A ball of burrata cheese topped with pickled onions sits on a piece of toasted bread, served on a plate with cherry tomato wedges.
via Canva

Sometimes people botch their attempts in the kitchen so bad, all we can do is wonder, truly wonder, how things went so far south as they did. It’s ridiculous. These restaurant fails in particular are their own perfect examples of when food could’ve just gone straight for the trash and not right onto someone’s plate.

1. The lettuce wraps at this restaurant could not look less appetizing

Three lettuce wraps filled with mixed greens, shredded chicken, shrimp, and crispy toppings are arranged on a black napkin over a wooden table.
rep902/ via reddit.com

2. “I was looking for a restaurant to eat at, and this was one of the photos THEY posted.”

A blue and white paper plate holds three dark brown fritters, a small container of sauce labeled “Hot,” and a small Puerto Rican flag on a toothpick, all on a wooden table.
Goldssy/via reddit.com

3. Someone ordered this Caesar salad from a local restaurant for just $15

A takeout box containing three romaine lettuce leaves, a few croutons, a small cup of dressing, and parchment paper lining the box, sitting on a wooden table.
thisssbabe/via reddit.com

4. Someone should be arrested for these wings

A plate of chicken wings with pink, undercooked meat is shown in the foreground. In the background, there is a plate of crinkle-cut French fries.
timbitttts/via reddit.com

5. Ladies and gentlemen, the most unappetizing pizza ever created

A pizza in an open box with green sauce spilled over the pizza and the inside of the box, creating a messy appearance. Some cheese and toppings are visible under the sauce.
mrlemonold/via reddit.com

6. They call this a quesadilla?

A close-up of a white plate holding a tortilla filled with seasoned ground beef and surrounded by broth, with a fork resting on the edge. Part of another dish in a white bowl is visible in the background.
nbeforem/via reddit.com

7. $18 for 5 pieces of shrimp is an abomination

Three breaded and fried shrimp are served on a bed of arugula with a smear of creamy white sauce and a dark streak on a black slate plate, with a glass of beer and a bottle in the background on a wooden table.
gaddockteegfunpolice/via reddit.com

8. This ‘bruschetta’ was served at a restaurant, and yes, that’s an entire ball of mozzarella

A round ball of mozzarella cheese sits on a slice of bread, topped with pickled onions, and surrounded by pieces of tomato on a dark plate. Silverware and a glass are on the wooden table beside the plate.
golden_/via reddit.com

9. “Hamburger pizza, from an actual restaurant, believe it or not.”

A pizza topped with three large hamburger patties, sliced pickles, and red bell pepper pieces, on a cheesy crust, served on a white plate on a wooden table. Another pizza is partially visible in the background.
stringtheory/via reddit.com

10. There’s nothing like getting your pasta in a plastic bag

A hand holds a tied plastic bag filled with cooked spaghetti and sauce. The bag is suspended above a brown paper bag on a wooden floor, with a table and green candles in the background.
bubdubarubfub/via reddit.com

11. There’s too much crust for comfort here

A thin-crust pizza with tomato sauce and slices of salami, served on a white plate. One edge of the pizza is noticeably burnt. Cutlery and coasters are visible on the wooden table beside the plate.
bobplayswithfire/via reddit.com

12. For the low price of $30, this entree is yours

Two square plates with Middle Eastern food: one plate has sliced grilled meat over rice, salad, and hummus; the other has a long kebab, rice, grilled tomato, grilled pepper, salad, and a creamy dip. Both are on a granite tabletop.
itsthehumidity/via reddit.com

13. “A $20 cheese steak sub I just got from a restaurant.”

A hand holds an open foam takeout container with a sub sandwich inside, filled with chopped meat and melted cheese on a toasted bun.
easymz/via reddit.com

14. Yum, grey tuna sashimi at a buffet

Slices of raw tuna are arranged on a white plate, topped with a few pine nuts and a light sauce.
pno_ender/via reddit.com

15. The cheese was an extra $7

A fried egg topped with a slice of melted American cheese is served in a small metal pan with brass handles, placed on a white plate.
dannatao/via reddit.com

Meet the Writer

Matt has spent over the last 8 years as both a writer and editor, working in Seattle and Brooklyn, where he is now based. He loves escaping the tirelessly fast pace of the “Mad Apple” that is NYC by taking walks and runs through parks where he’s able to catch up on the latest tea about society from the city’s ever chatty, always hungry, occasionally maniacal, pigeons. They always have a lot to say. When he’s not taking his urban nature strolls, or dutifully combing the deepest rabbit holes of the internet to find the content that’s worth sinking your mind’s teeth into, he’s likely holed up at a dark-lit dive bar with a new book and/or some friends, or just as easily he could be on the hunt for the next addition to his steadily growing plant family.

These days Matt’s caught up in trying to provide folks as many vivid glimpses into the days long since passed as he can, through fun and engaging collections of hand-picked vintage photos.