I went to that restaurant to have lunch today before 12 and experienced this:
was charged before being served, which I didn't mind but triggered my gut feeling and awoke my intuition
Noted that the local or white Caucasian customers weren't asked to pay outright, but got their order taken and we're served without paying first
Was intimidated because when I called him out and told him what he was doing wrong, he said that the law has changed, roles his sleeves as if it was to scare me and make me feel afraid of being harmed, to maybe make me leave and not call him out
Was told that they have been robbed before, which triggered me as it was inflammatory,
Was thteatened with being reported to the police as I was calling the owner out.
The local customer tried to get involved, especially after I reacted. So they both focused on my reaction to the racism, discrimination and disrespect instead of addressing the real issue.
My response to their response to my review is this:
1. “Safety” might be an excuse, not the real reason. Businesses sometimes use vague safety language (“precaution,” “unusual situation”) to justify unequal treatment without admitting bias.
2. Their action created unequal treatment. Even if they didn’t intend discrimination, impact matters — if you were treated differently than other customers, it’s valid to question it.
3. The inconsistency weakens their credibility. Saying they “rarely” charge upfront but did it with you, while others paid afterward, contradicts their claim of fairness.
4. It also hints at profiling. Whether based on looks, accent, or demeanor, selective “safety precautions” often reflect unconscious bias — something they’re trying to cover up with formal language.
5. Their final sentence (“you are the only guest…”) is dismissive. It tries to minimize my experience and isolate me, which isn’t how a respectful business should respond to feedback.
6. They play the victim as they try to focus on my reaction and how others guest felt and now on how I felt.
7. Having served other customers for so many years does not mean that you didn't do wrong when I went there as a customer.
Remy Jebediah
This place is simply phenomenal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ol’ Blue eye’s
Not the authentic food i was looking for. Sloppy mess.
Kaleigh Smith
so flavourful and delicious, great veggie options, try the vegetarian plate (vegan)
I absolutely enjoyed my meal. This tinny restaurant offers very good afghan food. Every bite was comforting, full of flavour and delightful. Service was lovely too. Anyone who enjoy Middle East food should try this restaurant. Very good vegetarian options too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ruhollah Keshvardoost
We absolutely loved the atmosphere, attitude and the food in this Afghan restaurant. We ordered chicken curry which was a delightful blend of various tastes and the lamb kabob. The bread itself was amazing on its own.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jesse Hildebrand
Genuinely the largest, tastiest a d most reasonably priced meal I had in all St. John's just exceptional
Salomi Saiyed
Small family owned operation where the staff goes out of their way for customers. Best comfort food, best deal for your dollar. I'd recommend, it 10/10.
Tiffany Cooper
Always a pleasure to come here. Very friendly people and the food is to DIE for! I find it very flavourful that I crave it! I’m not one for international foods but this place really takes the cake everytime!! See you again soon!
Daljit Sidhu
Food was good but get away from the fusion or “American” aspect. Serve authentic Afghan food, that is my opinion, but nevertheless the food was good. Service was good as well; we were well taken care of by our server. Lovely atmosphere - I recall sitting on the pillows the first time I was there. It was a bit difficult since my body doesn’t bend lol but a great experience. This time we had chairs and still ambience with the belly dancer as entertainment.
Discriminatory and racist place for sure....
I went to that restaurant to have lunch today before 12 and experienced this:
was charged before being served, which I didn't mind but triggered my gut feeling and awoke my intuition
Noted that the local or white Caucasian customers weren't asked to pay outright, but got their order taken and we're served without paying first
Was intimidated because when I called him out and told him what he was doing wrong, he said that the law has changed, roles his sleeves as if it was to scare me and make me feel afraid of being harmed, to maybe make me leave and not call him out
Was told that they have been robbed before, which triggered me as it was inflammatory,
Was thteatened with being reported to the police as I was calling the owner out.
The local customer tried to get involved, especially after I reacted. So they both focused on my reaction to the racism, discrimination and disrespect instead of addressing the real issue.
My response to their response to my review is this:
1. “Safety” might be an excuse, not the real reason.
Businesses sometimes use vague safety language (“precaution,” “unusual situation”) to justify unequal treatment without admitting bias.
2. Their action created unequal treatment.
Even if they didn’t intend discrimination, impact matters — if you were treated differently than other customers, it’s valid to question it.
3. The inconsistency weakens their credibility.
Saying they “rarely” charge upfront but did it with you, while others paid afterward, contradicts their claim of fairness.
4. It also hints at profiling.
Whether based on looks, accent, or demeanor, selective “safety precautions” often reflect unconscious bias — something they’re trying to cover up with formal language.
5. Their final sentence (“you are the only guest…”) is dismissive.
It tries to minimize my experience and isolate me, which isn’t how a respectful business should respond to feedback.
6. They play the victim as they try to focus on my reaction and how others guest felt and now on how I felt.
7. Having served other customers for so many years does not mean that you didn't do wrong when I went there as a customer.
This place is simply phenomenal.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Not the authentic food i was looking for. Sloppy mess.
so flavourful and delicious, great veggie options, try the vegetarian plate (vegan)
can’t wait to come back again
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Vegetarian Meal, Vegetarian Pakora
I absolutely enjoyed my meal. This tinny restaurant offers very good afghan food. Every bite was comforting, full of flavour and delightful. Service was lovely too. Anyone who enjoy Middle East food should try this restaurant. Very good vegetarian options too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We absolutely loved the atmosphere, attitude and the food in this Afghan restaurant. We ordered chicken curry which was a delightful blend of various tastes and the lamb kabob. The bread itself was amazing on its own.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Genuinely the largest, tastiest a d most reasonably priced meal I had in all St. John's just exceptional
Small family owned operation where the staff goes out of their way for customers. Best comfort food, best deal for your dollar. I'd recommend, it 10/10.
Always a pleasure to come here. Very friendly people and the food is to DIE for! I find it very flavourful that I crave it! I’m not one for international foods but this place really takes the cake everytime!! See you again soon!
Food was good but get away from the fusion or “American” aspect. Serve authentic Afghan food, that is my opinion, but nevertheless the food was good.
Service was good as well; we were well taken care of by our server.
Lovely atmosphere - I recall sitting on the pillows the first time I was there. It was a bit difficult since my body doesn’t bend lol but a great experience. This time we had chairs and still ambience with the belly dancer as entertainment.
Restaurantji Recommends
I ordered a lamb kebab and rice combo—it’s absolutely delicious! Probably the best food you can get in this price range in St. John’s. Prove me wrong!
great price, family owned service, great food and quantity. veg plate is always a little different but always delicious
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Very tasty authentic Afghan food. You can tell when you walk in that it’s gonna be tasty.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Vegetarian Plate
Fantastic family-run business. Some of the best food in the city at a great price. The Veg Platter is legendary.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nesteled among large spot this cozy place has tasty food. Very simple but yet delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Kabab & Rice Combo
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