Reham Abdelsalam (Salam D.
Google
Zero Star: A Masterclass in Mismanagement – Raw Food, Two-Hour Waits, and Zero Accountability
After a long day at the Natick Mall on Sunday the 28th, our group of four families sought a real meal instead of food court fare. What we received was an exercise in frustration, incompetence, and a complete waste of an evening.
I called ahead, confirming they were open until 7:30 PM and could accommodate us. We arrived at 5:20 PM to an empty restaurant, full of hope. That hope evaporated minute by agonizing minute.
The Two-Hour Ordeal:
Complete Lack of Communication: Upon arrival, the cashier (who later became the sole cook and server) said nothing about being short-staffed or potential delays. She calmly took orders from our large group and every other party that walked in afterward.
For over 70 minutes, we watched as she disappeared into the kitchen. There was no update, no apology, no manager. Patrons became visibly upset, milling around with no one to ask "What is happening?"
After noticing the unrest, she began haphazardly delivering single plates at random—one to our group, one to another table. This is not how group dining works. People expect to eat together. We were forced to start sharing a single dish while others waited endlessly.
When I finally confronted her to ask if she was alone in the kitchen, she deflected. Moments later, she presented a mixed grill where the kebabs were visibly raw and bloody. This after a two-hour wait.
My friend canceled her order after two hours with only half our food served and hungry, grumpy children.
The table of two ladies canceled because their second dish took forever and their first was ice-cold.
The group of four canceled theirs as well.
Why did she accept us all, knowing she couldn't fulfill the orders? This was not an accident; it was a deliberate, greedy decision that disrespects customers' time and money.
There was no presentation, no taste, no offer of compensation, and no meaningful apology. Just a raw food which was not safe to eat.
Final Warning: The photos on Google are a complete fabrication. This place is a disaster in management, kitchen operation, and basic customer service. We left, two hours later, wishing we had just eaten at the food court. Save your time, your money, and your evening—avoid Dates & Olives at all costs.
