Kathryn Elizabeth Hennessey
in the last week
I booked Madame Brasserie on the Seine side for my son’s 10th birthday and had been looking forward to the experience.
There were some genuine positives. The staff were exceptionally friendly, and my son was very touched when they brought out his cake with a candle. I hope it will be one of those birthday memories he keeps for a lifetime. The view is breathtaking, and the restaurant is stylish, comfortable and beautifully designed.
However, on closer inspection, the venue felt surprisingly under-maintained. Some of the furniture was visibly worn, our table had a large water-ring stain, and the bathrooms were not clean. It gave the impression of a restaurant trying to offer a high-end experience without maintaining the level of detail expected at this price point.
Unfortunately, the food and overall organization were deeply disappointing. In such an idyllic setting, arguably one of the most beautiful in the world, I was shocked by how poor and low-quality the meal was. I regularly eat at gastronomic restaurants in France, and at €281 for one adult and one child, I expected a much higher standard. This was honestly among the worst restaurant meals I have had in years.
The whole experience also felt rushed and impersonal. We had a 1:30 p.m. reservation, but everyone booked for that time had to wait outside in a long line before being admitted all at once. Once seated, the three courses arrived extremely quickly, which made the meal feel more like a tightly managed tourist operation than a special dining experience.
When booking the Seine-side menu online, I was only able to select two adult menus. At the restaurant, I was allowed to order the children’s menu for my son, which of course did not include the champagne, wine, starter or coffee included in the adult menu. I reasonably expected the bill to be adjusted, but I was still charged the full adult-menu price.
It is a shame because the location, view and staff give this restaurant enormous potential. However, based on the food quality, rushed service format, poor value and lack of upkeep, I would not return or recommend it. For this budget, you would be far better off choosing a good gastronomic restaurant with a view of the Eiffel Tower, where the meal itself is more likely to match the setting.
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