Any restaurant with a name like Capitol, immediately lends a hand to prospective diners to imagine dining in a setting which evokes good tasting food memories long-past. I mean think of the Capitol building which I am sure this restaurant 'borrowed' the name from. Historic, long-standing and filled with the footfall echoes of leaders long gone. Huddled between Koala Supermarket and modern town houses, Capitol Cafe & Restaurant however failed on all counts to give that experience.
Finding a decent parking spot at Capitol was a major struggle and that should have been my first signal to go somewhere else. Ever tried reverse parking between two cars which have partially heaved themselves on both pavement and road, whilst the front of your car is facing oncoming traffic? The food had better compensate for this struggle.
The interior of Capitol is sleek & modern without a hint of historic vibes which the name itself promised. We were greeted by a uniformed lady and when I asked if breakfast was available she eagerly nodded. Imagine how crushed we were when our attending waitress informed as breakfast was over. Why I did not pay attention to those red flags beat me. Why I did not immediately and delicately motion for my husband for us to head out the door, totally beats me.
The menu failed to excite. It was a typical Lebanese and continental menu offering nothing fresh and new. Looking at the menu, one would be largely tempted to think, 'I have eaten this before.' even though it was their first time at the restaurant. I must have flipped through about four times before settling on a Chicken Schnitzel. My husband went in for the GHC84 Grilled Salmon with fish fingers as a starter. Other menu items were slightly industry priced, not showing any difference from eating at other continental restaurants in Osu.
It's a mildly quiet restaurant with occasional shrieks of toddlers presenting the restaurant as a family-friendly eatery. Conversation flow is easy and light as the sun streams through the large windows in the upstairs alcove where diners get a real-time view of chefs at work.
The interiors really looked like they could do with a major happy hug reserved for the saddest of people. I looked down at the fake flower centre-piece and tried not to be distracted by the unbalanced table which wobbled every now and then.
The fish fingers appeared in less than 10minutes and i was stunned by the appearance of french fries huddled beneath the pyramid of fish fingers. We were at the risk of being full before the appearance of the main course. Bland but crispy fish fingers which was only okay with a bit of sweet chilli sauce condiment politely placed earlier on by the waitress.
The Chicken Schnitzel was a rip-off. It was as though I was being fed with pre-packaged ready-to-fry breadcrumbed chicken breasts with hardly any spice or herb flavouring. Where's the parsley? No salt? Beneath the chicken was a clumpy soggy sauteed garlic potatoes which looked like it wanted to be anywhere but on my plate. Sitting atop all that was a desolate lemon slice and butter. My husband's eyebrows actually shot up in surprise at such a presentation. If you are a typical British with a heart for bland food then this would be an absolute delight.
His wasn't any better. The Grilled salmon resembled something slapped by an angry hot grill also atop the same soggy sautéed garlic potatoes with a side of greens. That's an expensive GHC84 meal. Also as bland as the Schnitzel with less colour. French fries and now sautéed potatoes.
We skipped dessert. It was a difficult trudge up the hill for both of us and as we paid our GHC 130 bill, we just promised ourselves; never again.
But do visit Capitol if your palate is more appreciative of less/zero spice in food. For that I can guarantee you quite an okay experience.
Find Capitol here
THE KUMODZI RESTAURANT RATING : ⭐️
The Kumodzi Restaurant Rating:
* ⭐️ is a restaurant which is spotless, very affordable, basic amenities in place, food is just okay, service is average.
*⭐️⭐️ - Above average hygiene conditions, polite and reliable service, staff are responsive, basic amenities, food is exciting and tasty with wider variety, affordable, mobile money payment options, family and group friendly.
*⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Worth driving to and trying everything on the menu. Reliable and responsive service from staff, family and group friendly environment, online payment options available, parking services, easy access to location.
*⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- Exceptional and well presented food, outstanding and flawless service from staff, executive space for VIP services, seamless online payment options.
*⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Flawless and outstanding food and service offerings. Diner focused and awareness of allergies and wine preferences. Menu offers vegan, gluten-free and vegetarian offerings.