TL:DR - place is amazing. food is phenomenal. Service was superb. Must try
“I came, I saw, I ate.” Those were the first three words we saw as we entered. Nice play on words of the more famous phrase by Julius Caesar “Veni Vidi Vici”. Those three words would undersell the magnificent 7-courses culinary journey we had that L’arome team meticulously, gracefully and professionally took us through.
The place we came to was absolutely stunning. It was simple and minimalistic, but well decorated. Since we were coming for my mrs’ birthday, I requested “a nice table” when we reserved our booking. They didn’t disappoint. They put us in this tranquil corner, closest to the sea. Throughout dinner, you would hear the waves break against the rock, as the tides came in. It certainly added to the atmosphere. Most impressively, you can tell from throughout the room and the setups on the tables, they pay attention to finest detail to ensure you get the full five senses experience, a detail that we got throughout the night.
Before the first course, we were quickly greeted by Chef Yannick Hollenstein. What we saw afterward should be qualified as art. From the scallop appetizer that feature an edible scallop shell to the dessert looked like Van Gogh’s Starry Night, everything was wonderfully placed together. For those that let their “cameras eat first”, they would be very satisfied.
We ate from the 7 courses menu. For majority of the courses, you can pick your desired dish from 2 options. Naturally, we picked different ones so we can maximise our options. Nothing disappointed, although some definitely stand out more than others. IF I must pick, my favourites were the Yellowtail Hamachi, Cheese Fondue, the muscovy duck (must try) and the Wagyu beef. (The last two are on the same course, so you may need a friend to have both). My wife loved the presentation and the duality of Foie Gras, which were prepared in two different ways.
Before the end of the night, Chef Yannick came back out. It was a great conversation about possible expansion, Michelin, and that Honey-Matured Muscovy Duck (the thought of it made my mouth water). I am glad to see that their feature in the 2022 Michelin Guide (Big Congrats, well deserved). To Chef Yannick, if you guys ever expand into Singapore, we can’t wait to try out your new concoction
Last but not least, a big shoutout for our server of the night, Ms. Nammon. She was absolutely wonderful, a true attentive professional. Although she was wearing a mask, you can feel her smile radiating through. Again, thank you very much for taking care of us.
L’arome is truly a must-try in Phuket, and I can’t wait to return for another go.
Sidenote: One feedback that I would love to give. Your dress code - 1st, It was very difficult to find on your website, and can be easily missed and the restaurant seems relatively flexible to it. I understand the reasoning behind "Smart Casual", with long pants and etc. I specifically packed for this night. I wonder how many people missed that clause in your website or couldn't come because they didn't pack for the meal. For a tropical vacation spot like Phuket, may I suggest "Resort Chic" instead? It is easier to pack and it seems to fit better. Just...
Read moreTitle: A Culinary Journey to Remember: L'Arôme by the Sea Restaurant Review
Nestled along the picturesque coastline of Phuket, L'Arôme by the Sea stands as a beacon of culinary excellence, offering discerning diners a gastronomic experience unlike any other. As a high-end Michelin-starred establishment, this restaurant sets the stage for an unforgettable evening of indulgence, where every detail is meticulously curated to delight the senses.
The pièce de résistance of L'Arôme by the Sea is undoubtedly its gourmet French cuisine, expertly crafted by a team of talented chefs. Each dish is a masterpiece of flavor and artistry, showcasing the finest ingredients and culinary techniques. From delicate foie gras terrine to succulent lobster bisque, every bite is a symphony of taste and texture that leaves a lasting impression.
One of the highlights of dining at L'Arôme by the Sea is the fixed 8-course meal, thoughtfully designed to cater to vegetarians with the same level of sophistication and creativity as its non-vegetarian counterpart. With each course, diners are treated to a culinary journey that celebrates the beauty and diversity of plant-based cuisine, proving that vegetarian dining can be both indulgent and satisfying.
Beyond its exquisite cuisine, L'Arôme by the Sea also offers breathtaking views of the azure waters and golden sunsets that grace the shores of Phuket. Whether dining indoors amidst elegant décor or al fresco on the terrace overlooking the sea, guests are treated to a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Complementing the culinary delights is the impeccable service and hospitality that define the dining experience at L'Arôme by the Sea. From the warm welcome upon arrival to the attentive care throughout the meal, the staff exudes professionalism and warmth, ensuring that every guest feels like royalty.
In conclusion, L'Arôme by the Sea is a true gem in Phuket's dining scene, offering a Michelin-starred experience that transcends expectations. With its gourmet French cuisine, vegetarian-friendly options, stunning views, and impeccable service, this restaurant sets the standard for fine dining...
Read moreWe visited L’Arôme by the sea for our anniversary and had an incredible experience. We were greeted by our server, Steve, who led us to a table with a breathtaking ocean view. Seriously - pulling up to the outside of the restaurant it appears to be in a small building on the side of a busy road, but all that chaos fades away when you step inside.
We had a 9 course tasting menu. Not sure how some people don’t realize this/left bad reviews because of this, but if that is not your thing, this place is not going to be for you.
That being said, of all the tasting menus I have had, this was by far the best. Chef Yannick has really done something special using local ingredients and french techniques to pay homage to Thailand while creating elegant and delicious dishes. The progression from start to finish was perfect. The portion sizes were great and our server Steve truly made the experience that much better as he took the time to describe in detail the dishes and answer all of our questions. I sincerely had no complaints about the menu. All the dishes we got were amazing and there were so many thoughtful moments throughout the night. From a handwritten card upon arrival to homemade madeleines as we left, everything was done as if it was specifically for us.
This was a truly special dining experience and I’m really disappointed with the amount of tourists who come here and leave poor reviews over irrelevant things. This is a pricey dinner, but its an experience and well worth the price if you can afford it in my opinion. Any poor reviews I saw for service or food lacking taste are completely illegitimate. Steve was one of the best servers I have ever had and this was hands down one of the best meals I’ve ever had. Chef Yannick’s food is inspiring and if they continue like this they will definitely receive a Michelin star.
Huge thanks to all the staff at L’Arôme by the sea for a truly...
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