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When you don’t have any expectations, you can’t get disappointed. But when there’s an advertisement for a delicious meal shoved right up in your face but you get served a big pile of cheap-looking cooking, you can’t help but get angry.

Nobody expects picture-perfect food at restaurants. However, some of these meals are so incomparable to their ads, Bored Panda just had to show you side-by-side examples. Check them out below, upvote the most egregious cuisine lies, and let us know about the times when a restaurant has made you swear like a souped-up version of Gordon Ramsay.

We’re not talking just about fast food here. Restaurants in seemingly good standing are also known to violate the most basic tenet of human relations ever: don’t mess with someone’s food. (Though, come to think of it, can you really expect anything good from places that have pictures of food on their menus? Kidding! Haha! Just kidding! Please don’t hurt me, Picture Menu Restaurant Mafia.)

#1

My "Cookies And Cream Stuffed French Toast" From Ihop

My "Cookies And Cream Stuffed French Toast" From Ihop

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Hilary Mol
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Mom, check it out - they have Poo Grilled Cheese on the menu!"

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    #2

    I Ordered Bruschetta From My Local Pizza Shop

    I Ordered Bruschetta From My Local Pizza Shop

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    As I see it, there are two main problems when it comes to sloppy reality being far from the picture-perfect gourmet meals you expect to receive. And they have a lot to do with our expectations. The problems are all about the actual cooking standards and the way food adverts can raise our expectations too high.

    The first issue is very human: sometimes, the people making your food don’t 'five a guck' about what you’ll get served or they mess up and decide to put the meals out anyway. They might be overworked and burned out. Or they might be lazy and inattentive.

    The solution here is simple (and incredibly hard at the same time)—the kitchen staff need to find the inner motivation to take pride in their work. Meanwhile, management needs to maintain acceptable standards. If you wouldn’t eat something you make, why would you expect your customer to? It’s better for the food to be late but presentable instead of rushed and disappointing.

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    #4

    This Steak Salad That Looks Nothing Like It's Advertised

    This Steak Salad That Looks Nothing Like It's Advertised

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    Samantha Lomb
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The second looks like when you throw all the leftovers in the fridge together at 2 am because you have the munchies

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    #5

    This Is So Outrageous

    This Is So Outrageous

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    Erin Presley-Froemke
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Jameson and Ginger had been online dating for a while, when the day came where they would finally meet.....

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    The second problem, however, is directly related to how things are advertised. What you see on the menus are the ‘perfect’ versions of meals that restaurants want you to see. While some restaurants go for amateur snaps, others go all out and hire professional food stylists to turn grub into glamor shots.

    Food styling is an art. Pros can end up using a whole array of tools, from tweezers and tape to blowtorches and paint. So when you take so much time and effort to create a work of art, can somebody in the kitchen who is under pressure really deliver something that’s comparable? Sometimes? Yes! Always? Dear Lord, no.

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    #7

    Menu vs. What They Served Me. No, Millennials Didn’t Kill Appleby’s, They Committed Suicide

    Menu vs. What They Served Me. No, Millennials Didn’t Kill Appleby’s, They Committed Suicide

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    #9

    Burger King Grill Dog Cheddar And Bacon

    Burger King Grill Dog Cheddar And Bacon

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    #10

    Part Of A $3.50 School Lunch. Picture On The Menu And What Was Served

    Part Of A $3.50 School Lunch. Picture On The Menu And What Was Served

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    #11

    A Texas Sized Disappointment

    A Texas Sized Disappointment

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    #12

    The 3 Pieces Of Lettuce Was A Nice Touch I Guess

    The 3 Pieces Of Lettuce Was A Nice Touch I Guess

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    #16

    Taco Bell, I Try To Love You, So Why Do You Treat Me This Way??

    Taco Bell, I Try To Love You, So Why Do You Treat Me This Way??

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    Perfumista Perfumista
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Where is your Taco Bell? I have never received a burrito from them that looked like that.

    Brandi VanSteenwyk
    Community Member
    4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's BS!! One is the chicken burrito and the other is the chicken quesadilla listed 2 lines down on the receipt. If they're gonna bitch, do it right and honest.

    Bellatrix Lestrange
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I had this exact burrito yesterday and it was nothing like either of these. It wasn't like the one in the ad but it actually had food in it. I think this is just lazy employees.

    J. Kasilo
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Like I said above, I am usually happy with the looks of Taco Bell's food!

    JessG
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nope. This person did not get what they ordered, this looks like a quesadilla. The burritos there are always big.

    Liz-ard
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I guess it’s supposed to be rice in the advert, but to me it looks like something my cat presents me with sometimes.

    Johanne Trudeau
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    WTH!?!?! Why bother, go home and make yourself a good sandwich!!!!

    Picture Queen
    Community Member
    4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Taco Bell is so gross. Why not go to a local Mexican place for about the same prices & get better food? Plus you're supporting a small business.

