A Disappointing Lunch Experience at M's Eatery

Last month, on Friday the 19th, it has become a trend at the office to have lunch out. I don't understand why everyone enjoys spending money this way. I'm quite frugal and dislike wasteful spending, but what can I do? I have to go along with the colleagues I work with every day, and they insist on going out. On the 19th, things went from bad to worse.

I wasn’t in the mood at all, but as usual, I gave in and we set off for lunch, five of us in one car. We argued a lot on the way about where to go and finally ended up at M's Eatery, a restaurant I had never noticed before, even though it’s on my route between home and office. One of our colleagues had been there before and recommended it.

When we looked at the menu, I couldn’t understand a thing. The prices were sky-high, and the deals weren’t appealing. The biggest issue was that I wanted Alfredo pasta, and they were out of it. The place itself was okay, not great, just average. I’m not a fan of restaurants that charge unnecessarily high prices, no matter how good their food is. This one was definitely in that category.

At one point, everyone suggested going somewhere else because nothing made sense. That’s when I said, “Now that we’re here, just order something and complete the experience so we never have to come back and can warn others.” Maybe my mood was off that day, which made everything seem worse.

We finally ordered a deal, and it arrived quickly. It came in a large tray with small portions of everything. When I asked if that was all, they confirmed it was the full order. I was stunned. Anyway, we started eating, hoping it would be enough for everyone.

The food wasn’t bad, but the prices didn’t match. I liked the crispy okra, and I ate the curries with garlic naan. I tried to enjoy my meal, but everyone else just ate to fill up. All we could think about was the high cost. Then the bill arrived – over PKR 9000. I don’t think anyone even ate enough to be full, though I tried to get my money’s worth. I felt regretful eating there; it felt like a rip-off. Well, it’s their restaurant and their rules, but I’m never going back. There are much better places, and no one should pay extra without reason.

Afterwards, we gave the colleague who recommended it a hard time, and she felt bad. But despite everything, we enjoyed each other’s company. Still, I wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone.

Later, when I checked Google reviews, I was astonished to see a 4.2 rating. Everyone seemed so happy with their experience there, which I couldn’t believe. My experience was such that I would never go there on my own dime again. If someone invited me or it was free of charge, I might go, but I wouldn’t invite anyone there myself. It’s just too expensive. When I looked at the reviews, people seemed genuinely pleased to pay such high prices for the food. Maybe I’ve become too stingy, lol.

All above pictures are taken by my colleagues through their cell phones.