Have you ever dined at a restaurant and had a less-than-stellar experience, prompting you to leave a negative review online? Well, if you have, you're not alone. With the rise of social media and online review platforms, customers have more power to share their opinions and influence others' dining decisions.
But what happens when a restaurant owner fires back at those negative reviews, defending their establishment and calling out the customers for their complaints? Take a look at these hilarious snapbacks found online!
Calzone Confusion
People are encouraged to try out new dishes, especially in a restaurant, and it seems this customer did so, albeit mistakenly. She initially wanted a pizza, but somewhere along the line, she chose a calzone, a variety of the dish that originated in Italy.
It is made by folding a circular piece of pizza dough in half, filling it with various ingredients such as cheese, meat, vegetables, and sauce, and then sealing the edges to form a pocket before baking in an oven. You could see where Jenny got confused here!
Performing Paninis
One of the most important things people consider regarding food is presentation and taste, but this individual expected something else from her panini. We've heard the food called a lot of names, but it being called boring is something else.
The word "panini" actually means "little bread" in Italian, and the sandwich is made using a type of bread called ciabatta. It can be filled with a variety of ingredients, making it a great option for both meat-eaters and vegetarians.
Duck Problems
When someone orders a dish, they expect a delicious meal, but, according to this person, it was the worst one they ever had. And judging from the response, it seems to have been intentional! It is a big shame, as duck is a versatile and flavorful meat that can be enjoyed in various dishes.
One such is when it is accompanied by a cherry sauce, which involves searing duck breasts and serving them with a sauce made from fresh cherries and red wine.
Unprofessional Delivery
Delivery drivers often work long hours and tiring shifts that involve shuttling from one part of the city to another, and as such, it's not uncommon to see them constantly tired. However, it doesn't excuse this individual’s rudeness and approach to the customer who ordered the food.
Nobody wants to receive food from someone who is rude and treats their job like they would rather be somewhere else but there. Hopefully, the customer was compensated and the driver adequately dealt with.
Reviewer Called To Order
A lot of small or family-owned restaurants suffer from review bombing, in which most of them are false stories concocted to paint a business in a bad light and minimize their income. In this case, thankfully, the reviewer was promptly exposed and called to order.
From this picture, we are aware that Jane was actually an ex-employee of the business and was engaged in some very unhealthy habits that could potentially ruin her. If you're reading this, Jane, get some help!
Compulsive Liar Exposed
Anyone who comes across this review of the Sandbar restaurant by this person might be tempted to think that it was a sincere review and that they really didn't enjoy their time there, but that is where they would be wrong.
It seems like this person is a serial complainant, and her latest victim was this establishment. Sandbar dates back to 1911 when people came from all over the country to enjoy this restaurant. In 1979, it was purchased by Ed Chiles and a group of partners.
The Case Of The Missing Fries
There is a saying that you should avoid telling lies because you would have to tell many more of them to cover up the previous one, but this person paid no attention to that. As a result, they were caught in a web of lies of their own making.
The victim, in this case, is Ardos Fried Chicken, which is a restaurant based in Sunderland, England, that prides itself on offering great food at affordable prices, according to its website.
Much Ado About The Curry
Customers like the one in this picture are a nightmare for any business owner, as they go out of their way to make a mountain out of a molehill. From this, it is clear that the manager tried all he could to appease them after a negative comment, which was all rejected.
The offending dish, in this case, was the curry and chicken. An interesting fact is that the word 'curry' originated from the Tamil word 'kari,' which means sauce or gravy.
Malicious Review Of Dessert Shop
The sad thing about posting lies in the form of horrible reviews about businesses such as this one is that a lot of people tend to believe it without making any effort to verify the authenticity of the claim.
Thankfully, the business owner staunchly defended the business and refuted the triple velvet cookie dough lies. This dessert is a delicious confection enjoyed by many people, and its ingredients include unsalted butter, milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and red food coloring.
Wrong Place For This Review
Imagine going online to type out and post a negative review of a place you felt slighted at, only to find out that you goofed and reviewed the wrong place. In this case, it was an animal re-homing center.
