Note that I gave IKEA's restaurant 4 stars more for their family-friendly space, the design inspiration, and the product integration that this furniture store uses. I think this brand has done one of the best jobs in the world to show you what some products are meant to do as well as making you want to buy them. Let's talk food first. My first question to some of these reviewers is: what were your expectations coming in here? Are you looking for Michelin stars food and service? If that is the case, then a step back should be taken to reassess this whole place. This is a cafeteria style restaurant---no waiter service, grab a tray, make your selection, and eat. The food is very affordable; two people can dine here for under $20 (with dessert). If you are looking for a cheap date, IKEA might be your calling. In terms of the quality of the food, it really is only decent, but the convenience is where it's at. The environment doesn't seem right if I make my own Swedish meatball meal at home. It's the combination of the meal plus seeing all the IKEA items that makes the experience. Onto some of the things that I touched base on in the beginning. They have a children area for the kids to go play and be entertained. I am not a parent myself but seeing how kids don't have much patience to sit with their parents, that space is a life saver for some folks. On the other hand, the restaurant's decors and furniture are pretty much all IKEA. From a business standpoint, they are freaking geniuses on that. On one hand, they save cost to not have to buy it from someone else, and it makes you want to spend more because you saw how something is used. TL;DR: It isn't a space to come and have fabulous food. It is the experience of dining at a furniture store and to try the infamous Swedish meatballs. read more

SWEDISH MEATBALLS, mash, and a side of lingonberry is like a mini Thanksgiving comfort meal! Smooth mashed potatoes with an oh so light gravy coat luscious, tender Swedish meatballs. The tangy and sweet lingonberry jam takes it over the edge! I like to alternate between creamy and savory bites with the sweet ones. It's divine! Try it! read more

I'm generally an Ikea fan, but today has sorely changed my opinion. We came a few months ago and were frankly disappointed, but chalked it up to coming in near closing time. Today's experience just screams Ikea: focus on what you're good at: cheap furniture! And for the love of all things good and pure, GET OUT OF THE RESTAURANT BUSINESS!!! No ice, no silverware, cold food, didn't bring my "family" card so no published prices. read more

Not bad...I had this new salmon lasagne and though it was a bit dry, it made for the perfect meal for $5. Great way to take a break when you are going to go through the whole store. The only thing is that I wanted a fat free vanilla soft serve cone and I waited in line in the downstairs snack bar only to hear from the cashier that they were out. Why can't they have a sign then? read more

This place was just sad. Hadn't been to Ikea in probably 5-6 years, but eating at the restaurant was always part of the experience. Was never gourmet, but I don't remember it being this bad. Dimly lit, everything was picked over, children running around coughing. Salad bar was empty. Saw a person coughing under the glass as they attempted to scrape the last of a soup container. Sandwich case was empty. Only options left were very old looking fish, a couple chicken tenders, and the famous meatballs. I went with the meatballs - figured they had the highest turn over and probably had been heated at least enough be pasteurized. They were ok - and I did not get sick - so a plus. To be fair, I think it was kids eat free night, and a lot of people were using this place to feed their families - and I feel for them. So I do give Ikea an extra star for helping the community - whether intentional or not. read more

Great place to eat and it's good and cheap! My favorite is the Swedish meatballs. My husband had the vegetarian chili and said it was ok. My husband and I spent a total of ten dollars for 2 meals and a drink. It's cafeteria style so the service is fast and friendly. read more

I hate to admit this, but I get cravings for cheap quality food sometimes, yes. It might be being able to take the super soft meatballs and then dipping them into your mashed potatoes and the lignon berry sauce fault but.... it makes it all good. Knowing you didn't break the bank and being able to walk off the processed food makes it all better. I love the combination of all three being dipped together as a strange savory and sweet bite, similar to a cheapy version of Thanksgiving perhaps? Keeps me coming back, I don't even have a real explanation as to why. read more

