Hakuna Matata (bar And Restaurant) in Barnet

The name means ‘No trouble - no problems’ - what an irony!! Booked two weeks beforehand for cocktails, dinner and drinks for 10 of us. Confirmed the day before. Despite this the waiter told us he had no idea we were coming, and was very off-hand, saying ‘well it’s not busy so what’s the problem?’. He was right, it wasn’t busy - just two female customers. He asked me what we’d expect him to have done if he had known we were coming… I suggested a table prepared for us and a warmish welcome. We certainly didn’t feel welcome. Once we sat down, we asked politely if he could turn the music down a little and he said ‘no, this is how it is’. I asked again if he could kindly turn it down a little given that there was no one else in there, and he pointed to the two women and asked if I could see them. Because he was so unpleasant, we left at that stage, without ordering anything and had a brilliant meal and fabulous fun evening at the Iranian restaurant next door which I would highly recommend! Passing by hours later, only the same two women were in Hakuna Matata! That waiter’s attitude to us was absolutely appalling and when I wrote to let the owner know about the business he’d missed out on, his reply was very lacklustre, he didn’t seem bothered. Perhaps their main business there isn’t cocktails, dinner or drinks… ? avoid avoid avoid!!

We booked a table for my daughter’s 18th birthday, last night. 20 of us, which is always quite challenging for a restaurant but I have to say what a great evening. Fantastic food and cocktails, service was excellent, lovely friendly staff. Alba was really helpful and attentive. Definitely helped one of our party was from Sardinia, I think. 😀 We arranged a set menu and a selection of starters for everyone. A great choice of food and drinks. I can recommend the pina coladas, will definitely be back. Thank you.

Great service and drinks! Loved the Pina Colada mocktail. Well catered vegetarian options (literally tailor made a vegetarian risotto for me which wasn't on the menu.) And it was very flavoursome. The bruschetta starters were one of the best I've ever tried. Tasty tomatoes and seasoned well with garlic. Delicious bread and a good generous size. I will definitely return here.. Our waitress was warm and friendly and was very welcoming.