Arras — Restaurant in England

Thought long and hard about this review. We had so looked forward to coming here as the menu looked fantastic and the food did not disappoint. Our main issue was with the service and the manner of the service staff. Not eaten here before so didnt know about daily changes to the menu, when asking the server she reeled them off so quickly we couldn't keep up, but the vibe she gave off, we didnt feel comfortable getting her to repeat it. When i asked about the wine menu which is extensive she even seemed to sigh and roll her eyes when asked about specific wines and when i asked about the price as the wine menu is mot easy to follow, she made me feel lile i didnt belong. There was no atmosphere at all. Other tables sitting in silence. The highlight of the evening apart from the food was meeting the chef patron with the cheese trolley. He was suxh a down to earth guy and so easy to talk to it is difficult to believe that the others actually work for him. Eaten is some pretty decent restaurants over the years, helped out by the fact our son is a chef in a very well known restaurant, so no stranger to fine dining, but we have never felt so uncomfortable or unwanted whilst eating out. The server only seemed friendly when we paid our bill. Its a real shame as the food was some of the best we have ever had and the interaction with chef patron over the cheese trolley was truly memorable. Unfortunately the servers let the whole experience down and we would never book here again which is such...

The food was stunning. We went for the chefs selection which was the 5 courses. I loved every dish!!! I was also left feeling full with the generous loaf of beautiful bread that is given at the start of the meal, to accompany the courses. There was also canapes before the meal while we had a drink in their bar area. The service was also outstanding, everyone very knowledgeable about the wines and courses. It was a very pleasant and tasty experience. My only slight negative would be that it just is a little too stark. There isn't really any atmosphere. It's just too bright inside. I was hoping once it got a little darker outside that they would lower the lights for a more intimate dining experience but it didn't happen. It leaves me feeling very aware of the other diners. It is hard to relax into a meal when you're so aware of the room and the people. If they can turn the lights down then it would be a perfect dining experience.... if you have the cash! £££

A variety of foods, from potato, scallops (2, which was generous!), fish, pork, and there was a lovely generous eccles cakes, flat breads, apple etc to go with the cheese. You get to choose the cheese as they bring a trolley to you so that was also great. Lovely wines for each course which matched the food...

At the start of November I spent 4 days eating at some of York's finest restaurants. Nothing I ate compared to the creativity, presentation - and above all 'taste' of the food served here. My mind was well and truly blown! I've eaten at 1, 2 and 3 star (Alain Ducasse) Michelin restaurants in London and have rarely come across food this good. Each course resembled a work of art in itself. My first visit was on a lunchtime and admittedly I wasn't overly impressed by anything I chose from the lunch menu, the food was good but not exceptional. It did not resemble what I can clearly tell is very good food in the photos here on TA. I decided to take the plunge and go back on an evening, when you're able to order from the A la carte and all I can say is 'wow'! The mixed seafood starter in a light broth and both of the fish main courses I ordered were sublime. Even the dessert disguised as a sushi platter (full marks for creativity here) was fantastic. Have been dreaming of food this good ever since. What can I say...if you live anywhere near York and have not yet visited Arras, get yourself down there before word gets out and tables become scarce. The decor inside is quite odd but don't let that put you off...this is definitely a haven for...