Always a great little pit stop during you rigorous furniture shopping marathon. It's takes a lot out of you. First of all Ikea is not for amateurs. You have two floors of ample space and filled with kitchen, bedroom and living room options. Spending a whole day here is not unheard of hence the great little cafe where you can get an inexpensive bite to eat, watch a little TV, and hydrate you and your family before you tackle the bottom floor. I visited the cafe just recently and enjoyed these fluffy spinach and cheese crepes. It was surprisingly delicious and after I was done I kind of wanted another. Initially when I requested the crepe they were all out but this delightful lady with a great accent made another batch for me. Made me feel so special, I began to forget that I was in Ikea. She advised me it would take about 15 minutes and she would call out to me when they were ready. I added a small salad and couldn't resist getting a dessert. I choose the apple cake. This dessert would have been way better if I would have remembered to warm it up. I often forget they do have a microwave. Overall everything was tasty. Gallery furniture has nothing on Ikea! read more

I grew up in Houston and have only ever been to this IKEA. The food has always looked terrible, and sounded even worse, so I never really understood when someone says eating there is part of the experience. Really? The cafeteria food in those cases is actually tasty? They've gotta be talking about a different IKEA. As suspected, the food is pretty bad. Even when a friend and I stopped for coffee during our shopping, the service was bad, half of the drink station wasn't working, the coffee was crappy, cups didn't even look washed. Unlimited refills on the coffee though. The food looked like it had been sitting out all day in a case, and I'm guessing that's true. This stuff is definitely cafeteria style. I'd say it's on par with my dorm's food in college, but twice as expensive. I recently discovered that this is one of the few IKEA locations that's independently franchised. I don't know if that still applies to the restaurant, but that might explain why the food is so bad. I think everyone else IS talking about a different IKEA. Perhaps other locations are better. read more

No waiters and you have to pick up after yourself! Although this does not sound pleasing, it is how Ikea manages to keep prices so low. On Mondays you can get free breakfast which includes fake eggs, yummy cottage fries, and bacon (you can ask to replace it with something else if you don't eat pork). Their princess cakes with marzipan are delicious, greek salad is okay, but the salmon lox plate is one of my favorites! I have to say though, the soft serve ice cream here is the best soft serve that I have ever eaten. It sounds crazy, but there's just something about it that's different from other soft serve ice cream/yogurt. read more

Treading on this ice, Ikea... two weeks in a row I went in for some kid play and food. The first time, they wouldn't let the kids play because they were full. Understaffed must have been more accurate because there were hardly kids in there. Boo. But my big complaint is the food upstairs. They keep telling me that I cannot get mac and nuggets together, that the meals don't work that way because they're both "entrees". One lady went as far as to say kids were eating free (they apparently were not) as if I were trying to cheat. I then had to order two kids meals (which are usually so cheap, so who cares) because my kid was used to that combo, so I got the mac with veggies and chicken with fries. I was then told I got a drink with the second so grabbed another milk. Guess what? Kids were not free, they are not even the $2.49 the sign said. The guy rang me up .99 per item, including the milks. That means that because they told me things "had" to be bought together, I wasted three bucks on stuff I never wanted. Okay, I'm on to you then. Next week I order the chicken and mac and get the same tired story. I told her I knew they'd charge them all separately at .99 anyway and I wanted what I wanted. She refused to even put them on the same plate, as if I were committing a crime and she wanted no part in it. She even reminded me kids eat free. Again, they did not. Again, charged .99 per item (mac, chicken, milk) and so at least I was victorious in standing up and getting what I wanted. Other kid with me who ordered as they wanted, chicken and fries, was also charged .99 per item (chicken, fries, milk). Get it together, Ikea. You're about to get marked off the list of places I'm willing to go, and little do you know how much I've spent in your warehouse... read more

