Fino — Restaurant in Gdansk

Would NOT recommend. We arrived and were instantly pushed if we would like to order champagne before even getting a chance to look at the wine menu. We booked on to do the tasting menu, the menu was presented to us and then quickly removed. After a couple of courses, the server asked us for feedback. We provided some feedback on the red cabbage course, informing that a cold cabbage sorbet was an unusual taste and then numbed our pallet and we couldn't taste the rest of the course. This feedback was not welcomed, albeit it was asked for. The 'main' dish arrived for the tasting menu which consisted of a slice of beef. Unfortunately after multiple attempts I could not cut through it, and it appeared it had a bit of sinu (connective tissue) through it. We informed the server who then told me that it was meant to be like this. We put it back, the server then returned informing us that the chef cut the beef into 4 portions and it was 'unlucky' that I got that bit, the chef stated it wasn't his fault as he "can't control what the meat is like" which I understand, however it is not my fault either and I shouldn't have to miss a course. I was then offered a choice from 3 options however I was not able to get the same course from the tasting menu. I was offered a crayfish risotto, another dish, or a extra dessert. I opted for the risotto, which arrived undercooked with the rice being hard and crunchy. Following us sending back the beef to the kitchen, the servers attitude towards us changed. They made no conversation from then. The chef came out into the restaurant and spoke to all the tables and avoided our table. Once the server gave the chef the feedback that the rice was undercooked, the chef then (reluctantly) came over to our table. I was abruptly told that the rice was 'al-dente' to which I disagreed. This was very disappointing as the main dish of the tasting menu was inedible for me. We had the tasting menu, two bottles of wine, and a bottle of water and the meal came to £300, (1500 Polish Zloty). There was a 10% service charge added to our bill which we did not realise. Two servers then came to our table and placed the menu down which it states (in very small writing) at the bottom that there will be a 10% charge. We highlighted the fact one of our dishes had been inedible and the service had been poor and that we were not happy to pay this charge. The server abruptly told us they would speak to the manager. Then returned and put most of the service charge in cash in a wallet and threw it down on the table. We were made to feel incredibly uncomfortable and after spending nearly £300 in the restaurant we left and they did not say goodbye or thank you. It has been the worst experience of a tasting menu I have...

Disappointed by the whole experience as a guest.

My girlfriend and I booked a table on our vacation til Gdansk, after reading the good reviews and seeing the beautiful pictures of the place and food. But we were left really disappointed after trying the Tasting Menu with wine pairing...

Let us start with the lack of service. We wrote in the booking, that we came from Denmark and wished for an English speaking waitress, since we both worked in the industry and were really excited to try the classical, polish, gourmet cuisine. But our waitress couldn't present or explain anything in english. She didn't know how to pour wine correctly, as she spilled on the table and introduced all wines like: "This is red wine from spain..." as we could see for ourselves on the bottle etiquette... I know there were other waitresses that night, that spoke almost perfect English, so why not send one of them to our table?

Coming to the food, we had 7 courses in the tasting menu and we started with the best meal, and ended with the worst. The buildup in the menu was really weird, and the food looked NOTHING like on the heavy edited pictures on web and SoMe.

Some of the dishes lacked taste, and the tatar plate, was dirty on the side and had fingerprints on. Some of the courses like the dumpling dish with boar was way oversalted. The trout & citrus-salad dish felt very fat and unbalanced, and really had a bad mouthfeeling. The intermezzo was nothing but forgettable and tasted like pickle-juice. The dessert looked like a mess. The chocolate was not tempered correctly and was very hard to break with a spoon, the sorbet ice cream was split and full of ice crystals...

The main course with deer was very nice though, but a little bit too salty. And the first course with marinated herring was absolutely wonderful and perfect adjusted!

Not once did we get asked about if we liked the wine or the food. And one time we waited almost 25minutes before the empty plates were taken... The menu lacked a lot of basic- and fresh elements in season like pickles, beets, kale or cabbage. I was left very frustrated, when we had to pay the service tax of 10%, as there was no level of service through out the whole night and waitress rolled her eyes, when i mentioned it and wanted to send a formal complaint.

The waitress told us "It was normal when you visit fine dining in Poland", but we didn't feel like we were on a fine-dining restaurant at all. You just can't serve a split ice cream as the last course on a fine dining restaurant, and you have to be able to explain at least something about the menu or wine in english, when you have guests traveling a long way and paying. End of story... there are better places in Gdansk to...

Fine Dining at its finest.

A lovely cozy little restaurant just off the main streets, feels like a VIP experience the moment you step foot in the door. The food was a fantastic mix of flavours and textures, the staff were friendly and attentive to all their customers.

Fine dining often has a stigma of having a bit of a 'tense' atmosphere to the average person, whereas this felt comfortable and relaxed. With that said - I'd still recommend dressing up just a little bit so that you also feel comfortable here.

We had (2 of us):

Lamb Chump with Muscles and Potatoes Pike Perch with Peas & Asparagus Cottage Cheese Creameux Banana Brownie with Pine Cream & Coulis To drink: Kraft Beer & House Wine

The lamb was cooked perfectly, lovely and pink in the middle, tender and juicy. While the portion is small (which is normal for fine dining) the taste levels were on point, hitting all the bars. Simply delicious, just wish there was more!

The Fish was lovely and flakey, beautifully seasoned and melted in the mouth. It went perfectly with the asparagus, peas and accompanying garnishes.

Both deserts were equally as delicious as one another, both beautifully presented with lovely textures. We both loved the flavours, but again only wished there was more as it was so tasty.

Overall, we're very pleased with the overall fine dining experience as we don't often venture out into the fine dining world of food, however out of the times we have - this was the best so far. Well worthy of the awards and leaves you feeling like youve just had an absolutely wonderful dining experience.

Again, if you are reading this and have a somewhat big appetite - do remember that this is fine dining and the portions may be a bit limited for some. However if you're just in the mood for a elegant fine dining experience. Highly recommend this place.

Thanks and keep up the...