Andrew Cox
Google
I hesitate to review a restaurant without trying their food, however a dining "experience" begins and ends with the overall "feel" of an establishment.
If we do not feel welcomed, if we do not feel comfortable, if we do not feel valued... why would we stay?
We arrived 5 minutes early and were turned away.... alternatively, we could have been welcomed into the restaurant, seated and advised that someone would be with us shortly. No. We were turned away and told to come back later.
OK. We complied with the request and came back on time, only to be squeezed onto an unbalanced table beside another couple when there was ample seating in an otherwise empty room?
We were moved but seemingly under sufferance.
The menu was not explained, just referred to a wooden QR code.
Suffice to say, after all the above combined, we were NOT feeling welcomed nor valued as customers to this establishment.
When compared to our previously excellent experience with Lille restaurants both last night and tonight (see my othe Lille reviews, but understand I am a private citizen without an interest in any place) the service, the attention, the friendliness and ambience was "chalk and cheese" when compared to this restaurant.
The food may well be great, we dont know, because we didnt get to sample it as the welcome, the service and the overall "feel" was sub-par to what we expect of a quality restaurant regardless.of price point or location.
*Response to Owner*
A) there is no option to say we spent €0 on Google 1-10 is minimum.
B) we didnt mention anything about the menu as we departed. Say what you will to justify your position, but, ultimately, we felt uncomfortable after the initial interaction and the subsequent interactions over the 10 minutes we were there (not 2, as verified by Google Maps Timeline) We made a value call in cutting our losses and simply said "Merci" as we left. Perhaps you "thought" that we said otherwise.
C) No, I'm not boasting about other reviews, just contrasting your attitude to other great Lille restaurant experiences we've had the pleasure of spending our €€€'s with gratitude for their end to end hospitality.
D) Maybe, just maybe, if you think my review "harmed" your business you could take a good look at your business model, spot the flaws and improve. (As per your automated request for feedback) But you probably wont because, clearly, YOU know best. Obviously you and I have a different definition of "hospitality" as do the other Lille businesses we've been to that easily and naturally excelled at it.
Lets agree to disagree and let others make their own decision/opinion as I have made mine. After all, isn't that what "Reviews" are for? I.e. not just "free advertising" for a business, but honest opinions from real people wanting to help others. I have said nothing about your food quality/quantity/price, just how you made us feel, un-welcome.