Nikki H.
Yelp
Title: Extremely Disappointed After 20 Years of Loyalty
As a local and loyal customer of Geoffrey's for over 20 years, I've celebrated countless milestones here with family and friends. However, my experience today, on my own birthday, was deeply disappointing.
This was the first time a birthday celebration was planned for me at Geoffrey's, and sadly, it turned out to be a disaster. We were seated at an uncomfortable table with minimal ocean views and heavy foot traffic from the waitstaff. When we noticed a better table available, we politely asked to be moved but were told it was being held for a party of five. That party later turned out to be a group of three, waiting on two more guests. When the table next to us opened, we asked again, but it was given to a tourist family instead. Despite asking multiple times, no effort was made to accommodate us.
We brought our concerns to the manager, Sharon, several times. Each time we were met with excuses instead of solutions. For a restaurant that has built its name on exceptional service, this was incredibly disheartening.
We waited over an hour for our food, while the table seated well after us was served before us. When we asked why, the manager said we had ordered too many appetizers, which was simply not true. We had only ordered one watermelon salad and had specifically told our waiter to place the order right away since the children were hungry. Later, we were told the delay was because my salmon had to be remade. The explanations were inconsistent and dismissive.
We ordered pasta and chicken for the kids, my salmon, and French toast. The food was good and helped offset the experience slightly, but it did not make up for the poor service and lack of hospitality.
What was most disappointing was that after everything, nothing was done to acknowledge my birthday or make the experience feel special. Not even a dessert was offered or comped. When I mentioned that I would likely leave a Yelp review, the manager simply said, "Go ahead and Yelp," with a dismissive tone that showed zero care for guest satisfaction.
As someone who works in hospitality and understands ADA and fire hazard protocols, I was particularly disturbed by the excuses given for denying a simple table change.
I hesitated to write this review because of how many wonderful experiences I have had here in the past, but this one cannot be ignored. Management needs to be reevaluated. The level of service we received today does not align with the standards Geoffrey's was once known for.
At this point, I don't think I would go back. And to my Malibu family, we may need to reconsider this place altogether.