Rozbrat 20

During my recent visit to Rozbrat 20, a Michelin one-star establishment, I encountered a blend of high points and some unexpected shortcomings. The evening began on a promising note, with a selection of wines that truly impressed. The sommelier went above and beyond, offering a custom wine pairing tailored to my preferences instead of the standard menu—an appreciated gesture that elevated the start of the meal.

The first courses followed suit with well-executed flavors. The oysters, in particular, were impeccably fresh and delivered a taste of the sea that was both refreshing and delicious. The warm bread, served with a side of rich, nutty brown butter, was another highlight—simple but perfectly executed.

However, not all courses met the same high standards. The langoustine dish, unfortunately, was overwhelmed by acidity, masking the delicate flavor of the seafood itself. It was a surprising misstep, as such balance issues are not typical of a Michelin-starred kitchen.

The ambiance, which began as a cozy and intimate setting, changed dramatically around 8:30 PM when the second seating commenced. The influx of guests shifted the atmosphere from fine dining to something more akin to a bustling food court. The proximity of the tables meant that guests were bumping into each other, and the noise levels became uncomfortably high. Conversations on cell phones and the general clamor made it difficult to maintain a sense of intimacy, and I found myself raising my voice just to communicate. The poor acoustics only amplified this issue, detracting significantly from the overall experience.

Despite these challenges, the service remained consistently excellent. The staff was attentive, friendly, and maintained a professional demeanor throughout. Water glasses were topped up almost before they were empty—a small but meaningful detail that speaks to their commitment to attentive service. However, timing was a notable issue: the wine pairing arrived late not once but twice, including for my onion soup, where it came after I had finished the dish. For a Michelin-starred restaurant, such timing issues are hard to overlook.

In conclusion, while there were moments of excellence, Rozbrat 20 ultimately fell short of the seamless experience one expects from a Michelin-starred restaurant. The overly acidic langoustine and the chaotic atmosphere during the second seating detracted from the evening. It’s not to say it was a bad experience, but for a restaurant of this caliber, these issues should not have occurred. With some adjustments, particularly around crowd management, dish balance, and timing of wine pairings, Rozbrat 20 has the potential to live up to its star. For now, I’d rate it 3 out of 5 stars—good, but with room for improvement.