Abu Rass Restaurant — Restaurant in Paterson

I am writing to express my disappointment with the recent order I placed for a whole roasted lamb from your establishment on 2/22/2024 As a regular customer who has always appreciated the quality of your food and service, I was disheartened by the experience I had with my most recent order.

To provide some context, I placed the order for the roasted lamb several days in advance, ensuring that ample time was given for preparation. My decision to choose your establishment for this special occasion was influenced by the positive experiences my brother and his family have had dining at your restaurant. I had high expectations for the quality of the food and service, considering the reputation your establishment holds in our community.

However, upon receiving the order, it became evident that there were several issues that greatly impacted the overall experience. Firstly, instead of the promised roasted lamb, the meat appeared to have been boiled, resulting in a significant deviation from the flavor and texture I had anticipated. Additionally, it was disappointing to discover that the lamb seemed to be of older quality and didn’t cook , further detracting from the enjoyment of the meal.

Furthermore, despite having paid for French fries as part of the order, they were not included in the delivery. This oversight was particularly frustrating, as it indicated a lack of attention to detail in fulfilling the complete order. Additionally, the delivery itself was significantly delayed, with the order arriving more than one hour and thirty minutes past the scheduled time. As a result, the meal was served much later than planned, causing inconvenience and disruption to our gathering.

In total, the order, including the tip, amounted to $700. Given the significant investment made for this special occasion, I had expected a level of quality and service that unfortunately fell short of my expectations. Despite these issues, I have yet to receive any communication from your end regarding a resolution or acknowledgment of the concerns raised.

As a loyal customer who values the relationship we have built over time, I am hopeful that you will take this feedback seriously and address the issues raised in a timely and satisfactory manner. I understand that mistakes can happen, but it is the response and effort to rectify them that truly define the level of customer service provided.

Moving forward, I would appreciate it if we could discuss how these issues can be resolved and ensure that such shortcomings are not repeated in the future. Whether it be through a refund, compensation, or a complimentary meal to make up for the inconvenience caused, I am open to finding a mutually agreeable solution.

I believe in the potential of your establishment to continue providing exceptional food and service to your customers, and I hope that this feedback will contribute to further improvements in your operations. Thank you for taking the time to read my concerns, and I look forward to hearing from you soon to discuss this matter...

I was torn about whether to leave this review or not. I do not intend to disparage a local restaurant, but I don't want other people to receive the same treatment at Abu Rass as me.

I have been frequenting Paterson's many Middle Eastern restaurants since high school. I love and appreciate the culture and good food—that's why I was excited to try Abu Rass, which has been on my list for a few years.

The experience did not start on a great note when it took the servers twenty minutes after seating to come to the table despite giving surrounding tables service. When the waiter did come over, I put in the order and added to please bring two wine glasses since we brought wine for our Saturday night dinner. The waiter was taken aback and explained that alcohol was not allowed here. The reasoning he gave was that the owner is a strict Palestinian Muslim. I wasn't following the logic—I'm not asking the owner to drink the wine. The waiter asked if we wanted to stay, which I thought was a bit odd, and I hesitantly agreed and put in the rest of the order, telling them we are ok without wine.

Maybe two minutes later, another server or manager came over to reiterate to us that the owner is a strict Muslim. I told him that I've been to lots of Middle Eastern restaurants in Paterson and never encountered an issue like this. If they are so serious about that rule, why is it not posted anywhere on their website or by the entrances? He told me that they didn't explicitly say anywhere that they were BYOB, which also didn't really make sense, because most restaurants in NJ are assumed to be BYOB unless they serve alcohol themselves.

At that point, the other server/manager chastised me for even keeping the wine on the table and told me to put it away. He again asked if we wanted to stay. I got the message at that point that we were not their intended clientele and we left.

We made the best of the night and went to a local Lebanese place that was happy to take my money. I won't be going back to Abu Rass and urge non-Muslims to consider going to a more...

I recently had the privilege of dining at Abo Ras, and I am delighted to share my experience. This eatery doesn't just offer a meal; it presents a memorable dining experience that exceeds all expectations.

The restaurant itself boasts a warm, inviting ambiance that sets the stage for a relaxed yet sophisticated meal. The diverse menu offers a variety of intriguing dishes, each crafted with skill and an obvious passion for food. Our chosen dishes were nothing short of exceptional; each bite was a culinary delight, showcasing an elegant balance of flavors and textures.

However, what truly set the tone for our evening was the exceptional service we received from our waiter, Ahmed Tarek. From the moment we were seated, Ahmed was attentive, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable about the menu. His suggestions were spot-on, with each dish he recommended exceeding our expectations. He was keenly observant, anticipating our needs even before we realized them ourselves, yet his attention never felt intrusive.

Ahmed displayed the kind of professionalism that's hard to come by these days, mixed with a personal touch that made us feel genuinely cared for. He wove charm and efficiency into his service, creating a comfortable atmosphere that greatly enhanced our overall dining experience.

In Ahmed, Abo Ras has a true gem. His passion for hospitality is evident and his service alone is reason enough to return. In fact, we're looking forward to our next visit, not just for the excellent food, but for the friendly smile and exceptional service provided by Ahmed Tarek.

In conclusion, our visit to Abo Ras was remarkable. The combination of delicious food, a comfortable atmosphere, and above all, excellent service from Ahmed made for an unforgettable dining experience. We can't...