G C
Google
Girandole has reopened after its renovation, now in collaboration with Alain Ducasse, and I’m glad to say they didn’t try to reinvent it too much. The space is still beautiful, with the same great light and views that have always made breakfast here such a pleasure.
I’ve been for both breakfast and lunch, and overall the food quality feels improved. Breakfast is excellent whether you go Western or Japanese, and lunch is very good, with a few fun theatrical touches.
The Western breakfast buffet now has a very Parisian, conceptual approach. Instead of a traditional buffet, many items are pre-portioned in small glass containers that you take back to your table. It’s novel and quite fun, and the food is genuinely excellent. Standouts for me were the smoked salmon, lobster potato salad, homemade yogurt, and the Alain Ducasse chocolate mousse.
That said, this isn’t really a “load up on protein and vegetables” kind of buffet. Portions are refined and curated, so if you’re looking for something more hearty or practical, this might not be your style.
The Japanese breakfast is still delicious and, as before, takes about 15 to 20 minutes to prepare. Like the rest of the menu, it feels slightly higher quality and more refined than it used to. The only change is that you’re no longer able to help yourself to the buffet while you wait, which used to be part of the experience. I wish they offered a small amuse-bouche in the meantime. Just be aware there’s a waiting period.
One small, slightly sentimental downside: they no longer offer physical newspapers. I used to enjoy reading the Japan Times at breakfast here, and I do miss that.
Overall, though, it feels like an upgrade. Nearly the same beautiful room, better food, and a more polished experience without losing what made Girandole special in the first place.