Gossip Bistro has long been my go-to restaurant and a personal favorite. Whether it’s festive menus or new launches, this has always been my first choice, and it’s a place I regularly recommend to both Chennai friends and visitors. Unfortunately, my recent experiences—three consecutive disappointments over the last 6–8 months, the latest being on 14th December—have been deeply disheartening.
I was genuinely excited about their new Christmas menu. I had already booked the special Christmas 5-course meal for the 25th and was looking forward to their 19th December dinner. However, the menu looked so tempting that I decided to visit earlier, on Sunday the 14th, for lunch with a friend.
Given how busy Gossip usually gets, I booked a table for two via Instagram and specifically requested the Crispy Duck Roast, anticipating it might sell out. I received confirmation and arrived at 1:00 PM, eager to try several items from the Christmas menu along with desserts.
Unfortunately, everything went downhill once we were seated.
I reiterated my request for the Crispy Duck Roast while placing the order and clearly mentioned that it should be served as a main course, after drinks and starters. While ordering, we were informed that the Mutton Chops were unavailable, and we substituted them with the Asian Wok Fry (Chicken). Shortly after, we were told that the SALT Lasagna was also unavailable, and my friend opted for a Penne Pasta instead.
Within moments, the Crispy Duck Roast arrived—before drinks and starters. Despite pointing this out, we were requested to accept the dish. Though disappointed, I agreed. The duck itself was excellent, and the sauce was outstanding. However, the noodles served alongside were completely under-seasoned, which dampened the experience further.
The service continued to be poorly coordinated. Starters and pasta were served before drinks, and dishes arrived in no logical sequence. The Nori Fried Fish had a strong raw fish odor and was unpleasant. The pasta, promised with mixed chicken cuts and sausages, arrived with only boneless chicken pieces. Drinks were finally served at the very end of the meal and returned the drinks.
By then, we had decided not to order any additional mains from the Special Christmas Menu or even the desserts. The lack of attentiveness, incorrect sequencing, and repeated miscommunication were particularly disappointing—especially given that the restaurant was nearly empty at the time.
The manager later approached us, apologized sincerely, and offered a complimentary dessert. While we appreciated the gesture, we declined, as the experience had already left us unsatisfied.
We left the restaurant upset and disappointed—something I never expected from Gossip Bistro. This marks the third poor experience in a short span, which makes it difficult to overlook.
As a result, I’ve canceled my 19th December and Christmas Day reservations. Perhaps I’ll return next year, if this experience fades. Sometimes accepting apologies, forget and forgive dosent make sense when it becomes a pattern. Until then, goodbye, Gossip.
Note to readers: Please don’t let my experience discourage you from visiting. I still believe Gossip Bistro offers excellent food. If you plan to try the Christmas menu, I recommend ordering in stages—drinks first, followed by starters, mains, and desserts—to avoid similar issues.