Prinell N.
Google
After hearing countless glowing reviews about Fabel’s signature cocktails and mocktails, we decided to leave the fine dining restaurant we were at to end our evening with a few drinks there. Unfortunately, the experience was far from what we expected.
We arrived at 4:22 pm and were greeted by Josh, the owner, whose manner came across as unnecessarily condescending. He informed us that the restaurant was fully booked and only opened at 4:30 pm, instructing us to wait outside “to avoid playing musical chairs.” Despite this, we were handed menus and offered water just a minute later. We were told we could only be seated at the bar areas, either inside or outside, raising the question of why we weren’t simply welcomed and seated there from the start.
When we inquired about the drinks, Josh described a “theatrical” selection, which turned out to mean little more than a paper mâché cover over the glass. Both drinks we ordered were disappointingly flat in flavour and presentation, a stark contrast to the hype surrounding the place. To make matters worse, despite being told the restaurant was fully booked, it never reached full capacity in the two hours we were there.
The only redeeming part of the experience was the staff. They were friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming , the complete opposite of the owner’s demeanor. Their warmth and professionalism are what saved the restaurant experience, making you actually want to spend your money and try new drinks.
We later visited Yatai Restaurant down the road, where we were warmly welcomed, without a reservation, even though it was noticeably busier. The atmosphere was inviting, and their watermelon cocktail was both “theatrical” and flavourful, delivering exactly the kind of experience we had hoped for.
It’s worth noting that, from our vantage point upstairs at Fabel, it was clear that Josh’s warmth and hospitality are selectively applied. Some guests received an enthusiastic welcome, while others, like us, were made to feel unwelcome and out of place. For a restaurant with such high acclaim, the lack of consistency, courtesy, and genuine hospitality was profoundly disappointing.
