Counter-

I love the mystique of arriving to Counter, and how orchestrated every step is. The evening began with "snacks" for the spring nouvelle menu. The science and layers involved with each dish was masterful. The classic mirepoix, served in dehydrated form, oil form, and stock form, for example was ingenious. A great start to the classic French culinary menu. The main courses, similarly had an amazing history that chef Sam and his team shared, along with a great playlist. Sam knows his music. I particularly loved the incorporation of Tchaikovskys Swan Lake, with one of the dishes. The rich flavour and texture of the meal was so immersive. I was also so excited to try a local morel mushroom too!! Pastry chef Faith was outstanding. The souffle was outstanding. So light and airy. The technique and skill that went into the evening, combined with the meticulous planning was worth the experience.

I don't think I could give anything less than 5 stars if I tried. They would have to deliberately pour boiling water on my lap and, as long as they gave me a sincere apology and slide me a bottle of their wine, I would find a way to ask Google for a 6th star. The experience and meal were well-thought-out and worth every penny. The creativity they put into everything they did, created the scene for an amazing night out and it was perfect. Very allergie friendly and can accommodate. Thank you again for the wonderful night. ** 4/10/2026 Update I will be doubling down with my original review with Chef Sam and his crew. Could not care less what they do to me as long as I get to enjoy more experiences with them.

Wow, what an experience. This was my first visit here after trying for quite some time to secure a reservation, and also my first experience dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant. The international reputation and prestige alone made it something I felt compelled to try for a special occasion and it absolutely lived up to the anticipation. The evening felt less like a traditional dinner and more like a fully immersive sensory experience. Every element: taste, texture, presentation, sound, pacing, and atmosphere, was orchestrated with remarkable precision. The tasting menu featured smaller courses, but each dish was intentionally connected to the next, creating a seamless progression throughout the meal. From the regional inspirations behind the dishes, to the design of the plates, the manner of service, and the wine pairings, every detail felt deliberate and thoughtfully curated. What impressed me most was the level of professionalism and refinement. Nothing felt accidental or rushed. The staff operated with incredible polish as if each of them had a passion for what they do, and the coordination between kitchen and service was unlike anything I had previously experienced. The only dining experience I can remotely compare it to would be a memorable meal I had at the Tapas Molecular Bar at the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, though I would say this experience ultimately surpassed even that, as the Tapas was much more a show than Counter, which had it all and elevated fashion. The dinner ended with a dessert course, which somehow elevated the evening even further. It consisted of nine different dessert bites (yes, nine) each completely distinct in flavor, texture, and presentation. It felt like a final showcase of creativity and technique from the kitchen. No matter how full I thought I was by that point, there always seems to be room for dessert. Overall, this was not simply a meal, it was an event and a performance in the best sense of the word. A truly memorable dining experience that demonstrated exactly why restaurants at this level earn such extraordinary international recognition.

I had the privilege of dinning at Counter this week. The experience was amazing. From the moment we walked in the gastronomic experience began. From the first bite to the last I was amazed. During the dinning journey we also had perfectly paired wine. Excellent job Counter 👏🏽

This is the most unique dining experience I’ve ever had! I’ve had a lot of tasting menus before, but Counter- stands out above the rest as they pair food with a story, music, locally sourced ingredients, and a great atmosphere. I've visited a number of times over the years and I'll keep returning! Each season (Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring), they pick a theme and build an experience around it. They also have shorter 1-2 week pop-up special menus - past examples have been tributes to Elton John, Beethoven, the Titanic, Time (the concept), Burgundy (France), Fire, and many more. A few other fun facts: They pay their employees a salary (well above minimum wage) and give them PTO - both of which are basically unheard of in the restaurant industry. They support local artists, they have a non-profit arm, and support a few local non-profits. If you’re a foodie and/or enjoy a great experience, you’ll love Counter- ! (Pics are from different events over the years)