Kamry A.

Highly disappointed in the experience I had during my first visit to Pandora. I had high hopes when making the reservation for my birthday dinner, but ultimately, I wish we had gone elsewhere. For starters, the communication is lacking. The morning of, I called and spoke to a Hostess to make the reservation, and not once was I informed that they would only be offering a buffet that day instead of the standard menu. Even when we arrived, no one who greeted us at the front mentioned the buffet only service. It wasn't until we were sat and ready to order drinks that our waitress let us know. We decided to proceed with the buffet - priced at $80/pp - and the VAST majority of the food was completely underwhelming and unsatisfactory. Some items were inedibly salty, others were bland or simply not prepared well, most were unlabeled, and almost everything was either ice cold or barely lukewarm. Furthermore, we spent more time waiting in line for food than we actually did eating. Most of the items ran out very quickly and were slow to be replenished. After speaking to the Owner as well as the Manager regarding our disappointment, a discount was provided on 1/3 of our table's check, which we appreciated, however I can't say that we felt the issues we mentioned were properly acknowledged, nor are we very eager to return. For a table of 5, our total bill was between $500-$600. When you factor in the price for the mediocre cocktails, plus the automatic 20% holiday gratuity, the meal as a whole was nowhere near worth what it cost. Our waitress was attentive, friendly, and engaging. Can't remember her name, but A+ to her for her customer service. The restaurant is beautiful. Loved the ambiance, interior decor, and the live music, but the "high end"/fine dining" experience that is advertised is merely aesthetics - the quality of the food and overall customer experience do not reflect such.

LaShawndra N.

Ambiance of Pandora is quite literally perfection. The decor and entire set up almost felt like something out of a small town, mid to upscale restaurant in a movie or tv series. The white brick, wall paper, wooden beams and wine display wall are all so picture perfect. I had the halibut which came on a bed of mashed potatoes and asparagus. The halibut itself was tasty. Not too seasoned, just right. A smaller than average sized portion, I would say between 4-6 ounces. Cut like a filet. The mashed potatoes were less than exceptional. Pretty bland to be honest. Asparagus were wilted and tasted like a smoked char, I wouldn't be mad if they had been replaced with another green. Being 4 months old (at the time of my visit), it's obvious that the kinks are still being identified but it's even more apparent that the issues are not being addressed. Even attempting to confirm the reservation a few days before hand sort of foreshadowed the run of the show. There was a game of phone tag to confirm, so I was told to confirm via the online reservation and even though I did the phone tag continued but I paid it no mind. On the day of the reservation, the reservation was for 6pm and at 620 we were still not seated and told that prior parties were still in progress. Once seated, the arrangement was ill fitted as one guest in my party didn't have table space yet the staff urged that it would be fine for dining. It was not, so we requested reconfiguration of the space which was met with more "can't" than "cans". We were seated reasonably at abt 630 and ordered by 645 we didn't receive our entrees until 8pm but we did notice other smaller parties who had been seated after us received their orders. There was no explanation of why nor compensation offered for the inconveniences of the evening. I think that was the most disappointing part, we just had to grit and bear it. Price transparency could be better. Market price is usually unlisted which I'm accustomed to, but we made adjusts to the alcohol in some of their signature drinks and were in dismay at the premium charged for those drinks. Almost $30 for a champagne flute of French 75 with tequila, I was floored. Needless to say, for a party of 6, our bill was over $550 and it could only be split between 2 payments. That was truly a hassle to sort out as the restaurant auto charges 18% gratuity on parties they deem as large (only an assumption as it was not listed on the menu or reservation). I wish this business well, but I can't say I would be open to going back anytime soon. The service level and hospitality needs an overhaul. I didn't feel that the service or cuisine matched the price.

Ruby S.

We've been to Pandora on the Square three times and had a wonderful experience every time! The food is amazing - a great selection, cooked to perfection and seasoned well. For an upscale evening you can't beat the ambience and the location is perfect. It's our new favorite

Antwynette R.

I was extremely disappointed and would give 0 stars, but it gets one star since I did not try the food. I booked reservations for my dad for Father's Day. I went online and looked at the menu and their website. The website nor menu did not mention a buffet. It was disappointing that this was the only food choice. Another couple came in for their 40th something wedding anniversary expressed the same disappointment, so I wasn't alone. While the ambiance and live music was nice, I wouldn't expect the buffet food to be laid out the way it was....You couldn't even get to the bar area because all the buffet food was sitting around the bar. The bar looks fairly small, so it looked awkward. I' m not sure how the bartender even had enough room to make drinks. So in order not to waste a trip, we decided to just order a drink. I couldn't believe the upcharge for Woodford for an Old Fashion, which wasn't smoked by the way. I left out spending $60 on two Old Fashions, which is absolutely ridiculous!!

Tamira M.

Splendid dining experience! I met a friend here for lunch, and we truly enjoyed ourselves from start to finish. Amanda delivered top-tier service--warm, welcoming, and genuinely attentive. The upscale décor immediately sets the tone, and the food was on point. I ordered the Gullah bacon burger paired with truffle fries, which were perfectly seasoned and satisfying. My friend went with the Pandora wings and truffle fries and was equally pleased. Amanda also took the time to share details about an upcoming live music performance, which was a nice touch. Street parking right in front of the restaurant was easy to find and very affordable at just $1 per hour via the meter. I'll definitely be back--both for another great meal and to check out the live music.

Andrea F.

