mind you it's late at night, so in my mind, is wow actually a great thing bc the food must be good. So the orders were backed up, they actually had to stop the line to fulfill the orders of those who were there already. However, I waited in line patiently. He finally got to me. I explained I ordered online, he let me know it wasnt ready bc they are still backed up. I decided to sit, which wasn't too bad. I received my food in the next 15 mins.

The guy called me back up to pay like he did the previous backed orders. However, when I went to pay the guy gets smart to the guy, like dude are you going to take my order, he explained to him he in just minute as he was trying to ring me out. Then a girl behind starts getting smart to me and ask how did I walk up and receive my food. I explained to her nicely that I went through the same process she did. She says whatever, and I proceeded to ring out my food.

I was so threw off, like it's food sis. I didn't dish anyone I also had to wait. However, I didn't say anything but paid and left.

I say all this to say the reviews are right, the food is amazing, great taste, great portions and so good. I'm truly impressed. And although I had that interaction I will be coming back. Places like...

Safina is a hidden gem in the cut of Columbus OH! They're open late thankfully. It made for a great after concert take out meal. The place was busy but food was coming out a quick pace. The menu is huge, with plenty of options across different cultures and ingredients. Prices are fair, definitely some good deals on their menu.

I ordered the Gyro & Gritts... BANGIN' MY BOY!!! I was blown away with the amount of flavor, ingredients and overall portion size. The dish came out piping hot n fresh. Everything from carrot, peas, potato, greens, beans, pepper, etc were found in the mix. The gyro meat is very tasty too. The gritts were cooked good and really brought this dish together, soaking up the gyro "sauce." The flavors reminded me of an Ethiopian dish, bursting with spice and flavor. I was really satisfied with my dish.

My only comment would be a little more friendly service. I get that it's busy though so it's really not a big deal at all. The gentleman was professional but not very friendly or inviting.

I'll definitely be back. Very curious to try their traditional...