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We recently dined at Demi for the WC Whitney summer tasting menu with the wine pairing. Overall, it was an enjoyable evening with great company, but given the reputation and price point, the experience fell short of expectations.
Prior to our visit, we submitted dietary restrictions through the reservation, noting two pescatarians and an allergy. Upon arrival, we were told there were no restrictions associated with our reservation, which we immediately corrected. Our server mentioned the substitutions were essentially being created “on the fly”. For a restaurant operating at this level, I expected dietary accommodations to be planned well in advance.
The dining room is beautiful. Nearly every seat surrounds the kitchen, making the cooking team the focal point without feeling theatrical. Service was friendly throughout the evening.
The menu itself sounded promising, but execution was inconsistent.
The mushroom dashi was an elegant start, full of earthy depth and restraint. The whitefish chawanmushi was beautifully textured and one of the strongest courses of the night. The hamachi was another standout, bright and refreshing with tomato, watermelon, cucumber, and herbs creating a well-balanced summer dish.
After that, however, the meal lost momentum.
The rabbit and foie gras terrine was substituted with a piece of Brie for the pescatarian guests. While I understand substitutions are challenging, this felt more like a placeholder than a thoughtfully designed alternative. We were also told the other meat substitution for the pescatarian guests would be sea bass, only to receive halibut instead. Beyond the communication issue, the halibut itself was overcooked. The king salmon on the standard menu was similarly just past its ideal doneness, perhaps 30 to 60 seconds too long, which dulled what could have been an excellent course.
Portions throughout the tasting were also noticeably smaller than what I’ve experienced at comparable tasting menus, particularly considering the overall cost.
The wine pairing was competent but fairly safe. The progression followed the classic arc from Champagne to aromatic white, slightly richer white, lighter red, “fuller” red, and dessert wine, but nearly every bottle came from the 2022–2024 vintages. While young wines certainly have their place, I was hoping for more bottle age or at least one selection that challenged or surprised the palate. Everything paired well enough, but nothing felt particularly memorable.
The margarita, however, was excellent.
There were also a handful of service details that, individually, are minor but collectively mattered. Wine was often poured well before the corresponding course arrived. Silverware placement occasionally felt disorganized. Napkin service wasn’t consistent throughout the evening. I also missed having a printed menu at the table to follow the progression of the meal, something I’ve come to appreciate at tasting-menu restaurants.
When I think back on the evening, I struggle to identify a cohesive narrative. The dishes felt more like individual ideas than chapters of a thoughtfully connected experience. For me, that’s what separates a very good tasting menu from a truly memorable one.
Demi is certainly a good restaurant, and there are flashes of genuine excellence. But at this price point, I expected a higher level of polish, more thoughtful substitutions, and a wine program that took a few more risks. I left appreciating the evening, but not feeling compelled to return
