NAM Kitchen — Restaurant in Sandy Springs

ATMOSPHERE (4/5): The decor was pretty on point. The restaurant feels like an upscale place from Buckhead or Midtown, with tons of plants, wooden trim, wide open bar, and plenty of glass, letting in outside light. There's a feeling of lightness/airiness to it all that I really, really appreciated. Once a lunch or dinner rush is in progress, though, the restaurant quickly begins to feel cramped, as tables are rather close to one another, and the ambient noise of others becomes a little too much.

MENU (2/5): While the flavor was pretty authentic (I'm southern Vietnamese), the dishes are incredibly expensive, and the selection is quite limited. I was rather disappointed with the lack of variety. I live in Marietta and had wanted a Vietnamese restaurant in the area for a long time, but I think I'll just continue driving to Dunwoody, Doraville, or Duluth for my Vietnamese food.

FLAVOR (4/5): For this visit, my husband and I had ordered the pork chop with shrimp plate. The flavor was authentic, but the pork was tough to cut. We were also given the wrong knives to even attempt cutting the pork.

SERVICE (2/5): I visited NAM Kitchen right before the dinner rush began (so about 5pm). Our waitress was a young woman named Sky(e). Though our food came out on time and she was attentive with our waters, twice she attempted to remove my husband's plate despite the fact that he hadn't been finished with it.

The second time, she just grabbed the plate and left without a single word. She disappeared into the kitchen before we could call for her. (The restaurant is small, and she was rushing back to the kitchen.) When we pointed it out, she could do nothing but apologize, saying she hadn't noticed food on the plate! That makes it seem as if she simply wasn't attentive at all.

Most places would compensate for having taken, without permission, food we had paid for. Neither the waitress nor the hostess mentioned a single thing, though the hostess had offered to call us back. When I'd asked for what purpose, she'd had no reply. I don't just give out my number to businesses.

While I tipped because our waitress did bring us water in a timely manner, I wouldn't say that anything else was complimentary regarding her behavior.

LOCATION (5/5): NAM is located at the new Sandy Springs performance arts center plaza, with plenty of free 2 hour parking. The place is very well maintained above the standards of the surrounding...

I've been a regular patron at NAM Kitchen Sandy Springs for several months now, and I must say, my experiences have been a rollercoaster of emotions. The restaurant itself boasts a charming ambiance and an impressive wine selection, which initially drew me in. However, my recurring question each time I visit is: why do I keep coming back?

Let's start with the positives: the food is undeniably good. Each dish I've tried has been flavorful and well-prepared, which is what keeps me returning despite the less-than-ideal aspects of my visits.

Unfortunately, the standout issue lies with the owner. To put it bluntly, her attitude leaves much to be desired. Despite being a paying customer and attempting to engage in friendly small talk, I've consistently been met with cold indifference from her. It's disheartening to feel unwelcome in a place where you're supposed to enjoy a meal and relax.

Moreover, it seems that the owner's favoritism extends to seating arrangements. Despite calling ahead to reserve seats at the bar, my requests have often been disregarded. On one occasion, I was even informed by the bartenders that the owner tends to seat people at the bar based on her personal preferences. This kind of behavior only serves to alienate customers and create a hostile atmosphere.

My most recent visit was the tipping point. Despite making a reservation for three seats at the bar, upon arrival, I found only two seats available. The third seat had been occupied by the owner's friends, and I was met with skepticism when I mentioned my reservation. Even after a seat adjacent to me became vacant, the owner attempted to seat other patrons there, disregarding my reservation entirely.

When I expressed my frustration, I was met with hostility from both the owner and her brother, who accused me of "bad energy" and ultimately asked me to leave. It's disheartening to be treated so poorly simply because I'm not a favored regular or friend of the owner.

In conclusion, while NAM Kitchen Sandy Springs may offer delicious food and a charming atmosphere, the unacceptable behavior of the owner overshadows any positive aspects. As a paying customer who abides by the rules, it's disheartening to be consistently mistreated. I'm writing this review as a warning to others: if you're not a regular or in the owner's inner circle, don't expect to receive the same level of service or respect....

I did not wish to write this review. I merely REQUESTED TO speak to the owner about our experience WHILE we were there.

However after we were told she was sitting at the bar she never did come over to the table. When i asked when she was coming to oir table, I was told she "needed to leave". Wow!

So i asked for a manager. I was told the only other person was the bar manager. He finally came over and couldn't have been ruder or cared less about oir concern What was our issue? WHY WERE WE CONTINUALLY SERVED (EVEN AFTER WE CLEARLY EXPLAINED WE DID NOT WANT TO BE SERVED THAT WAY) with paper plates and plastic to go dishes for EVERY SINGLE SAUCE? We didn't order take out and have been there several time before without being servedt his way.

This is a. Upscale restaurant. The first time I asked, the waiter FINAĹLY brought out ramiken type sauce dishes for US to transfer the 7 appetizer sauces OURSELVES, as if they were too bothered.

For the next 15 minutes to follow, EVERY ENTREE and additional dish was again served with plastic to go dipping dishes and paper bowls. I made myself very clear the first time yet the EXACT issue was something they refused to correct.

At $45 and entree, serve your customers like human beings and with respect.

The waiter even recommended a dish to my husband. (Of course the most expensive one on the menu). He came by ONE time to check and when my husband said he didn't like the plate recommended, the waiter nervously laughed and just walked away-did not even offer him even something else.

When the bill came they were told to charge the dinner on the bill and the tip would be paid separately. They had the nerve to add on 20% the check.

Then, NO ONE WOULD EVEN COME TO OUR TABLE AFTER THEY DID THIS. WE WERE COMPLETELY DISCARDED AND IGNORED AS OF WE WERENT EVEN THERE.

I understand tipping well but to be abused, discarded and disrespected is NOT deserving of any TIP they decided to punch in. ITS OUTRAGEOUS.

They ruined an evening of celebrations.

The was they treat customers is deplorable! I will NEVER recommend this place. If an owner doesn't even care what their staff is doing and how their customers are feeling, staff won't either. Good luck-they are gonna need it.

DONT GO unless you want to over pay to be treated like you are in a take out restaurant and disrespected...