Restoration Cafe — Restaurant in Manchester

Honestly, it’s sad to say restoration has gone downhill. I’ve eaten here and at Cat Alley, which sadly closed, so many times, and this time was nothing short of unsatisfactory. I got the tacos, a smoothie, a latte, and an ECC. The first thing I did was take a sip of the smoothie. Expecting a sweet medley of flavors from the many unique flavors listed in the ingredients, it’s safe to say I was disappointed to be met by a taste very close to that of grass and dirt with a HINT of sweetness. Yes I requested protein, and i know that can throw of flavors, but this isn’t my first time getting this, and many other establishments are able to at least make a protein smoothie enjoyable. The Latte was good, no complaints there, but the disappointment continues when we get to the food. The tacos, usually brimming with flavor, were sadly bland. This is due to how all of the flavors of the ingredients were muted by the overpowering taste of the tortillas. And of course, I bought 2 orders since one order only comes with 2 tacos. The ECC, also usually amazing, was sadly also bland today. The cheese and the ECC sauce were barely present, and the flavor was very chive heavy. The sandwich was also packaged pretty much disassembled. I’d be able to dismiss this all if it were coming from the likes of a Wendy’s, or McDonald’s, but where I’m paying close to $50 For all of this ($8 smoothie, almost $9 each order of tacos, $6 sandwich, and $6 or $7 latte plus tip), and expecting the usual amazing food that they make with the fresh products they have, its sad to see the products in the state they are in. If the food continues to go in this direction, at that price, I’m unable to say if I’m likely to return to this establishment. As a side note though, I will state that the service was...

I will preface this review with a minor complaint: My husband went the other day and ordered the Keto-salad, and he was extremely disappointed in the portion size. He's not a big eater, but he found it way too small for the price. HOWEVER, that one complaint is not enough to knock off a star. I discovered this place accidentally while travelling on foot last week. The atmosphere was beautiful and serene and my children were comfortable and felt welcome. I ordered a green juice, the Buddha bowl, and a Caesar salad, and the proprietor tried to warn me about it being too much food. I was about to protest..."But sir, the Caesar salad is $6...it couldn't possibly be too much!" Instead, I just assured him that it would be just fine. I was right. It was not too much, but it WAS generously sized and perfectly prepared with fresh parmesan cheese and a delicious lemon dressing...the best I've ever had. For six dollars! My sons were equally happy with their meals, a pressed tuna loin sandwich, breakfast tacos, and smoothies. All perfectly prepared and attractively presented. The alcoholic offerings seem great (I loved my Moscow mule) and reasonably priced, and they offer wine for $4! Finally, when presenting my bill, the server mentioned that the juices and smoothies were half off because of a wellness promotion. Wow! I have lived in Manhattan and found all sorts of restaurants that I have loved, but this is now my all...

Atmosphere is great & so is the service. The food is usually okay and the waitstaff is overall very kind. But the owner is a maniac! I’ve talked to at least 5 people over the past few months that have worked with TOM(?) and they’ve all attested to how much of a hellscape he’s made his work environment. I talked with someone who worked there not too long ago and she almost broke down in tears recounting her experiences. That was the straw that broke the camels back for me. Still, not wanting to assume the worst of people, I came in a few days later for some Breakfast. Thought it was just a coincidence till I came in and overheard him talking down to his waitstaff. The majority of them were women, so it gave me some weird feelings. I had to talk down my partner from saying something as she was not happy with the interactions she overheard. If it was one person that said it, maybe I wouldn’t have taken the comment so seriously. But if half of the service workers in Manchester have had bad experiences, & then I have a bad experience, I have to assume it’s not the people that are the problem. If you don’t care/don’t have a conscience about the way the owner treats his staff behind closed (& very open!) doors, then by all means keep supporting. But there are plenty of small business in Manchester with great owners that have a way better reputation. It’s not...