L'Ortolan - Reading

The food at this restaurant was top-notch and every staff member was delightful. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal. The only downside is that the place could use a... read more The food at this restaurant was top-notch and every staff member was delightful. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal. The only downside is that the place could use a fresh coat of paint.

Most of the staff at the restaurant were fantastic, especially the head waitress and waiting staff. However, the Sommelier was unfriendly. Since I don't drink a... read more Most of the staff at the restaurant were fantastic, especially the head waitress and waiting staff. However, the Sommelier was unfriendly. Since I don't drink alcohol, I was only offered a non-alcoholic beer or gin. When I requested a non-alcoholic cocktail, he refused with a heavy sigh and walked away. Throughout the meal, he mostly interacted with my wife, who was drinking wine, and ignored me. It is important for a restaurant that has previously been awarded a Michelin star to have more options and a better attitude towards customers who do not drink. The food was delicious and met the expectations of a high-end restaurant. However, the fixed 6/8 course tasting menu felt outdated and I would have preferred an à la carte option. Despite the rude Sommelier, we had a pleasant evening overall, but perhaps L'Ortolan should reconsider its approach and focus on innovation.

We had a wonderful evening at the restaurant. The food was excellent, but we were a bit disappointed that we had to pay an extra £5 each to swap the guinea fowl... read more We had a wonderful evening at the restaurant. The food was excellent, but we were a bit disappointed that we had to pay an extra £5 each to swap the guinea fowl (as we don't eat meat) for the roasted squash that was offered as an alternative to the monkfish. It seemed unnecessary and strange.

Many thanks to L'Ortolan for a truly wonderful meal and special thanks to Mia to organising the new date for our anniversary celebration. K rgds, Jon read more Many thanks to L'Ortolan for a truly wonderful meal and special thanks to Mia to organising the new date for our anniversary celebration. K rgds, Jon

Three of us sat down to the March midweek special lunch 5 courses with fine wine flights. Excellent again! So nice to be back post covid. It was a Thursday and... read more Three of us sat down to the March midweek special lunch 5 courses with fine wine flights. Excellent again! So nice to be back post covid. It was a Thursday and every table was taken.