Namak restaurant — Restaurant in Georgia

Very rarely am I extremely honest with restaurant staff when it's talking about the food. I'm a people pleaser and tend to say "the food was great" without much comment, even when the food wasn’t that great.

That was not the case here. This restaurant is genuinely amazing, and while it's my first time having Pakistani food, I'm not sure I will find better anywhere else.

I live nearby so I just walked from my neighborhood. The ambience initially was quiet. It's only just opened so there wasn't much people inside other than the staff, who were extremely nice and very patient to somebody like me who is as white as chalk and have terrible spice tolerance (working on it!). The server was extremely helpful at picking out foods that were their specialty and Pakistani, which I appreciate a lot, and unfortunately I believe I didn't ask the name, sorry!

For drinks they recommended limo pani podina, which tasted great! A bit sweeter than I expected but also a bit sour, really good combination of mint and lime. Very refreshing after a long walk. Also tried the mango mojito which was even better, and probably what I'll get next time around. Highly recommend the mango!

The appetizer was Punjabi samosa bites, which had fantastic dough and were cooked extremely well. I'm not knowledgeable about sauces but one of the two made it taste phenomenal. Highly recommend!

For entrees, I was recommended charsi karahi and the chef made it mild for me, which made it not too spicy so I didn't tear up! The chicken was extremely moist and flavorful, and I adored their house special kandhari naan that I had on the side. I might prefer it over my usual craving for garlic naan, especially the crispy bottom it had that had some flavor left over from whatever oven was used to cook it. It's also rare to find a place where the chicken isn't dry. That being said, the white meat was still a bit more on the drier side than the dark meat.

The staff offered a free dessert for taking pictures since it was their opening week, so I tried the Shahi Gulab Jamun. Didn't expect the nuts, but otherwise was really well cooked with a really nice syrup. Highlight of the night.

Will definitely be coming back as soon as I can. I'm glad to have a place in the Windward area that has spicy food and fantastic drinks that aren't alcoholic!

Some minor issues: -- Some confusion between hours? It just opened but the website hours conflicted with Yelp hours, which said closed on every day but Friday, but also conflicted with Apple listed hours. As far as I know they're open every day but Monday! -- Wasn't sure the place was open when I first walked by. There was still a combination lock on the door so it looked closed, although the lights were on and there was an unlit sign saying...

Our Order: Charsi Karahi, BBQ Mix, Cheese Balls, Cholay, Rolls, Butter Chicken, Chicken Wings

We were charged $284 in total, including almost $37 for gratuity. When we asked about it, the waiter told us that this charge was not a tip and that we still needed to leave one separately. This is the first time I’ve ever heard of such a policy.

Food:

The flavors were nothing close to authentic Pakistani food — the BBQ especially was a complete disappointment. The chicken wings were undercooked. The only dish that was somewhat decent was the chicken charsi karahi. Our kids ordered desserts (cake with ice cream on top). The ice cream was missing, and when we reminded them, the waiter first said he would bring it. Then he returned saying it had melted and they couldn’t serve it. They only deducted $10 from a $284 bill. Butter chicken, cholay, and other items were bland and poorly made.

Service:

I had to get up five different times to remind staff about missing orders and drinks. The servers only checked on us once, and every time we pointed out something missing, they would bring just one item and forget the rest. Most of the employees were rude or had an attitude, except the girl who originally took our order — but she left shortly after. At the end, we ordered chai that never arrived. By that point, we were too frustrated to even ask again.

Overall Experience:

This was for 2 adults and 4 kids (all under 12). We’ve had far better food and customer service for under $100 elsewhere. Speaking with staff, it was clear the owner/manager mistreats employees and even keeps gratuity charges from them. Despite the terrible experience, we still left a tip out of fairness to the staff. Looking at the owner’s replies to other negative reviews, it’s obvious they don’t take honest feedback well. Many of the “good” reviews appear to be from people they know or from promotions.

As business owners who have traveled widely for food — from Houston festivals to restaurants in Atlanta — we can confidently say this was the worst dining experience we’ve ever had. Will not recommend or come back.

Customer Service: 0/5 Food: 1/5 (only because the karahi was okay)

Final Verdict: Extremely overpriced, poor service, and inauthentic food.

Yes i will edit and update this review if the owner replies with there negative feedback because they cannot accept there criticism and don't know how to. Yes and to past from people they do lie and put it on there competitors sent the negative reviews here which is funny and unprofessional accusations to make. Anyways there replies...

Having observed the buzz about Namak on social media, my family and I decided to experience it firsthand. With a limited number of restaurants offering Pakistani Cuisine, the prospect of indulging for Pakistani food in was irresistible.

For our dinner, we ordered Peshawari Karhai (with Koyla), Gosht Khor (Chicken Kabab and Chicken Boti), Behari Kabab, Butter Chicken with White Rice, Masala Fries and Masala Poppadam. Mango Shake, Blue Colada and Mango and Mint Mojitos.

Peshawari Karhai 7.5 / 10, I was expecting more Karachi Karhai at this place, but since menu says Peshawari Karhai so it should be that.

Gosht Khor 6.5 / 10, The Chicken Kabab were bit dry and so was Chicken boti, Chicken Tikka was ok. It was all on OK side so I will not deduct any stars for it. I think those can be improved.

Behari Kabab 7 / 10, I had higher expectations since Chef is from Karachi, if I leave my expectations aside, the flavor was good and authentic.

Butter Chicken is same thoughout the world so it's as it should be.

Mango and Mint Mojito - Both were good but winner was Mint Mojito.

Mango Shake was awesome, Blue colada was not blue colada but a ok drink.

If you have been following me on Google Maps and know my pattern, I usually give 4 stars on this kind of experience, but since their service was awesome and they tried their best to make it good time for my family (even chef Nadeem Qureshi came out to get reviews) I will be little broad heart here and give all 5 stars for their efforts. Cooking is difficult and not a exact science so I understand things sometimes go here and there.

The staff and owner displayed commendable hospitality, adding a warm touch to the overall experience. It's a place that beckons return visits.

Ratings:

Flavor - Star - 7.5 / 10 Authenticity of Flavor - Star - 7.5 / 10 Cleanliness - Star - 8 / 10 Service - Star - 9 / 10 Value for Money - Star - 9 / 10

A word to the owner: The job you're doing is truly commendable. I know you just started and things will take time to be near perfect, but your efforts and dedication is very prominent. Keep it up.

For fellow diners: Given the cozy space, aim to visit with a group of ten or during off-peak hours. All the dishes are Pakistani style so thats a good part.

Above format would be best to justify my review so i will hopefully continue to keep this for all my...