Arth, the successor to SpiceKlub in Cupertino, continues to excel in its culinary offerings but falls short in crucial operational aspects. The food quality remains outstanding, carrying forward the high standards set by its previous iteration. While they maintain their commitment to serving Jain cuisine, the menu appears to have a more limited selection of Jain options compared to their SpiceKlub days - a notable shift for their dietary-conscious clientele.
A recent visit highlighted significant service challenges. Despite having a confirmed 2:00 PM reservation through OpenTable on a Sunday, we were informed upon arrival that the kitchen only accepts orders until 2:15 PM. What makes this particularly egregious is that Arth enforces a $10 per person no-show fee for customers who don't honor their reservations, yet seems unwilling to extend the same level of commitment and professionalism toward their own obligations. This double standard is striking - while they hold their customers financially accountable for punctuality, they appear to take a remarkably casual approach to managing their reservation system and customer communication.
When questioned about this disconnect and their failure to proactively inform guests about these timing constraints, the manager's response was particularly disappointing, citing being "busy with restaurant duties" as justification for the lack of communication. This explanation falls especially flat given that they've implemented sophisticated reservation and fee systems, yet can't manage basic customer communication about their operating hours.
The ambiance maintains the upscale, sophisticated atmosphere of its predecessor. However, there's a noticeable scaling back in food presentation compared to the SpiceKlub days, with plating now being rather conventional. While this doesn't detract from the excellent taste, it does represent a step back from the restaurant's previous commitment to visual artistry.
Overall, for those considering a visit to Arth, expect exceptional flavors but be mindful of timing and service limitations. It's advisable to book well before their kitchen closing time to avoid any disappointing experiences. Given their strict reservation policies for customers, one would expect a higher standard of service and communication from their end - unfortunately, this doesn't seem to be the case. Jain diners should also note the reduced menu options, though the available dishes maintain their quality standards.
EDIT: added more information about Jain food, and the no show fee. read more