La Ronde Revolving Restaurant — Restaurant in Edmonton

I posted a review after my boyfriend and I celebrated our anniversary here last year - 5 stars, raving about service (with Dean) and food.

When we went back this evening to celebrate another year together, it was not remotely the same. Unfortunately, we were not in Dean’s section this time, and the service was not nearly as strong. I felt as though we were somewhat of an afterthought, as we’re young adults and sometimes are taken less seriously. The complimentary bed was served cold, and some pieces were dry/stale. Like another review stated, butter was just thrown onto a side dish/bowl to go along with it. During our visit last year, we were given a fruit plate with “happy anniversary” on it, but did not receive one tonight, let alone asked if we would like one. I figured that it may have been discontinued, but after checking other recent reviews, I noticed someone mentioning their anniversary plate. It was honestly disappointing not receiving one, especially when you’re spending almost $200 for two people before adding a tip. In the spirit folder, prices are now listed per plain ounce of liquor, and does not include a mixer. I assumed that my $8.50 single grey goose would cover the cranberry juice added along, but it came out to $12 instead. Knowing this, I would’ve just ordered a $8.75 speciality cocktail. Again, during our last visit, this was not the case. Working in service, I have never seen someone be charged more for adding a mixer, like cranberry juice, to their ounce of liquor of choice - unless it’s a side of Clamato. Finally, I found the flambé dish to be underwhelming. I appreciated the table side aspect, but the dish itself was minimal. The tenderloin was meat hammered thin and took me about 3 minutes to finish. It is served well done, which I was not informed of. If I had known, I would have ordered something else. It was not worth $59. My boyfriend’s prime rib looked amazing, I guess I made a mistake with my entree.

The main reason I have chosen 3 stars was because of the service we experienced with Dean in 2024. Tonight alone would earn 2 stars if I’m being generous. We were so excited to celebrate another anniversary at La Ronde this year, but left feeling very disappointed, let down and do not feel welcomed to celebrate here again. I don’t have a problem with the price point - there just needs to be service to go...

Took family to La Ronda for Retro Thursday dinner, staff/server were friendly when we seated, after that was just a horrible experience. The steak was prepped and cooked table side by a server whom I can only presume with no professional culinary training, he didn't ask us how we would like our steak cooked. He also sweat profusely, I am not gonna describe this in details, you got the picture. I pulled him aside and politely told him that he need a towel and our meal need to be prepared in the kitchen. Few Minutes later, an “supervisor” (name was removed as per updates) came to our table and I told him about the situation, I couldn't blame the server too much as some people do sweat more than others, but all you need to do is to tie a towel on your wrist, it is a common practice in restaurant/kitchen, and it is the management who failed to address this. Our meal came back few minutes later, veggies looked like they were bathing in butter, meat was dry and tasteless, the best word I can describe the meal is “careless”. During the next half an hour until we paid our bill, the same supervisor walked by us at least 3 times and he did nothing, no apology, no explanation, just careless. I will never return to this restaurant nor recommend anyone to try their "food" unless you want pay a premium just look at the city.

Updates: La Ronda’s assistant manager Prasad Gunaratne contacted me today stating he was not on shift the day this review is subject to, I choose to trust his words without seeing whom am I actually speaking on the phone, I stated his name was on the review because his business cards were placed at the front desk where the “supervisor” was standing at that evening. To sum up, he did not address nor respond to any issues I reviewed, he vaguely stated that “unfortunately this happened” and wished “everyone there to have a good time”, he repeatedly requesting me to remove his name as his reputation is “on the line”. Once again, La Ronda’s management showed no desire to resolve the problem customer encountered. While telling me his reputation is “on the line”, they forgot my family’s health was also...

My name is Sasha Lawrence, and I recently moved to Edmonton. Unfortunately, my experience at this restaurant was very disappointing, especially considering it was meant to be a celebration for both my girlfriend’s birthday and our anniversary.

From the start, the service fell short. We asked for Parmesan with our bread and oil, but our server walked away to help other tables and never followed through. We also had to request pepper for our salad—something that should never be overlooked in a restaurant of this caliber. Even the staff admitted it was embarrassing that we had to ask.

Throughout the night, we found ourselves speaking with the manager and other servers more than our actual server. My girlfriend ordered wine and never received a proper refund for it. It wasn’t until we pressed the issue that the manager finally intervened, napkins were replaced, and conversation began—something that should have happened from the very beginning.

What should have been a special evening turned into a three-hour ordeal. We were seated around 7:00 p.m. and did not receive our meals until almost 10:00 p.m. The food was mediocre at best, and for the high prices, the overall experience was simply not worth it. While the manager did remove some items from the bill, we were still charged over $100 for an underwhelming meal and poor service.

To add to the frustration, the way the free birthday dessert was handled felt strange, as though we were expected to order another dessert first. For a restaurant that markets itself as upscale, this kind of approach comes across as unprofessional.

The view and atmosphere of the rotating restaurant are undeniably nice, but good service and memorable food are what truly make an experience worth recommending—and neither was delivered here.

We will not be returning, and I cannot recommend this...