This repurposed bourgeois mansion has been transformed into a multilevel restaurant, tucked away in a relatively nondescript building. Guests enter through an old wooden door into a small, dimly lit waiting area. We were seated in a cozy room on the first floor, so we can't comment on the main dining area, where diners can observe the kitchen team and Chef Page in action.
One notable policy is that the entire table must select the same tasting menu. My wife preferred the five-course option, while I wanted the nine-course tasting menu. Since I wanted the more extensive tasting experience , we were required to opt for the nine-courses without much explanation or any alternative offered. Additionally, 1741 does not offer a cocktail menu, serving only wine or water. As we aren't particularly wine-savvy, we each had a glass of white wine and then stuck with water for the rest of the meal.
While 1741 offers a polished experience, it lacks the "wow" factor often found in similar high-end establishments. The nine-course tasting menu was delivered with precision and good pacing, though it didn't feel as choreographed as one might expect from this level of fine dining. It took us more than three hour to complete the experience, so be patient. The dishes were undoubtedly tasty, fresh, and well-prepared, but they lacked a sense of creativity or bold flavor combinations. No single dish stood out as truly memorable.
As expected, the plating and presentation were flawless. The flavors across the menu were enjoyable, including the amuse-bouches and petits desserts served at the end. However, we noticed some imbalances: the savory dishes were overly salty, and the desserts leaned excessively sweet, resulting in odd flavor profiles. We even took some of the petit desserts home because we were too full to enjoy them on-site.
Overall, our dinner at 1741 was a pleasant experience. The restaurant offers excellent food, impeccable service, and a clean, calm ambiance. However, while everything was executed well, it didn't quite rise to the level of being truly exceptional or unforgettable.
The prices are fair compared to similar Michelin restaurants. read more