Wheeling Cafe sur Ventabren

23/05/2026: We clearly came to the wrong place. What's offered here is the complete opposite of what we like, but tastes are subjective: minimalist furniture and tableware, string, burlap, and pottery… it's a deliberate choice. However, certain fundamentals should remain non-negotiable in a Michelin-starred restaurant. It was impossible to park properly, there was no welcome upon arrival, and we had to stand in an extremely noisy room before finally being served. Once seated, we found a tiny table, very uncomfortable chairs, and a rather disappointing view despite the pond, with factories and an industrial park in the foreground. We were finishing a week spent in several Michelin-starred establishments such as Hôtel & Spa du Castellet, Le Mas des Herbes Blanches, and Le Phébus & Spa, which offered truly spectacular views. Here, the comparison is unfortunately difficult to maintain. Thirty minutes to get a glass of wine as an aperitif, two wines unavailable, and very confusing service where the "sommelier" also served the food while we refilled our own wine. Again, surprising for this category of establishment. Only one unisex restroom with a wait, unheard of for us in this price range. On the plate, a lot of concept and minimalism: raw veal and four very, very thin slices of steamed potato. You can sense the effort and passion, but in trying too hard to deconstruct traditional gastronomy, the experience ultimately lacks warmth, comfort, and simply enjoyment. The website, as minimalist as the food, gives no hint of this very radical philosophy. A shame, because despite the obvious audacity of the cuisine, we left more tired than impressed. Just so you know, our favorite restaurants are Bernard Loiseau in Saulieu, Le Taillevent, Louis XIII, and Guy Savoie in Paris, as well as the gardens of the Hôtel de Russie in Rome. Be warned, this is a wide range of tastes, so be prepared—I certainly wasn't.

11/05/2026: It was great! A Michelin-starred restaurant that lived up to its reputation: excellent dishes, impeccable service and a superb experience.