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1868: High Prices, Low Standards
It’s hard not to admire the performance of Restaurant 1868: turning what is supposed to be a high-end dining experience into an overpriced canteen takes a certain level of commitment.
It all starts with the refusal of the tasting menu — which is simply a selection of dishes already on the menu. Refused, most likely because I was dining alone. Instead, I was advised to order multiple dishes… which is essentially the same thing, just without the coherence or elegance.
The amuse-bouche, proudly presented as an “olive tree,” consists of two stuffed olives and two hazelnuts. Conceptual, perhaps. Or just extremely minimal.
The soup — the only genuinely good part of the meal — arrives at the same time as the starters. Service timing straight out of a cafeteria, with the added bonus of a dirty spoon that had to be sent back. The reaction: a casual “oops, sorry.”
Then come the sweetbreads: overcooked and excessively salty. I barely touch the plate. No one asks why. No one seems to care.
Next, the lamb: fatty, with a presentation worthy of a school canteen. The vegetables are unremarkable and, once again, too salty. I end up eating only the crunchy salad. The rest is left untouched. Still, no one asks a single question. At this point, the lack of attention feels almost intentional.
As for the wine, I had three glasses — good, but overpriced — chosen at random, since no one was able to explain the grape varieties. One gets the impression the topic isn’t exactly mastered, which is surprising for a place positioning itself at this level.
The seating, by the way, is far from comfortable, which only adds to the overall experience.
No dessert — out of clarity rather than fullness.
Total bill: over 200 euros, for what amounts to one good soup, a bread basket charged 12 euros, three glasses of wine, and a decent coffee.
And to complete the experience, when paying, I was asked if I would like to leave a tip. I simply said no.
A memorable experience, strictly speaking — just not for the right reasons.