Lutfi's Fried Fish — Restaurant in Independence

THIS FISH IS AMZING, ADDICTING!!! The sides suck!

The fish is amazing! It was hot, fresh, not fishy,seasoned well, taste great and a good portion size (Full Fish Meal)...

The sides, however were lacking! The first two sides I got were the coleslaw and spaghetti. The slaw was plain and seemed like something you would buy from Aldi's premade and scoop it our of a bucket...or maybe even get served with your child's school meal... not horrible but not good either.

The spaghetti was horrible. First of all it was cold... it also lacked any taste. The taste was a cold spaghetti noodle with a hint of iron and tomato. It did not seem like they put any effort in making it taste good.....at all! I would have ate the nooplain than eat whatever I put in my mouth.

I also ordered the fish and wings platter. Again, before I was aware of the nastiness, I ordered the slaw and now the mac and cheese and a side. The slaw was still horrible and the mac and cheese was just as horrible as the spaghetti. The mac and cheese tasted like noodle water and the cheese was tasteless. It was hard to believe because it looked so creamy and cheesy....but nope, somehow they managed to mess that up. Hell, whip up a box of Kraft, I don't care, just make it taste good.

The smoked wings were alright. They had a good flavor and good smoke to it. It was hard for me to enjoy because it was as cold as the slaw, mac and cheese and spaghetti.

I did end up going back a second time because thay fish is freaking good!!!! I just got the full sigh meal and decided to try different sides; this time I got greenbeans and hushpuppies. The green beans were actually hot (temp) and seasoned very well. They seemed like they're cheap canned greenbeans but it didn't matter, the taste was awesome! The hushpuppies were made fresh and paired well with the wish and tartar sauce.

I'll definitely be back for the fish, greenbeans and hushpuppies!

4 ⭐ for the fish and the fish only! Did I mention that fish is awesome????

Guys, fix your sides and you...

Restaurant is always clean, employees very polite and the food is good! D. Flowers took my order over the phone this time. She was very friendly and pleasant! Great food, great prices and great people! We go a long way just to go to this location from the downtown office! Such a different experience than the Main Street location.

5 years later.... update

Dear [Lutfi’s Management / Owners],

I’m writing as a long-time supporter and loyal customer of Lutfi’s, both personally and with my family and friends. Before a Northland location existed, we regularly made the drive to your Noland Road restaurant, choosing it above all others due to the quality of food and service. Unfortunately, that level of excellence has noticeably declined.

Over time, this location has become increasingly disappointing. The interior is rarely clean, and the same two staff members are consistently present—neither of whom create a welcoming environment. Their demeanor often comes across as disengaged or irritated, which reflects poorly on your brand.

Several months ago, I waited over 50 minutes for an order for my parents. When I asked for an update, the cashier responded, "I'm not the cook," and deferred to the cook without offering any apology or solution. While I tried to be patient and understanding, the lack of professionalism was evident.

Today, unfortunately, was more of the same. With only one customer ahead of me and one since, I’ve been waiting over 35 minutes for my food. The slow service, combined with poor customer interaction, is unacceptable—especially for a business I’ve supported for years.

As a fellow business owner, I understand how critical it is to have the right team representing your brand. I truly hope this feedback reaches someone who cares enough to take action and implement the necessary changes. It would be a shame to see this location continue to decline, not due to food quality, but due to service that drives customers away.

Respectfully, A concerned customer and fellow...

update 1/28/2023

Went in for lunch today. Had the half dinner. 4 cat 2 small sades added fries and a carrot cake. 1 drink. $27

The cake was amazing!

The coleslaw was store bought? Not bad.

The Mac and cheese was ok. Maybe they make it early?

The fries was cringle cut. Was good.

However.. the cat fish. Was seasoned great! But.. The batter was chewy? The fish maybe was a little undercooked? I could've tell honestly. Just chewy.

As like last time, they play slow jams. I find it funny. I know the songs. But normally places have up beat/happy music. Not baby making music. 🤣

I might come back. For cake and try something different.

_-----------+------ 3/2022 First time ever eating at this establishment/business. The chicken to me was pre cooked. Taste was ok but cold. The fish also seems packaged and deep-fried. The tartar sauce seemed like it was the only thing house made and was great! But the thing that made it weird sitting and eating inside.. playing loud baby making 80s slow jams R&B music was kinda weird. 🤣. I'll probably never eat here again. Oh, the woman working front counter...