Al Bustan

Rude Service, mediocre food. Save your money

by jamaicancurry at Citysearch

I feel it is my duty, to review this restaurant.

On the outside, it looks ok. The decor inside is also ok.

So on arriving, we were met with a surly older man, who took his time getting to us. We were a little surprised that there were so many empty tables. We informed the waiter that we had a Living Social deal- which he didn't seem too happy about. It was then that another man with an iPad made an appearance to take our Living Social number. I cannot understand why they would bother to offer deals on sites like Living Social if they are so loathe to honour them.

Anyway, Ol' Surly brought the menus and acted so annoyed when we were ordering. Then he disappeared. He did not return to check if we needed anything or to refill our water. We initially wanted dessert but after being unable to find him, we decided not to bother.

Here's the best part. We ask for the cheque. He stands over us as we're leaving the tip. We decided based on the rude and infrequent service we would only tip 15%. He informed is that we had to tip 20%. My bf refused, citing the waiter's rudeness. The waiter then says with disgust

"F-- you and your Living Social"

This pissed us off because we had not been rude to him. He then proceeds to call my bf an A-hole. After which they trade a couple F-bombs while we're walking out. I'm surprised and confused because I have never been treated like this -anywhere!

Then he charges at us! And another waiter starts to hold him back. At this point I'm laughing at how utterly ridiculous this is. This old man is so big and bad that he wanted to physically attack us?! I kinda wanted him to hit my bf so I could call the cops, but I don't think the bf would have just stood there and taken a hit.

Take your money elsewhere. The food is not worth the abuse.

Absolutely horrible place!!!!

by anitavelu at Citysearch

Absolutely one of the worst restaurants I have been to. I have never posted a restaurant review in my life but felt that this restaurant was so bad that I had to write something about it. First of all, the food was horrible and to top it off, the Maitre d' was extremely rude and obnoxious.

My husband and I had made a reservation with through VillageVines to have dinner with two other friends. First of all, the Maitre d' claimed that he didn't have our VillageVines reservation. He then reluctantly agreed after I showed him my confirmation email and reservation number from VillageVines.

We then ordered 5 tapas and 2 large plates and an expensive bottle of wine. Into our meal, the Maitre d' approaches us and informs us that we did not qualify for the VillageVines discount because we didn't order 4 entrees and their policy is that we needed to get one entree per person to be eligible for the discount. I tried to explain to him that I had booked numerous restaurants through VillageVines and never had a problem. And no restrictions were mentioned at the time I had made the reservation nor when I received the confirmation email. But he pretty much ignored what I said and walked away from me. Not only was I livid at him, I was embarrassed to be treated in such a manner in front of my friends. As I walked out of the restaurant, I told him that it was not fair how he had handled the whole situation. His answer was that he owned the place and he set the rules. Which is fine.....but don't post yourself on the VillageVines website and claim that you will be offering a 30% discount while I paid $10 to go to your restaurant to eat shitty food that was supposed to be discounted.

Please, do not go to this restaurant. I do not have a vested interest if you go or not, but I believe that it is my duty to warn everybody against this place. I have lived in this city for so many years...never have I come across a restaurant where the staff is so rude and obnoxious.

New York's Most Authentic Lebanese Food!

by Jwilkey1 at Citysearch

Al Bustan restaurant on E 53rd Street in Midtown is home to one of the most beautiful dining rooms I have ever seen. As you walk in off the streets of Manhattan, the glass chandeliers make you feel as if you have fully entered an NYC fine dining experience.

I highly reccomend coming here in large groups on Saturday nights for some of the best live entertainment and mediterranean food around!

The restaurant is family run and the owner/executive chef strives to make sure each diner's experience is one worth remembering (and repeating!)

Definitely a Midtown restaurant worth stopping in to for lunch or dinner any day of the week!

They also have a beautiful private lounge for private parties and events!

Terrible

by coollavie84 at Citysearch

I was there last night with 5 of my friends for the intertainment. we were really over charged for the food (not that good), & drinks ( the worst drink ive ever had).

I DEF DONT RECOMMEND THIS PLACE.

Outstanding food and great service

Contributor at Citysearch

Went for a quiet bite and turned into a great culinary experience. The ingredients are so fresh and the dishes were extremely flavorful. We ordered 5 appetizers between 2 of us and it gave us a great taste of lebanon. A must try!