Ambriza — Restaurant in Katy

Update to all from my last review. I'm disappointed in the response from Ambriza as it's a canned response (see others here) to a bad review and it only reinforces the lack of real concern. Why in the world would I let you know I'm coming so you could know to treat me with kid gloves? As you know, there are many other consistently delicious options in our area and so no reason to give Ambriza any more business.

Last night, my family and I had dinner at Ambriza. Today, two of us are sick including a child. The food was beyond BAD and quite frankly, insulting given two of our family know how this food should be cooked. The chicken mole was admittedly cooked in the morning, and was hard as a rock by dinner with a spoonful of hard mole on the top of the chicken. This was not an exception because we had two orders of that dish and both were bad. We called the manager over and she said the chicken was cooked in the morning with a smile on her face. I'm not sure what she thought was so funny, but she was actually amused when our family member showed her how a fork or knife wouldn't even go through the chicken drumstick. The short ribs over polenta was almost inedible - like eating a plate of vinegar. The Mexican risotto was also inferior, without the seafood combination advertised. The child's meal we got was not what was ordered; we ordered rice and beans and got fries, 6 tiny fries to be exact and 3 packets of ketchup. Yes, packets like in a fast food restaurant. They brought the child's drink in a plastic cup but no top. What's the point of that - they don't want to lose a glass but don't care about spilling on the Customers? And it's pretty easy to spill because the tables are just too small. We could not fit our meals and apps on the table at the same time. All the while, three managers(?) hanging out about 2 feet from our table just surveilling. Very uncomfortable. Last time I told you the a/c didn't work. I'm wondering if they fired the chef and good managers to pay for the a/c repair. Prior review Summer 2024: Ambriza MUST fix its air conditioning ASAP. I was there a few months ago and it was uncomfortable. I thought it was a temporary issue but I was there last night and it was MISERABLY HOT. We were actually sweating. The menu, food, cocktails, AND prices were great but I could hardly enjoy anything because it was so hot. People were fanning themselves at every table and servers were visibly sweating through their shirts. Not very appetizing. It's a shame but I recommend avoiding this dining room until air conditioning is not needed. Say...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Ambriza, and I must say it was an extraordinary experience from start to finish. The restaurant boasts a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, with decor that is both stylish and reflective of authentic Mexican culture. The ambiance alone sets the stage for a memorable dining experience.

From the moment we walked in, we were greeted warmly and promptly seated. The hostess was very friendly and made us feel at home immediately. But the true highlight of our visit was our wonderful waitress, Gemma. She was nothing short of spectacular. Attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, Gemma ensured that our evening was flawless.

Gemma’s attentiveness was evident throughout our meal. She had a keen sense of timing, always arriving at our table at just the right moment without ever being intrusive. Her deep knowledge of the menu was impressive, and her recommendations were spot on. She guided us through the menu with ease, suggesting dishes that perfectly suited our tastes and preferences.

The food at Ambriza is a testament to the richness of Mexican cuisine. We started with the beef empanadas, which was fresh, perfectly seasoned and packed with flavor. For our main courses, we enjoyed the short rib polenta and alambre de res. The short rib polenta was cooked to perfection, tender and juicy, with a delightful corn tortillas that added depth to the flavor pairing The alambre de res were equally impressive, with deep bold flavors that truly impressed. Each dish was beautifully presented and bursting with authentic flavors.

Gemma’s drink recommendations were also top-notch. We tried the house margaritas, which were perfectly balanced and refreshing. Her expertise and enthusiasm truly elevated our dining experience.

In addition to the fantastic food and impeccable service, Ambriza’s ambiance deserves another mention. The vibrant colors, traditional artwork, and festive music created an environment that was both lively and comfortable. It felt like a little piece of Mexico right in La Centerra.

Overall, our experience at Ambriza was exceptional. The combination of exquisite food, a warm and inviting atmosphere, and outstanding service, particularly from Gemma, made for an unforgettable evening. I highly recommend Ambriza to anyone looking for an authentic and delightful Mexican dining experience. We will definitely be returning soon, and we will be sure to ask for Gemma again. She truly made our night special. Five stars...

This was my family first there I was recommended to this place by a Friend and I was super excited to go. Once we arrived we were seated and 15 min later was asked to move tables we already had our chips and salsa and drinks and margaritas which was really wired and was told they had a reservation on this table so I don’t understand why they placed us there very inconvenient after that so I watched the man go and asked what they can do all of the staff had rude mugging faces towards us like we’re the ones who made that mistake in seating us there I didn’t appreciate that at all so once our food came you can just feel them staring at us with hate in there eyes just watching up definitely wasn’t a pleasant experience so the bill was 96.83 I paid with cash $100 bill and told the waiter keep the rest and I also need a box to go for the rest of our food . As I’m watching him go up to another employee just to say that we only left him a $4tip from the $100 I paid just to see the other employees make eye contact with me like we’re just rude ppl I really didn’t appreciate that cause what he didn’t know was I had more cash to add to his tip to give him and once I did he still seemed upset like if I’m obligated or he’s entitled to my bigger tip I honestly feel like I should ask for the tip I left him back that was very unappreciated I didn’t have to leave a thing but I did and the way they looked at my family as we left was so degrading like if we done something wrong which my family didn’t . I will not recommend anyone to this kind of service they have to feel like there entitled at this location next time have a better attitude instead of assuming cause his tip was have been more I’m a groomer myself and I know how it is and I always tip . Also he never gave me my receipt either no telling what I was charged for but I still paid my bill . The worst first experience ever...