Le Crystal — Restaurant in Grasse

Spent a couple of weeks in Juan Les Pins as a family member has a place there. First trip to Le Crystal was great but unfortunately it went downhill from there. Final night before we head back to the UK so decided to have a big night at Le Crystal. 2 of us grabbed a couple of beers and the other 2 went shopping and joined us a bit later. When they arrived they asked for a couple of tap waters, (whilst they decided on their alcohol of choice for the night). The waiter response was no! If you don't order a drink you have 5 minutes and then must leave. Bear in mind 2 of us had beers at the table already and we had actually all planned on buying plenty of alcohol for the next few hours.

True to his word the waiter arrived back 5 mins later and we quickly informed him we will be settling our bill and moving on. The bill was 16 Euro for the 2 beers. He came with a card machine. We asked to split the bill and was advised it was a 10 euro minimum. Funnily enough we had paid in the same manner a few days earlier with no problems so stood our ground. After we paid he asked the we bring cash next time so we could pay the 10 euro minimum, so we informed him we would have spent much more than 10 euro each had it not been for his rude manner and refusal to offer tap water alongside the alcohol we were buying. He didn't like this of course and informed us it was managements decision and he was doing as he was told.

If that is the case the place has poor management and although there are one or two good waiters there are plenty of bad ones who are there to pick up their pay checks and take as much money from tourists as possible.

If you want to drink in a place that actually wants your custom and an enjoyable atmosphere head to pam pam...

Voltaire, Dior, the French language, the Enlightenment, and Ratatouille — all these great exports have one thing in common: they strengthened the soft power of France, projecting an image of elegance, intellect, and refined culture to the world.

And then there’s Le Crystal.

This place feels like a deliberate attempt to undo centuries of charm in a single meal. Upon arrival, I was told (with an impressively straight face) that the outside tables were reserved for Saudis only. Apparently, liberté, égalité, fraternité does not extend to the terrace. Also, fun fact: it’s 100€ per seat — yes, just to sit. No drink, no bread basket, just a wildly inflated sense of self.

When I decided to leave this fever dream, a staff member grabbed my arm to stop me from exiting. I gently pulled away — and was rewarded with a full-volume meltdown in the middle of the restaurant. Moments later, a young waiter appeared, presumably to de-escalate things… but instead challenged me to a fight in the back. An actual fight. Behind the restaurant. Because nothing says “French fine dining” like threats of violence over a chair you never sat in.

I never made it to the food, but if hostility, humiliation, and high blood pressure are your thing, Le Crystal serves them à la carte. Otherwise, spare yourself — and go enjoy France’s soft power somewhere it still exists. Like a boulangerie. Or literally...

Revoir le professionnalisme et le sens de l’accueil d’un de vos serveurs :

Aujourd’hui, 9 août le pass sanitaire est obligatoire pour s’installer en intérieur comme en terrasse. On entre donc par l'entrée, une jeune femme vérifie notre pass sanitaire, Tout est ok. On entre, le vigile nous demande de ressortir et de passer derrière les cordes de balisage afin de s’installer plus facilement avec notre poussette. Pas de soucis, on s'exécute. En repassant en dessous de la corde avec la poussette pour nous installer, le petit serveur derrière son comptoir à commencé à nous applaudir de loin avec toute son arrogance, pensant que l’on ne respectait pas le protocole sanitaire. Je vais directement le voir pour lui demander de redescendre tout de suite d'un étage et que j'étais pas son pote et avons essayé de lui expliquer qu’on avait simplement suivi les consignes de ses collègues. Mais il n'a rien voulu entendre, et nous répond agressivement que ce n'est pas normal et que l'entrée n'était pas la. Il nous aurait écouté, il aurait compris qu'on était déjà passé par l'entrée. Je me suis retourné et j'ai dit "On se casse", sa réponse: « ouai allez salut ». Pas très pro, pas très commerçant. Peut être qu’il n’apprécie pas les couples avec enfants dans son bar?! Où peut être est-il tout simplement con.

Notons tout de même qu’il n’a même pas dénié s’excuser après avoir eu des explications du vigile….. ce qui, à priori, confirmerait donc ma deuxième opinion.

Pour finir, nous remercions tout de même les agents de sécurité et les autres serveurs très compréhensifs, gentils et accueillants qui nous ont demandé de rester et ont un peu rattrapé ce mauvais début de soirée.

Cependant, malgré les efforts, cette expérience ne mérite pas plus d'une étoile. Un accueil comme celui-là n'est pas digne du commerce et encore moins de la restauration. Des gens se font virer pour moins que ca. Ce serveur devrait rapidement changer de métier avant de se prendre des tartines par...