Alfred — Restaurant in Paris

I would like to be able to highlight favourite dishes, praise the atmosphere and highlight the service. Unfortunately, I can't do any of these things. I booked a table for eight people on 5 February just for a month later. March 5th is my birthday and I decided to spend it in Paris with friends travelling from different cities for the occasion. Dining at Alfred on the 4th seemed like an excellent idea to wait until 12 o'clock. I was fortunate enough to receive a new visitor from London on the 3rd, so I called the restaurant to add the diner. Then, a day before my party, I was told that my reservation had not been made, when I had made it 100% by credit card through fork. I understand the system error, these things can happen. What I cannot let pass is the lack of delicacy and respect with which they approached such a sensitive subject as a birthday celebration for so many friends coming especially. First they told me that there was no way, after insisting they told me that they would surely be able to accommodate us at the last minute, the next day they confirmed the reservation and that same afternoon they called me to tell me that I was again in doubt. Then they told me that maybe they could and then they told me to call back. Friday fashion week in Paris, nine people, there was not much choice and I had a very stressful time. As if that wasn't enough, they called me that evening to confirm my reservation for 4 people at 7:30 pm !!!!! Fortunately, there are bistros of great charm and goodwill, such as Chez Chanou, which managed to reverse the bad luck with an unforgettable celebration that made me enormously happy. I deplore the internal communication of Alfred's staff, lack of words and a lot of teasing. Only the last manager of the night was honest and told me that it was difficult. Otherwise I would have ended up on the pavement of Rue du Mont Thabor, with my 8 loved ones probably crying and laughing. They never apologised or took the matter seriously. A disgrace. They took away our desire to ever meet him, which could have easily happened with another treatment....

Fair waitstaff. They took our shopping bags in storage for us and gave us a reservation as long as we ate within 90 minutes, which was doable. The appetizer came with 4 small slices of bread which was ok because we also had a basket of baguette and I liked the baguette more. The server would grab stuff in front of me and startle me, not sure if he was new? Don’t reach from behind my body without alerting me. I was disappointed at the entree because I ordered medium and it came out medium well at the very middle and well done around the edges of the meat. Expected the meat to be cooked correctly with such high reviews. The only thing that made up for it was the sauce on top was so delicious, if you think of it as a stew then it’s good. The mash potatoes were not as creamy as I usually like, more grainy, but it was ok, maybe this is the French way, I can respect that. The duck meat was tender and good, but small portion. Same thing with the sauce on the duck, very delicious sauce. The wine was excellent choice. I asked for still water and they gave us a 7€ bottle so you have to be specific if you want tap. Furthermore the server asked for a tip as he had my card. He did not pass me the machine for me to insert the number when I motioned to grab the machine. And when I clarified he said “of course you have to tip!” Not very classy as my French host alerted me that tipping is NOT mandatory. So that’s how I left a 10% tip on poor food in Paris. There’s so many restaurants around- eat only at the highest rated or word of mouth, not this one...

We went here tonight and the food was outstanding. This place was recommended to us via the concierge at the Westin. Great recommendation. We were the Americans who came to France not being able to speak with the language but our server worked with us as his English was far superior to our French. We started off with cocktails that were delicious and hit the spot to start the evening. My wife got the basil gin cocktail and I the hibiscus vodka martini. Both just made well balanced and well flavored with the herbs. We started with the stracciatella that was truffled just the right amount and not overpowering. My wife had the one pasta dish that was herbed pasta with almonds. Delicious and lightly sauced so not heavy. The lamb chops were well seasoned and the puree with it along with the artichokes were a winner, especially with the pomegranate seeds and pickled onions. We then shared the affogato and their cream puffs with chocolate sauce. Each of both also got a glass of wines with our mains that were delicious. Wine list by the glass appeared to have at least one by the glass for each major wine region in France is a white and a red. I cannot recommend this place enough. Between the cocktails, wine and the food we ordered, I cannot recommend this place enough and I felt the place had a great value for the money especially when considering the fantastic service from the time we arrived until the time we left. Might go here again this trip. If not,...