Address: 14 Poole Hill, Bournemouth, BH2 5PS, United Kingdom
Phone: +441202007277
Rating: 4.6
based on 124 reviews.
Food Quality and Taste
Pros:
"Top of the list of any dining experience is the quality and taste of the food on offer. Zim Braai gets a 5 Star for both the quality and taste experience."
"We both had calamari starters which were both crunchy on the outside but soft and succulent on the inside. Just how we like it."
"Food was absolutely incredible, got the sharing platter to share with my fiance on our anniversary so that we could try a bit of everything and it delivered."
"Great South African food that brought back childhood memories. Everything was cooked perfectly and the whole family enjoyed it."
"My Best south African food experience. Though the steak came overdone at first, they took it back and served medium rare as asked within 19 minutes again."
"We had the mixed grill platter! All of meat was cooked to perfection for my wife and I."
"Food was very nice and staff attentive. Many different things on the menu I would love to try."
"Fantastic food can't explain it better than that, waitresses very attentive."
Cons:
"The food was a bit bland for my pallet. The cocktail though was incredibly perfect."
"Burger meal very nice but the patty could definitely use some seasoning."
"The boerwors did not have enough spice, it tasted the same as a standard plain sausage."
"Had the ribs they were hard and flavourless. The sauce was laced with vinegar."
"The brisket was advertised as one of their most popular specialties...eating it was akin to trying to chew on a bunch of oversauced shoe laces."
"I ordered the calamari which I’d expected to be great as it’s done in a buttermilk and chenin batter. Unfortunately, it was stringy and the batter was nothing special."
"Starters were great, then service dropped off massively to the stage that after an hour we had to ask where our mains were... they were all way overcooked."
"The flavourless rice 100% came out of a microwave packet. The curry was just about edible."
Service and Staff
Pros:
"Service was brilliant, very attentive and lovely. I believe our server was called Emily? And for 17 years old she was brilliant."
"The staff are friendly and attentive without being in your face."
"We had an amazing time! Food was delicious and appropriate cost-food price. The staff was very welcoming and helpful always checking that our food was fine."
"Service was really great, and we finished with a sublime Amarula Don Pedro (if you know you know). Outdoor shaded seating is a treat on a sunny day too!"
"Katie was world class. Exactly the type of service that does Zim Braai great credibility. Food was amazing as well."
"The staff are so friendly and welcoming, shout out to Phoebe. Food is amazing and we were even treated to a couple of complimentary glasses of fizz for our anniversary."
"Absolutely loved our meal here, was a spur of the moment decision on a freezing evening and we were made to feel very welcome."
"Staff were very welcoming at door. Gave us a choice of sitting indoors or outdoors. Waitress had great knowledge of the menu. Good indoors atmosphere."
Cons:
"Our second round of drinks were forgotten we had to remind them, which made us feel forgotten."
"Service. Clearly whatever was at the bar area was far more interesting that the few tables they had to serve."
"Walked out of the restaurant. I was so disappointed with their services. Went with my family for a nice traditional meal and they didn't bring our mains out."
"Didn’t agree with the surcharge of £2 for a pot of sauce which is made to sound like it’s included when prompted by the waitress."
"As others have mentioned, a service charge is added directly onto the bill with no prior notice."
"The waiter told me that the curries were frozen which was shocking to hear given the very high prices."
"Horrible customer service!!! Been there for 2 years from now visit Bournemouth and the restaurant, we tried to book on the phone in advance but impossible."
"Walked out of the restaurant. I was so disappointed with their services. Went with my family for a nice traditional meal and they didn't bring our mains out."
Ambiance and Decor
Pros:
"The restaurant is very well designed, with decorations that reminds the cuisine of this place."
"Beautiful place, lovely music in the background creating a really nice atmosphere along with the warm fire pires."
"I liked the tropical feel of the restaurant and praise the efforts of the team."
"Great South African food that brought back childhood memories. Staff were polite and friendly. Decor was tastefully done with Africa not 'in your face' so to speak."
"Amazing atmosphere and food the bartender with curly brown hair was amazing and our waitress Emily was so warm and smiley."
"The decor is really good very well presented."
"Lovely surprise find after a morning on the beach. Outdoor shaded seating is a treat on a sunny day too!"
"Has a stylish, comfortable outdoor seating area. It's a lovely place to relax and have a cocktail or 2 early evening."
Cons:
"Nice experience here. We were politely welcomed and even though we did not get our requested seating outside, I appreciate the acknowledgment by the member of staff that they have seen the request and apologised."
"The food was good. We all enjoyed what we had but music was to loud and just got louder as the evening went on."
"Lovely atmosphere, and nice desserts. However, customer service is a bit slow, and the rump stake, featured as the house speciality, is not tender at all."
"Great food, service excellent, covid precautions good, sadly diners totally ignoring present situation. Lots of customers wandering in and out and hoovering around the toilets, no social distancing."
"Horrible customer service!!! Been there for 2 years from now visit Bournemouth and the restaurant, we tried to book on the phone in advance but impossible."