Bob Bob Ricard Soho — Restaurant in London

Challenge Food - Steak Tartare

Challenge Mark 1 - 5 x score of 5 Embarking on a culinary journey at Bob Bob Ricard in the heart of Soho, London, the Steak Tartare was the star of the show and an experience that deserves to be shouted from the rooftops. With a perfect score, this traditional dish, amidst a menu renowned for beef wellington and dumplings, proved to be an absolute triumph. As I indulged in two starters, the Steak Tartare stood out with its impeccable texture, ideal moisture content, and a yolk taste that left me bewildered in the best possible way. A culinary masterpiece, this dish was a well-balanced, perfectly spiced delight that resonated not only with my palate but equally with my partner in crime. 5 x 5 = 25

Service Mark 1 - 5 x score of 4 Moving on to the impeccable service, which garnered an equally impressive score, it commenced from the moment we stepped through the impressive entrance. The staff, impeccably dressed, exuded an alert and engaging demeanor, immediately instilling a sense of being in safe hands. The service throughout the evening maintained a perfect cadence, although, personally, I would have appreciated a slightly slower pace for more moments of repose and wine enjoyment. Despite this, the well-oiled machine of service ensured a flawless dining experience, with attentive yet unobtrusive care. 4.5 x 4 = 18

Non Challenge Food Mark 1 - 5 x Score of 3 Delving into the non-challenge food, the culinary prowess continued with an impressive score. The menu, inspired by French cuisine with a twist of tradition, offered a thoughtful and diverse array of options. From small plate tartare to starters, mains, sides, and desserts, each dish was a carefully crafted masterpiece, perfectly sized and bursting with flavors. The VSOP Prawn Cocktail, with its delightfully presented kick, set the tone for an exquisite culinary journey. The Chicken Kyiv, accompanied by Truffled French Fries, stole the spotlight with its impeccable presentation and full-bodied appreciation. The choice of a 2014 vintage Chateau La Tour de By complemented the mixed and varied fare, while the traditional sticky toffee pudding and the delightful Chocolate Caviar concluded the meal on a sweet note, leaving taste buds dancing with joy. 5 x 3 = 15

Venue Mark 1- 5 x score of 2 As we explored the venue nestled in Soho’s, Upper James Street, the Art Deco charm enveloped us, earning, yes, FULL MARKS AGAIN. From the entrance to the lower floor's giant size backgammon board and the modern feel, to the open, teal-furnished, and traditionally inspired upper floor, the entire restaurant was a meticulously designed haven. Signature areas with modern twists added theatrical charm, creating a welcoming ambiance that elevated the overall dining experience. Not often a tag I would give restaurants, however this would suit any occasion, from intimate meetings to group gatherings. Excellent work. 5 x 2 = 10

Presentation Mark 1 - 5 x score of 1 Presentation, a vital aspect of any dining experience, earned a well-deserved 4 out of 4. Faultless tableware, sophisticated plates, embroidered napkins, and perfectly positioned champagne buckets were complemented by impeccable lighting. From the moment of stepping in to the departure, every detail harmoniously contributed to the visual feast, enhancing the overall aesthetic and leaving a lasting impression. Only losing out slightly on the paper table mats. Oh and let’s not forget the famous champagne button which in itself should make this place ‘next’ in your places to go. 4 x 1 = 4

In conclusion, with an outstanding score of 72 out of 75, Bob Bob Ricard deserves the resounding accolade of "Five Star Plus." This dining establishment is not just a restaurant; it is an exquisite journey where culinary mastery meets impeccable service, a captivating venue, and flawless presentation. Bob Bob Ricard is a gem that sparkles brightly in the heart of Soho, London, inviting patrons into a world where every moment is a celebration of gastronomic delight. Overall 72/75

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Gastronomic Review: A Lacklustre Experience in a Contrasting Setting

The promise of a memorable culinary evening is built not only on the foundations of quality ingredients and skilled cooking but also on hospitality, attention to detail, and ambiance. Unfortunately, during our recent visit to this establishment, the soul of the restaurant seemed to have been lost somewhere between the reception and dessert.

Reception and Service: A Missed Opportunity

First impressions set the tone for the entire dining experience, and here, we encountered an unfortunate discord. While the doorman stood out for his kindness and professionalism, the Front Desk lacked warmth and engagement. A mere, emotionless phrase—"Hello, do you have a reservation?"—established an unnecessary distance between the restaurant and its guests.

Adding to this, we experienced a 15-minute wait for our table. Under normal circumstances, this might have been acceptable, but the table placement in a low-ceilinged basement with excessively loud music turned what should have been a dinner into a claustrophobic, nightclub-like ordeal.

Service in the dining room was disorganised and rushed, revealing a concerning lack of coordination and training. While the waiters had a polished appearance, they lacked professional finesse, operating in a hurried yet inefficient manner. The bar staff, on the other hand, stood out for their skill and attentiveness, offering a glimpse of the level of service the entire restaurant should aspire to.

