Serves meat, vegan options available. Bistro within a hotel offering a few vegan dishes such as a vegan tagine. Open Tue-Sat 18:00-23:00.
Closed Sun-Mon.
Let me start by saying this is a charming little venue with a lovely atmosphere and the food was of a good quality; all of which make my lasting opinion even more disappointing.
I accompanied the party in the description titled “dirty vegan” below and were it not for the dismissive response from the owner I would not be writing a review at all. Unfortunately it appears success has nurtured hubris.
I am not a vegan for ethical reasons, but due to an illness which sees a significant reaction when I consume any meat, fish or animal products. Whilst I appreciate this was a busy evening, the suggestion that I should accept the staff’s poor service, menu knowledge and making a joke my expense to another customer as “good humour” is an interesting approach to customer service; particularly when it could have made me ill.
I understand that cooking for intolerances and allergies is challenging, particularly for a small venue with a limited menu. But if unwilling or unable to fulfil this requirement then the restaurant should not advertise as catering for such; and certainly should not provide reassurance that this is the case at the point of booking. Fortunately during this meal we identified the staff’s mistakes.
In summary, having been recommended 2 dishes containing dairy, egg or both, and been assured that a dish was suitable by stating “well it doesn’t contain any meat”, there was a single main course of Tagine and the dessert on offer was sorbet with fruit. Based on the whole customer experience I would suggest that, contrary to their claim, this restaurant is not vegan friendly but instead tolerates dietary requirements by providing the lowest level of service.
Dirty Vegans
I’m a little conflicted with how to review Anzac
The food was delicious but the menu knowledge and staff opinions of those who request vegan options are somewhat below par
We asked when we booked 6 months ago if vegan options were available and were reassured that was the case. The menu on the outside of the restaurant clearly states the vegan options are available and that is very true; as long as you’re happy with the one choice
When asked about vegans options we were offered a tagine that was very clearly vegan.
Second choice was a creamy pasta. Asked if vegan the answer was, it has ‘a bit’ of dairy double cream in the dish. So not vegan then?
We were also offered ravioli and when questioned, staff acknowledged that it contained egg. So again, clearly not vegan.
What was totally unacceptable was the waiting staff discussing menu options with the guests on the next table and clearly voicing their opinions about ‘dirty vegans’ within earshot of our table.
Would I eat there again? Based on the food we were served the answer is yes. But we did leave feeling like we had been a hindrance rather than a welcome guest
Had dinner here as one of the top recommended restaurants in Dartmouth. Called a few days ahead to check vegans could be catered for and was told there was a fully vegan tagine on the menu and a creamy spinach and tomato pasta dish that could be veganised.
When we arrived I was pleased that the mushroom soup special could also be made vegan so I had that which was nice but needed some oat cream or something to soften it.
I had the tagine for my main which was quite intense flavours but tasty, although the veggies could have done with being cooked some more. However my partner went for the veganised pasta dish which turns out was just the pasta dish without the creamy sauce rather than a replacement - so he paid £16 for a small bowl of pasta, sundried tomatoes and spinach in olive oil. The pasta arrived sat in the water released from the spinach and tomatoes and had an incredibly sharp taste. A bit frustrating as we’d been led to believe the dish would be something else.
It was definitely the least favourite place we ate in Dartmouth but that said, the tagine was good and I think an old school bistro is always going to be a bit behind the curve when it comes to vegan and veggie offerings. The setting was fairly nice and the staff were super friendly.
3 Reviews
First Review by naomilmoore
AshK
Points +16
Great place, poor choice, worse service. - Edit
Let me start by saying this is a charming little venue with a lovely atmosphere and the food was of a good quality; all of which make my lasting opinion even more disappointing.
Read moreI accompanied the party in the description titled “dirty vegan” below and were it not for the dismissive response from the owner I would not be writing a review at all. Unfortunately it appears success has nurtured hubris.
I am not a vegan for ethical reasons, but due to an illness which sees a significant reaction when I consume any meat, fish or animal products. Whilst I appreciate this was a busy evening, the suggestion that I should accept the staff’s poor service, menu knowledge and making a joke my expense to another customer as “good humour” is an interesting approach to customer service; particularly when it could have made me ill.
I understand that cooking for intolerances and allergies is challenging, particularly for a small venue with a limited menu. But if unwilling or unable to fulfil this requirement then the restaurant should not advertise as catering for such; and certainly should not provide reassurance that this is the case at the point of booking. Fortunately during this meal we identified the staff’s mistakes.
In summary, having been recommended 2 dishes containing dairy, egg or both, and been assured that a dish was suitable by stating “well it doesn’t contain any meat”, there was a single main course of Tagine and the dessert on offer was sorbet with fruit. Based on the whole customer experience I would suggest that, contrary to their claim, this restaurant is not vegan friendly but instead tolerates dietary requirements by providing the lowest level of service.
Pros: Venue, Ambience, Quality of food
Cons: Vegan Options, Customer Service and Menu Knowledge, Dismissive owner
Guest
JimMorrison
Points +18
Dirty vegans - Edit
Dirty Vegans
Read moreI’m a little conflicted with how to review Anzac
The food was delicious but the menu knowledge and staff opinions of those who request vegan options are somewhat below par
We asked when we booked 6 months ago if vegan options were available and were reassured that was the case. The menu on the outside of the restaurant clearly states the vegan options are available and that is very true; as long as you’re happy with the one choice
When asked about vegans options we were offered a tagine that was very clearly vegan.
Second choice was a creamy pasta. Asked if vegan the answer was, it has ‘a bit’ of dairy double cream in the dish. So not vegan then?
We were also offered ravioli and when questioned, staff acknowledged that it contained egg. So again, clearly not vegan.
What was totally unacceptable was the waiting staff discussing menu options with the guests on the next table and clearly voicing their opinions about ‘dirty vegans’ within earshot of our table.
Would I eat there again? Based on the food we were served the answer is yes. But we did leave feeling like we had been a hindrance rather than a welcome guest
Pros: Delicious food, Great atmosphere
Cons: Menu knowledge , Range of options
Guest
naomilmoore
Points +169
Small vegan offering - Edit
Had dinner here as one of the top recommended restaurants in Dartmouth. Called a few days ahead to check vegans could be catered for and was told there was a fully vegan tagine on the menu and a creamy spinach and tomato pasta dish that could be veganised.
Read moreWhen we arrived I was pleased that the mushroom soup special could also be made vegan so I had that which was nice but needed some oat cream or something to soften it.
I had the tagine for my main which was quite intense flavours but tasty, although the veggies could have done with being cooked some more. However my partner went for the veganised pasta dish which turns out was just the pasta dish without the creamy sauce rather than a replacement - so he paid £16 for a small bowl of pasta, sundried tomatoes and spinach in olive oil. The pasta arrived sat in the water released from the spinach and tomatoes and had an incredibly sharp taste. A bit frustrating as we’d been led to believe the dish would be something else.
It was definitely the least favourite place we ate in Dartmouth but that said, the tagine was good and I think an old school bistro is always going to be a bit behind the curve when it comes to vegan and veggie offerings. The setting was fairly nice and the staff were super friendly.
Guest
For Members
Why was my review removed? Guidelines for writing a review View our privacy policyFor Business Owners
Claim this business See inaccurate information? Submit an update here Link to this page from your site See an unfair review? View full terms & conditionsThis page has been viewed 617 times.