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Original poster

If you’ve ever been to an extremely posh restaurant for a taster menu....

222 replies

ItchyScratch · 17/09/2020 20:30

DH & I are soon going to be going on our first night away in MANY years (lost count)

We decided to push the boat out and book a very fancy restaurant (I mean these days you’re lucky if we can manage McDonalds)

The restaurants we are looking at are those type that do a 7 course taster menu, usually about £100+ per head.

My first question is- what was your experience like and do you recommend it?
We are thinking you only live once and to try it out. Just don’t want to be disappointed and think we wasted money.

My second question- the websites for the places I’m looking at don’t show a drinks menu but do say there is a choice of a paired wine tasting menu (£75 each! What!!) but neither of us drink wine (I would be drunk after one glass)
But the only other option is named as a ‘non alcoholic flight’ and that’s £48 each- god knows what you get for that!
So what did you do?

I’d be embarrassed to call or email and ask as I’m sure their usual customers would be well accustomed to their ways and would have no qualms in paying £48 each for some unspecified none alcoholic drinks.

Thanks in advance- from someone desperately trying to experience being rich/posh

OP posts:
LadyFuschia · 17/09/2020 20:34

We did one once and it was bloody amazing, a restaurant which was renowned for excellent food and was rather unassuming in decor but totally knew their food & drink.

The paired wines were amazing but if you don’t drink then pointless and I would have no issue ringing and checking if you can do food only with some soft drinks of your choice!

Hope you enjoy it.

bookgirl1982 · 17/09/2020 20:35

If you don't want the paired drinks then they will have a regular drinks menu, just go with what you fancy.

Thunderbolted · 17/09/2020 20:37

You'll be able to order single drinks.

sesquipedalia · 17/09/2020 20:37

Do contact them if you have any questions. If they're patronising about that then they're bound to be nobbers and not worth your custom. Any decent place will be delighted to tell you all about it and fill you full of enthusiasm.

Letshavesometea · 17/09/2020 20:37

We have done it once for a special occasion, was absolutely the best meal of our lives so far.

We didn't take the wine package as neither of us are really drinkers. We had a drink each (gin and beer i think) while waiting on our table, and then just had bottled water with the meal. Nobody batted an eyelid at us doing this.

TFSRM · 17/09/2020 20:37

Choose your restaurant carefully. Some are amazing and some are a bit corporate - the food is usually always good but the atmosphere is much better at some than others. Whereabouts are you thinking of going?

I've never had a problem with drinks. They usually offer a good range including non-alcoholic cocktails. You don't need to do the flights of wines/non-alocoholic flight.

SeasonallySnowyPeasant · 17/09/2020 20:38

I've done a tasting menu the grand sum of twice and both were out of this world. The most beautiful, interesting, delicious food I've ever had in sumptuous surroundings. However, I wasn't paying either time (work thing) and I'm sure they cost a fortune. If you think the whole experience would be spoiled by you worrying about appearances or how much it cost then do something else. If you can put those worries aside for an evening then go for it!

FWIW I don't drink alcohol and no fancy place I've eaten at has ever cavilled at serving me sparkling water.

StopMakingATitOfUrselfNPissOff · 17/09/2020 20:38

Yeah they'll have a 'normal' drinks menu.

We've been to a couple with tasting menus and it really is an experience!

Have you got somewhere in mind you'd like to go?

OwlBasket · 17/09/2020 20:39

IME it’s worth going pricey but above a certain price the gradations of fabulousness get smaller IYSWIM. The top end of mid-range Is often the sweet spot.

It’s kind of like with leather goods or jewellery - it’s absolutely worth forking out for quality but at a certain point you end up paying for the name.

I’m not in the UK so I can’t comment on the specific pricepoint you mention though

Poppyolive90 · 17/09/2020 20:40

Definitely call them, they should be used to people asking questions. First time I did one I didn’t appreciate just how much food you get, I was STUFFED! Have a wonderful time

Thisisnotnormal69 · 17/09/2020 20:41

Echoing what others have said really. And I would ask and ring if unsure. If you’re embarrassed they don’t need to know your name when you ring so won’t know it’s you when you go in to eat!

Wigeon · 17/09/2020 20:41

I’ve had a few tasting menus over the years and it’s generally always been really fun! You often get little extras, like amuse bouches or a little sorbet between courses or special chocolates with the coffee.