Used to love getting Swedish meatballs, veggies and mashed potatoes. I think there is a new vendor running their cafeteria now. Anyway, prices are up, quality is down. Some of the meatballs had been sitting in the pan for a while, one side of several balls was hard and dry. Rather than serving the last ball in a tray, they pour fresh ones on top of old ones, so you may get fresh ... or not. Mashed potatoes are rather tasteless, poor texture, and must be from a box. Make sure to get gravy unless you like eating sawdust. What used to cost the two of us $16 was $22 this time. Their Cola is terrible! One problem is it tasted like diet, so I'm sure the lines were crossed or syrup added to the wrong tank as some point. Lingonberry drink was really watery, and not very sweet. I'm really disappointed how far it's dropped on our third visit in the last year. read more

I remember the Swedish meatballs as a kid in IKEA in the UK. Almost every time I swing through IKEA, I stop to eat the meatball dinner. I mean what's not to love? Meatballs, gravy, mashed potatoes... Friendly staff, cafeteria style so it's fast food on a budget. read more

This ain't your mama's IKEA restaurant! Tabasco at every table, Louzianne iced tea (sweet and unsweet), you find an IKEA restaurant like this up north. This one lacks beer and wine, and outdoor seating though. Free WiFi and free coffee with your IKEA Family card. Also, it opens before the store does in case you're looking for a $1 breakfast. read more

How many furniture stores can you count that offer great cuisine at a reasonable price. The list probably could fit on a sticky note. The meatballs are delicious and with some perfected mash potatoes you have yourself a scrumptious little meal. The chocolate cake is worth noting as being exactly what you need if you crave chocolate with more chocolate. A little tricky to navigate their system if your a 1st timer. They do charge for refills of soda. read more

Not a restaurant in the clinical terms but more a cafeteria per say but just perfect for breakfast. I had 5 adults and 3 kids and the cost was below 31.00 dollars with no tip. Just the most clean place you can imagine, like a hospital cafeteria. They offer the standard fare ( eggs, sausage links, potatoes, and Swedish pancakes and more) and some vegan options. We went on a Sunday and the restaurant opened at 9.30am but the store opened at 10.pm , so you have time to eat then shop. The best thing I love is the vegan meat balls ( really great) also you can shop and find things you don't need. As far as the restaurant if you have many kids it's the Best Buy in town. read more

It is what it is. Don't expect the IKEA food to be anything it's furniture isn't- it simply looks good and gets the job done well enough. Good prices, decent food, but nothing to go out of your way to get. Great if you're here and get hungry, or if you need something cheap to ride your kids over (and pick up a few home goods while you're here). read more

Let's be real here. The Ikea restaurant is food court quality. It's frozen food that has been reheated. It's not good, but it's not super terrible either. I just won't have any cravings for anything that was on the menu. At least now I can say I've tried it. read more

So you're about to tackle the giant inexpensive, yet stylish furniture mecca that is Ikea. But you have the tum rumbs (Tom Haverford style) :( Fortunately for you, Ikea has solved that problem with affordable food! For $1.99, I had fish and chips. Was it authentic British pub fare? No! It was $1.99! And it was decent, non-greasy food that didn't make me run to the restroom and kept me happy till I could make my purchases and get out! I may have also fallen pray to their 3 chocolate bars for $2.49, but now I have chocolate! And it's pretty good quality, so a few squares keeps me from eating anything too sugary after dinner. read more

CHEAP food but I guess since its cheap it doesn't taste oh so great. But if your hungry from shopping I would recommend getting a quick bite from here. read more

I'm a fan of the Swedish meatballs... 15 for $4.99? plus lingenberries and mashed potatoes? It's not fine dining, but it's a great deal for a quick mid-shopping lunch. read more

I paid $5 to eat a meal of grilled chicken, mash potatoes with gravy, & vegetables. & it was good. Not life changing, but well worth $5 good. I like that the menu is ever changing. The swedish meatballs they're so famous far arent' that great IMO but gravy makes everything better. I'd say the best part of all is that it's IKEA. You can wander the building dreaming about how your tiny NYC apartment can look cute & efficient like they have displayed. Psh. If only. read more