They are places where abandoned, abused, or neglected animals are taken in and given a second chance at life. These centers play a vital role in animal welfare, and their work is critical in ensuring that animals receive the care and love they deserve.
He Likes His Milkshakes Hot
Have you ever heard of a hot milkshake? Well, you’ll hear it from Harry here, as he can be seen here complaining about his drink arriving cold, which is usually how they come. Milkshakes were first introduced in the late 19th century as a frothy, alcoholic drink made with whiskey and eggs.
However, it was not until the early 20th century that they became the sweet, creamy treat we know and love today. In the '20s, the electric blender was invented, making blending the ingredients easier.
He Really Should See A Doctor
Every food has a taste, whether salty, spicy, sweet, or sour, but when someone says your food has no taste, it might be a case of flu or a virus. In this case, he was advised to get a test, but if we were him, we would see a doctor as soon as possible.
This situation, also known as ageusia, can be caused by a variety of factors, some of which include viral infections like the flu or common cold and nutritional deficiencies.
Pizza With A Little Bit Of Music
Music is one of several shared interests that bring people together, so it is not surprising to see this individual temporarily bond with his delivery driver over their musical taste and preferences, which in this case is rap.
What makes this more wholesome is that the driver was willing to listen to his song and even get his work place to play it. Interestingly, this genre originated in the '70s in New York City before spreading to other parts of the country.
Support Small Businesses
During the pandemic in 2020, doctors and other workers in the health industry were extremely stressed as they were at the forefront of trying their best to deal with its impact. Undeniably, they deserve some recognition for their selfless actions.
However, that is not an excuse to take advantage of other small businesses, as this person did when she put in a poor review of this business, even after they met all her demands. Small businesses were also greatly affected.
Customers With A Drinking Problem
Alcohol has been a part of human civilization for centuries. For many, it remains a popular social beverage that helps to alleviate stress and make public gatherings more enjoyable. However, when consumption escalates to problematic levels, it can devastate one's life, health, and relationships, which no one wants.
This customer and his companion certainly have a drinking problem, and thankfully their antics were all captured on CCTV. Interestingly, men tend to have a higher alcohol tolerance than women because they weigh more than them on average.
Big Chicken, Small Complaint
When visiting a restaurant, many people already know what they want to eat, and they know what to expect when it comes to its taste and size. So imagine this person's surprise when he was faced with an extremely large chicken with strangely "thick skin."
However, according to the business owner, he has nothing to worry about regarding the meal. According to the BBC website, the first widely accepted recipe for fried chicken in the United States was written by Mary Randolph in 1824.
Just Take The Compliment
This person should have just taken the compliment. We doubt that this is the real owner of the business replying because it is puzzling why they would blatantly try to undermine their company, Hong Kong Garden.
It is an iconic dining establishment located in the heart of Hong Kong, with branches in places like Las Vegas and California. Its Las Vegas location is a 7,300-square-foot property that can accommodate up to 340 guests. They also have a seafood restaurant with a separate party room accommodating up to 130 people.
Missing In Action
Interestingly, the first food delivery service was for cold noodles and was recorded in Korea in 1768. So, imagine at the present time that you're a delivery driver going to someone's house for a drop-off, only to ring the doorbell several times with no answer.
You get back into your car to return, only to find out that the customer gave you a one-star rating. We imagine it would feel awful and applaud this person for sticking up for them.
Not Enough Salad For The Kebab
Nobody likes cold salad on hot meat, but it seems Ashleigh here prefers otherwise and is unhappy with the amount of salad given to her to pair with her kebab.
The word "kebab" comes from the Persian word "kabāb," which means grilled meat, and its origins can be traced to the Middle East and Central Asia, where nomadic tribes that roamed the region would skewer meat on their swords and roast it over an open flame. The meat could be beef, lamb, or even chicken.
One Customer Lost
As a business person, one should always remember that the patrons are of the utmost importance, and without them, there wouldn't even be a business to begin with. But this person doesn't care about any of that, proving that good customer service is important.