I would guess the non-alcohol one doesn’t have any drinks included at all, alcoholic or otherwise.

You can always order that version and just order a single glass of wine if you don’t want wine with each course!

DelurkingAJ · 17/09/2020 20:41

We do this most years for birthdays (sadly not this year with COVID). I agree that they’ll be delighted to explain to you on the phone or by email an if they’re not that’s probably a red flag. I love doing it, always feels special. Enjoy!

newbathroomforme · 17/09/2020 20:42

I've done it a few times and absolutely love it. the food has been absolutely amazing. DH always has the wine flight, I don't drink alcohol so always have what ever non alcoholic beverage are ofered. No one minds.

Luxembourgmama · 17/09/2020 20:42

I've been a few times and it's usually amazing. If you don't drink just go for bottled water with your meal.

Elsiebear90 · 17/09/2020 20:43

I’ve done it three times, first two were very disappointing, awful stuffy atmosphere, snobby unfriendly waiters, food was technically cooked very well, but just didn’t taste great.

Third time was amazing, best meal I’ve ever had, well worth the money.

Original poster
ItchyScratch · 17/09/2020 20:43

Oh wow great replies thank you.

I’m sold!!

It’s in Edinburgh. I’m going down the list of the top 10 fine dining on Trip Advisor.

The food looks amazing and I can’t wait to try. Luckily we are both none picky eaters and will eat anything and we will appreciate the flavours and presentation etc.

Good to know there will be other drink choices!

OP posts:
ruthieness · 17/09/2020 20:43

Please do not feel intimidated - just ask for tap water!

I prefer to do lunch as cannot eat a lot in the evening and always feel full after 2 courses - i usually take a small tuppaaware box in my handbag so can discretely take something home without a fuss!!

Miraculous · 17/09/2020 20:44

We’ve done a few, including a 12 course one at a 2 Michelin starred restaurant in Madrid which was amazing!
Don’t eat any lunch.
There will be a separate drinks menu.

Mylittlepony374 · 17/09/2020 20:44

Well worth it whenever I've done.
Took husband once though and he had to get McDonald's on the way home as he was still hungry...he's more of a curry&chips kind of guy so he was very unimpressed for the hundreds paid 😂
You will be able to order single drinks if you don't want wine. I think non-alcoholic flight is when they pair with e.g. Juice, mocktails, other house special non-alcoholic drinks.
Enjoy!

dazzlingdeborahrose · 17/09/2020 20:45

I've done a few of these usually with the wine pairings. I've always found the staff to be incredibly helpful. They are very highly trained at this sort of restaurant and usually the staff ratio is designed to allow them to spend more time with each customer. I've never not enjoyed myself or the food. You'll have a great time. Of course now I need to know where you're going 😁

Wigeon · 17/09/2020 20:46

Oh sorry, the non alcoholic thing probably does have non alcoholic drinks Blush. You can probably have one with no drinks included at all, and you can definitely order whatever drink(s) you like. When we’ve had a tasting menu I have ordered one glass of wine then asked for a jug of tap water - I think bottled water is a scam and not very environmentally friendly, not even being a cheapskate!

MrsHamlet · 17/09/2020 20:47

I did it "just once" - I've now done 4 this year, even with lockdown! Some restaurants will offer paired juices or similar; I've also just had single glasses of wine or just water. I fully expected to feel like a fish out of water but I've never felt that at all, even at the one where some diners arrived in their private helicopter!!!
It'll be amazing. I've eaten all manner of things I'd never order and I can only think of a couple I didn't enjoy.

cheeseismydownfall · 17/09/2020 20:47

We occasionally go to a small Michelin restaurant that is local to us. It is very very posh and yet also has utterly impeccable customer service and a very good sommelier - they even split glasses of wine for us so that we can both enjoy a small taster of a great wine to compliment what we are having, without making us feel like cheapskates!

I did do a wine flight to accompany a tasting menu once at another lovely restaurant and Omg I have honestly never been so pissed Grin it was far, far too much wine to keep up with - even the men had half drunk glasses beginning to stack up by the end. It was fun though!

IHaveBrilloHair · 17/09/2020 20:47

Yep, absolutely love it.
My friend and I stick to water which they have no problem with.
Neither of us like wine, we are there for the foid and adding drinks just makes it too expensive.