Kenza

Service very poor and food expensive and a small portion

ABSOLUTELY APPALLING. AVOID AT ALL COSTS! POOR SERVICE AND EXTREMELY RUDE STAFF!. I chose to celebrate my birthday here as, having previously dined at Levant restaurant and being impressed, I thought this would be of similar standard as owned by same people. Boy, was I wrong. Hidden away in the cellar in the alleyways of Bishopsgate, it was hard to find (even with the misleading directions on the website!). The interior, however, is undoubtedly beautiful. Moroccan carved wooden wall furnishings and lamps were nice touches. Belly dancing entertainment lasted all of 5 minutes, after which the music went back to a mix between techno and rock - not at all in line with the theme of the restaurant! The service was extremely slow and often forgetful and there was not enough food for everyone, as it is served in big platters, rather than individual (when you are in a group). The disgusting 'manager' argued with me about the bill, insisting I was in the wrong! After 5 minutes he came and apologised and gave me a revised bill as he realised he had indeed made the mistake. When we refused to pay the (£47) service charge, he came back and went completely mad, insisting we HAD to pay as he had gone the extra mile for us. I was SO appalled at his behaviour. I have never been treated like this in all my life, I was completely embarrassed in front of all my guests and had a ruined birthday. I will be writing a letter of complaint to the owners and also contacting my solicitor with regards to the, supposedly, optional service charge.

Lunchtime: Fantastic food and really authentic atmosphere. Most comfortable. Best plan to take your time though, as service wasn't the fastest. Quite a gem, really.

A group of 50 of us went to Kenza for a wedding reception. We had the set menu for £36 per head. The decoration of this restaurant was amazing and it really had the ‘wow’ factor when you walked in but shame about the rude and shambolic service and very small quantities of food.
The service was so unpredictable, we watched half the table receive some starters while we never received any. The worst was yet to come. When the main course finally arrived there was one small plate of various meats to share between four or five people, not much for each of us when you are on a table with four large blokes. We didn't even get new plates and resorted to eating the meat with forks from the sharing plate. Vegetarians were given a very small plate of rice and moussaka to share between two. The bride and groom were mortified and requested more food as everyone was still hungry. For £36 per head I think this is disgraceful. When we refused to pay the optional service charge an argument broke out between the groom and the manager. I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone, the service is rude and useless and they ruined my friend’s special day.