Samarqand

Went there on a Sunday night. Restaurant was honestly busy, nice decor. Maitre d' was very nice, waiters are on the shy side but very nice and efficient. They came three times to take our drink order! We did not mind as they were genuisly nice and it' s better three times rather than none. Food was really good and authentic. We will be back.
We will recommend to our friend and clients.

Thought I would celebrate my wife's birthday at this newly established restaurant. Result: A TOTAL DISASTER. After getting a reservation at 9.30 pm, we were a party of 3, and though we were greeted with a smile, the rest of the evening was something which I wouldn't wish on my enemy. The lady who took the order was probably the highlight of the evening. Our three starters took 45 minutes and came one by one. The mains, well they never arrived, even though we kept reminding the wait staff. Guests who arrived after us were served before us. Having waited patiently we were so frustrated and so angry that we lost our appetite and at 10.50 we asked for the bill which was handed to us without the staff even asking why we were leaving not having finished our dinner. It appeared that they didnt care and were quite happy to hand over the bill.

As far as the the quality of the starters is concerned I must say it was mediocre. 3 starters with 3 glasses of wine and a bottle of water came to a whopping £50.

What this restaurant needs to do is to get their act together. The kitchen is in total shambles. The front of the house is full of inexperienced staff which in my opinion has had no training. Though the ambience in the restaurant is outstanding, it's such a shame that it's let down by a group of inexperienced staff.

Since I have owned and operated restaurants my first action to any dissatisfied customer would be to offer some sort of a compromise. When we asked for the bill, the manager should have tried to convince us to stay on and complete our dinner and perhaps offered a complimentary dessert or a glass of wine. Just the mere fact that we we handed the bill just goes to show that the front of the staff have no idea of customer relationship.

My advise to the owners is to get a smart floor manager and get the chef organised so the kitchen and the front of the house work in tandem. Right now the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing.

I know that it's early days for the restaurant but if they don't get their act together the days will come to a very sudden end and that would be a great shame.

After reading Fay Machlor's article on Samarkand restaurant in evening standart, to were so eager to check it out. Loved the food thats for sure. Floor and door staff very friendly and hospitable. Music concept was interesting and very new to us, perhaps we have never been to central asian restaurants before. Inrterior – very cool well done to designer! the lounge area by the bar is very warm and cozy. What shoked us the most is the prices good value for money, and very cheap compearing to Turkish place arround the corner which has no taste, design, athmosphere or music. Overall we had a great time, looking forward going back!