Disappointing Experience at [Sara’s Kebab House]
I recently visited Sara’s Kebab House in Clearwater FL, and unfortunately, my experience was far from satisfactory. The place is widely regarded as overrated and overpriced compared to other Turkish restaurants in the vicinity.
One of the major issues I encountered was the composition of the dishes. It seemed like they tried to compensate for the quality with quantity by filling the plate with inexpensive items like fries and a salad, which was disproportionately heavy on onions. The restaurant's claim of being a high-end dining establishment did not align with the reality of the offerings.
Additionally, the lack of complimentary water was surprising. Instead, they offered canned sodas for 50 cents but charged an exorbitant $3 per can, without even providing a straw. This pricing strategy left a negative impression on the overall value for money.
The taste of the food was disappointingly average, and the general sanitation of the place was subpar. Even the appetizers, which were served in meager portions, seemed overpriced. The Kunefe, priced at $12, lacked an adequate amount of cheese, making it a less satisfying choice.
Main dishes, ranging between $25 to $30, were comprised of 2 skewers of either beef/lamb or chicken with a choice of crumbled mix or rice, and the option of fried or salad. Unfortunately, the portions did not justify the prices, and the lack of consistency in the Kunefe regarding the cheese issue was evident in the main dishes as well.
Considering the overall experience, it's crucial for the owner to conduct a study on customer retention. I strongly believe that many first-time customers, like myself, would be hesitant to return.
Moving on to the service aspect, the waitstaff's performance was abysmal. The servers lacked adequate training in describing the dishes and menu items, and a friendly and welcoming demeanor was notably absent. A simple smile and a more informative approach could go a long way in enhancing the overall dining experience for customers.
In conclusion, [Sara’s Kebab House] fell short of expectations in terms of both food quality and service. I hope this review provides constructive feedback for...
Read moreWe recently discovered this place - thanks to our friends’ recommendation - and it is our new favorite place!! We have had an amazing lunch, an amazing dinner, have gone shopping in the market, and have loved every bit of it. Next, we must try their breakfast! During our first visit, Jenica took excellent care of us and expertly guided us through the menu and made wonderful recommendations. This, our second time around, we were lucky to have Ati as our server, and she also took excellent care of us! Highly recommend this place. All the food is as delicious as the smells wafting from the kitchen!
Some favorites are:
homemade bread with tomato oil hummus, haydari, and babaganoush kibbeh (try with the haydari, you won’t regret it) beef kofta with rice and salad (also dip with the haydari - that stuff is good on everything!) for dessert, do NOT sleep on the rice pudding - I didn’t know what to expect but it was amazing - tasted like creme brûlée with little bits of rice texture throughout
You get one complimentary tea serving, if you ask for it. The perfect accompaniment to the perfect meal!
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Our third time back - Jessica took excellent care of us! We ordered the chicken kebab and spinach pide - holy cow! The pide was the size of the table! I thought it was single serving - so be forewarned lol It was delicious though - and it will make for excellent leftovers! This place continues to be perfect every time we come...
Read moreFrom the moment I stepped into Sara’s Turkish Restaurant, I knew I was in for something special. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, filled with the rich aromas of authentic Turkish spices and the soft hum of Turkish music in the background. But what truly made the evening unforgettable was Ati — our host and server — whose kindness, professionalism, and passion brought the entire experience to life.
Ati welcomed us with a genuine smile and took time to explain the dishes with such care that we immediately felt like honored guests rather than just customers. She offered thoughtful recommendations based on our tastes, and every single dish was a hit — from the freshly baked pide bread to the rich and flavorful Iskender kebab and the melt-in-your-mouth baklava for dessert.
But more than the food, it was Ati’s personal touch that elevated the night. Her attentiveness, positive energy, and warmth made us feel like we were dining in a friend’s home. She checked in at just the right times, never overbearing, always thoughtful. It’s rare to meet someone who is so naturally gifted in hospitality, and Ati truly made us feel special.
If you’re looking for authentic Turkish food and world-class service, Sara’s Restaurant is a must, and if you’re lucky enough to have Ati take care of you, you’re in for a truly beautiful experience. She turned a great meal into a...
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