Restaurant L'Étale — Restaurant in Thonon-les-Bains

Decided to come here based on stellar Google reviews. But honestly, I have no idea how it got so many good reviews. This place was mediocre - at best! Let me explain : chef thought it acceptable to serve wilted, brown salad when I ordered starter salad. Cool. But if it’s drenched in dressing maybe I won’t see it? Next, hubby finds some plastic (wrapping?) in his starter. But we didn’t say anything until, as he nearly finished his main course, he fished out a paper/plastic tag-type thing (quite big 2cmx1cm) out of his sauce. Super unappetizing - no further bites taken at that point. Mentioned it to server, who said chef would offer to pay for our coffee/digestif after the meal. A bit lame. Mishaps aside, fries were soggy, veggies were drenched in grease/butter. Flies everywhere so they definitely had a field day sitting on bread that was pre-cut and set out for future guests. Server didn’t think to remove 4th place setting though we were only 3 - amateur hour much? And service was kinda slow given it was not busy. Prices OK, portion sizes big/huge - perhaps that’s why so many good reviews? People sacrifice all common sense for giant portions in a ski town? And perhaps servers don’t need to do better as most customers won’t be back? Would never come back if...

Food was great as always but the service was shocking (and not for the first time). We had a booked a table for 6 people prior to our visit. When we turned up we were told our table wasn’t ready yet and were told to wait outside. After 10 minutes we asked how long it would be roughly and were told it would be at least another 10 minutes. We asked if we could stand at the bar and have a drink whilst we waited. The ‘bar’ area was very cramped and no seats so we were getting bashed about by the waiters trying to serve food to the other guests. After 45 minutes of waiting we were told our intended table were finishing their desserts so it would still be some time. Everyone else who had come in and been seated straight away, even walk ins. Finally after a further 10 minutes we were finally seated downstairs (a different table than was initially intended). The whole experience ruined the dinner. The waiters were rude and completely run off their feet. We were totally dismissed by the owner who seemed to have more time for his friends than his guests. Such a shame as the food is good but not worth...

Me and my family are here tonight before my son goes home whilst me and my husband who are residents stay on. We chose this restaurant because we have always had great food, service and a wonderful dinning experience. Well tonight still great food, mediocre service and a rubbish dinning experience. I understand that as a business you are trying to take as much business as possible as this is not been a great start to the winter session but having a reservation service then over committing to more customers and tables, queuing at the bar and entrance is unprofessional and impact negatively on existing customers. Please look after the customers who has booked and stop added tables that encroaches on other customers experience. The restaurant has a good reputation but this will not last with customers that want to feel special because your waiting staff cannot service them and the pressure the cooking staff must be under us not sustainable. Please do not comprise on the quality of food against poor service as you are...