When the owner just can’t admit he made a mistake: Restaurant Gartenhof (27. April 2018)
The perfect description of that evening at the Restaurant Gartenhof is “When something great turns sour”. The evening started very nice with “bread and tajin spread” which tasted surprisingly good and close to hummus.
I went for the “vegetarian tasting menu” (CHF 50.00) which started with “Burrata with tomatoes and salad” (usually CHF 13.00) which was a simple yet delicious dish in its simplicity.
The “wholemeal spelt tagliatelle with a mixture of mushrooms” (usually CHF 34.00) was absolutely delicious. The variety of different mushrooms really made it a great dish.
When it comes to dessert, I must say that I absolutely loved the “white chocolate mousse” (CHF 7.00), however, this was not the original dessert but ‘mango lassi with fresh vanilla ice cream’. Now, that was not an issue for me as I love white chocolate. However, we were already informed about the change of the dessert shortly before it was served. One person at the table didn’t like the dessert and took cheese instead which is more expensive. And they just billed that. For me, an absolute no go. I mean, if you do not manage to serve what you promise on your menu and inform the people who have ordered it only shortly before that there is another option but that is not liked by them, then you are obliged to offer a suitable replacement without additional charge.
After I had asked them to change the final bill (difference of CHF 5.00), they did it. But the owner of the restaurant was being a complete dick about it. He kept repeating that it is not an issue of the CHF 5.00. I get it, you are not happy about it but no need to act like an ass about it. Luckily, the rest of the evening was great including the atmosphere in the garden and the service of the waiter. Prices are very decent as well (e.g. 1l water, CHF 3.00; 1dl Grüner Veltliner, CHF 11.50 and a double espresso for CHF 6.00). So, all in all, I can actually recommend the place as the food is good, the atmosphere is lovely, the service was great throughout the evening but the way the owner (or restaurant manager) was behaving after we have told them about their mistake, was just a no go. So, thanks, but no thanks!
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Contact Details:
Restaurant Gartenhof
Gartenhofstrasse 1
8004 Zürich (CH)
Tel.: +41 43 266 63 63
E-Mail: info@gartenhof.net
Homepage: http://www.gartenhof.net
About the Author: Sven
I started the blog in October 2009, while living in Milan which I definitely consider to be one of the food capitals of the world. I was in touch with food since my early childhood (as my father is a former chef). Whenever I can, I travel the world to discover new places, to meet people but mostly to try local dishes and to find hidden gems! If you know a place worth going, please drop a line to: info@thediningexperience.org.
Currently, I am a member of the following food-related associations: Chevalier @Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Zurich-Ville; Membre Gourmet Dégustateur @Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs [OMGD]; Gesellschafter @Goldener Fisch and Member @Slowfood Convivium Zurich City. 
