Cardamom — Restaurant in Minneapolis

Food was decent. Host was rude, seating was uncomfortable. Upon arriving, the host and another employee were standing at the entrance. They didn't greet us, and simply stared at us. No introduction or welcome... We initiated conversation and asked for a table for 2. The host offered us a high top table by the wall. But we saw that there were 10+ open regular tables, so we asked (very nicely) for a regular table. The host said they "only have the high tops available". We accepted it. My high top chair had broken wicker work and was uncomfortable. Before we could even order two other couples walked in and got seated at a regular table. Throughout dinner 5-6 more couples came in after us, and every single one was seated at a regular table. No one else got put on a high top. There were at a minimum 10 open regular tables at any given moment. The high top was uncomfortable for eating, and I wish our preference for a regular table was respected. We ordered: 1 - raw salmon kibbeh - it was tasty. The labash was good. A bit on the smaller side portion. 2 - lamb burger - this was definitely the best. The gf got it, and loved it. A good size portion. The potatoes were perfectly cooked. The burger was rich and the combination of flavors complimented the lamb very well. 3 - Grilled salmon - Very tasty. However very small plate. Given the price I was hoping to at least quench my hunger. I wish I got the lamb burger, instead.

Given the host interaction I would not be coming back here, ever. The food...

Took my family that were visiting town to brunch. Overall, it was a good experience. The ambiance was great, not too loud and not too quiet. Our server was sweet and accommodating but fell short when it came to the attentiveness to our orders/requests. In my opinion, it wasn’t too busy for that outcome but I am understanding. Nevertheless, that is why I rated the service 3 stars. As for the food, I was expecting a lot more. It was underwhelming, unfortunately. As someone who grew up in the Mediterranean and Middle East my expectations are very high… so it pains me to write this review but there is potential.

There were a few dishes that were a let down if I am being frank (i.e, shakshuka, lamb burger and eggplant schnitzel). The green shakshuka was very salty and watery (not how shakshuka should be). The eggplant schitnzel was overly breaded/dry, lacked flavor and the sauce to bread ratio was not balanced. The lamb burger was dry/not juicy enough so you may want to ask the kitchen to prepare it to your taste.

Unfortunately, we noticed hair in our burger so luckily they took care of that dish for us. Aside from this, we enjoyed our other dishes (turkish eggs and french toast). I would go again but only for certain items. Definitely managing my expectations. Still a big fan of the other sister...

I don't think I have ever had the experience of the service being so bad that it ruined a meal, but that's what just happened. I didn't time it, but we had to be there for at least 2.5 hours for lunch. Hands down the slowest service I have ever experienced and then at one point they brought "our" food only to discover that the food was for another table that got there after us. Not only this, but when we told the server it was not our food she rolled her eyes in the rudest manner possible as if it was all our fault for mis-remembering what we ordered. Never mind that the people at the other table were waving her over because they could identify their food being given to the wrong people 3 tables away. I actually thought that the food was pretty good overall (the dips appetizer had 7-8 different dips that all were excellent) but none of us will ever go there again. And it turns out that two of us had actually been there before, had a terrible experience with the service but then forgot how bad it was, and then went back today. But they vow to never return again. It was close to 30 minutes before we even got our drinks, which our server blamed on "the bar being backed up." 45 minutes before we ordered. I am simply amazed that this restaurant is still in business. Do...