Christian's Fine Cuisine — Restaurant in Macon

Disappointing Birthday Dinner at Christian’s

My husband and I visited Christian’s to celebrate my birthday today, and unfortunately, the experience was far from what I had hoped for. My husband made a reservation for 6:30 PM, but when we arrived, we were told our table wasn’t ready because people were still sitting. The hostess asked if we were okay waiting at the bar, and since we had driven 35 minutes to the restaurant, we decided to wait. After ordering drinks, we were finally seated about 20–25 minutes later.

You would think that after waiting, a waiter or waitress would check on us or at least offer bread. Nope! We sat there for another 20 minutes before I had to ask if someone could take our order. Finally, a server came over, shared the specials, and asked if we wanted an appetizer. We ordered the shrimp in mango sauce and were told the bread was being "freshly baked."

During this time, another couple arrived—who I assume were regulars. Their orders were taken immediately, and they received a fresh basket of bread. Meanwhile, we were still waiting for both bread and our appetizer. About 30 minutes later, our appetizer arrived: three shrimp for the two of us to share. By this point, the couple next to us had already received their soup and had their full order taken.

I reminded the waitress that we still hadn’t received any bread, and her response was the same: "Yes, we are baking fresh bread for you." After waiting another 45 minutes—and watching the couple who arrived after us be served ahead of us—we finally got our food. The portions were shockingly small for the price, and at that point, my appetite was gone. We asked for the check and a to-go plate for my one lamb chop, which took another 20 minutes to arrive.

Our total was $156, and we left $180 with a tip, not because the service was great, but because our waitress was at least nice, and I didn’t want to feed into the stereotype that African Americans don’t tip. However, there were no sincere apologies for the excessive delays, no complimentary drink or dessert for my birthday, and no acknowledgment of the terrible service.

My husband left the restaurant upset and still hungry. On the way home, we had to stop at McDonald’s—something that should never happen after spending nearly $200 at a fine dining restaurant. This experience completely ruined my birthday. Definitely would...

Made a reservation for my wife and myself last week. Arrived on time and was seated promptly in probably the worst table in the restaurant. But, no worries we were on a date night so blocked that out. Sat for 10 mins and noticed staff point at our table but not come over (3 waiters literally standing there). A waitress then comes over and pours water (glass was dirty) and states OUR waitress will be over soon. Another 5-10 mins goes by and OUR waitress finally comes. She provided no instruction, no information about the menu, just asked would we want something other than water. We both ordered a cocktail and pointed out the dirty glass. She left and came back with the drinks, placed them down and walked away. Again, no mention of appetizers, if we were ready to order, no service essentially. She then goes to the table next to us and greets, mentions the specials, and provides service to guests who arrived after us. We waited a few minutes to see if she would come back and when she didnt, we got up and walked out. We informed the hostess of the encounter and while leaving called the owner to discuss our displeasure with the service. The owner seemed more bothered by me voicing my concerns than the actual concern. The restaurant was not busy( maybe ten parties) and the owner actually told me that he had to go because he was very busy. That assured me I made the right decision and proceeded to another restaurant (The Back Burner) where we spent $300 and got great service. I will never return to Christian's and wont miss them as I'm sure they wont miss me. One customer down, sure more will follow with this type of service. Not a fine restaurant by any means...

I’ve always enjoyed the food here, but the low rating is due to their overly complicated and annoying reservation system.

There is no option for online reservations like most other finer dining options in Macon, so you have to call. I made my last reservation for my birthday about 2 weeks out.

The day before the reservation, I received a somewhat rude voicemail saying that if I didn’t call back to confirm my reservation I’d made, then I wouldn’t have a table.

I understand plans change and they don’t want no shows, but having to call back a second time to confirm is a little annoying. Fast forward to an hour before our reservation, and I realize as I’m trying to get ready and texting our babysitter, I receive ANOTHER call saying I need to confirm my reservation otherwise I can’t be seated inside and will be subject to patio availability.

I call back and inform them this is now my 3rd phone call with them about dinner. The hostess was snippy on the phone and didn’t seem to care.

Moving forward, I’ll be going elsewhere. As a busy working mom, I don’t have time for 15 phone calls to...