It is the pillar upon which a company builds a loyal client base and a positive brand reputation. When regulars receive excellent customer service, they feel valued and appreciated, which fosters a positive relationship between them and the business.
Two Very Different Asian Countries
This is exactly what happens when you know next to nothing about other countries and assume that two nations are the same because they are on the same continent. Although China and Cambodia are both in Asia, Cambodian cuisine is a fascinating blend of flavors and ingredients that reflect the country's rich cultural history.
One of its most iconic dishes is Amok, typically made from chicken or fish mixed with coconut milk and spices and steamed in banana leaf cups.
Just Like His Name
If this is not a perfect example of someone acting exactly like their name, then we don't know what is. It seems George Complainer is at it again, doing what he knows how to do best, which is complain.
In this review, he didn't even care to elaborate on any of his issues with the establishment. He just summarized it in one short sentence, which might not exactly be true if someone cared enough to visit the restaurant to investigate his claims.
A Case Of Mistaken Identity
Some people have experienced the embarrassment of being mistaken for the opposite gender, and the Peking City delivery person can be added to the list. Thankfully, in this case, Leanne, the customer, had nothing but good things to say about the order and the service, which is a nice deviation from all the bad reviews in this article.
According to their website, Peking City is a restaurant that offers various Chinese cuisine ranging from appetizers like egg rolls and dumplings to beverages like sweet tea.
Just Eat It, Imogen
Here, we can see Imogen, the customer, give a bad review for the service. Still, the company in question defended itself with a long explanation of what transpired, making us understand that the bulk of the blame lay on the customer.
The company, Just Eat, was founded in Denmark in 2001 and acted as a middleman between independent takeaway food outlets and customers. In January 2020, they partnered with McDonald's to deliver food across the United Kingdom, and two years later collaborated with Domino's Pizza.
Liar Liar Pants On Fire
It seems like many individuals are always confused about which establishment they are reviewing online. Either that, or they don't mind telling blatant lies just to get some attention. One of the things she lied about was the availability of tartar sauce, a popular condiment commonly served alongside seafood.
Its origin can be traced back to France in the mid-19th century when it was first served as a condiment for beef tartare before its popularity grew as time went on.
Love At First Sight
And this here is the beginning of a love story that all started when a customer fell head over heels in love with a delivery driver as soon as she laid eyes on him because he was fit. Thankfully, he was in a flirtatious mood and replied back positively.
Who knows, maybe they'll go on to live a long, happy life and tell their children the story of how they met. Or maybe he was just being nice, and nothing will ever happen between them.
Know Your Pizza
Note to customers; when ordering a meal, make sure you know what you are ordering to avoid situations like this, where the customer is unaware of what a margarita pizza is. According to legend, the pizza was created in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy in 1889.
According to a survey, pepperoni pizza is the most popular type of pizza in the United States. Other popular kinds include BBQ chicken, which includes a lot of barbecue sauce, and cheese pizza.
Ungrateful Customer
Individuals should sometimes learn to be grateful, especially when they get more than they paid for, but a select few complain about it instead, like this person who got the pizza. Since originating in Italy, it has become a staple in countries all over the globe, and it's not hard to see why.
With its delicious combination of crispy crust, tangy tomato sauce, melted cheese, and endless toppings, it is no wonder this is the go-to food for many individuals.
Stone-Cold Kebab
There's nothing worse than trying to eat a stone-cold kebab, and Charlotte here has no one else to blame but herself for her predicament. And to make things more unfortunate, she is demanding a full refund.
Although it is known as a kebab in the United States, In Turkey, it is known as "şiş kebabı" and is traditionally made using lamb or beef. In Iran, it's called "joojeh kebab" and is made using chicken, while the Greeks call it "souvlaki," and it's often served with tzatziki sauce and pita bread.
Taking Out The Competition
This person is making some bold claims about safety and hygiene conditions, but sadly, none of it should be believed. As pointed out here, a rival company is trying to smear its name and reduce its business by leaving a fake review.
