If you're a newbie to Paris and have decided that yes, you're going to indulge in some of the more tourist oriented attractions and dining options in the city? Then Angelina may well be a great option. The new wife will love it, the fiancée-to-be will say yes, and the girlfriend will certainly boast about the visit on social media, fueling the jealousy of her sorority pack. However, if you're looking for a more authentic Parisian experience, better pastries, or better beverages? there are plenty of superior options.
Star 1: How were the service and atmosphere?
I'll come out quickly here and say that the service and atmosphere at Angelina are both brilliant. Classy and attentive with more than enough English in their arsenal, the servers and host crew are top notch, and the atmosphere is nothing to scoff at either. The location is ideal tucked away on a Westin hotel stretch where you're more likely to hear English than French, but the interior décor has maintained it's traditional early 20th century flair even though the establishment was bought up by Groupe Bertrand in 2005 (they also own may of the Burger Kings in France). You won't be disappointed. Star Granted.
Star 2: How were the portions relative to the cost?
You're in for a rude awakening if you weren't expecting Angelina to be pretty intensely overpriced, which it very much is. I opted for the two signature dishes just to check them off the list, and my Mont Blanc came in at a staggering €9,20 while the Chocolat L'Africain was €8,20. You're paying for the atmosphere here and a prime location to boot, so I can't really fault Angelina for pricing they can clearly get away with. Star Granted.
Stars 3 and 4: How was the food?
Honestly it was all just okay. I've had Mont Blanc before, but after a bit of research I came to realize that I've had what is a more traditionally Swiss Mont Blanc, where the purified chestnuts are put in a bowl like spaghetti with cream on top. Here at Angelina the chestnut blend actually sits atop the cream with a bit of a nougat built into the bottom. It was all good, but you should get this one to share as it's quite sweet and rich.
The famous hot chocolate is what I was most excited for, and I very quickly learned that it's exactly what it sounds like: chocolate that's heated until it melts and then served. This was without question the richest hot chocolate I've had, and it was to the point where after two sips I was near ready to throw in the towel and accept that diabetes would claim me where I sat. Again, a good dish, but maybe one worth sharing? All in all good dishes that deserve the attention they get, but a far cry from some of the better options in the city. Single Star Granted.
Star 5: Would you eat here every day if you could?
I wouldn't for reasons I've explained above, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't. It is what it is as they say. No Star Granted. read more