Jardin Mazarin : Restaurant à Aix-en-Provence — Restaurant in Aix-en-Provence

Most likely the most offensive and snooty service I have ever experienced at a restaurant world-wide. As a professional and international food critic, I am opting not to feature this establishment in an updated list of fine restaurants in France. As host to an important International Event planner and her family, I was highly embarrassed at my hopeful attempt to share the magic of Aix-en-Provence with them at this restaurant (which has every reason to be a superb establishment) Our request to be seated in the garden was bluntly refused and we were treated with disdain from the outset. The risotto was overcooked and lumpy, and a pre-dinner bloody-mary was served in a large brandy glass, filled to the brim, warm without ice, no condiments, while a tabasco bottle was slammed on the table by a waiter who obviously hates his job. It is one thing to create a high-end restaurant and dress your waiters in slim fitting black suits and ties, but overlooking kindness and proper service and having plastic flowers at the entrance are flaws that are difficult to overlook. The magical ambience of the interior with its calming garden is completely ruined by the sound of loud elevator music from the 1980's. France was once known for unkind customer service and arrogant waiters, but we are living in 2013 and this kind of attitude is really getting old and behind the times. My simple opinion remains: If you do not like to smile or be kind, or think yourself superior to the customers you are serving, do not choose customer service as a profession. One minds not to pay a little extra, to respect a restaurant's quest for refinement, to respect a foreign culture and to be tolerant of small indifferences. But such defensive and offensive service is nothing short of shooting yourself in the foot for any...

Wonderful place, especially for these American tourists. A great combination of friendly, accommodating staff, great service, and terrific food. A good place to order a special bottle of wine. The staff wine recommendation was spot on. We both ordered steak. Just remember they cook the meat way rawer than an American may think they are ordering. Their medium rare is a very American rare. The desserts are incredible. Unfortunately, a highly perfumed woman sat next to us, driving my wife from our table. The staff immediately picked up on this, as we headed for the door, and promptly moved us to an unused section of the restaurant. They assured us that all they wanted was for us to enjoy our meal. A wonderful gesture on their part. And the desserts were incredible. Visit Jardin Mazarin for a wonderful meal (and...

One of the best meals of our life. The flavours were a very happy surprise. The scallop special was incredible with the carrot and passion fruit blend was delightful. The seabass was excellent with the accompanying celery side that is something you cannot imagine. Our server, Salah, was polished yet very pleasant and enhanced our experience with his warm personality as did the very approachable owner who shared the story behind the interesting portraits that adorned her walls. The garden will be outstanding when outside dining resumes. A memorable...