Carmen S.
Yelp
I chose Hell's Kitchen Atlantic City for my 40th birthday, expecting a world-class experience. Instead, it was one of the most disappointing meals I've ever had -- and I say this as someone who has dined at Gordon Ramsay's restaurants all over the world. For my husband's 40th, we celebrated at Hell's Kitchen in Washington, DC, and the service, food, and overall experience were outstanding. Atlantic City was the exact opposite.
Our waitress had no customer service skills, got our order wrong, and never acknowledged my birthday -- not even with the deserts we ordered. The staff member who refilled our water showed more genuine hospitality than our server. It was disheartening and unworthy of the Ramsay name.
We had specifically requested a table near the kitchen to enjoy the full "Hell's Kitchen" atmosphere, as we did in DC. Instead, we were placed by a door, far from the energy of the restaurant. On such an important day, it felt dismissive and careless.
The food was equally disappointing. I've enjoyed Beef Wellington at multiple Ramsay restaurants worldwide, and this was by far the weakest execution I've ever seen. It lacked the flavor, texture, and refinement that make his signature dish so iconic. If Gordon himself had seen it, he would have shut it down.
For a milestone birthday, this felt like a slap in the face. Having traveled and dined at Ramsay's restaurants across the globe, I know what excellence looks like -- and this was nowhere close. I left feeling disrespected, embarrassed, and deeply disappointed that such a subpar experience carries Gordon Ramsay's name.