Géosmine — Restaurant in Paris

My Experience at Géosmine – A Delicate Balance of Delight and Disappointment

I recently had the pleasure of dining at your restaurant with five friends, and let me begin by saying—what an absolutely delightful experience it was in terms of food. Each dish was not only visually stunning but rich with creativity and intention. It’s clear that the chef poured heart and soul into every element. Each plate felt like a beautifully choreographed performance, and I was absolutely captivated.

The ambiance upstairs where we dined was charming, intimate, and set the perfect stage for what could have been a truly exceptional evening.

However, I’d like to offer some heartfelt (and slightly pointed) feedback—not out of bitterness, but because I genuinely believe this restaurant can, and should, be better.

Upstairs, while the service was kind, there was a sense of distance. I longed for more storytelling, more connection—especially with such imaginative cuisine. There was a language barrier, yes, but that shouldn’t be a barrier to warmth or effort. I believe even a simple explanation or printed note about the dish would have added so much depth. When food is art, it deserves to be interpreted, not just consumed.

There were a few service slips as well. A waiter upstairs broke glasses which disrupted the mood a bit. Mistakes happen, of course, but in a refined setting, grace in handling them matters just as much.

More troubling, however, was what I experienced downstairs.

When I went to ask about the WiFi—because my phone had no signal upstairs—I was met with visible irritation from a staff member. It was a small, simple request, but I was treated like I’d asked for something outrageous. A smile or a kind tone would have made a world of difference—but alas, those seem to have been left off the menu.

Later, I went to use the restroom. Unfortunately, the restaurant only has one restroom for nearly 20 guests, which resulted in a queue forming. As we waited, a female staff member looked clearly annoyed, and a male staff member with a ponytail told us to move to another corner of the restaurant. Then, mere moments later, he approached a nearby table of French-speaking guests and spoke with all the charm in the world.

The difference in treatment was… stark. It didn’t feel like a coincidence. As an Asian guest, I couldn’t help but feel I was being treated with less warmth, less respect—perhaps even less value. And yes, I’ll say it: it felt discriminatory. And that’s not a word I use lightly.

If the goal is to avoid disrupting diners, then I highly recommend rethinking the floor plan: move guest seating away from the restroom, and create a separate, discreet waiting space. That way, people won’t have to awkwardly queue beside someone’s dinner plate, and your staff won’t have to act like human traffic controllers.

And to the staff downstairs—this part is for you, sweethearts: if you’re not ready to smile, to be gracious, to treat guests with basic courtesy… perhaps take the day off and let your heart catch up with your job. Hospitality begins with hospitality, not with a sigh and a scowl. Maybe even take a little time to learn what a smile from the heart feels like. It might surprise you.

To be clear: I’m not writing this to tear anyone down. I genuinely admire the vision behind this restaurant. The chef’s talent is unmistakable, and the creativity deserves to be celebrated. But great food alone isn’t enough. Service, space, and spirit—these matter just as much.

Michelin stars and crystal pipes may impress the eye, but it’s kindness and consistency that stay with the soul.

I still left with admiration—but also with questions. I truly hope this feedback will be taken seriously, and with the heart that it’s given. Because what you’ve built here is special—it just needs a bit more soul in the service to...

I read a review of this place ahead of time that I have to agree with from the perspective of this place needing to try a little harder despite its Michelin star. Yes, the plates are perfectly manicured and eloquently presented, but they’re not particularly memorable. The seasoning was a bit light on most of the dishes except for an occasional pop of anchovy. Even the dishes with caviar were overpowered by the other accompaniments/flavors (citrus, biscuit, etc.), which was such a shame.

We were not informed that the cheese course was an optional supplement, just that we could have it if we liked. Not knowing where we were in the 11-course journey, I assumed the server was notifying us because I’d stated an aversion to strong cheeses in my dietary preferences and she just wanted to see if we still wanted it, provided it would not be an unenjoyable experience. To that end, it actually was lovely and I’m glad we opted for it, as part of the whole French meal thing, but it would’ve been better to have known it would be charged additionally, as was the case with the shaved truffle on one of the desserts. Speaking of which, that chocolate mousse concoction was silky, interesting and flavorful, but it kept me up until after 2:30am (we left the restaurant at 10:30pm), so be aware if you’re sensitive to caffeine. Overall, something I’m glad we did during our visit to Paris but not one I’d have to repeat with all the other enticing options out there. Perhaps the weirdest thing I noticed as we left was that all the tables seem to have been seated upstairs, leaving the 4-5 tables on the street level empty. Given the need for reservations and advanced preparation, it’s not the sort of place you’d just pass and decide to stop in and try to eat at, but wouldn’t you want passersby to see a full restaurant, convivial and bustling instead of one that looks like no one showed up for their reservation? PS We spent 430€ on this meal with the water charge, 2 glasses of wine with dinner, 2 drinks to start, the 2 cheese plates, and the truffle addition to the...

Nestled in the heart of the city, Geosmine offers an exquisite dining experience that hits all the right notes. The staff here are not just attentive but also exceptionally professional, striking the perfect balance between friendliness and expertise. They seem to possess an uncanny knowledge of the menu, making your choices a breeze.

Now, let's talk about the main event - the food. Geosmine manages to impress on all fronts. The dishes, in both taste and presentation, are simply top-notch. Each plate is a work of art, and your taste buds are in for a delightful journey. Plus, don't miss the chocolate dessert; it's a sweet symphony of flavors that's simply to die for.

As for the atmosphere, Geosmine has nailed it. The restaurant exudes a cozy and well-designed vibe, making it the perfect place for a romantic dinner or a special celebration. It's the kind of ambiance that adds an extra layer of enjoyment to your dining experience.

In summary, Geosmine is a gem that shines brightly in the culinary landscape. From impeccable service to delectable dishes and a charming atmosphere, it checks all the boxes for a memorable dining adventure. Whether it's a special occasion or just a desire for exceptional cuisine, Geosmine is...