- Overall 2
- Food 3
- Service 4
- Ambience 2
We had the taste of Savoy menu. I was surprised that at a Michelin starred restaurant there were no amuse bouche. In my experience they sometimes provide the most innovative and exciting creations of the whole meal. That said, the first two courses, a foie gras bon bon and a poached oyster, were really 'just' amuse bouche. The bon bon and oyster were nice enough but to me that means this menu is actually a three course meal in 'Michelin terms'. Not a problem in itself but it is never a good sign at an expensive restaurant if you begin to think about the cost. So I was sad when, having downed the oyster I found myself wondering if a three course dinner at the Savoy was worth £115 (plus wine, 15% service and a cover charge). The ambiance didn't help. I am being a little unkind but I couldn't help thinking that the vibe was like a posh Harvester. As for the food, the Arnold Bennett souffle and beef wellington were excellent but the almond frangipane tart with ridiculously over salted almond ice cream was the most unpleasant dessert I have ever been served so I had to leave most of it. Interestingly I was only asked if I had enjoyed the plates that were returned empty*. Ironically our waiter offered other desserts (including a shared tart tatin) as an alternative to the almond tart as they were aware my wife avoids too many nuts and seeds. However, I (usually) like almond tart and my wife was happy to scrape off any excess nuts on hers. So maybe there was a little contributory negligence with the dessert issue. Anyway, we finally came to the coffee and petit fours. I had hoped it was going to make up for the disappointing dessert. The coffee was lovely but the petit fours was one plain madeleine each. They looked as sad and lonely on the little serving plate as I felt at that moment (*To be fair, the chap returning our coats on the way out asked if we had enjoyed the meal and said he would feed back comment about the almond tart).