This is just one of several tactics some employ to gain an advantage, and others include aggressive advertisement and promotional campaigns to heavily recommend their products. Some also offer their products and services for a lower price to attract customers.
Still Waiting For Her Order
Getting drunk can have many disadvantages, one of which is temporary memory loss, as exhibited by this individual since she cannot remember when she received her order from this restaurant.
And who doesn’t love grilled food when fighting a hangover? If you thought grilling was a relatively new method for preparing food, think again, as grilling has been around for thousands of years. It's said that the ancient Greeks and Romans were some of the first to cook over an open flame.
A Little Patience Would Be Nice
Who puts up a review about a restaurant at one in the morning? Surely it's someone who has nothing else to do and is up to some mischief. Imagine putting up a review about the food before you even receive it.
Now, you might be wondering what happens if someone’s food doesn’t arrive or if they weren’t there to receive it. After trying to contact the customer several times to no avail, the food will be taken back, and the customer will be charged for it.
Ethan's A Little Salty
It seems like this guy is a little bit salty about his delivery driver not giving him her number, so he resorted to publishing a false review about the company. And what's worse is that he slandered the hot dog, one of the most popular foods in the United States.
In case you weren’t aware, one popular theory about this food is that it was first created and introduced to the United States in New York City in the 19th century by German immigrants.
Naomi's At Fault Here
According to Naomi, when anyone pays $40 for a meal, it comes with many expectations, and it seems like they were unmet. But, taking into context the explanation from the company and the details of all that transpired between them, it is safe to assume that the blame for this should be laid squarely at Naomi's feet.
What is even worse is that the poor workers had to work overtime, including the delivery driver, who was led to the wrong address.
Somebody Give This Woman A BAFTA Award
This is a case of someone acting like a petulant kid because she didn't get what she wanted. Shannon here wanted some free food, and when told she had to pay, she resorted to posting fake business reviews.
It's funny that the response mentioned a BAFTA Award, which is an award to celebrate the Best in British and international movies and television. Its history dates back to the '40s when the first ceremony was held in 1949 at the Odeon cinema in Leicester Square, London.
Caught Red Handed!
Now, this is a review that will have anyone rolling on the floor with laughter! The customer went all out with their complaints about the food and service at The Salt House, claiming almost everything was terrible and they had to wait forever for their meals. But the real kicker is the response from the business owner, who totally called them out on their lies.
It turns out the customer was only there for 80 minutes, not the 150 they claimed, and the food and service were actually great. The business owner even had security footage and sales records to prove it. Talk about getting caught red-handed.
Hair and Nail in Food Not Served
Oh, the terror! Of course, finding a fingernail and hair on your waffle is definitely not a pleasant experience. Both can contaminate and introduce a food-poisoning organism to a dish. But the response from the owner does well to address any concerns while being completely savage. Apparently, the restaurant isn't even open yet.
It's either the reviewer has a time machine or they were trying to pull a fast one on the establishment. We wonder what kind of person would leave a fake review like that, but it happens. Sometimes a newer place opens and tries to play the card of being a better restaurant to poach customers.
Probably Forgot To Snap The Original Burger
The manager's response to this review is one for the books. They went to great lengths to investigate the supposed customer's claim because it's quite a serious one. Consuming foods with maggots is generally unsafe and an indication the dish is spoilt. But upon investigation, they found out that the reviewer's credibility was just as rotten.
Why would anyone even go as far as searching for a spoilt hamburger stock photo to support their lies? Maybe the person is just bored; hence the suggestion to get a cat was a nice touch too. If the management didn't respond, imagine the image people will have of their local business.
Mystery Service and Food
Well, this is quite a mystery. Was the service so good that they had their table given away after 10 minutes? And how amazing was the food they ate while standing up? Oh, and the most important question of all; how did they manage to rate a lobster that wasn't and has never been served in the establishment?
