I am writing this review for the dinner I had with family members on the evening of Tuesday August 30th.
I would have normally given a solid 4/5 (because food and wine were of excellent quality), had it not been the outrageously fast paced table...service we had, which is definitely not a feature for a Michelin starred restaurant.
I regularly attend Michelin starred restaurants (including in Budapest).
It is with great unease that I have attribute a 2/5 as a review for this gastronomic experience as whole at St Andrea.
We all expected it to be outstanding and unique, the quality of table service and its constancy being one of the criteria of Michelin starred restaurants.
In details, this is what table members had to say about the service :
- Description of meal and wines were rushed with minimal enthusiasm;
- Wines served throughout the 6 services Grand Superior menu were not offered to taste by the waiters (only when I asked an extra glass of red wine);
- Next service arrived before we even were able to finish the wine : I was still drinking my red wine when the pre-dessert arrived… beforehand, I did warn the waiters - politely - to wait until we all finish our wine before the next service. My instruction was observed only after I have spoken with the manager.
In a nutshell, it was difficult to enjoy the beauty of the food when everything is rushed, which is a shame for a a restaurant of this standard.
Last but not least, I would have given a 3/5 until when my table members informed me that other tables received a different treatment…
Hence, all these reasons explain the 2/5 note I have left for the St Andrea experience in Budapest.More