MaRobert's - Tanzanian/East African Cuisine

★★★★★

“Shocking and upsetting experience. While visiting Edinburgh, my husband went into MaRoberts to wait while I was next door. A female staff member asked him to leave, falsely accused him of being drunk, and said he was “making her feel uncomfortable.” This was completely untrue. My husband, a Black man, was left deeply embarrassed and shaken by this accusation. When I went back to calmly question what had happened, I was not allowed inside and stood at the doorway. The same staff member repeated the false claim, told me not to call her racist because she “works with Maggie who is black,” and then physically pushed me away from the entrance. This behaviour was unacceptable and deeply concerning. I hope the owner reviews the CCTV footage and addresses this properly.”

★★★★★

“Unfortunately, I have to concur with other reviewers regarding the same staff member at this shop and her clear discrimination. During a Too Good To Go collection, I was treated with open hostility and made to feel unwelcome because I was not a “full-paying” customer. Despite arriving early, I was told to leave the store and return only once it had closed, then told I would need to purchase an item if I wanted to remain inside. When I attempted to do so, the staff member refused to process the transaction for nearly 10 minutes, until a manager was requested and intervened. As I was leaving, the staff member began repeatedly saying “Asante sana” to me — over and over — despite her clearly not being a Swahili-speaker and having no reason to as our entire conversation had been in English. It was not said as a genuine “thank you,” but in a way that felt mocking and taunting. As a Black woman, this felt racially targeted as she did nothing of the sort with any of the other (white) customers. I have lived in Scotland for eight years and have not experienced such overt discrimination. Given that other reviewers have raised concerns about the same individual, her unprofessional behaviour appears to be a pattern rather than an isolated incident. I had previously enjoyed the food here and made a special effort to visit before heading out of town. I won’t be returning and can’t recommend this place.”

★★★★★

“MaRobert's Cafe is an oasis when you are seeking food and drink that's hearty, filling, and healthy along with delicious. Not many restaurants in Edinburgh serve great portions of veggies and protein, but at MaRobert's you can get food that fuels you and makes you feel amazing afterward, like rice, greens, vegetarian curry, chicken thigh, roasted plantains, and more. This delicious Tanzanian cafe can fuel you to enjoy sightseeing in the area or just to enjoy the rest of your day. Their coffee, specifically the cappuccino, is exquisitely smooth, silky, and slightly nutty in a special and magic way. I'm not sure what beans they use, but they are unlike any other coffee I've had and very pleasantly tasty. Their portion size for the coffee is also very generous, and everything comes out piping hot and fresh. Not to mention MaRobert's has free wifi, outlets for chargers, and NEVER puts your table on a timer, so it's super friendly for students, remote work, and all your other everyday needs. I truly felt like I could kick back and enjoy my entire day at this peaceful and bright cafe, drinking too much coffee and eating nutritious, flavorful food. Every member of the staff is so naturally friendly that you feel you can gain genuine friendships as a regular as well as a positive experience. It is a very comfortable and social atmosphere, and the staff is so thoughtful that they will make you feel welcomed even into casual conversations. When I had to move away at the end of my school program, I was devastated because of how much I'll truly miss chatting with the staff members, sharing the best and funniest parts of our day, and enjoying the weather no matter the season. MaRobert's goes above and beyond in every way with customer service and really cares for you before you ever have to ask. A glass of water, napkins, opening the door to let the sun in, are all extra touches that the staff constantly provide without me ever asking, every time I was there. That seemed little at first, but when you're there you feel amazing and you end up wanting to come back for the day-brightening atmosphere along with the deliciousness! To the staff, Skye, Maggie, Meeka, and everyone else I didn't get a chance to meet, thank you so much for welcoming me and making my year in Edinburgh more beautiful than I could have imagined! With love and gratitude, AJ :-)”