Perhaps it's getting clear enough that the customer may have stumbled into an alternate reality. But let's not jump to conclusions just yet. It's not unreasonable to consider the possibility that they may have been mistaken about what they ordered, even though the rest of the story still doesn't add up.
Social Media Evidence
The Le Jardin Restaurant owner really knows how to fact-check their customers. In response to a negative review from a supposed anniversary couple, they pointed out that the reviewer's Facebook profile stated they were single. Oops! The customer tried to explain that their relationship status doesn't revolve around their social media, but one doesn't just mess with a Michelin-star restaurant.
They dug deeper and found a post where the customer expressed their love for New Jersey and New York women about six months prior. It seems like the customer's anniversary dinner might have been a solo affair after all. People tend to forget that social media reflects our lives.
Legally Burnt
It looks like the bartender at this establishment did the responsible thing by refusing to serve an intoxicated patron, but the customer didn't appreciate it. The owner's response, however, was spot on. The fact is, under legal obligations, a bartender must decline service to an intoxicated individual who returns to the bar seeking another drink.
It's important for both customers and business owners to prioritize safety. The owner even offered helpful advice for the patron's friend, suggesting they seek help if needed. It's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to alcohol consumption; this bar seems to take that seriously.
Not So Neighborly
Raymond, the restaurant owner being criticized, seems to have caught a sneaky neighbor trying to leave a bad review without ever stepping foot in his establishment. Not only did the customer leave a vague and unhelpful one-word statement, but Raymond noticed that the same neighbor had given their own jewelry store a glowing five-star review.
Although negative reviews can feel like a personal attack, like in this case, individuals may often post them when feeling dissatisfied with their own lives and seek to criticize others for boosting their self-esteem, according to Life Learn. And what better target than that pesky restaurant around the corner?
A Confused Customer
The Narrow has found itself in a pickle with this review. While it's unfortunate and worth addressing when a customer doesn't have a great experience, ignoring that they may have been a little confused about what they actually ate is hard. Perhaps they accidentally stumbled into another restaurant on their way to The Narrow.
Either way, the owner seems to be handling it with grace and professionalism—and a little bit of sarcasm—kindly pointing out that their menu doesn't and has never included the dishes described. Carrot starters are usually salted during fermentation, so oversalting is possible when not mindful. However, the reviewer must have mixed things up.
Trouble Over Breakfast
Park Italian Gourmet seems to have a strict breakfast policy that this customer wasn't aware of. And because of this person's not-so-kind behavior, as the owner put it, their response to the negative review had a humorous and firm tone. He even added a touch of sarcasm, saying he wouldn't be worried if the customer decided not to come back, as he would kick them out again.
It's always important to check restaurant policies before visiting because statistics show it contributes to negative reviews, although not as common as product and service. But some criticized the way the owner handled the situation. After all, 10:20 a.m. is still morning.
What's That Smell?
This business owner's response to Mark's review is both hilarious and informative. Mark complains about the restaurant's smell, but the owner calls him out for his inappropriate behavior instead of bothering to defend the diner's cleanliness. It was obvious to them that something was off. It turns out that Mark wasn't even served because he failed to show his ID.
Instead of accepting the error and negotiating his way out of it, he exposed his chest hair under the guise of bringing out some identification and harassed the female staff. He should be grateful he was let off with just the owner's response and not criminal charges.
Dining Room, Not Playground
Here's another customer who had a rough time at a restaurant. More than half of negative reviews result from what guests perceive as bad service, so even after acknowledging the food was good, they could only manage to give two stars. But as imagined, the owner had a witty response because the customer didn't tell the whole story.
The complaint about grumpy service and lack of family-friendliness was only because the establishment wasn't in support of their kids running around tables and screaming. The owner explained that the place is not a playground and suggested they order takeout next time and go play at home. Ouch!
Customers That Cross The Line
Some customers really overstep their boundaries with no consideration whatsoever. The owner's response to Marcel's review is a witty take on that age-old issue. Imagine trying to turn a public bar into a personal office. Isn't it reasonable that the owner politely pointed out that it is not the intention of the establishment?
