La Gondola sur Valence

18/02/2026: We had dinner last night and the food was truly excellent. The dishes were flavorful and expertly prepared. We thoroughly enjoyed the dining experience. However, being in the industry, I had high expectations for the service and was unfortunately disappointed. The presentations seemed very rehearsed, lacking spontaneity and emotion, which made the interaction feel somewhat impersonal. From the outset, there was a lack of communication. I had specified that I didn't want seafood or shellfish, yet my dish was served before I even checked. On that same dish, the biscuit fell into the bowl and completely mixed everything up. It was then swapped with my friend's, even though it was already spoiled, without any alternative being offered. The service was also very slow, with about ten minutes between each course, which disrupted the flow of the meal. We weren't offered any hot drinks after dessert. These are small details, but in an establishment of this caliber, they matter enormously. It's all the more disappointing because the food itself is truly excellent. We'll return nonetheless, hoping for a more harmonious dining experience.

14/02/2026: We recently dined at this Michelin-starred restaurant with high expectations… and from a culinary perspective, they were more than met. The cuisine is simply remarkable: precise, creative, and perfectly executed dishes with balanced flavors and sublimely presented ingredients. Each course was a true gastronomic experience. However, the service unfortunately did not live up to the high standard of the gastronomy. The staff lacked attentiveness and fluidity, and the dining experience did not reflect the high standards one has the right to expect from a Michelin-starred establishment. The same was true for the wine service: the selection seemed interesting and of high quality, but the way it was presented and served clearly lacked professionalism. Few explanations, a haphazard pairing, and a lack of coordination somewhat marred the overall experience. This is all the more regrettable because the cuisine truly deserves praise. With service that matches the quality of its dishes, this establishment could offer an exceptional and complete experience.