Cafe Soriah — Restaurant in Eugene

Unfortunately, everything that could go wrong did. I placed an online order early in the day on a Thursday. I followed instructions and just to make sure, called the restaurant around 3:45. I was told that "the bartender" would call me between 4:00 & 4:30. I was also told (by the owner?) that the dessert I ordered couldn't be had but the rest of my order would be ready by 5:15. I never received a call from anyone and at 5:00 I called the restaurant again. I was told that my food order had been sitting there, waiting to be picked up "for awhile". I wonder how long they were willing to let it sit there. I had no interest in eating cold leftovers, and relayed this to the server on the phone. She said she was sorry. Me too. I have never had a meal at Soriah, even though I've lived in Eugene all of my life. I've only heard good things about the owner, (even met him once long ago) and his recipes. Very disappointed. I would love to try getting take-out from here again, or just make a reservation to dine in, but my husband and I wasted over 2 hours trying to get dinner and ultimately ordered from another restaurant which serves great cuisine with great service, on a consistent basis. I don't want to give Soriah a low star rating because I believe the owner surely has earned his wonderful reputation, but I can't possibly know firsthand, whether the food really deserves it. I only know that if I had spent upward of $100, only to find the food cold and unappetizing, I would have been more than disappointed. I would welcome the chance to have the owner speak to me about this, if he has the time, of course.

Fast forward to today. After a very kind phone call from the owner, we were given a complimentary meal to make up for all the mistakes made yesterday. A very generous offer. I appeared at the correct time to pick up the meal which was the same as ordered yesterday. I brought it home, and I have to say (husband agreed) that it was easily the very best food we have had anywhere, possibly ever. Totally worth inconvenience from the previous day. I believe this establishment may be suffering from all the usual problems in the industry today....spiraling costs, labor issues, etc. Even so, Ibrahim Hamide's dishes have stood the test of time and we are immensely grateful to have gotten a chance to sample such unique and delicious food. I only wish I had visited earlier in his career. Truly fine cuisine, very much worth...

The food is average, the atmosphere is nice, but the service needs work. The bread that was brought to the table with menus was not cut through or even close enough to being cut through to be able to tear it apart without mangling it. There were only three seated tables when we walked in yet it took ten minutes to get a bottle of sparkling water to the table for my sister at which point we ordered and I requested coffee. The coffee did not show up before or even with our meal but rather at the end of our meal when I didn't have time to drink it because we had to leave to catch our show. My sister raved about the rice and jalapeno sauce that came with her salmon but said the sauteed vegetables were quite bland in comparison. I had the Hungarian Mushroom Goulash and was rather unimpressed. Our server had raved about it and I was expecting something unique and while it wasn't disgusting, it was seriously lacking. The mushrooms were under cooked, there was nothing "breaded" about the noodles and I can make a tastier sauce in my own kitchen using the same ingredients. To top it off, my card was over charged by almost $15 and was told there is nothing they can do about it until Monday. This was by far not the worst dining experience I have ever had but is is just as far from being the best.

Edit After speaking to the owner and being told that he has received many calls like mine regarding being overcharged and also being told that sometimes additional funds are held during the transaction pending process, the amount I approved was all that cleared my account. I find this highly suspect. 22% over my actual ticket was post-pending on my account when I made the call and only the ticket amount went through. I used to work at a bank, and banks don't hold extra funds to cover a transaction. It seems to me that someone is overcharging people on purpose in unusual amounts and those who actually check their transactions and not just account balances are the only calls they get. It's a good way to scam people. Closely watch your accounts if you pay...

What is the point of making a reservation at all if upon arrival no table has been reserved, you're made to feel like an inconvenience to the staff and finally walked outside (walking by at least 5 uncleared filthy tables inside) to be offered a table on the patio in the very corner that is cramped and dirty (which was not requested or desired) and then to be told that this is your only option unless you want to wait longer. I made a reservation for 7:30pm and ended up leaving at 8:10pm having not been offered inside dining options at all up to that point.

I hope the Chef see's this message: The bar staff needs an attitude adjustment (arguing with wait staff in front of customers!!! Breaking glassware over the bar area and NOT CLEANING OUT THE ICE!!! VERY DANGEROUS AND HUGELY RISKY FOR CUSTOMERS - DO YOU WANT TO DRINK DOWN A BEVERAGE TO SWALLOW GLASS??? Hello, we saw what you did! - This is in reference to a taller, white gentleman with a clean cut appearance) The Hostess needs to understand what a "host" does and welcome customers with a warm atmosphere - rather than a cold, wish you weren't here flippant attitude. Very awkward atmosphere. I do not care how busy a restaurant is! Reservations come first or do not make reservations! At least offer us some water or to sit at the bar and get a drink. We literally stood in the entryway/bar area listening and watching the mess as it happened. Glad we left that night but very upset I did not get to enjoy some of my favorite food.

I will come back as I have for many years, however it needs said that the quality of service the last few months has progressively and significantly gone down hill. New Management, New Employees or put a sign on your front door saying: "You are not...