Just a usual ikea restaurant. Free coffee beverages if you're a member - it used to be just coffee but they know seem to also have a cappuccino machine! Not bad if you're at ikea, you're hungry, and don't want to spend too much money! read more

I don't always go to ikea, but when i do, I make sure to stop by and pick me up some food at their cafeteria. It's not a restaurant where you expect a full 100% service. It's a cute cafeteria like that has variety of delicious, quick, good price food choices that you will enjoy. Their Swedish meatball is awesome! I might not be a big fan of chicken strips but they sure do have a good one for no more than $5! you can't beat that. You can have a full meal for yourself with dessert without spending over $10 and be satisfied. read more

It's ok, $24 for the 2 of us to have lunch. Luke warm lunch food (even though it was 11.04am!) and the soda machine was broken. 25c for a to go box?? Chocolate cake was good at least! read more

Kinda hit and miss to be honest. Often understaffed and inconsistent food quality as your never sure if your going to get the bottom of the bucket meatballs. Digging the family perk though -- if you sign up online each and every time you shop you get a free coffee-- only con here is that it's not to go (assuming they don't want you to leave cups all over the showroom floor) read more

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A lot of bang for your buck! Salmon was pretty decent size, the cauliflower and broccoli medley were nicely seasoned, and mashed potatoes and gravy were delicious. The chocolate cake was moist and fluffy and had a soft mousse that was delicious and light!! Pleasantly delicious meal for a low price ( $6.99 for salmon and 2 sides)!!! read more

This IKEA superstore is probably an interior decorator's playground. I came here after looking online to see if I could find a bed leg to replace the one that got damaged When we moved. I go to the computer to help me locate the part. Because customer service is lacking when dealing with people computers are always so friendly and helpful. So I located the part but it told me to go see a employee for help locating the part. You already know what happened next. Yelpppp!!!! Not much help or concern from the guy I asked. I found something close enough on my own. Overall the store looks like it have pretty much anything you're looking for. if you can look it up on the computer before and get the area where it is located that would probably be best. read more

IKEA Restaurant - American Near Me - Houston, Texas

I was a bit disappointed that the only salmon they had was some crusty thing. I opted for the (horsefree?) meatballs, which we all enjoyed. It was plenty cheap--2 adults and 2 kids ate for $23, with drinks and a shared dessert. The cashier was apparently the only one qualified to: 1) run the register 2) refill the coffee machine 3) turn on the children's area DVD player. As such, he was running around sweating all over. They also didn't have the AC on very high: it was pretty hot inside. Of course outside it was 108 but it was at least 80 inside. read more

It used to be better even 4 years ago. I don't know what has changed recently, but the last two times we were here in the past two months, the restaurant was in a sub-par state. The area near the drinks and service items was all messed up and dirty, and stayed like that for at least 30 minutes that we were there, and they weren't that busy. They have kids' items that are offered as a combination (proteins+side). They refused mixing those combinations. But when you pay for them, those items are charged separately. So, why couldn't we get this side with that meat? "Just because". And even though it was 2+ hours before closing, the featured dish that they had advertised on the big posters, was not available. read more

Food here is meh but I like their furniture as a bachelor gives me ideas on how to Pimp my pad

who doesn't love a break to have swedish meatballs and potatoes and then princess cake! yum

All the employees were very cordial, kind and helpful. I had a wonderful time looking and shopping. I bought a few hundred bucks worth of items and need to go back for more. I am very pleased with my purchase of thin fabric textiles, kitchen cutting boards and organizational items. I appreciated the snack of cookies, coffee and tea being made available to patrons. After all the walking/shopping it was very refreshing. read more