McDonough Squares newest restaurant and only fine dining experience. Food outstanding, sophisticated decor and most importantly top notch service. I have been living in McDonough for over 15 years and this was a much needed restaurant. No one wants to drive all the way into the city to experience fine dining, I want to be able to support my local community and local business owners. We started with appetizers, the fried oysters were my favorite. Served piping hot. My only complaint is there wasn't enough of them. For our main dishes we ordered Lamb chops which was served whipped sweet potatoes and asparagus and redfish. Both were delicious and served piping hot. We ordered dessert as well but it isnt pictured as it was to go. This is fine dining and be prepared to spend, but it was worth every dollar. I highly recommend this restaurant and will return. They have indoor and outdoor seating and a full service bar. There is parking in the square. This restaurant will be Perfect for a date night or a special occasion or even for a regular night out on the town.

Danielle D.

Nice ambiance. Went for my birthday dinner. Was able to table for 14 through reservation through email. Food was good. They were out of alot of menu items this day though.

leul T.

I hate to put bad reviews but ooh boy... We came to Pandora on the Square for Mother's Day with an 8:15 PM reservation and arrived on time, but we weren't seated until around 9:00 PM. After being seated, our food didn't arrive until close to 10:00 PM, and during that time there was little to no communication or updates from staff about the kitchen delays or the status of our order. Ambiance thought it'd be upscale, dimmer, intimate dinner vibes but it wasn't it was so loud with music and convos couldn't hear our table talk. To be fair, not everything was bad. The appetizers were a strong start--especially the cornbread muffins, which were excellent. The smoked Old Fashioned was also the standout drink of the night. Unfortunately, the entrées and overall execution fell far below expectations, especially for a $400+ dinner. The pork chop was dry, the fish lacked flavor, several plates arrived cold (including the vegetables), and the filet mignon we ordered for our mom had an off smell to the point we had to call the waiter and send it back. The Espresso Martini, Hibiscus Vale, and Gullah Island cocktails were also disappointing and tasted weak in both flavor and alcohol presence. To management's credit, they did offer to remake the food and took 15% off the bill. We appreciated the effort, but by that point--after the long delays, lack of communication, and multiple food issues--we were honestly ready to leave. Mother's Day should have felt special. Instead, it felt frustrating and disappointing. I hope management works on kitchen consistency, communication, and timing moving forward.

Monique' M.

TLDR: Great upscale restaurant option for meat eaters, vegetarians will most likely be disappointed. Went with a friend on a Thursday evening. I made a reservation via OpenTable and the day of the reservation, someone from the restaurant called me to confirm I was still coming. That was a nice touch. We were promptly greeted upon entrance. However, finding our reservation seemed to be a challenge. Nonetheless, eventually we were seated. Our server Amanda was excellent! The music was not great though, sounded like techno music all evening. I was hoping more for jazz or something. I used the women's restroom; it was spotless and pretty. Cocktails: My friend ordered a Peach & Flame cocktail. Unfortunately, when it was delivered to the table, it did not have a charred peach, instead it had a huge sprig of rosemary. The server made no mention of it. I asked whether there was supposed to be a peach and was then informed that they are out. My friend should have been notified of that because the torched peach is a major part of it. Overall, she liked the drink but hated the rosemary. - B+ I ordered the Geechie Punch with a replacement for the almond liqueur. It was tasty but not strong at all. - B- Appetizers: My friend ordered the Prawns & Cornbread, she loved it. - A I ordered the Fried Green Tomatoes with no bacon. They were cooked well but under seasoned. The creamed corn was delicious though. - B Entrees: My friend ordered the Shrimp & Grits. She mentioned that the gravy was superb and she truly enjoyed the dish. - A I ordered the Truffle Mushroom Campanelli. It was under seasoned and had the tiniest fewest slithers of mushrooms and spinach, it was comical. - C+ Dessert: I ordered the Salted Caramel Creme Brulé. It was tiny yet scrumptious. - A Overall, this place is worth the experience, and I will always try to support a Black owned business. However, as a vegetarian, I more than likely will not return.

I had an amazing dining experience at this restaurant. I dined for lunch and everything and everyone was great from the start. We were pleasantly greeted at the door and quickly seated. It was not busy and so we were served promptly. Our server Preston was pleasant and very accommodating ,checking on us periodically. The food and drinks were both excellent and the inside is clean and beautifully done ,tasteful and elegant. Beautiful place settings and clean menus. Both dishes came out hot and tasty. The shrimp and grits with crab were perfect and the fish sandwich hot and tasty especially the sauce that was added. The fries were ok could have been crispier but still enjoyable. The Restroom was also very clean. I appreciated all the fine dining touches. Light R and B played at very appropriate volume for enjoying but was not intrusive on having a conversation.

Ashton J.

This is a nice restaurant to come to and relax ans they have music playing in background. The food is very good and everything is seasoned well. Upon arriving everyone has been nice greeting us and our waitress was kind and helpful with any questions we had about the menu.

Akeeba A.

Our group had a birthday brunch and stayed until dinner. We ALL enjoyed our food. Sister and I shared lamb shank. SO GOOD! That flounder??? Damn, a perfect crust in the fish. Caesar salad, fried green tomatoes, Lamb chops and veggie bowl was fantastic too! Great portion sizes, you could share. This is a great date spot. It's clean, romantic, and the service was great. Thank you Nyla! Try this place!

Sara G.

Dinner at Pandora on the Square was an absolute treat. What a beautiful spot. Well done! Chef JR is doing Atlanta proud down in McDonough. I had the grouper special and they gave me the thickest, juiciest hunk of fish I've ever seen. It was like the king of the sea. We kicked things off with prawns and scallops because we had to do all the things pescatarian, obviously. Add this to your list before someone gatekeeps it.