You can discuss the nice ambience, how amazing the staff are, the quick efficiency of the meals as they came out, how the food was plated. Regarding the food itself. You can say that personally it wasn’t your cup of tea, but many people were very enjoying the food. they should still come to the establishment to try it out for themselves. I would also speak to the manager and let him know your thoughts and what they can improve . You never know what can come out of it

This is just a hypothetical, haven’t experienced this- just curious if anyone has and how it was handled

You call it out on the spot, give feedback and don’t publish anything.

I always test any product/food/spirit ahead of time before I commit to make sure I’m a fan. If I’m not it’s a no always.

I never promise posting anything for this very reason. Definitely let the contact know afterwards.

I have experienced this ! I feed back to PR firm or restaurant & give them a choice of having a negative review or no review at all ! Not here to spoil reputation or livelihoods so I’d rather not post a review if it’s a bad one.

If I didn’t like the food, I will end up paying for it .. that way I am not obligated to post ..

This is why I pay for my own food at restaurants. I usually highlight mom and pop/small businesses. If I don't like it, I don't post it. There's no need for me to give a restaurant a bad review or to tell people I don't like it. The owners worked hard to bring that place to life. There's someone out there that enjoys that spot. It's not my place to ruin it for anyone.

I tell the restaurant owner my true impressions and am happy to give some suggestions. I would in no case write anything that is not true. And it should be clarified in the beginning that there will be no good review if the experience was not good. Then it should be seen as a Mystery Shopping.