Retro Café & Grill - Bournemouth

We went to Retro on Saturday for what will probably be the last time. The service was poor. If you want anything here you have to ask for it several times, but... read more We went to Retro on Saturday for what will probably be the last time. The service was poor. If you want anything here you have to ask for it several times, but that's no guarantee you'll get it. I felt sorry for the young woman who was helping out I don't think she'd been trained. Removing the plates from the previous course before bringing the next one seems obvious, but my friends and I found ourselves doing that job. The food was average at best the special was rice with what appeared to be lumps of roast chicken plonked on top of it and little else. The portions are not generous so we asked for and got extra bread to make up for it. I asked for Lebanese beer they didn't have it only Bud. I asked for the Bud I didn't get it, we asked for water we didn't get it we asked for the candle to be lit (three times it went out a metaphor for the evening). At least this time they had Lebanese wine which was good. Like other tripadvisor critics we noticed a bloke going in and out with shopping. Odd!. We had a pleasant evening but that had everything to do with the company and the wine and little to do with Retro. We first went there back in 04/05 and have been there at least six/seven times over the years. It used to be good. Sadly last Sat was the last time.

The food in Retro is always brilliant with fantastic service. Really good for vegetarians as there are lots of hot and cold mezze type dishes which are great to... read more The food in Retro is always brilliant with fantastic service. Really good for vegetarians as there are lots of hot and cold mezze type dishes which are great to share. The grilled meat is also very tasty!

We first tried this restaurant years ago and it is now a go to when I visit my family in the area. The food is delicious and and the staff are very friendly. Th... read more We first tried this restaurant years ago and it is now a go to when I visit my family in the area. The food is delicious and and the staff are very friendly. The decor has improved recently too, which is a bonus!

Authentic Lebanese cuisine, very nice, with friendly staff and a nice setting in Charminster. opportunity to eat outside if weather allows. read more Authentic Lebanese cuisine, very nice, with friendly staff and a nice setting in Charminster. opportunity to eat outside if weather allows.

Have been coming to Retro for several years now and although there can be a slight variation sometimes with the food and the service its always worth coming bac... read more Have been coming to Retro for several years now and although there can be a slight variation sometimes with the food and the service its always worth coming back. Basic decor and facilities but the ingredients are fresh and everything is tasty. Perfect for a casual tasty meal. Loads of options for vegetarians and for the meat eaters. Tip is to ask for chilli oil which is not on the menu, not always available but when it is its homemade and lovely.