Sebastian's — Restaurant in Great Britain

I've always loved dining at Sebastian's as their food is consistently incredible - and this visit was no exception in terms of quality. However, unfortunately, the service on this occasion left a lot to be desired.

We had a 5pm booking for six people, and while one member of our group was running a little late, the rest of us ordered a bottle of wine and some starters to share while we waited. In the 20 minutes before she arrived, we were asked three times where she was, despite reassuring staff that she was on her way.

Once she arrived, we ordered immediately, but at no point during the booking process or even when they called to confirm earlier that day, were we told that we would be rushed. Despite the amazing food and wine, the experience felt uncomfortably pressured.

When our plates were cleared, the bill was placed in front of us - without anyone asking for it. To make matters worse, a service charge of 12.5% had been added, which we felt was undeserved given the way we had been treated. We asked for it to be removed, which we did reluctantly, as we would have happily tipped for good service. (Some of our party just wanted to pay it anyway, as they felt bad in not doing so).

When the manager came over to check if everything was okay, we explained that we felt extremely rushed. His response? That they had another group booked and they tell 99% of their customers about this policy. I pointed out - again - that we had not been informed, but rather than acknowledging this, he seemed to want to argue. I had no interest in doing so, so we simply reiterated that while the food was excellent, the service was not, which is why we had requested the charge to be removed. He then handed the card machine to another member of staff and walked to greet new customers.

To top it off, before we had even opened the bill, a staff member had arrived with the card machine, asking how we wanted to pay. We hadn't even had a chance to look at it.

Overall, I cannot fault the food. But great food should be paired with great service, and on this occasion, the experience felt rushed, impersonal and transactional. If tables are only available for a set time, this should be made clear to all customers, not 99% of them, at the time of booking. Otherwise, the restaurant risks making customers feel unwelcome rather than valued. A little more transparency and flexibility would go a long way in ensuring customers can enjoy their meals without feeling hurried out the door.

I really hope this was a one-off as Sebastian's has always been somewhere I've enjoyed going, but this visit left a...

After a long day traveling from London to visit LEGOLAND, the last thing you want is for your dinner to be a disappointment. Luckily, Sebastian’s Italian Restaurant in Windsor exceeded all expectations, making our visit truly special.

From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with warm hospitality, and the inviting ambiance helped us unwind after an exciting but exhausting day. The atmosphere was cozy yet elegant, perfect for both families and couples looking for a relaxing meal.

The food was nothing short of exceptional—authentic Italian flavors made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Every dish we tried was rich in flavor and expertly prepared, from the perfectly cooked pasta to the delicious, homemade sauces. It’s clear that the chefs take pride in their craft, delivering an experience that transports you straight to Italy.

What truly set this restaurant apart was the service. Our waiter was incredibly accommodating and even went the extra mile to prepare a dish that wasn’t on the menu for one of our guests and a child. That kind of personal touch is rare and made the evening even more enjoyable.

After a busy day at LEGOLAND, Sebastian’s was exactly what we needed—a fantastic meal, excellent service, and a relaxing atmosphere. If you’re visiting Windsor and want to end your day with a great dining experience, this place is a must....

Fantastic food with equally fantastic service is hard to find in the UK. I sincerely mean it when I say Sebastian's ticks all the boxes! I cannot recommend it enough to anyone who likes Italian food, and it is perfect for a wholesome lunch/dinner after sightseeing in the area.

The staff were friendly and approachable with excellent recommendations when it came to the menu. The menu itself was big enough to please everyone at my table, including the picky eaters. There was a good selection of drinks and wines, as well as a great desserts/hot drinks menu for after the meal.

The atmosphere is humble yet classy with a clean, modern interior. I liked watching the pizza being cooked in the half-open kitchen area, though I didn't have to distract myself for long as our food arrived so quickly!

The food was prepared with noticeably high-quality ingredients, cooked to perfection and presented beautifully. I definitely recommend getting some starters/sharing platters (they'll offer olive oil and balsamic vinegar to go with your bread, if you so desire). The mains were delicious and suitably portioned -- the garlic bread was fresh and fluffy, the pasta was al dente, the meat/fish melted in our mouths... I cannot wait...