Jordan Diaby
Google
I dined at Fitzgerald in Rotterdam for a special evening dinner and opted for the 7-course menu, adjusting the dessert to an à la carte option. Overall, I was quite impressed with the quality of the food. From the amuse-bouche to the dessert, the quality of the ingredients and the execution of all the dishes were excellent.
However, while the dishes themselves were impressive, the service fell far short of the standards expected from a Michelin-starred restaurant. The service was particularly slow, from the delay in presenting the menu to the lack of attentiveness from the sommelier. The staff appeared overwhelmed and struggled to provide the level of attention and care that one anticipates in a fine dining establishment. Notably, this was on a Saturday evening when the restaurant had plenty of available tables, making the poor service even less justifiable.
When I pointed out the slow service, I was met with the explanation that the restaurant was “busy”, an unconvincing excuse given the circumstances. Furthermore, no effort was made to adjust the situation, such as offering a complimentary glass of wine, an additional amuse-bouche/dessert, or even an apology from the chef. This lack of a response to a customer’s feedback exacerbated the disappointment.
In summary, while the food was undeniably excellent, the substandard service is the main reason I would hesitate to return. It is particularly disappointing as Fitzgerald is a Michelin-starred restaurant, and such establishments are expected to deliver a seamless dining experience. This failure is all the more disheartening given the limited number of Michelin-starred options available in the Netherlands.
P:S: should you have any dietary requirements, it is important to communicate these in advance to avoid any charges on the day.