The Grand Restaurant & Lounge — Restaurant in Temple Terrace

I really don’t like leaving negative reviews, but Tampa’s first Egyptian restaurant was, unfortunately, a big letdown.

My boyfriend and I were excited to try it after seeing a local food influencer post a new video about it just a few hours earlier. When we arrived, the layout was a bit confusing — there was a small hostess stand at the entrance, a room to the right, and a lounge on the left with just a few people. We stood around awkwardly for a few minutes before deciding to walk in and ask for help. A hostess in training told us to sit wherever, so we chose a couch in the lounge.

Despite only a couple of other tables being occupied, we waited a while before anyone greeted us. We ordered tea, which had to be confirmed a second time by someone else. After about 30 minutes, my boyfriend’s food finally arrived — but mine didn’t. He’s the kind of person who prefers to wait for everyone’s food before eating, so we gave it a few more minutes… then a few more. Eventually, I told him to go ahead and eat before his food went completely cold.

Meanwhile, we watched 2–3 pickup orders being handed out, and still no sign of my meal. I asked about it, and someone came out to apologize, explaining that they had been prioritizing to-go orders before mine. That explanation didn’t sit well — there were maybe 3–4 guests in the whole restaurant, and they couldn’t manage to bring out two meals at once?

When my food finally came (about 45 minutes after we sat down), it was decent — not bad, not great. Honestly, the food wasn’t the problem. The real issue was the lack of coordination and training. It felt like the staff didn’t know what was going on, and the whole system was just… not ready. For a new restaurant, especially one being hyped online, the experience needs to be smoother — especially when it comes to something as basic as timing meals for the same table.

There also needs to be clearer signage or direction when you walk in — it was genuinely confusing. I had high hopes for this spot, but seeing the influencer’s video and then looking across the room to see leftover food still on the table from that same video, with friends or family casually stopping by to pick at it, just left a weird impression.

Sadly, I don’t see myself coming back. I do hope they take feedback seriously and get things running smoothly, because the concept has potential — but execution...

I don’t like to leave bad reviews but someone needs to warn the owners otherwise the bad reviews from real costumers will continue. After watching TikTok’s and reels about this new authentic Egyptian restaurant, went with husband and a friend couple. We where greated by a random person told us to set where we wanted and got us a standing menu. A different person came to take our order but he was not familiar with the menu and keep using the word “ I think” whenever we asked a question. They gave us sharing plates and utensils that were wet nested. Placed our orders and waited about 30 mins later they bring our food at separate times. Presentation was spectacular ,literally, charcoal grill, smoke and all the wows. It was deseption at first bite. Food was cold, meat was overcooked, kofta had no flavor and dried. Rice was smushed and old bread. The only thing that was edible was the hummus , tahini sauce and fries. 3 plates costs us 100 and some dollars which had an automatic %18 tip added not mentioned and they just bring you the handheld device directly to the table and the receipt is printed after paying. Bathroom where stinky and had bugs. Place is still being. remodeled so there was dust and ladders everywhere. The few ppl that where there where not friendly looking and they let dogs inside. I saw so much bad. I felt embarrassed to bring my friend on her birthday. Never again…. I hope they fix because the concept is nice and the place is nicer. Not authentic Egyptian...

I don't know how this restaurant has even an average above two stars. You walk in, and the layout is so confusing there is no one to greet you. Me and my friends stood clueless in the middle of the restaurant because no one wanted to speak to us or guide us to a table so we sat ourselves. Then one girl looks at us from afar, then looks away. I walk up to her and ask her. Are you gonna take our order? And she says yeah, give me five minutes. 20 minutes later she finally comes and asked if only one of us wants water. I don't know where they picked up these waitresses, but I'm pretty sure you would have to ask the whole table if they want water... not just one person. We still didn't have any menus. It took her forever to get our waters on top of that, she refused to take our order and kept avoiding us so I had to flag somebody else down, mind you no one looked like they worked there. Everyone was doing their own thing, there are no uniforms and there is absolutely not a hint of professionalism in this place. Bathroom looks like trash and there's flies everywhere. There was no compensation for this experience at all. The food was OK. The owner needs to be taught how to run a business because this was absolutely the worst experience I've ever had disgusting. Literally felt like I was on a comedy set and there were...