Cafe Nubia — Restaurant in Dallas

A Disappointing Experience with Potential

I truly believe that every establishment has the potential to improve, and this restaurant is no exception. However, my recent visit left me feeling disappointed, especially given the promise I see.

To begin with, the $20 valet charge before entering the restaurant—located in a strip mall—was surprising. The lack of validation for diners seems misguided, particularly for those who have chosen to support your establishment. Moreover, the valet failed to open the car door; instead he stood there until we got out of the car and still did not offer assistance. I noted a previous response from Cafe Nubia regarding the valet service, where they mentioned that they do not own or control it. However, as a restaurant, there are always options available. You could consider hiring a different vendor that offers better terms, such as validating the valet fees for diners. Alternatively, you might allow patrons to offer tips to cover the valet service after dining. These adjustments could significantly enhance the overall guest experience and reflect a commitment to customer satisfaction.

When it came to the basics, our experience faltered. While our waitress was decent, it was evident that she lacked necessary training, which ultimately affected the service quality.

The first glass of water we received had an unsettling dark flake floating in it. Although the waitress promptly replaced it, we were left without refills until the end of our meal.

The absence of a proper wine list was another letdown. Instead, we were offered a few verbal options that leaned toward the bottom shelf—think Boone's Farm and Barefoot brands—priced at $10 for a half glass. In contrast, the cocktail list was extensive, creating an unbalanced experience.

As we concluded our dinner, the waitress presented the bill in a rather unconventional manner. Instead of providing a clear breakdown, she called out our orders along with the total, which felt somewhat disorganized. We were taken aback by the final amount, which seemed higher than expected. Upon receiving the emailed bill, we discovered a 15% gratuity had been automatically added for our table of two—a practice typically reserved for larger groups. Given that the waitress solicited a tip, we mistakenly assumed gratuity was not included, resulting in a total of 30% taken as a tip. This felt misleading.

While the entertainment was enjoyable, it also left something to be desired. The music was pleasant, but we were disappointed to hear some songs repeated during our two-hour visit. Additionally, the absence of the advertised saxophonist was a letdown.

To cap off the evening, a photographer approached us, seeking payment to capture our picture—an odd choice that felt out of place.

I’m giving this restaurant two stars not because it lacks potential, but because I genuinely see the promise it holds. The foundation is there, and the food is quite good; however, the overall experience needs considerable focus. We had hoped this would be a place we could return to repeatedly, especially given the scarcity of refined black-owned restaurants in the DFW area. Unfortunately, while the restaurant is marketed as high-end, our experience felt more scammy and lowbrow.

The journey for patrons should begin with an attentive approach to reservations, whether online or over the phone, and ideally start seamlessly at the valet. From that point onward, every touchpoint—service, offerings, and ambiance—should reflect the quality that is promised. To succeed, it’s crucial for all businesses, particularly black-owned establishments, to be meticulously attentive to details that go beyond mere aesthetics.

We won’t be returning, but I sincerely hope the management takes this feedback to heart. With the right changes, this could be a standout restaurant that truly resonates with the...

So my sister & I were looking for a nice, new place to take our mom out for Mother’s Day. We stumbled across Cafe Nubia on Instagram and made reservations. We were so excited to try the food & feel the vibes! So we get there at 1245 noon for our 1pm reservation and were seated promptly with no issues, which was nice. We made reservations for outside due to the extremely nice weather. It wasn’t busy at all at the time we had gotten there and our server Darrien was very attentive at the beginning of service. The patio did start to fill up quite quickly.

We got a few rounds of drinks & some hookah before our appetizers finally came out. Again, it wasn’t busy at this point but there did seem to be a bit of a long wait for things to get to the table. For example, my sister had ordered her drink and an app almost immediately but when I had arrived at 1:07pm it still hadn’t made it to the table, nor had another glass of water for myself. For appetizers we had the spinach dip which came with extremely soft, warm pita bread & toasted bread for dipping. It was delicious. My only suggestion would be to have that parmesan cheese that was sprinkled on top also melted to get that cheesy cheese pull when dipping/scooping but it still was good nonetheless.

