Aubergine Kitchen — Restaurant in Salt Lake City

My sister and I have been going to this chain for a while now. We both have pretty strict allergies (the big ones being gluten and dairy) and the food offered at Aubergine hasn't made us sick yet. We figured this evening wouldn't be any different.

It took a lot longer than usually just to order which in itself isn't a huge deal but as we waited we noticed one of the guys making the orders wasn't wearing gloves. Luckily he put some on when he took our orders. I ordered the Rio and I am not exaggerating when I say he had to go leave to the back to get more rice, salsa, and chicken. Each time. It didnt bother me too much but it was showing us that the place wasn't keeping up with customers coming in. They seemed understaffed this Saturday evening (only had 1 1/2 guys making orders). Again, not a huge deal, but the thing that made our experience the worst so far is when one of the workers cut an avocado for my order and put the other half into a container with cheese in it. Not a big deal so long as the next worker didn't use it for my sister's bowl (she has a bad dairy allergy). Unfortunately the next worker picked it up and started cutting it to use in my sister's food so I got his attention and let him know that she has a dairy allergy and since the avocado he's cutting was in cheese could he please cut another one that isn't cross-contanimated. The dude then proceeds to talk loudly and clearly irritated to the other worker in Portuguese, pretty much ranting. It was obvious he was talking about us and we assumed he was insulting us too. I understand that requests can be annoying when making food but I don't think it warranted the reaction this guy had. Very unprofessional. My sister and I spotted several of food handling mistakes while we waited but the last one was one we couldn't let slide.

I can't tell if they properly trained those two on people with allergies and how to handle it (something that is required to get a food handlers permit in Utah).

The experience has soured our desire to ever return to this place. I hope in the future they will train their workers better and get ones with a little more patience ... because if a person requesting something in regards to a food allergy ... at a resturant that specifically caters to said allergies... is enough to set a worker off then I don't see much...

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! A Most Exquisite Haven of Nourishment!

To all citizens of good health and bold appetite, I beseech thee to lend thine ears! With the utmost joy and gratification, I do declare to you the discovery of a secret haven for the body and soul—Aubergine Kitchen, a most extraordinary establishment where the virtues of wholesome sustenance and impeccable service unite in perfect harmony.

Though my first acquaintance with this sanctuary of nourishment came about through a most unfortunate and sour entanglement of the heart—an experience, I must confess, that left me with a lingering bitterness akin to an ill-prepared meal: a situationship—Aubergine Kitchen has, in its infinite grace, swept away the remnants of that unpleasant situation. With each bite, the discord of my previous circumstances vanished, replaced by a symphony of flavors so tender and sublime that my spirit was restored, and my palate made whole again. Situationship? Gone! Hunger? Satisficed! Will come back to destroy more meals? Absolutely!

The dishes served here are a marvel unto themselves. Rich in taste, yet light in nature, they offer a delicate balance that nourishes both body and mind. The vegetables, prepared with such care and expertise, are neither too bold nor too meek; they are, in fact, the epitome of gentle indulgence. One cannot help but feel a sense of comfort, as though the very essence of love and care is woven into each morsel.

And as for the service, I must commend it most highly! The attendants, with their kindness and attentiveness, provide a level of care that goes beyond mere professionalism. Their warmth is palpable, making one feel not as a mere patron, but as a cherished guest welcomed into a home of refined taste and grace.

Thus, I do declare that Aubergine Kitchen hath not only salvaged my stomach, but hath also healed my heart. In a world where disappointment often abounds, this place is a sanctuary of delight and restoration. I shall return again and again, as should any seeker of the finest nourishment for both...

Updated: the owner responded to my email and was very understanding of my experience, he assured me changes had been made. He was lovely. Like I said in my original review, I used to frequent twice sometimes three times a week. I decided to give it another shot and went in today. I had a wonderful experience, amazing food as always, amazing and attentive service and my online order was sitting right there waiting for me! Very pleased and was back to work on time. Will definitely keep coming back!

I have waited about two months to write this review in hopes that my email to the company would go answered and resolved, but it was not. I use to eat here constantly. I gave two stars because I love their food. But I have had multiple bad experiences with their customer service. I am completely understanding of bad days and that is why the multiple attempts I have made. I order online because I only have a small break at work. 5 times over a couple month period, every time I went in my order was never started at the time I chose for pick-up. This last time there was only 1 person working the line, the other two employees were just sitting there talking. One of them was the manager and said to me "Well it's his job (blaming the only guy working, helping the other people in line)" I was told they could get my order done in 5 minutes. I said thank you and said I was in a hurry because my break was very short. I sat down and the two employees started talking/joking around again. Not starting on my order. After 4 minutes of them still not starting, I went up to the counter to ask for a refund since I didn't have time to wait anymore. I was told no and they threw everything together and still took another 10 minutes to make two salads and was late back to work. This used to be a place I went weekly. The food is amazing so I hope they can fix...