What to Expect
The Departure Lounge is a garden restaurant in Mutare's Florida suburb, and portion size is the running theme in its reviews. Calma, in 2023, wrote that “the food comes in bigger portions for a really affordable price” and found the chef's warning about serving sizes was no exaggeration. Will (October 2023) agreed, calling the portions “extremely generous” and admitting “couldn't finish my food”.
Several reviewers want the food served hotter. Sharon (November 2021) liked the food but said “they need to serve it whilst its still hot”, and Valerie, in 2022, had a plate that arrived “served warm not hot”. Pam, also in 2022, described a group of eight where the last two plates only arrived after everyone else had finished eating.
Staff draw praise by name, including Tinashe and Samantha. The garden setting suits a quiet meal, and the restaurant is open daily from 11:00 to 20:00.
Quotes are from Google reviews, credited by first name and month.
What Diners Say
from 77 Google reviews
★★★☆☆
A cosy and chilled garden dining, a must experience - I think particularly in summer. The food comes in bigger portions for a really affordable price. When the chef warned us about the portions, we thought it was part of his marketing strategy, but boy, was he right.
★★★☆☆
Food was delicious, unfortunately it took extremely long to get our food. There were also no soft drinks available for the first hour or so that we were there. Food did not come to the table at once.
★★★☆☆
Pleasant garden dining experience. We literally trusted Google Maps to recommend a meal place and we weren't disappointed. Food was good, served warm not hot and server forgot tartar sauce for the calamari which was too crispy for my preference. I would definitely visit again
★★★★★
Friendly staff and well made food. I liked the salad and the general outdoor feel about the place. Tinashe and Samantha stand out. Well done!
★★★★☆
extremely generous portions, couldn't finish my food.. fairly priced, can't complain....the Atmosphere is okay, i figured that's what's mainly available in Mutare, sitting in the garden...Keep up the good work!!
