just to describe in 1 word - highly disappointed
so after a big disappointment from a restaurant at a place also known as 8th wonder of the world, i decide to write my first review on zomato.. after recommendation from a friend and going by zomato reviews and rating, i planned to celebrate a very special evening at al iwan, reservation done, husband's pic given (as they mention in confirmation email - pic can be provided so the guest will be greeted at the entrance), special comments mentioned that its my husband's birthday which r are able to celebrate together after about 5yrs so request to provide the best possible table with best possible arrangements..
we arrived at the restaurant and here the disappointment starts - first, sending pic was of no use, second, there wasn't any sort of special decor on the table (which i expected to be atleast a few petal of roses), the table provided was rather so secluded that even the waiters couldn't see us when we needed them, the view on the table was of a lobby (which actually gave a feeling like we were sitting in a lobby cafe/restaurant - a table close to the window or anywhere in quite and a more romantic ambience rather than a lobby view and noise would have been appreciated) , sitting was really uncomfortable with the semi circle kind of sofa.
after that next was the arabic bread, labneh and salad served at our table, with this high standard of restaurant one can never expect a not so hot arabic bread platter and a bowl of salad with really poor presentation - a few long sliced cucumber and capsicums...then the food buffet, buffet spread out nicely with quite a few options but the food was already cold - chef was there to explain us all the dishes but to our disappointment, from bbq to lamb ozi, everything was cold as if they were about to close the restaurant...
a complimentary cake was given for my husband and a rose for me....thankyou for that
however, the only reason to give 2 points is the friendly staff, the waiter (noor) and the lady on reception to whom i also mentioned that it was quite a disappointment specially in regards to the sitting provided.
i chose al iwan thinking a restaurant at the best location would never go rong on anything and make this very special evening even more special for us.......but i guess my choice was completely wrong...there was not even one single special gesture which could make it different from any other restaurant