Gras — Restaurant in Zhongshan District

I will give this place a below average rating even though it's the soft opening. I will come back in a month or so once they get things settled down, but here's my first impressions since they didn't ask for my opinion or suggestions after the meal.

Things that are good: Bread, pate.

Things that are ok. Confit (a normal confit), pork tenderloin (reminded me of one of the Hello Fresh packages I got), clafoutis (had better, too eggy)

goose sausage (got a little bit of dirt or sand at the neck portion for some odd reason. They explained it as bone, but it definitely was very gritty). A suggestion that they should instruct people for how to eat the head and neck or just not include it in the dish because some people just don't like seeing the head or just have the meat repurposed for something else.

Pasta - just an okay pasta ragu. Didn't have a cohesive sauce to the pasta. Could have been a bit richer for my tastes. Expensive for pasta too. I could go to Pasta and Co or Pastio for a substantially fuller and more flavorful portion.

Not good Terrine (underseasoned), potatoes (4 slices for 140 NT overpriced), Broccoli (overcooked for 198 NT), apple tart (tiny with half of it being cream)

Service needs improvement. They wanted you to buy water or drinks and didn't even offer the hot water until I pointed it out. I'm fine with at least offering water service for a charge. They wanted to clear our plates even though we were still eating. Being a soft opening, I would think they would like to hear our inputs and suggestions, but I guess they didn't ask things like how was our meal etc.

We were off by the minimum by around 50 NT for a 4000 NT minimum, and they wanted us to order one more thing even though we didn't want to order anything else at the end of the meal. We had to order a tea. If you want repeat customers, please just let something small...

My partner and I recently celebrated our year-end party at Gras, and it was an absolutely wonderful experience! The atmosphere was elegant and cozy, making it the perfect setting for a special evening.

The food was nothing short of spectacular. Every dish was a masterpiece, from the delicate appetizers to the exquisite main courses. The flavors were rich and balanced, and each plate seemed to be a work of art. It was truly a culinary experience we won’t forget.

What really made our celebration stand out was the exceptional service. The staff were warm, attentive, and genuinely made us feel like VIPs. They took the time to ensure every detail was perfect, and their kindness added so much to the joyful atmosphere.

Thank you, Gras, for creating such a memorable and delightful evening. We left feeling truly special, and we can’t wait to return for more amazing...

Would you believe me if I told you that on an August evening, with 32°c/80% humidity, this restaurant sits people outside in an alley with no airflow and charges them for water? (4US$ for a 750ml bottle, at that)

This is beyond greed, it's cruelty. They won't invest a few hundred US$ in buying or installing good fans, but only offer one book-sized, USB operated "cooler" that they probably bought for 10$ on Alibaba.

Too bad because the food is good, and would have tastes better if they showed some basic respect and care for their customers, rather than seeing them as credit...