Argana Restaurant & Bar — Restaurant in Town of Rye

Summary: The service was awful. This business is fraudulent. They inflated the total charge (more than doubled the tip!) after I left the restaurant.

Full story: I went on a date with my girlfriend, excited to try Moroccan cuisine. We always enjoy trying local spots and were looking forward to trying Argana. Unfortunately, our experience was atrocious. I’ve been to hundreds of restaurants locally, and this was the worst service experience I’ve ever had. We walked into the restaurant at 6:30, and it took a few minutes for anyone to come over to us. Not too crazy, but a little weird since there were several employees standing around. We got seated by the owner, but we weren’t given menus. We assumed our waiter would come over soon. A few minutes later a bus boy came over and poured us water. We asked if we could have menus and he said the waiter would be over shortly. About 15 minutes later, the owner walked over with menus and asked if we’d like anything to drink. We ordered drinks from him. At this point we still hadn’t been greeted by our waiter. 10 minutes later, the owner brought over our drinks. We asked to place our order. He said the waiter would be right over. 5 minutes later, the waiter came over to take our order. We ordered our appetizers and entrees. It took about 20 minutes for our appetizers to come out. We finished them in 10 minutes and then waited again. Eventually, as we were still waiting for our entrees, the owner came over and asked if we wanted anything else to drink, and my girlfriend ordered another drink. This drink never came. We walked into the restaurant at 6:30, and our entrees were eventually served at 8:15. We saw other people in the restaurant rolling their eyes and asking for updates from the owner and waiter as well, and we were just stunned. At no point did the owner or waiter apologize or mention a delay in the kitchen or offer anything complimentary. The check came and the total was about $150. I don’t think I had ever tipped less than 15% in a restaurant before. Generally I tip between 20% and 25% in restaurants. This time I tipped a little over 10%, which I thought was generous given the circumstances. The staff (including the owner) must’ve known how bad the service is, considering all of the questions from customers and confusion about timing. Now this is the part that’s absolutely insane. A few days later, the transaction posted to my credit card account, and they charged me for a 25% tip. Absolutely insane. Now I’m in the process of disputing the transaction with my credit card company. I took a picture of the merchant copy of the receipt so I have clear proof. There is no chance this was an accident based on the picture I took. It’s impossible to interpret the numbers the way they did when inputting the final charge, without fraudulent intentions. This is the worst restaurant experience...

Service was excellent! The food, not so much. I had been here once before, a few weeks after they opened, and remember strongly disliking the entrées. The meatball entrée was dry and the chicken entrée had surprise bones everywhere, to the point where it was a burden to eat it. However, I do remember the appetizers were INCREDIBLE.

Well, I decided to go visit it again. Right away there was an odd, slightly less than desirable mix of smells in the restaurant (wasn't there the first time). A mix of food and staleness in the air... No big deal though, but in retrospect, perhaps a fun foreshadowing of what was to come.

The appetizers were once again, a resounding delight. If you're considering coming here, make it an enjoyable experience. I recommend going here for just appetizers and drinks. The Briouats are delicious. Use the appetizer menu as tapas, or just as a pre-lude to a different restaurant.

The entrées were yet again a disaster. We went with a recommendation from the server to get a sweet chicken pot pie of sorts - a Chicken B'Stilla, and we did so. Additionaly we went with the Braised Beef Couscous for the second Entrée. I made certain to steer clear of the previously failed meatballs and chicken Tajine entrées from our last dance with Argana.

Well, a lesson was certainly learned. This is NOT the place to go for entrées. The chicken had a bone in it (pictured below). At least it was only one, unlike the first time we went. Still, if you're charging $3 for chicken on the street, fine, be sloppy and leave bones in there, but if you charge $28 for your chicken entrée, have white table cloths, etc., there's a bare minimum expectation that you're going to go the extra mile (more like inches) and spend 1 minute to remove the bones from your chicken. It's pulled chicken. Come on.

The braised beef was overly dry and nearly devoid of flavor. I had to actually add salt and pepper to make it enjoyable. The vegetables and couscous were pretty good, by contrast. They were the highlight of the culinary massacre that was the main course.

I don't think I'll be returning for a...

Located in the heart of Port Chester, Argana Restaurant and Bar stands out as a beacon of culinary excellence in the local dining scene. From the moment you enter, you're transported to a world of tantalizing flavors, warm hospitality, and inviting ambiance.

Argana's menu is a celebration of Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine, expertly crafted to delight even the most discerning palate. Each dish is a work of art, bursting with vibrant colors and bold spices that awaken the senses. From traditional tagines and couscous to mouthwatering kebabs and mezze platters, every bite at Argana is a culinary adventure.

But it's not just the food that makes Argana a standout destination – it's also the atmosphere. The restaurant's elegant decor and intimate lighting create the perfect backdrop for a romantic dinner or a lively gathering with friends. Whether you're seated in the cozy dining room or out on the charming patio, you'll feel right at home at Argana.

Of course, no visit to Argana would be complete without sampling some of their expertly crafted cocktails and fine wines. The bar staff takes great pride in concocting innovative drinks that complement the flavors of the cuisine, ensuring that every sip is a delight.

But perhaps what sets Argana apart is the impeccable service. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and always eager to make your dining experience truly memorable. From offering recommendations to accommodating dietary restrictions, they go above and beyond to ensure that every guest leaves happy and satisfied.

In conclusion, Argana Restaurant and Bar is a true gem in Port Chester, offering delicious cuisine, inviting ambiance, and top-notch service that keep...