    Lisa Connell
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Surprised but not surprised. Typical of Taco Bell AKA Taco Hell.

    Daenarys
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Actually, if you look at the receipt you can see the 3rd item is 1 Chicken Quesadilla, which is exactly what the person who posted this took a picture of. This is not the Chicken Burrito.

    Saphira
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wouldn't have expected it to be like the pic, but I wouldn't have expected *that*

    Purezz
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It may be one of two things. It's TOO blurred, (too much that we can't see it) or there's nothing there.

    Donna Leske
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I hate how our TB puts any sour cream the item gets all AT ONE END, zero attempt to spread it along the filling. They think we should unroll a burrito or crack our taco to smoosh it ourselves? Taco Bell Corporate - IF YOU'RE READING THIS - put an end to this cruel practice. My zip is 98520.

    The Dave
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It amazes me that Taco Bell stays in business. They consistently have horrible service, especially at drive thru windows. You can pretty well guarantee if you order something from the Taco Bell Drive Thru, something will be wrong.

    Tabitha L
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When I used to eat at Taco Bell, this was my favorite order. I would get no rice, double chicken. And the amount of chicken would vary wildly from location to location. Sadly (for me), almost all fast food turns my stomach, so no more shredded chicken burritos for me.

    Olivia Agave
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't even live in the Americas and I've eaten a better burrito than that...not burrito. Hm, note to self, return to that amazing burrito place in Cardiff when I can, divine burritos.

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    #17

    Restaurant’s Charcuterie Board As Advertised vs. What I Got

    Restaurant’s Charcuterie Board As Advertised vs. What I Got

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    #18

    Damn, I Am So Looking Forward To Eating This Delicious Burger With Copious Amounts Of Guacamole, Just As Advertised, And Then- Oh Wait..

    Damn, I Am So Looking Forward To Eating This Delicious Burger With Copious Amounts Of Guacamole, Just As Advertised, And Then- Oh Wait..

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    #19

    Tim Hortons New Fruit Loop Donuts

    Tim Hortons New Fruit Loop Donuts

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    #21

    Thanks KFC, Totally What I Expected

    Thanks KFC, Totally What I Expected

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    #23

    Arby's Bacon Beef 'N Cheddar

    Arby's Bacon Beef 'N Cheddar

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    Phoebe Bean
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So... they don´t "have the meats" after all... (as opposed to the Arby´s tv commercials declaring "We have the meats")

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    #24

    The Tempura Green Beans Looked Delicious On The Menu. I Think They Fell A Smidge Short

    The Tempura Green Beans Looked Delicious On The Menu. I Think They Fell A Smidge Short

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    #25

    The Burger I Ordered Tonight

    The Burger I Ordered Tonight

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    #26

    I Know It's Airline Food, But Sweet Baby Jesus United Airlines, Why Would You Let Someone Pay $10 For This?...

    I Know It's Airline Food, But Sweet Baby Jesus United Airlines, Why Would You Let Someone Pay $10 For This?...

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    #27

    This Is Why You Check Your Food Before You Leave The Restaurant...

    This Is Why You Check Your Food Before You Leave The Restaurant...

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    #28

    So I Bought This New Burger From Burger K!ng...

    So I Bought This New Burger From Burger K!ng...

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    #29

    When Reality Doesn’t Meet Expectations

    When Reality Doesn’t Meet Expectations

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    RaroaRaroa
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Eww. These must all be franchisee run businesses skimping for the biggest profit. I can only assume they live in highly populated areas where they can still survive, even if no one ever goes twice.

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    #31

    We Were Expecting Four Mini Quesadillas, But We Got Four Tortilla Chips With Melted Cheese

    We Were Expecting Four Mini Quesadillas, But We Got Four Tortilla Chips With Melted Cheese

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    #32

    Ordered This Delicious Cheese Platter...

    Ordered This Delicious Cheese Platter...

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    #33

    Surf N Turf Burger From A Local Food Truck

    Surf N Turf Burger From A Local Food Truck

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    #34

    I Heard Burger King Was Selling Tacos For $1 So I Went To Try Them

    I Heard Burger King Was Selling Tacos For $1 So I Went To Try Them

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    #35

    Lunch Buffet Disappointment. Salad Pictured On The Menu vs. What I Got

    Lunch Buffet Disappointment. Salad Pictured On The Menu vs. What I Got

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    #36

    I Know That Fast Food Never Looks Like The Picture, Come On Burger King. This Makes Taco Bell Look Like A Gourmet Restaurant

    I Know That Fast Food Never Looks Like The Picture, Come On Burger King. This Makes Taco Bell Look Like A Gourmet Restaurant

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    #38

    Ordered Char Siu Bao From My Local Chinese Takeaway...

    Ordered Char Siu Bao From My Local Chinese Takeaway...

