L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon review by Lesley
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.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Overall rating 
Food 10 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 5
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