Dining with 3 people and to celebrate my birthday, we decided to try the newly opened Gordon Ramsay Steak located inside River Rock Casino. With high expectations for both quality and presentation, we explored a variety of dishes across the menu. Here's a breakdown of the experience:
Tomahawk Steak
Cooked to a perfect rare, the tomahawk was a highlight of the evening. The crust was beautifully caramelized, locking in the rich juices of the beef, while the interior remained exceptionally tender and flavorful. This was a superbly executed steak -- undoubtedly one of the finest tomahawk cuts I've had.
Rating: 10/10
Wild Mushroom Risotto with Scallops
This dish offered a satisfying balance of texture and taste. The risotto was luxuriously creamy with a robust mushroom profile, while the scallops were seared to golden perfection -- delicately crisp on the outside and sweetly tender inside. A well-rounded and enjoyable plate.
Rating: 9/10
Miyazaki A5 Wagyu (6 oz, Medium Rare) with Wild Roasted Mushrooms
As expected, the Miyazaki wagyu delivered an exceptionally rich, buttery mouthfeel. Each bite melted on the tongue, enhanced by subtle seasoning that allowed the natural umami to shine. The wild roasted mushrooms paired seamlessly, adding earthy complexity.
Rating: 10/10
Grand Plateau
This seafood tower presented a good assortment: king crab legs, lobster, shrimp cocktail, oysters cruda, and tartare. While everything was fresh and nicely plated, the overall impression felt a touch uninspired. The seafood tower was enjoyable but didn't leave a lasting impression.
Rating: 7/10
Miso-Glazed Sablefish
Paired with Napa cabbage, bok choy, and shimeji mushrooms, this dish was visually appealing and well-cooked -- the fish was moist and delicate. However, the miso glaze lacked depth, resulting in a somewhat bland flavor profile. A missed opportunity for a more impactful dish.
Rating: 6/10
Celery Root Soup with Pine Nut Gremolata and Herb Oil
This soup was warm and comforting, with a subtle earthiness from the celery root. The pine nut gremolata added a touch of texture and freshness, though the overall flavor was mild and not particularly memorable.
Rating: 7/10
Warm Bread and Spread
A simple yet surprisingly delightful offering. The bread was served warm and pillowy-soft, paired with a spread that complemented its fresh-baked flavor. A comforting start to the meal.
Rating: 9/10
Desserts
* Black Forest Trifle
Unfortunately, this dessert did not meet expectations. It was overwhelmingly sweet, with an excessive amount of icing that masked the traditional flavors of the Black Forest. The execution felt heavy-handed.
Rating: 2/10
* Sticky Toffee Pudding
Rich, warm, and indulgent -- this dessert was a strong note to end on. The pudding was moist, with just the right amount of toffee sauce to balance the sweetness. A classic done well.
Rating: 8/10
Ambiance
The restaurant is spacious, modern, and impeccably clean. The seating is comfortable, and the overall atmosphere is inviting, though not particularly distinctive.
Rating: 8/10
Service
Service was prompt and attentive. Our server offered helpful menu suggestions and ensured dishes arrived in a timely manner. That said, the interaction felt slightly forced and overly sales-driven, particularly when pushing for drink orders.
Rating: 7/10
Price
While the food was generally well-prepared and of high quality, the pricing felt steep. It's clear that part of the cost is attributed to the brand name, which is understandable, but it may not offer the best value across all items.
Final Verdict
Gordon Ramsay Steak offers a refined setting and some truly outstanding dishes -- particularly the tomahawk steak, Miyazaki wagyu, and wild mushroom risotto. However, the experience is uneven, with several items falling short of expectations, especially when considering the premium pricing. It's a worthwhile visit for steak enthusiasts, but those seeking consistency across the menu may find it hit or miss. read more