Context is essential. Much the same a well done French cafe would seem that much better in lower Manhattan as compared to on the Champs Élysées, so too would you be even more surprised to find that in one of our busiest airports (and one that I frequent often). Saison is in terminal C in the space that had been Gallagher's steak house for many years, and a wine cellar replies the sides of beef that were dry agog for display.
The quick take - food was excellent, concept could be good but needs refinement, and as a result service could improve. Outside the airport I'd give this three stars with the 4th coming as a sort of 'hazardous duty award' anywhere you have to serve your patrons nice steaks with plastic knives.
Fortunately the steak I had - the 16 oz NY strip cooked perfectly warm and rare with nice seasoning and char - was tender enough that I only snapped one knife. (No charge for another!). I had a side salad and excellent table bread for the meal. Simple, all nicely prepared.
The beer selection was very good. Some interesting draughts including Omegang Witte, but the real charm (and alas cost) is in the Belgian beer bottle list. I had one each of Cuvee de Jacobins Rouge (an unusual favorite of mine - a Flemish sour beer) and a St Augustinus ABT quad abbey ale. How could one go wrong?
So, the drawback... It is actually a by product of a good idea. iPad menus are on each table. You can see everything, have great descriptions, place your order yourself once you figure out a few tricks, and even pay right then. Then they will bring you meal, drinks and recipe all at once. A boon for someone wanting to get a great meal before a grueling 14 hour economy class ride to India (just an example;) ).
The downside is that the staff has not figured out how to use it well yet. (From reading past reviews it seems things have improved a bit, but 6 months in you'd expect more!). They still have what seems to be just as many servers. So they should follow a standard plan - come help you with you menu at first, make sure your order is placed promptly and delivered quickly, and follow up to see if you want anything else.
All I. All, I will be coming back. Not cheap, not perfect, but the food and beer was really good!
Summary - 4 star food, 2 star service but in an airport so better than a lot of other options. Management - please pay attention and figure out how to improve the service! We need good airport options.... read more