POSTING THIS FOR TABOO, NOT ROSANEGRA BUT TABOO IS NOT A BUSINESS LISTED ON YELP.
I am writing to formally express my disappointment with the service I received at Taboo Polanco on January 1, 2026, during my 8:00 PM birthday dinner reservation. I dined with my wife and sister-in-law, choosing Taboo specifically because of my consistently excellent experiences at RosaNegra Cancun and RosaNegra Cabo San Lucas. Unfortunately, this visit fell significantly short of the standards I have come to expect from the brand.
While we were seated promptly, the service issues began immediately. After being seated, we were never provided menus. Our initial server, Fernando, began explaining a cocktail special. Shortly after, another individual--Rene, who appeared to be a manager based on his attire (suit, glasses, bald, approximately 5'8")--repeated the same cocktail explanation and asked for our drink order. At that point, we still had no menus, making it impossible to order properly.
When we requested menus, only one menu was provided for three guests. Despite this, Rene returned shortly after and asked if we were ready to order, seemingly unaware that we were expected to share a single menu. Only after visible frustration did he realize the issue.
We eventually ordered three cocktails, two pasta dishes, salmon, and a side of potatoes. The menu lacked clarity regarding included sides. The salmon description did not mention vegetables, which led me to order potatoes unnecessarily. When the dish arrived, it already included vegetables, resulting in an unnecessary $12 charge for a very basic side that I would not have ordered had the menu been accurate.
We were served complimentary pita bread and chips with what was described as a feta dip. While explaining the dish, Rene physically touched one of the pita chips, which I found highly unprofessional and unsanitary.
After our food arrived, Rene checked on our table only once during a three-hour visit. After finishing our meal and having our leftovers boxed, no one returned to the table for over 30 minutes. We ultimately had to flag down another server to request the check.
Only after doing so did Rene return, and shortly thereafter, servers began resetting our table with fresh silverware. It became apparent that the staff had overlooked the fact that we were still present. At that point, a birthday dessert was rushed to the table without any prior acknowledgment, explanation, or even asking whether we wanted dessert. While the gesture itself is appreciated, the execution felt reactive and careless, which took away from what should have been a thoughtful celebration.
When the check finally arrived, Rene stood at the table with the card reader while we reviewed the bill and discussed gratuity--an extremely uncomfortable and unprofessional situation. He then asked whether I wanted to tip 15% or 20%, despite the receipt clearly stating that tips are not obligatory. This interaction felt inappropriate and pressured, especially given the level of service provided.
I chose to leave a 10% tip, after which Rene closed the check presenter abruptly, walked away visibly frustrated, and did not offer a thank-you or any closing courtesy.
The service throughout the evening was consistently inattentive and unprofessional. From observing other tables, it became clear that the focus was not on hospitality but rather on upselling, presentation, and maximizing tips. While the décor and theatrics mirror those of RosaNegra next door, the service quality does not.
This was, without question, the worst experience I have had at any RosaNegra-affiliated restaurant. I would not recommend Taboo Polanco to others, particularly when Polanco offers many restaurants that provide far superior service without pressuring guests over gratuity.
I respectfully ask that ownership and management address Rene's conduct, as it reflects poorly on the brand as a whole. I would also appreciate a follow-up outlining what actions, if any, are taken in response to this feedback.
For future diners: if Rene is assigned to your table, I sincerely wish you better luck than we had. read more