Shelley's review of L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon

We went to L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon for a special celebratory dinner and were surprised to get a booking on a Friday evening at such short notice. It was a late seating at 10pm but we thought this was fine as I was told the restaurant closes at midnight.

We arrived early (about 9pm) to have a drink in the bar, the cocktails there are sensational, a really intersting selection. The service in the bar was really lacking though, the staff were not attentive and when we were ready for dinner we asked the waiting staff twice whether our table was ready and each time we were left waiting with no answer, finally we stood by the bar to wait for an answer. We sat down for dinner at 10.30 – absolutely starving, it took another 15-20 minutes before we were able to order our dinner and wine.

The menu offers either small tasting plates or three courses. We decided to go with the tasting plates and thought we'd order a few and then more if we were still hungry. Before we recieved our first plate we were told if we wanted more we must order straight away as the kitchen was closing. They didn't seem to take into consideration that we had been seated 30 minutes late.

The food and presentation at L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon are of a very high standard, but I was left unimpressed by the service – for a pricey restaurant it really leaves a lot to be desired.

I would not return to this restaurant, for the same money there are so many other better options in London.