Tiago M.
Google
I visited California Pizza Kitchen today with a friend. Overall, the experience was mixed.
When we arrived, we asked to sit at a table by the wall or in a different seating area, but we were told those tables were reserved and that we had to sit in the middle. This was said without much flexibility or effort to accommodate us, even though the restaurant did not appear to be full.
The service felt disengaged from the start. When we asked for water and throughout the meal, the interaction was quite inattentive and gave the impression that we were not really welcome. There was no direct rudeness, but it clearly felt like the staff did not want to serve us.
On the positive side, the food was excellent. The quality was great, well prepared, and arrived in a reasonable time. The kitchen is clearly doing a very good job.
That said, service is a big part of the dining experience. If someone is unhappy with their job or the service they are providing, that is understandable, but once you choose to be there and serve customers, it is important to do so with professionalism and care. Unfortunately, the lack of engagement from the staff negatively impacted what could have been a much better experience.