So I stopped by to purchase a new Desk and Dresser, because who pays for 100+ in shipping lol. Well the weekend I went in, if you were apart of the Ikea Family, your food was subtracted from your purchase of 100$+!! Yep, so I went in there, and got tons of food for me and my friend lol. Basically ate for free, since it was subtracted from my checkout price! The food, I had the grilled Salmon with veggies, BBQ Chicken sandwich, Blueberry/blackberry Cheesecake slice, and a fruit bowl, all of which I split with my friend. But, boy oh boy was it delicious! I also got a bottle of water, and a small bottle of apple juice, all for 20 bucks. It was unbelievable the amount of food I got for 20 bucks. If Ikea weren't a 29 minute drive from my apartment, I would eat there at least 3 times a week to save some money and eat healthier! I recommend everyone to stop by and try their healthy cuisines. read more

I've been known to stop here just for the food during my weekday lunch hour. Yes, I'm weird and addicted to cheap Swedish meatballs (and furniture), but I just can't help it. Maybe they lace that lingonberry sauce with something, but I always come back sooner or later.... read more

so i've had some people tell me that the swedish meatballs here are bomb, but i just didn't really believe them. i mean, how good could a plate of meatballs be?! i finally decided to check it out, and boy, did i eat my words...and 2 whole plates of meatballs! they are so cheap and delicious! you really can't go wrong! the only downside is that sometimes you have to try to find a table away from screaming/crying kids. the desserts are just ok. i've tried a few, and just am not that impressed with them. they also sell the meatballs frozen, downstairs by the cash registers. if you are trying to gain weight or aspire to become a fatty mc fat pants, then buy them and eat them everyday like i did :P read more

Sorry, I know some people are going to bitch (IF THEY CARED ENOUGH ABOUT MY REVIEWS TO EVEN BITCH). I think I rated Eleventh Madison Park four stars and am giving IKEA restaurant five stars. I don't care. This is my Yelp. AND I LOVE IKEA FOOD. especially the meatballs w/ potatoes and weird berry sauce with chicken fingers. I always make Esther get chicken fingers so I can get some. I think a full order of chicken fingers would be too much but one or 1.5 to supplement the meatballs/gravy/potatoes/berry sauce is perfect. Love it. read more

Cafeteria style is the best way to describe the food. You get your tray and get in line. You can pick up a few things from the cold case then you go through the line to get your hot items. Because there was only one person working, it took awhile to get a panini made. I would suggest getting something ready made if there is a line and only one person working there. My Monte Cristo was interesting with the lingonberry mayo. Good enough to order again. I also had this raspberry pie dessert thing. It was very soft and almost crepe like even though it looked like a oatmeal pie. Overall, it is inexpensive and makes a decent stop for a bite while you shop. read more

I have an idea, lets put a restaurant with excellent homestyle cooked food in a huge furniture store that takes people hours to walk through. Genius! Ikea's business manager/ whoever came up with this earned their paygrade. I've eaten here at every visit to Ikea, even if I don't buy anything else, I will eat their food. I'm currently loving the mac n cheese, but they also serve excellent mashed potatoes. Don't forget to clean up after yourself ;) read more

Antonio Manager was amazing !! Thanks for the help!!!! Came in March to get dresser out of Stock, came back in June, was still not there, due to a recall of someone's kid they let climb up the dresser and didn't mount to the wall, well the kid got hurt and of course the broke ass people are suing! So typical! I had 1 dresser in the bedroom and I needed it to match, well it wouldn't be in for who knows how long, I picked out another dresser and he helped me with a discount, your story will probably be different than mine, so I wouldn't go in demanding one, yes I have to type this because of "those types of people". Just wanted to say thanks, and let IKEA corporate know we are avid customers, and this was probably one of the best experiences. Also, you guys need to let people purchase displays, because sometimes that is all that is up there, or its misplaced, trust me most customers look, we don't want the display, but if the tag was ripped off, we don't know ? We got to the front, couldn't buy a bowl, a BOWL!!! I have ran back there multiple times to find a non display, this time I wasn't having it !!!!! I said forget it ! I am sad I didn't get my bowl! Because it is a hassle to go back, and you can NEVER FIND ANYONE. especially this time, with all the construction, I would have gotten lost for sure ! Haha ! read more