This was our first visit to Organikks that has been receiving high praise on this site. We went there a few days after they reopened for seating during the Corona pandemic.
The decor of the place is suitable for a 90's garden party with White,...Glass and sliver all over. Somewhat kitchy that does not invoke gourmet, but great for an afternoon of cocktails. We were there for dinner. Aside for a large table that was already midst their meal when we arrived, we were the only other guests at the restaurant.
Right as we sat down, and the server came to take our drink orders we immediately asked: " what on this extensive menu do you NOT have currently?"- under regular circumstances, restaurants in Zimbabwe are always short of what they are offering on their menu. We totally expected, and understood, that with current restrictions, there may be even further shortages. After the server detailed what they DON'T have, we happily looked over the menu and were ready to order;
After the server took our order, it didn't take long for her to return and tell us that half of our request were also not available. so unprofessional and so disappointing.
The menu is all over the place, as customary in most places in Zimbabwe, to cover all pallettes. You have you sushi, Pizza, Indian Curries, etc. Again, for a night club place, that would work fine. For a restaurant, it's characterless.
I see they consider themselves a 'fusion'- I think they should find out what that actually means.
We changed our order and had the miso soup. Which was lovely (though I found it a bit over salty). Following, we ordered some of the sushi options- because they didn't have the seafood items we REALLY wanted, all the different types we ordered were almost the same. All the types were drenched in the same mayonnaise which made them all taste the same as well.
Promoting their opening after the lockdown, the restaurant is offering some incentives. Once of their promotions, as advertised on Facebook, is a glass of wine with every meal. I knew that before going. I had not mentioned it at the restaurant. We were not offered it either. We paid for the glasses of wine we ordered (which came from a box)
The restaurant manager came over to us several times during our meal. At some point he also apologized for the lack of items. We explained that we understand but expected better. He did not try to make us feel better (drink? desert?) even though he had the opportunity to.
As we finished our meal, which was after the restaurant closing time, the manager came over and asked if we wanted another glass of wine, or can he bring us the bill. We actually wanted to have dessert. Since we felt we were being kicked out, we asked for the bill.
It was mind boggling that a restaurant that was closed for so long and was completely empty while we were there, was not trying to do their best to give us a better experience. They had all the chances for it.
We will not be back and not recommend the place to any of the expat community that we are part off. there are better places in Harare that offer the same, if not more without the pretense.
Maybe we should not have expected much so would not have been so disappointed.More
