I recently visited this placed based on the good reviews and while the food was good, my experience was marred by disappointing service. Despite the pleasant ambiance of the esthetics , our server on Saturday evening was notably slow and displayed a lack of hospitality towards our table. Throughout the evening, he seemed more engaged with other guests, smiling and chatting, yet he appeared indifferent and unwelcoming towards us.
His approach felt rushed and pushy, pressuring us to order quickly and seeming impatient for us to leave. When we sought recommendations, his responses were vague, offering little guidance. One of our party returned a martini for being too sweet; not only did it take over 10 minutes to return, but the server's response included an eye roll, and didn’t even ask if the drink was better this made us feel uncomfortable and undervalued.
Despite the enjoyable food and charming setting, the service experience fell short reason for my low stars. It's disappointing when such a critical part of dining out detracts from an otherwise pleasant evening. Ensuring servers treat all paying customers with a smile and equal respect, along with having a thorough knowledge of the menu, can vastly improve the customer experience—a factor that was sorely...
Read moreI love the Mediterranean and I never skip an opportunity to visit either Italy, France, Spain, or even Greece. I’ve been to Morocco a Tunis, too! However, with the recent pandemics I don’t have a chance to do some traveling, and I decided to find some restaurants near-by that serve good Mediterranean food. Well Lokal83 was my first pick! Last time we grabbed some Whipped Red Caviar, Lokal's Favorite Dips Platter, Salmon In Vine Leaves, and Four Cheese Ravioli. I was fascinated by how fresh the products were. The salmon felt as if it was caught half an hour ago. Another thing we tried was their wine list. After all, the finest wines in the world come from the Mediterranean. The Qinntados Aciprester, DouroRezerva was exceptional, and I can’t wait to get another bottle of it! I also enjoyed the Charles de Monrency, Champagne Rezerva Brut quite much! The service was exceptionally quick, especially when taking in account the crowd that was there. We were served by a lovely young lady with a big smile and great manners. And a funny story – I thought that there was a typo in the name, but then I read their story on the website. The owner said that “Because Lokal means a happy place where people gather and socialize.”...
Read moreLokal 83 Mediterranean Restaurant – A Delightful Culinary Experience in the Heart of NYC
Lokal 83 Mediterranean Restaurant offers an authentic and vibrant dining experience right on Columbus Ave. During my visit, I enjoyed a memorable lunch with a group of friends, and the overall experience was fantastic.
The meal started with a fresh and flavorful shepherd salad, the perfect introduction to the Mediterranean feast. We then moved on to the Albanian liver, which was tender and well-seasoned, a dish that stood out with its rich flavors. The kebabs were grilled to perfection, juicy and packed with spices that transported us straight to the Mediterranean coast. Desserts were another highlight – indulgent yet balanced, a sweet ending to a fantastic meal.
Aside from the delicious food, the service was impeccable. The waiters and waitresses were kind, attentive, and eager to make our experience enjoyable. The staff's warmth, combined with the restaurant’s cozy atmosphere, made for a relaxing and pleasant afternoon.
Overall, Lokal 83 is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Mediterranean cuisine in a welcoming and comfortable setting. Highly...
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