Now on to the entrees.. by this point it was around 215pm and our server had finally come back to get our entree orders. We got 2 omelette dishes and the avocado toast, bacon & scrambled eggs with cheese on the side. My mom & sister both loved the potatoes. My sister didn’t really like her omelette due to the fact that the onions were not sautéed & soft as she expected but instead were crunchy. She also expressed that her omelette was bland. My mom seemed to like hers though. My avocado toast looked great at first glance, I tried the avocado & it was so creamy & good. Wasn’t really a fan of the type of bread they used & the corn seemed out of place but it was still good. The bacon was cooked to perfection, just how I like it. I didn’t see or taste any cheese in my eggs and they definitely needed salt, pepper & hot sauce. After he dropped the entrees he asked if we needed anything in which I told him I needed those 3 things. They never came & he never came back to check on us for me to remind him because I figured he forgot, which happens.. we’re all human.

When he finally came back again, we were ready for checks and a box. We paid about an even $215 (with hookah included which is a separate payment) for 3 people.

Disclaimer: As I observed the atmosphere, it seemed like there were only 2 MAYBE 3 servers on the whole patio so we have to give a bit of grace there but service did deteriorate once it got busier. I also noticed our server was taking care of a majority of the patio and some tables inside as well, so I’m thinking there might be a staffing issue and that is not technically the fault of the server, but rather on management. But it does directly affect the server because they aren't able to give the best service throughout the entirety of our meal due to all that they have to do & keep up with. The manager was walking around and speaking to tables. We boasted about Darrien to him and how he was such a fun, upbeat server with a lot of personality. However, I believe my guy needed some help towards the end. I will say I never saw him standing around doing nothing at any point, he was definitely moving & taking care of EVERYONE in his section(s)? and had a great attitude doing it. It would have been nice to see management notice that it was becoming a lot for him/them and stepped in if there is in fact a staffing issue. Instead he’s just walking around taking shots with his friends/other patrons and not paying close attention to his staff to notice he might need to jump in and...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Cafe Nubia, and I must say that it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. The moment I tasted their Spinach Dip, I knew I was in for a treat. The dip was creamy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned, melting in my mouth with each bite. The accompanying pita bread, infused with a delightful garlic butter flavor, was warm and comforting. The mini toasts provided a satisfying crunch that complemented the dip perfectly. It was a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that left me wanting more.

For my main course, I opted for the Oxtail, and it was a true masterpiece. The meat was incredibly tender, succulent, and seasoned to perfection. Each bite burst with a multitude of flavors that danced on my palate, creating a symphony of taste that was difficult to describe. The dish was accompanied by a side of spicy Molokhia rice, which provided just the right amount of heat for those who enjoy a little spice. The rice was cooked to perfection and served as a wonderful complement to the rich and savory oxtail. The plating was elegant and visually appealing, showcasing the culinary artistry of the chefs.

To accompany my meal, I indulged in the Strawberry Lemon Drop cocktail, which was a delightful blend of sweetness and a subtle hint of alcohol. I opted for a substitution of Hennessy, and it added a distinct richness to the drink. The balance of flavors was spot-on, and it was evident that the mixologists at Cafe Nubia had a keen understanding of crafting exceptional beverages.

The service at Cafe Nubia was nothing short of exceptional. From the friendly and welcoming hostess to our attentive waiter Keith and the manager, every staff member exuded warmth and professionalism. They went above and beyond to ensure our dining experience was flawless. Any minor issues that arose were swiftly and efficiently resolved, showcasing their commitment to customer satisfaction. It's hard to believe that the restaurant had only been open for two months, as the level of service was on par with well-established establishments.

Adding to the overall ambiance, there was a live band playing during my visit, performing an array of R&B songs. The singer's melodic voice and captivating performance had both my family and friends swaying to the music, creating a vibrant and enjoyable atmosphere. It truly added an extra layer of charm to an already remarkable dining experience.

Cafe Nubia stands out not only for its exceptional African-Mediterranean cuisine but also for its unique identity. The fusion of flavors, the attention to detail in presentation, and the warm hospitality make it a standout destination. The addition of the fried plantains, which tasted like crispy fries on the outside, provided an extra side that was both delightful and satisfying. If you're seeking a culinary journey that combines African and Mediterranean influences in a way that is unparalleled, Cafe Nubia is the place to be. Their food and the remarkable experience they offer are truly...