To go to an extremely expensive restaurant

[Fantaorage]

My adult DC and I both have big birthdays coming up and are foodies. We're not wealthy by any means, and we're far from posh / sophisticated / dressy up. I'm wondering whether to blow around £500 on a meal for 2 in a local 2 Star Michelin restaurant. We eat out reasonably often, but I don't think I've ever spent more than £40 per person before, and I usually spend half that. Neither of us are keen on wine, so we'd probably just go for water and not increase the bill that way. The £500 would just be food and tip for 2 people, with a sampling menu. I'm wondering how many of you have done that and whether you think it would be worth the cost for a once in a lifetime meal at a top restaurant, or whether we're likely to feel self-conscious among posher fellow diners and obsequious waiters, and to regret spending so much money!

Have you seen the thread about posh people liking a sneaky Maccy D? You could give that a go, and save a few bob 😉

We go to starred restaurants a lot.
I would say one of the best I’ve ever had was Gordon Ramsay on hospital Road.
One of the most ‘meh’ was Alan Ducasse at the Dorchester
What I’ve generally found is that the restaurants attached to hotels are not as good as the ones that are surviving as a standalone restaurant

Ynyshir would be bucket list for me. I will definitely go there one of these days (even with a one star hygeine rating)https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/ynyshir-restaurant-chef-gareth-ward-masterchef-fsa-b2900889.html?test_group=lighteradlayout

OMG, the best beef bourguignon I've ever had was in a Brittany Ferries restaurant. I can still recall the taste! Wonder if it was the same chef 😄

Do it! Most expensive for me was a three star, and it was almost $1k with wine pairings for two. Most incredible experience. We went with the chef’s menu which changed daily, and included the most exquisite caviar, lobster, Wagyu steak, turbot, and some very experimental dishes. I think it was around 12 courses.

Would absolutely do it again. We will be talking about it for years.

I personally couldn’t/ wouldn’t enjoy spending that amount of money on a meal out.
I was in Sydney a few weeks ago and we had a fabulous fish and chips at Doyle’s Watson Bay. Definitely one of the best seafood restaurants in southern hemisphere!
$50 each with Australian wine so cannot comprehend spending the equivalent of $1000 🤦‍♀️

A few weeks ago we were in New York and went to Tempura Matsui which also has a star. It was a tasting menu and whilst I didn’t love everything (most of it was amazing) it will be one of the most memorable meals I’ve ever had.
Loved Le Manoir as spent the weekend there for my 50th.
I am like others would rather go out less and visit a really good restaurant. We go out for lunches as this is quite often cheaper for equally as good food.
I would say definitely do it.

Despite having eaten at numerous starred restaurants - they best overall experiences we've found in the restaurants who are focused on food and guest experience and are not in the business of chasing stars.

Overall I would not choose to save up for fine dining star experiences and forgo other less prestigious independent restaurants - some of the best food we've had have been in small independents from up and coming talented chefs.

Isn't Six by Nico a chain? I didn't think they were Michelin starred?

Personally, I would go to the exciting one, but you sound as though you might enjoy the classic French one more. Either way, have a brilliant time!

Yes they are, and no, they're not.
But they were mentioned by a PP

Do it, I spent a frightening amount for my birthday last year but I’ll remember it always (went to Row On 5 in London)

I think it’s possible to replicate some dishes, I’ve cooked a few, but by the time I’ve bought all the things I need (including, most memorably, a thermomix) I could’ve gone out and had someone cook for me!

I would say go for it! Personally I prefer to have three courses from the al la carte menu and pay less. I enjoy that more than lots of courses which I’ve had only a couple of times. But that’s just me and you guys are best placed to know what you prefer. I have never found a starred restaurant pretentious. The staff usually know how to get just the right tone. They are warm and friendly while reading the diners well and knowing when they want privacy.

Fine dining is absolutely heavenly. Go for it.

I'm lucky enough to eat regularly at Michelin star restaurants (very much not what I grew up with or dh), and I'd absolutely go for it. I've discovered so many things I would have said I didn't like through tasting menus and I love the experience.

Do it! DP and I have an annual trip to an expensive steak restaurant.

We very rarely treat ourselves but we both love food and meals out so this one time each year we enjoy ourselves and don’t worry about the cost!

Ooh I've wanted to eat Spencers food since we first saw him on TV!

We go to L’enclume on occasion, and I have never felt the need to dress specifically, just smart casual. The service is relaxed too, but the food is lovely!!

Go for it and have a wonderful celebration

Which pub in the Lake District, if you don’t mind me asking?

Only time I did it was for my 50th and we went to a Ferran Alba place in Barcelona.(not the famous one) It was amazing, service was amazing(there was an olive oil waiter) Our wine waiter was at first, really stuck up, but then realised we were plebs and in awe, then she was lovely. Amazing how filling 12 tiny courses are.
Do it!