06/02/09

disappointed fan

by noodlelover1

I love the food at Spice Island, but I just had the worst experience. I told my server that my friend was going to be 15 minutes late, but she was very nice and agreed to seat me right before the busy lunch hour began. I ordered a drink and planned on tipping well. Then 15 minutes later the owner/manager stopped by and berated me for taking up a table during the busy lunch hour (when there were still quite a few tables open), and my friend showed up 30 seconds later, as I had warned the server. I don't think I'll go back now because the manager was so ungracious.

• Pros: food
• Cons: service

03/28/09

Extensive Menu and Side effects

by OrganicBeauty

I feel terrible about this because the waitstaff were so nice, but both my partner and I experienced a severe stomach illness after eating a the Spice Island Tea house. We ordered different meals entirely but they both contained seafood. I don't want people to stay away from this establishment... just maybe the seafood...

• Pros: Extensive Menu, Amiable Waitstaff
• Cons: Stomach Illness

01/16/09

I'd recommend ordering take out.

by JoeyJIllBIll

The food needs no defense -it's amazing. The environment is pretty dang filthy, but hey, it's Oakland!!

My real complaint is that the manager and much of the wait staff is just plain mean.

The manager has some real temper issues -I've watched her scold servers in front of a full dining room for obvious mistakes -like slipping, or spilling water. I've been personally attacked by this woman by making the mistake of asking if I could substitute a side. Over the years, I have yet to find more than a handful of friendly servers. It's like from the minute you walk in, you're made to feel like they don't need your business.

• Pros: food
• Cons: environment