Table Setting and Attention to Detail: Mixed Signals

The table setting sent conflicting messages. A paper tablecloth felt out of place in a restaurant with high-end aspirations, while cloth napkins embroidered with the establishment's name and logo attempted to inject a sense of refinement. The crockery and cutlery were adequate, yet a glaring oversight was the lack of bread and butter, despite the presence of a dedicated plate and knife. This inconsistency suggested either an operational lapse or a failure in attention to detail.

The Culinary Proposal: High-Quality Ingredients, But Lacking Finesse

The menu leans towards simple cuisine with high ambitions, underpinned by high-quality ingredients. The meat selection was outstanding (10/10), achieving an excellent balance of texture, ageing, and cooking precision. The fish (8/10), while well-sourced, could benefit from greater finesse in execution to elevate the final result.

Desserts were a highlight, earning a 9/10, displaying more creativity and technical prowess than other courses. In the beverage selection, the champagne and wine list (8/10) was well-curated, though without any truly exceptional surprises.

However, service times were slow, detracting from the overall experience. A more efficient kitchen-to-table coordination and a smoother service pace would significantly enhance the dining flow.

Conclusion: A Restaurant Without a Soul

Despite the notable quality of the ingredients, the overall experience was overshadowed by the restaurant’s lack of soul. From the impersonal reception at the Front Desk to the disorganised dining service, the lasting impression was of a venue with aspirations but lacking the meticulous execution required to turn a meal into a truly remarkable experience.

At a £460 bill for four diners, the level of service and atmosphere should match the quality of the kitchen. However, poor coordination, undertrained staff, and an uninviting environment diminished the value of what could have been a stellar dining experience.

Recommendations:

Retrain the dining staff to ensure greater professionalism and efficiency.

Improve the Front Desk reception by fostering a warmer and more welcoming approach.

Rethink the space layout to create a setting that aligns better with the restaurant’s gastronomic vision.

Reduce service times to enhance the dining flow and guest satisfaction.

For now, this restaurant remains a place with potential, but without the soul or execution to justify its price tag...

This restaurant won't give you a comfortable table if you're injured, even if plenty of tables are free. This evening was my third visit to Bob Bob Ricard and after giving it so many tries, each time has been affected by a rude Maîtresse d'. Tonight I further injured my neck because they wouldn't let us sit at a table with food despite plenty of booths being available, including many for two people.

First time I tried Bob Bob Ricard, we had a reservation for drinks and despite the restaurant being DEAD midweek - no one else in the building but us - the staff refused to give us a comfortable booth seat and forced us to sit at the bar as a group of three which was impractical (we weren't facing eachother). The staff were rude about it when we politely asked. We were only there and hour and only a couple of tabled arrived in that time. They could have easily seated us. We didn't stay for long and ended up elsewhere with better hospitality.

Second time, I came in for a two person walk-in for food and again they refused to let us have a comfortable seat despite plenty of being available. We only stayed for one drink then went to a nicer bar.

Then tonight was the worst - September 10 2024. This time it really mattered to get a seat as I have a painful neck at the moment and I didn't want to twist my neck and back on the high chairs at the bar while talking to my partner. We came without a reservation at 9, but there were 6 tables free upstairs and some more downstairs. We explained we were there to dine. When seated, I said "hey, my neck is injured and there are lots of booths free over there, could I please sit there" to the waitress and she said the staff didn't want to pay attention to that area (yet there was a couple dining in that section of four tables plus tables in other sections were free). She then said she would ask if we could get a table and that she would be back to let us know, but she didn't return. Sure enough I ended up straining my neck even worse when dining high up at the bar because I had to twist around to face my partner to my side. I then went to the reception and spoke to the Maîtresse d' to let her know that the lack of accommodation made me worsen my injury, and that I noticed a wide array of booths that stayed empty the entire time. She tried to claim that all empty booths were kept for reservations that were very late (yeah, right, wasn't born yesterday; this now 9 PM and there are many many seats available). She then had the audacity to say that we only are a walk in so shouldn't expect a seat. No apology whatsoever but rather glaring at me and speaking to me like I'm stupid. So just because we walked in, we aren't entitled to sit comfortably and not get injured? Safe to say we ordered far less than we planned and removed the service tip before leaving. We wanted to try some savoury and deserts and cocktails but just had a single cocktail and dessert. Not to mention my creme brûlée was disappointingly soft up top with no brittle "crack" when breaking the top.

Three chances in a row I've given Bob Bob Ricard and every single time has been ruined by the snooty Maîtresse d' team. The waiters and security guards are all lovely however. Why do the hosts interfere and ruin the experience?

I don't understand why they wouldn't give a customer something if it's plentiful and going to sit empty anyway, especially given the injury. Why not create a positive dining experience and get a good review and further...