In 2021, the charge on electricity bills in the United States had almost doubled from the price in 1990. The majority of energy used is derived from fossil fuels, and their costs are increasing. With this in mind, the bar certainly won't appreciate customers hogging power outlets, especially when they didn't even buy that many drinks.
A Petty Reviewer That May or May Not Be Right
Everyone may have their take on this, but the consensus remains that the owner of this establishment dished out a rather interesting response to the not-so-glowing review. On the one hand, it could debunk the review and reduce it to a case of pettiness. But on the other hand, it could make people believe the comments are true!
Interestingly, Masala Chai is actually spiced milk tea, but according to the owner, the reviewer's rant was just because they were recently fired from their job for poor service and numerous complaints from guests. Hopefully, that's enough to address concerns that must have come up about their food authenticity.
It's All About The Money For This One
It seems like Mrs. Keightley had a bit of an "antsy" experience at this restaurant, but the owner was quick to respond and set the record straight. While there may have been some unwelcome ants, the owner assured Mrs. Keightley that there was no infestation but ensured to go ahead with mentioning the parts she left out of her review.
Apparently, Mrs. Keightley's real issue was with a lost pair of sunglasses. And even though the restaurant offered to help, it seems like she was more interested in the money than in resolving the issue. The owner remained almost painfully polite but didn't seem to be expecting her back.
The Cupcake Licker
The entire story behind this review is a laugh riot! Even the owner couldn't seem to understand how Gaye thought his partner's action was in any way appropriate. Apparently, they licked a cupcake topper and put it back on the wall display. Gross, right? Saliva can transmit several diseases. So, the owner asked them to bring it to the front counter to be thrown out.
But for some reason, Gaye went ahead to leave a terrible review about the service, claiming they had dry cakes and cold coffee at the place. However, the owner's response was epic! There's no way anyone will take the negative post seriously after that.
Sassy Comeback From Smokehouse 41
It seems like there was a bit of a mix-up at BBQ restaurant Smokehouse 41. A hungry family came in, excited for a good meal, but unfortunately, things didn't quite go as planned. The customer left a bad review, complaining about the horrible service, rude cashier, and overpriced food with a disappointing kids' menu.
But the owner had a sassy comeback, reminding the customer that being rude to the staff doesn't help anyone. Plus, they even gave the kids meals for free, which she failed to mention. And to top it off, the restaurant was closing but still attended to them. Expecting special treatment after arriving late is impolite.
Must Have Been Some Strong Wine
Someone seems to have gotten a bit confused about visiting Wiggly Wine. But in our professional opinion—which is probably not the most professional source—there's no harm in letting the review stand since it's positive, after all. This customer left a comment praising the nice ambiance, helpful staff, and delicious chicken dish with extra cheese and spices.
But the management had a hilarious response, pointing out that the customer must have visited them in their dreams because they're not even open yet. Maybe they had too much wine before bed and dreamt up a delicious meal at Wiggly's, even though it is more of a liquor store.
Handling a Frequent Scammer
In this hilarious review, a customer complains about their experience with a restaurant, claiming that they were overcharged and the staff was unfriendly. Honestly, if anyone is going to call out an establishment for poor service, it's better to have the facts and figures. The customer didn't seem to have them, but the owner did.
Apparently, this reviewer had pulled stunts like this trying to scam them multiple times in the past. The owner set the record straight, explaining that the guest wanted to substitute one of his pizzas for a healthier gluten-free option, which took longer to cook and wasn't part of the deal. So, he was charged separately.
Not All Competitors Play Fair
The owner of this restaurant was not taking any nonsense from a sneaky competitor trying to leave a bad review! The fake customer claimed the food was not fresh and that there were no customers because of it. However, the owner quickly pointed out that this was a complete fabrication.
The owner also suspected that the reviewer was from a competing Chinese restaurant in town, trying to defame their establishment. And this is not uncommon in business. Experts advise, however, that one should never lash out in response. But that may be a tad too late for this owner who already called out the BS as ridiculously tacky!