Albertina in Krakow is a culinary gem that left a lasting impression on my taste buds. From the moment we walked in, the restaurant exuded warmth and sophistication, and it was a delightful surprise to secure a table without a reservation. The impeccable service throughout the evening added to the overall charm of the dining experience.
For appetizers, the DEER TENDERLOIN TARTARE stole the spotlight with its harmonious blend of flavors. The rich notes of black truffle danced alongside the velvety veal marrow, while the egg yolk provided a luscious creaminess. The mustard seeds added a delightful pop of texture, making every bite a symphony of taste.
Equally memorable were the DUMPLINGS WITH FOIE GRAS AND PRAWN. The tender dumplings were a canvas for the luxurious combination of foie gras and succulent prawn. The mint-tarragon sauce imparted a refreshing herbal note, beautifully complementing the sweetness of sugar snap peas.
Moving on to the main courses, the STURGEON FILLET showcased the delicate flavors of the fish, masterfully paired with pickled leek, sorrel, and watercress. This dish was a delightful balance of lightness and depth, leaving a delightful lingering taste.
The SEA BREAM BAKED IN SALT was a true showstopper, arriving at the table in a spectacle of flavor and presentation. Carved from salt and cleaned before me, the fish was beautifully seasoned and cooked to perfection. The accompaniments of cauliflower, truffle, mushrooms, and fennel added layers of complexity, making it a dish that will remain etched in my memory.
Throughout the meal, the sommelier's expertise in pairing Polish and French wines with each course elevated the dining experience to new heights, further enhancing the flavors of the dishes.
To end the gastronomic journey, the PINE MOUSSE with Parsley brûlée and Almonds was an inventive and delightful dessert. The mousse was exquisitely light and airy, while the parsley brûlée added a surprising twist, beautifully offsetting the sweetness. Paired with a Polish ice wine, it was a memorable finale that left me wanting more.
In conclusion, Albertina delivers an extraordinary dining experience that combines artistry, creativity, and skill. Each dish reflects a meticulous attention to detail, and the restaurant's ability to seamlessly blend Polish and French influences is a testament to their culinary prowess. If you seek a dining adventure that tantalizes the senses and leaves you with cherished memories, Albertina is the...
Read moreIG: @kamelja I try to stay as honest as possible to keep my integrity in my reviews and I feel its rare I write that i do not recommend a place. As much as I was hoping for this to be a true Michelin guide recommended experience, it was really sub par. It was way overpriced especially considering the service charge at 12.5% — for what we got, it was not nearly worth this surcharge. Starting from the beginning - the service was simply poor. We were shown where we can hang one coats, but no one helped with getting them taken to the coat check section. The servers showed us the table but no one helped us get seated. Food wise — we got two tasting menus (we weren’t allowed to have one person with a tasting menu and another ordering separate dishes). The dishes were decent but nothing was outstanding. The only one I’d highlight is the lamb — but even that one was not as soft as it should be. The cod fish was too dry. The cod was just mediocre. The lobster ravioli’s dough was too hard. The dessert — underwhelming. The pastry tasted old and didn’t even crack as you expected it to. Then the wines that we were oversold on: with the glasses priced as bottles you’re used to. I don’t want to sound cheap, I splurge on food, but the meal’s quality and the price at the end with the barely mediocre service was more than disappointing. I also said I am chocolate intolerant yet at the end we got two portions of chocolate petit-fours. This for me is a huge no no. And speaking about the wine, it also left us a bit surprised. We told our server we’ll be ordering a La carte, not wine pairing, and we didn’t see anyone come to ask us about what we’d like till our starters were about to show up. Also, need to mention the restaurant was almost empty — only 3 tables including ours were taken. We left really underwhelmed, especially since someone else recommended this place to us and we had high expectations. Plus, again, this place is on the Michelin guide. It feels like the quality might have dropped since the judges visited the place. I truly regret leaving so much money here, it didn’t deserve it. I will say though, the lamb dish was the best from...
Read moreBeautiful restaurant and great romantic atmosphere, the staff was nice and polite, although felt like they kind of don't like our table in particular in comparing to others, which felt a little weird.
The tasting menu was surely interesting , a lot of different and original dishes. Nice surprises like the delightful pumpkin biscuit and more. But from the whole 11 courses - the absolute best , and our favorite was the deer sirloin with black truffle which was REALLY amazing from the first to the last bite of it, and only by itself was worth the whole visit . Mushroom soup and Lobster-chorizo dumplings we're incredibly special and surprising as well.
The wines deserve a separate noticing since each pairing was better than the last and I found myself sometime expecting it more than the dish and there were times when it even saved it. A real treat.
The price is surely not cheap and even a little expensive comparing to other similar restaurants and considering that most of the courses don't share the same level of excitement. That said I believe wine pairing is a must here and worth to pay the extra.
I only wish I could forget the taste of the last dessert, which was .. very unique and unforgettable. And from the looks of the neighbor tables it seemed like they share...
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