Experienced Reviewer
Google
Visited for a very quiet lunch. Initially I was the only person present! Having been awarded a one Michelin star last week (and already dined at Alain Ducasse Paris and London), my hopes were very high indeed.
The service and food were absolutely faultless. I will not go through each dish (why spoil it!). Simply put, thought and time has been put into each dish with quality ingredients. All dishes complemented the zero-alcohol pairing (50QAR etc - definitely worth the extra).
At 350QAR (base cost, a worthwhile experience).
So why the 4 stars you may ask? Okay. I do not appreciate "upselling" in any environment. If the menu has been decided by the chef/team - there should be nothing more to add. I was offered "in-season" Truffles (DECEMBER!) to complement each dish - which I accepted. I was then offered "cheeses" to add - which I declined. I then queried if these options were extra. I was told "yes" - 40QAR! This was not clarified at the time of offer and highly unethical (yes, the waiter was very well made aware of my views!). I accepted the Truffles, having been told it was 40QAR - why not?! Anyway, the bill comes it at a whopping 120QAR extra! It turns out to be 40QAR per dish (3 in total!). I do feel cheated with this, as I do not feel it was clearly laid out from outset and didn't really add anything to the dishes.
SO - be fair and clear - upselling is not clever and not acceptable. Deliver the chef experience in one charge.
All in all, bill paid - and one happy diner walked away (although lighter in the pocket).