L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon

We went to L'Atelier tonight for our wedding anniversary. We have dined there three times in the past year and have always enjoyed a wonderful experience. However, although tonight the food was sublime, as always, the service was aggressively rushed and pushy. Our table was booked for 8.30 but due to traffic problems we didn't arrive until 8.50. The waiter seemed particularly affronted by our tardy arrival. We were pressed to order promptly and while the amuse boche was being served, he rudely interrupted to offer the wine for tasting and poured it before my husband had signalled his approval. We were just enjoying our aperitifs with bread and butter when a waitress whipped our butter/olive oil away while we were still eating. Our starters arrived seconds later. They were absolutely delicious but, as the service seemed particularly speedy, we asked for a 20 minute break before our main course. This arrived on the dot. We had not been offered any vegetable side dishes so we wrongly presumed they were included in the meal. However, the truffle mash we'd ordered was orgasmic as always. As soon as the plates were cleared the dessert menu was proffered. When we asked for a 15 minute break before ordering dessert the waitress was clearly unhappy. I don't know if the table had been booked for a post-theatre dinner but the demeanour of all members of staff was rushed and stressed. Not what you expect when you are paying top dollar for dinner. We felt so pressurised that we didn't bother ordering a dessert and just had coffee and left. The food in this restaurant is probably the best in London but if you are looking for a leisurely, enjoyable meal, I suggest you try somewhere else.
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Lesley - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 5
Sunday, May 11, 2008

At last I've found my perfect night in London. Stay at the Covent Garden Hotel, which is superb in every way, then take the few minutes walk to Joel Robuchon's superb restaurant and bar.

Arriving early at about quarter to seven for a seven thirty booking we were ushered up to the bar where I indulged myself from the wonderful selection of bourbons on offer.

We were called promptly to our seats at the counter on the ground floor and after a little deliberation ordered the tasting menu and drinks to go with.

Frankly I couldn't fault a single thing, which is unheard of for me. Our Polish waitress was outstandingly good combining just the right amounts of professionalism with cheerful chattiness. The food and wine were just outstanding each course being a perfect treat.

The whole operation runs like clockwork and watching to cooking staff is an education on how a good restaurant should be run.

So we've had two French new arrivals in London, Joel Robuchon's is a triumph and Alain Ducasse's is an out and out failure and a shining example of how to destroy a reputation from a man who obviously doesn't give a damn. Can't wait to try Joel's restaurant in Vegas at Christmas.
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Chris
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, April 24, 2008

Had dinner there with my husband. Food is really good, classic french with an inventive twist. The degustation menu is well made with good variety. Atmosphere is great, the decor is amazing...First and main downside was their handling of us as customers. As our table was not ready on time, we were sent upstairs to the bar, which was overcrowded. After 10 minutes of being continually pushed to the side of the bar as more were entering the bar area, and mentioning we were leaving to have a drink somewhere else, we finally managed to get 2 seats; we had just ordered our drinks that the hostess came to tell us that our table was ready and if we were not coming down right now she could not guarantee our table!! I did not feel like being the customer so not a great start of the evening! I am not sure if this is a London thing but in other countries, if the table is not ready the restaurant OFFERS a complimentary drink to the customers as an apology for having to wait. Service during our meal was good though. The other downside is the price, I think far too high for the overall experience. More information on wines on the wine list would also help.
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Anne Sophie Perret
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 4
Sunday, April 20, 2008

After the loss of Carluccio's Neal Street Restaurant we finally have again a real top-shot. Together with my partner we had the full tasting menu with the matching wines. From A to Z the food was a real fulfillment, the staff is friendly, effective, international and competent.

As a Honorary member of the Paul Bocuse Academy I had the chance to visit all the kitchens and have a short chat with the chefs. Everything looked immaculate and perfectily organised.

The price might look at the stiff side. But with £135.- for a wine-grazing-menu Londoners still get Robuchon at a discount rate compared to Paris and Tokyo.

The night-cap at the bar at the 5th level (open till 2 a.m.) was the icing on the cake.

Entirely and fully recomendable
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Peter R. Geiser
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Friday, April 18, 2008

A great experience. Simply, one of the best food in London.

From A to Z, everything is wonderful.

Congratulations to them!!
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sebvin
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Saturday, March 29, 2008

unprepared and not aware of the fame of this chef de cuisine, I announced me at the desk of this restaurant on a friday evening, 14 march, packed with shopping bags, rather tired and hungry. First I asked if there still was a place available and after finding me lucky to get the last seat available at the counter, for I was alone, I started enjoying the calm atmosphere of this restaurant. I was seated next to a 'Gordon Ramsay'-like person, who also enjoyed every bit of his meal, after having discussed with several waiters which was the best combination of meals to choose. As I have a wife ,who is a good cook, honouring fresh and quality food, I started my own meal with great expectation. All I tasted was nicely served, well timed and fulfilled my expectation. The glass of wine , a pinot noir of 2006 , fitted in perfectedly.

The lobster was really fabulously prepared and flavoured. The personel of the restaurant were friendly, helpful and very accurate in what they did.

Even though the price wasn't low, I would return there, hoping that it will be as enjoyable as on friday , when I come there more prepared.
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Laureys Dirk
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Sunday, March 16, 2008

I found it to be totally, ludicrously overpriced - can't think I will ever visit again.

My reasoning is that there are other places that fill all of its niches already and are either cheaper or the same price with a much more pleasant atmosphere. For example; Maze or Le Cercle do tapas style portions better and cheaper; Pied a Terre, Club Gascon or Morgan M would be my choices for modern French food; chemical gastronomy is covered by Tom Aiken.

Just not my cup of tea. At all.

The one plus point is that the red, velvet bar is pleasantly warm and relaxing.
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Lucy - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 0
Wednesday, March 05, 2008

We enjoyed a fabulous evening at this first class restaurant two Saturdays ago. We all had the tasting menu, which was breathtaking.

A couple of our guests were a little concerned after a couple of courses that we would still be hungry at the end, but every one had enough to eat. The service was unrivalled and very impressive. The Maitre D proudly announced each dish as it was served. Every dish was incredible both in taste and presentation. The decor of this establishment was also very impressive and we enjoyed our evening immensely.

They provide a fabulous wine list with some really good white Burgandy's.

Although some may find this a little expensive I thought it was very good value for money.

I look forward to an excuse so that I can return again soon.

Magnificent!!!
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Gary
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Thursday, February 28, 2008

Enjoyed a truly superb dinner with my wife at the end of December. We were seated downstairs at the kitchen counter The atmosphere was great and the staff a delight- friendly helpful and attentive.

Cant' wait to go back!
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David Hudson
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 10
Saturday, January 26, 2008

We went for lunch last Thursday, after seeing the Terraotta warriors. The food here was just wonderful. We sat watching it being prepared and attention to detail is amazing. Langoustine fritter, to die for. Lobster ravioli, to die for. Razor thin slices of scallop with a ight lime sauce, to die for. Pig's trotter on crispy brioche, you guessed it, to die for. This is some of the best food in London and we love it.
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The gourmeteer
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Monday, January 21, 2008