If you have been to the now closed location in Covent Garden, the new location in Mayfair will be a disappointment. The new Mayfair location has a white marble counter and a narrow kitchen versus the warm woods and deep kitchen in the old Covent Garden location.
I was the first guest that evening, arriving exactly at my 6pm reservation time. There was a black sesame seed on the counter where I was seated.
The menu is limited compared to other locations I have visited and with only one tasting menu for dinner. Surprisingly, there seemed to be more pre fixe options for lunch.
Noeme, the sommelier, was excellent. She was the highlight of my meal with outstanding recommendations for pairings with meal. Each wine was expertly described as well as the reason she chose it to go with a particular course.
I thought the scallops were slightly overcooked. The langoustines were excellent but the server didn't describe the micro herbs salad and various sauces and seasoning on the plate. He just said, "here are some lovely langoustines."
My Japanese A5 Waygu was excellent. Cooked exactly as requested and unbelievably tender and flavorful. However, I assume the chef put a lot of work into the tiny diced vegetables on the top and the spoonful of salad on the side. The server didn't describe any of these. Just "here if you Waygu steak."
The mashed potatoes were outstanding, as usual. But, at every other Joel Robuchon I have dined at, the potatoes came with a story about mashed potatoes being a passion of Joel Robuchon regarding something simple that could be made outstanding with a little extra effort. (The secret is whisking like crazy and adding a LOT of butter.). In this case, "here are some complimentary mashed potatoes."
I had the Chocolate Sensation for dessert. This time it was delivered by a female server, who took the time to describe the various layers and textures.
It's probably a better choice for lunch than dinner. read more