Polux by Paul Pairet — Restaurant in Shanghai

한국 분들, 그리고 아시아 분들은 이곳 방문을 다시 한 번 생각해보시는 게 좋겠습니다. 여행 내내 행복했던 기억 속에서 단 한 번, 이곳에서의 경험이 모든 것을 무너뜨렸습니다.

제가 앉은 자리는 계산대와 통로 바로 옆이어서, 지나가는 사람들이 제 어깨와 등을 계속 치고 갔습니다. 저는 충분히 이해하려 했지만, 결국 조심스럽게 직원에게 “사람들이 자꾸 부딪히니 자리를 바꿀 수 있겠냐”고 정중히 물었습니다. 그런데 그 직원은 제 말을 끝까지 듣지도 않고, 전혀 무관한 한국인 커플에게 가서 “지나갈 때 저 여자를 치지 않도록 조심하라”는 황당한 말을 하더군요. 잘못도 없는 분들을 마치 문제의 원인처럼 지목한 겁니다.

저는 직원에게 다시 가서 설명했지만, 돌아온 답은 “문제없다, 해결했다”라는 일방적인 말뿐이었습니다. 이미 불편을 겪고 있던 제 상황은 외면한 채, 오히려 애꿎은 한국인 손님들을 꾸짖은 것이었습니다. 자리를 바꿔달라는 단순한 요청이, 차별과 모욕으로 변질된 순간이었습니다. 저는 직접 한국분들한테 가서 오해를 풀고 사과를 했습니다.

더 큰 실망은 그 후였습니다. 너는 오히려 상황을 악화시켰고 요구하지도 않은 너만의 해결책으로 여기있는 한국인들을 모두 황당하게 만들었다, 오너와 이야기 하고싶다 하니, 직원은 스스로를 오너라 속였다가 매니저라고 말을 바꾸었고, “너를 쫓아낼 수도 있다”는 협박까지 했습니다. 그럼에도 본인의 행동은 아무 문제 없다고만 반복했습니다. 한국인만을 집어 지적하고, 사실과 다른 말로 상황을 덮으려 한 태도는 분명한 차별이었습니다.

여행의 마지막에 이렇게 불쾌한 경험을 하게 된 것이 너무 안타깝습니다. 음식 맛도 특별히 뛰어나지 않았고, 토스트 하나가 2만 원이라는 가격은 도무지 납득하기 어려웠습니다. 차라리 현지 카페나 다른 체인을 가는 것이 훨씬 나을 것 같습니다. 제 옆에 앉으셨던분들도 대각선에 앉아있던 분들도 임시정부랑 가까워서 꽤 많은 한국분들이 다녀가시는것같은데.. 이런식의 선택적 차별은 식당 경영에도 많은 악영향을 줄수 있지않을까 생각됩니다.

이 리뷰를 쓰는 이유는 단 하나입니다. 더 이상 다른 한국인, 아시아인 여행자들이 같은 경험을 하지 않기를 바라는 마음에서입니다.. 5박6일동안 중국에서 모든것이 너무 행복하고 재밌었는데 아이러니하게도 프랑스음식점에서 이런일을 당하니..참.. 황당하네요.. 소비자분들..은 가격, 맛, 서비스 부분에서 현명한 선택을 하시길바랍니다.

I would strongly advise Korean and other Asian visitors to reconsider coming to this place. During my trip, I had only happy memories, but a single experience here completely ruined that.

The table I was seated at was right next to the counter and a walkway, so people kept bumping into my shoulders and back as they passed. I tried to be understanding, but eventually, I politely asked a staff member, “Could I move to another seat since people keep bumping into me?” However, the staff member didn’t listen to me properly and went straight to an unrelated Korean couple across from me, telling them, “Be careful not to bump into this woman while passing by.” Completely innocent people were being unfairly singled out as if they were causing the problem.

I went to explain again, but all I got in response was the one-sided remark, “No problem, it’s solved.” My discomfort was ignored, while innocent Korean customers were scolded. A simple request to move seats turned into a moment of discrimination and humiliation. I even personally went to apologize and clarify the misunderstanding to the Korean guests.

What was even more disappointing came afterward. The staff worsened the situation by imposing a “solution” that I never asked for, leaving the Korean guests bewildered. When I requested to speak with the owner, the staff initially claimed to be the owner, then later admitted to being the manager, even making a threatening remark implying they could “kick me out.” Despite all this, they repeatedly insisted that there was no problem. Targeting only Korean customers and covering up the situation with false statements was a clear act of discrimination.

It’s deeply upsetting that such an unpleasant experience happened at the very end of my trip. The food was nothing exceptional, and a single toast costing 20,000 KRW was hard to justify. I would recommend going to a local café or another chain instead. Many Korean visitors, both near and farther tables, seemed to come here, so selective discrimination like this could seriously harm the restaurant’s reputation.

The only reason I’m leaving this review is to prevent other Korean or Asian travelers from going through the same experience. I spent 5 nights and 6 days in China having a wonderful and enjoyable trip, but ironically, this happened at a French restaurant… Truly absurd. I hope other consumers make wise choices regarding price, taste,...

I initially visited for a late meal but ended up staying much longer due to the exceptional atmosphere. Polux offers a diverse and great selection of dishes, each prepared with the utmost care and creativity. The unique decor, with its charming and inviting design, adds significantly to the overall dining experience. Every aspect of the meal was outstanding, from the appetizers to the dessert.

I also had the pleasure of visiting for lunch, and once again, I was thoroughly impressed. The quality of the food and the attentive service consistently exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend giving this restaurant a try to anyone looking for a memorable dining experience.

Thank you once again to the entire team for providing such a delightful experience. I look forward to visiting again soon and enjoying more of your exceptional cuisine and...

What about Shanghai! It’s reminding me of Hong Kong before the take over. Racy, high beating, savvy, ascending. What a restaurant was Pollux - from the moment I walked in greeted promptly, given options for tables, swift to bring my drinks, onwards we went. Foie gras was the best I’ve had almost anywhere, turbot was stunning, side of spinach was standout, dessert was a basque cheesecake which I imagine even the Spaniards in San Sebastián would drool over. Start to finish all was excellent though my negroni was average but I set it aside because of the rest. High recommend for anyone visiting Shanghai who wants a change from Chinese. Superb place would...