What a shame they have such an apathetic attitude to solo diners. Since arriving from London two years ago I have dined alone everywhere in Bombay from hole-in-the-wall places to 5-stars and have rarely seen such an indifferent attitude in any restaurant that prides itself on its service.
Went there today at 11.15pm hungry after reading these rave reviews and checking their pdf menu on their website. I went upstairs to the Pebbles restaurant on the 4th floor and was greeted by a very warm and hospitable waiter who took me on a guided tour of the floor above. Finally, on his recommendation, I decided to dine at the ground floor Melting Pot restaurant as Pebbles was due to close in less than an hour and I did not have the time to sample their crab in the leisurely manner it would deserve.
Coming down I asked the hostess at the door for a table for one and was guided by her to a tiny cramped table next to a service point. When I asked for one of four empty 4-seater tables she insisted that since I was alone they could not give me that! I explained that they would be taking last orders in less than 30 minutes so surely she could seat me since there was no queue but was refused and was told it was a policy to not give larger tables to solo diners regardless of time and lack of wait lists! I wanted to tell her I promise not to eat the table, but refrained.
It's a shame that a high-end restaurant still maintains such a greedy and jaded policy. In the past two weeks alone I have dined solo at Juhu's Mahesh Lunch Home, Gajalee, the Novotel Bar, Aurus, and Punjab Grill; at Colaba's The Table, Wasabi, Harbour Bar and Sea Lounge at the Taj Palace, and the Atrium Lounge at the Taj Land's End, plus at Bonobo and Olive - Khar amongst others but nowhere do they have such a callous and indifferent attitude. At the Sea Lounge they guide you to a table of eight if that is what you choose and take you there with such kindness!
I left hungry and eventually ended up tonight at Mahesh Lunch Home across the road and was served with much personal care at a table of FOUR... and, I did not eat the table!
I am leaving 3 stars as I would not want to spoil their excellent ratings and was impressed by the warmth of the waiting staff on the 4th floor.
ViSh_Va