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    #40

    Sonic Philly Cheesesteak (No Mayo)

    Sonic Philly Cheesesteak (No Mayo)

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    #41

    Picture Of Pizza On Room Service Menu vs. Actual Pizza

    Picture Of Pizza On Room Service Menu vs. Actual Pizza

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    #42

    The Menu Picture Of The Nachos I Ordered From Room Service vs. The Nachos They Delivered To My Room

    The Menu Picture Of The Nachos I Ordered From Room Service vs. The Nachos They Delivered To My Room

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    #43

    O’briens Epic Melt

    O’briens Epic Melt

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    #44

    Room Service At The Hotel I'm Staying At, I Was So Excited Too

    Room Service At The Hotel I'm Staying At, I Was So Excited Too

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    #46

    Pizza Is Not Supposed To Make You Feel Sad Before You Eat It

    Pizza Is Not Supposed To Make You Feel Sad Before You Eat It

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    #47

    Not Quite What I Was Led To Expect

    Not Quite What I Was Led To Expect

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    #48

    Panera Grilled Cheese “Food As It Should Be”

    Panera Grilled Cheese “Food As It Should Be”

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    MiniMaus
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    wow that's really odd. We ordered Panera all the time when we ordered in lunch at the office. It was always fresh, tasty and the bread was practically out-of-the-oven. Looked nothing like the 'before' picture above.

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    #49

    Burger King’s Bacon Cheesy Tots

    Burger King’s Bacon Cheesy Tots

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    #50

    The Tim Horton’s Farmer’s Breakfast Wrap...

    The Tim Horton’s Farmer’s Breakfast Wrap...

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    #52

    The Saddest Takeaway And Grimmest Mozarella Sticks I’ve Ever Ordered

    The Saddest Takeaway And Grimmest Mozarella Sticks I’ve Ever Ordered

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    Louchebert
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Turds on the run...and the jailer man and Sailor Sam were searching everyone… for the turds on the run...

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    #53

    Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Or What I Imagine Prison Food To Look Like

    Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Or What I Imagine Prison Food To Look Like

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    #54

    Recently I Received The World's Saddest Espresso Martini

    Recently I Received The World's Saddest Espresso Martini

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    #55

    Taco Bell Is Getting Rid Of Their Mexican Pizza. It Used To Be A Favorite Of Mine So I Got One For Old Times Sake

    Taco Bell Is Getting Rid Of Their Mexican Pizza. It Used To Be A Favorite Of Mine So I Got One For Old Times Sake

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    Anne
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    without having transported it bumpy, I think this one may have looked like the original

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    #56

    I've Never Cried Harder In My Life

    I've Never Cried Harder In My Life

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    #57

    Chicken Manchurian With Rice. Second Item On The Menu

    Chicken Manchurian With Rice. Second Item On The Menu

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    #58

    Fast Food Burgers vs. Advertisements

    Fast Food Burgers vs. Advertisements

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    #59

    Dunkin Donuts "Lucky Shamrock" Donut

    Dunkin Donuts "Lucky Shamrock" Donut

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    #62

    Hardee's Omelet Biscuit - Literally The Worst

    Hardee's Omelet Biscuit - Literally The Worst

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    #63

    Chili's Menu vs. Chili's Reality

    Chili's Menu vs. Chili's Reality

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    #64

    I Made This About 10 Years Ago. I Think Fast Food Places Should Submit Like 40 Burgers And The Average Is What Is Allowed To Be Shown In Adverts!

    I Made This About 10 Years Ago. I Think Fast Food Places Should Submit Like 40 Burgers And The Average Is What Is Allowed To Be Shown In Adverts!

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    Phoebe Bean
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    After all the previous disasters, this one doesn´t look that bad... I still see lettuce, tomato and the meats!!!

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    #65

    Whataburger’s New Pico De Gallo Burger

    Whataburger’s New Pico De Gallo Burger

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    Louchebert
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is actually a self-defense-burger. When attacked and/or threatened or otherwise in need, you throw this at the person(s) who frighten you...

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    #66

    Food On The Menu vs. Ordered Food

    Food On The Menu vs. Ordered Food

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    Tabitha L
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't know what Kaya and Peanut Butter toast is, but the one on the right is nice looking. Doesn't match, but isn't sad or smooshed or gross.

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    #67

    Mc Donald’s Mcrib

    Mc Donald’s Mcrib

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    Andrew Gibb
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think everyone knows that a Mc Rib is basically sauce over shaped abattoir floor sweepings

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    #68

    This Coconut Tini vs. The Menu Picture

    This Coconut Tini vs. The Menu Picture

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    Louchebert
    Community Member
    4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Aah yeah ... well, that's a small mistake. It should have been called the Wonderful Wellness Water cocktail with a tiny pinch of coconut as an extra. So sorry about that. Oh... and don't mention the war!

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    #69

    Knotts Berry Farm Is Holding Their “Taste Of Knotts” Event. Carnitas Fries As Pictured On The Website vs. Reality

    Knotts Berry Farm Is Holding Their “Taste Of Knotts” Event. Carnitas Fries As Pictured On The Website vs. Reality

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