I was genuinely torn between giving this restaurant 3 or 4 stars. The service is exceptional, and the staff clearly work hard to create a welcoming experience. The dessert course was also outstanding. Unfortunately, for a restaurant at this price point, almost everything else fell well short of expectations.
We waited a month for a Chef's Table reservation, so our expectations were understandably high. The experience is advertised at $95 per person, which includes the Small & Tasty selections, dessert, and your choice of steak at an additional cost.
Upon being seated, we were welcomed with a delicious martini. However, before we had much opportunity to review the menu, we were immediately asked to select our steak. We chose the Australian Kuroge Black, which was approximately 1.7 pounds to share between two people.
One of the biggest surprises was the pacing of the experience. Rather than being guided through a progression of dishes, nearly all of the Small & Tasty items arrived at once. We received the brioche pull-apart, mini brisket hot dogs, steak tartare éclair, marinated olives, and beef & cheddar salami almost immediately. While the staff provided some information about each dish, the overall experience felt rushed rather than curated. We had barely ordered cocktails before most of the food was already on the table.
The food itself was fine, but very little stood out. None of the dishes were particularly memorable, and many felt under-seasoned or lacking the depth of flavor you would expect from a premium steakhouse. Nothing was bad, but very little was remarkable.
The bone broth was one of the better items. We were repeatedly warned that it would stay extremely hot, but it cooled surprisingly quickly despite us drinking it right away. The overall flow of service also felt a bit awkward, with courses appearing and table settings being rearranged somewhat abruptly and without much explanation.
My husband enjoyed the prawns and felt they were cooked very well. Since I do not eat prawns, he ended up having both servings.
Another small detail that felt confusing was the hot towel service. Towels were delivered early in the meal and expanded when hot water was poured over them, but because they arrived while we were actively eating, we didn't use them until much later when they were cold. It wasn't clear whether they were intended as a mid-meal refresh or simply provided as a courtesy.
The cocktails were well-made, but service from the bar was noticeably slow. With only one bartender handling the room, there were significant waits between drinks. My recommendation would be to order your next cocktail before finishing your current one. While the drinks were enjoyable, I personally did not find them worth the premium pricing.
As for the steak, it was simply okay. I was especially excited because I typically love Australian beef, but the crust was so heavily salted that I found myself constantly reaching for water. My husband thought it was cooked properly and enjoyed it more than I did, so opinions may vary.
The accompanying sides also disappointed. The whipped potatoes had a pleasant texture but were served lukewarm at best. The creamed farm greens lacked seasoning and tasted as though they had been prepared in bulk well before service. The onion rings felt out of place and were so heavily salted that neither of us wanted more than one.
The undeniable highlight of the evening was dessert. We ordered the carrot cake and the chocolate mille-feuille, and both were exceptional. Every component was beautifully executed, balanced, and memorable. In all honesty, the pastry team was responsible for the best part of the entire experience. I would happily return just for dessert.
For drinks, we tried the French Martini, Pornstar Martini, Dirty Martini, and Ox & Olive Martini.
After two cocktails each, dinner for two, and the automatic 20% service charge, our bill came to nearly $750. At that price point, I expected a truly memorable dining experience. Instead, I left feeling that the food did not justify the cost.
The staff deserve praise for their professionalism and hospitality, and the pastry program is genuinely excellent. However, for me, the Chef's Table experience did not deliver the level of creativity, execution, or value that the price suggests. Unless significant changes are made, I would not return for the full dining experience. If I came back at all, it would be for dessert alone. read more