Le Christine — Restaurant in Paris

I had high expectations for the 6-course tasting menu. Unfortunately, I was disappointed. This was the most disappointing meal of my time in Paris.

Below is a summary of my issues with this restaurant: -Upon being seated, it was not until the end of my second course when I was asked if I wanted a drink. I was going to get the wine pairing, but opted not to at this point since the point of the pairing was already missed. -The biggest issue I had was that I was served raw sea bass for my 3rd course. I have eaten enough seafood to tell the difference between 'just cooked' (perfectly cooked) fish and raw. The edges of the filet were cooked nicely, it was the center that was visibly raw. I couldn't cut through the fish with my knife, and instead the flesh tore (as it would when raw). The kitchen merely recooked the peice of fish I was served (now mangled). It ended up overcooked and I choked on a pin bone. I picked three other bones out of the filet.. this was completely unacceptable. I provided this feedback after I choked down the remainder of the fish to which the response was "oh that is too bad, sometimes that happens". -It took 1 hour between the fish and my next course. I told the waiter at the 50. Minute mark that if the dish wasn't coming out, I would be leaving. Luckily it did come out. Course 4 was better than the fish course, but the portion size was too small. -the waiter did pour me a glass of wine as an apology, which I appreciated. However the meal I had at this restaurant was not worth 118€. You would be better served at any other bistro in this arrondissement.

Positive: Dessert was very good. Unfortunately the shortcomings of the whole experience could not be wiped away by the dessert. I give whoever made the dessert kudos for trying their best.

I have no interest of returning to this restaurant and warn others considering coming here to reconsider. All the tables around me experienced very slow service. When I left, the table across from me had also sent back food saying it was under done from what they ordered. They had overheard my conversation with the table next to me and the waiter, and was shared glances and an eye roll that just suggested...

Unfortunately, I was very, very disappointed by this experience. Having grown up in a household with a French chef (who worked at Troisgros and Maxim's de Paris to name a few) , I know I have a high bar for expecting quality. That said, the food presentation was truly amazing. The flavors unique and surprising at times. However, some of the dishes were extremely salty and not to my liking. The service was horrible to mediocre and not what I would expect of a restaurant of this caliber. The waiter was so-called nice enough, but he kept serving and picking up food across my face and that of my family. He even bumped the head of my cousin when picking up some of the dishes at the end of the meal. He apologized, but seriously not professional. The serving pace was extremely slow (ridiculously slow). The waiter did not "read the room". And there were very few customers, so I don't know why each presentation lingered for so long. Additionally, we were never offered more to drink. An additional carafe of water would have even been appreciated. And before I forget, the sommelier said he preferred to be a called a "winest"... just weird honestly. The drink selections were awful. Two apertifs... no, make that one because they didn't have the makings for the other at 7:30pm. And just overpriced wine. Maybe we were treated differently because we chose not to do the pairing with the meal (?). We had the "Menu en 5 temps". It was too much for me, but that was not the fault of the restaurant. The fact that I expected (and was told) that it should be an approximate 2-hour experience that ended up being 3+ hours was a big part of the problem. And even though the ambience was nice, the seating was very uncomfortable for such a long, long dinner.

This was supposed to be a gift to my family, but it ended up being a waste of money and time. Last but not least to make this a most dreadful experience for me, I made the mistake of adding a tip when the tip was already included in the final bill. It was my first night in Paris, and I forgot that most simple custom. I can only hope that the extra 132 euros went to the kitchen who deserved that "appreciation" more than anyone else in...

From the menu, I recommend “tasting menu” + “wine pairing”.

Food was excellent, fantastic, and the wine pairing is impeccable. People & services… idk, busy, ignorant, angry, except a few. Servers and kitchen people fight all times in the tiny place.

Personally experienced, when my date & I were served starter dish each of us got one dish + a pot on each side of the table. It’s always good to know the chief’s intentions so I asked if I should pour the soup in the pot to the dish. An angry man quietly said with so much hate in his face “yeah, of couse” and just took off like I was stupid. I wasn’t sure if he were a racist because it’s France, ofc. I just hope he didn't spit on my plate u kno. He shouldn't be a manager but maybe he’s the manager? 🤔 Later, there was a man sitting next to us finished his dish first then picked his pot. Poor man. The team probably made fun of him when the guy left.

Everyone is working as a team! I just saw one young man happy for doing his job 👏 Although he gave me a big laugh after saying “gonichiwa” I know he didn’t mean any harm. Between, the young man’s services & the tall lady provided are the far best professional compared to other members of the team. Those two were kind, attentive, and customer oriented mind.

Besides the services, food is excellent. Every dish was elegant & fantastic. Dishes have pretty basic tastes, but every dish has some delicate surprises that will enlighten you to finish the dish with joy. To sum up, elegant dish.

Main dish of fish could’ve been boring, but a glass of paired wine made it enlightened to finish the dish. Main dish of meat was excellent as is. I didn’t need wine, but if you’re wine lover you might not understand my comment. Just talking my personal experience. Eat the eggplant with the pork. You will be surprised by what’s disappeared and what’s created; and of course, this is your job to discover the best way to enjoy the dish. Dessert was the highlight.

I recommend this restaurant. I mean, you come to a restaurant to eat. Pleasant service is optional. And I believe that’s why tip is optional, too. But not sure if this restaurant provides Michelin level services...