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Joël Robuchon
Category: Restaurants French French [Edit]
MGM Grand3799 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Neighbourhoods: The Strip, Eastside
(702) 891-7925
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 5:30 pm - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 5:30 pm - 10:30 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Valet
- Attire:
- Formal (Jacket Required)
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Romantic, Classy, Upscale
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
353 reviews for Joël Robuchon
Review Highlights
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"This bread cart is every bread lovers dream." In 114 reviews -
"We opted for the 16 course tasting menu." In 33 reviews -
"The foie gras was melt in your mouth of course." In 63 reviews
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353 reviews in English
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Review from Wanlan X.
San Ramon, CA
5/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
This was The Ultimate Experience! Totally worth the splurge.
I made the reservation as soon as I found out I was going to Vegas. The week of my reservation, I called and made reservations for the gold limo. This was complimentary to and from the dinner! It was right on time and picked my best friend and I up in front of our hotel. It drove into the back of the MGM Grand into the Mansions Courtyard. This is slightly behind the strip and the large water fountain drowned out the noise of the strip. The driver was very gracious and helped take pictures for us from multiple frames. We were ushered into the secluded Mansions and it was beautiful. It was quiet and very tastefully decorated. Not over the top like most of the hotels. We were met by 2 hostesses who walked us through the Mansions and the corridors, past the private tables and into the casino. They were very polite and answered all our inquisitive questions about the Mansins and the high rollers that come through there.
The restaurant is very artfully decorated. It was quiet inside and very comfortable setting. Not at all intimidating.
After we were seated, a server immediately came and offered drinks. We each had a glass of champagne. My bf and I are not big drinkers so we were fine with a glass each.thank goodness! The champagne was $45 a glass! A little pricey!
We each chose the 6 course tasting. This was way too much food. We should have chosen the 4 instead. We were dying by the end of the 4th course. The food was so rich.
The amuse bouche was delicious. The bread cart was what I had been waiting a few weeks for. It did not dissapoint! The hand-crafted butter from France and the olive oil were so good! I ate way too much bread and butter and olive oil.
All the dishes were wonderful but the folie gras dishes were the best I've ever tasted. Definitely get all the folie gras on the menu! But keep in mind when you are considering how many courses to taste that the food is very rich. By the time we had our 2nd entree, we were so full that we couldn't appreciate the velvety rich creamy mashed potatoes.
The cheeses were great too but I was too full to really appreciate them. I didn't think I was going to have room for my dessert but it was so delicious that I managed to wolf it all down. The candy cart I could've taken it all home!
It was definitely worth the splurge. From the individually hand painted plates (done by the chefs who made each dish) to the to-die for food, it was an experience I will not soon forget.
The take home chocolate bar is so good that I want more soon! -
Review from Elle C.
5/20/2012 24 photos
Dined here back in March, and are still talking about it. We celebrated my beau's belated birthday here, and made a note when making a reservation.
We did the Sixteen Course Degustation Menu at $425/Person, complete with limo ride and hostess escort through the very prestigious MGM garden. It's a shame to miss it if you are staying at the MGM, the mansions are gorgeous (plus there is no other way I would ever have the chance to be there). Our limo brought us through the tall cast iron gates, where we were greeted the mansion's own hostess. She guided us through a very beautiful hallway, into the gardens. It was like a scene out of "secret garden," it took our breath away. More hallways, and turns. We got glimpses of the very private gambling rooms of the privileged and pricey artwork. Finally though another set of iron gates and we were inside the MGM making a left through the doors of Joel Robuchon.
The dining area is set with authentic Parisian flare. Many different textiles flirting with blooming bouquets, crystals and silverware. The French truly have a way of putting things together without it feeling like clutter. Very limited number of tables, I assume to keep the intimacy. Simply put, it was quite sexy.
Service was elegant and polite. Everyone is quite soft spoken, and very overly hospitable. A server will adjust your table if you need to excuse yourself to the powder room. They change all cutlery and china between courses.
The tasting started off with the bread cart, with every kind of bread, roll and loaf imaginable. We didn't want to fill up to much and had a modest taste. Our selection was brought into the back and was heated. Each was to die for.
The menu changes seasonally, and you can see a breakdown of my menu items in the photo gallery. I'll just note here that there was an abundance of foie gras and caviar. It ended with two desserts and we had a lot of trouble getting through the later half of the menu. Completely stuffed to the brim.
Then came the surprise birthday cake, complete with candles.
Then......the mother of all dessert carts. Bite sized bliss in every shape and form. Chocolates, cupcakes, macaroons, creme puffs, the list goes on. At this point we didn't have enough room for anything else so they kindly packed us a sampling to take home.
It finally finished off Le The, the tea cart. Full leaf teas, still growing in the pot. They trim, hand wash, then soak the tea leaves before brewing. Lemon thyme was delicious and helped us feel less bloated.
We were sent home with smiles on our faces, food in our bellies, a gift bag with a bar of Joel Robuchon Chocolat, and our menu with our names and date here for keepsake. The whole experience took close to 4 hours (the limo ride was 30 min from Red Rock). Well worth the price. Joel Robuchon is undoubtedly worthy of the three Michelin stars it holds. -
Review from Gregory P.
San Francisco, CA
5/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
My wife and I celebrated her 30th birthday at Joel Robuchon. AMAZING RESTAURANT!!! For a price tag of over $400 a person for the degustation, it takes a lot to not have any buyers remorse. Everything here was just perfect. Service, decor, food...all outstanding.
The second you step inside, you completely forget you are in the MGM Grand, it's a beautiful restraurant. It reminds me of Daniel in NYC. Very small and intimate, it probably only seats around 40 people.
Service was spot on. Everyone was friendly and extremely attentive without hovering. Anything you needed was not a problem.
The food was the best thing! I have heard of Joel Robuchon for years, but never had been to any of his establishments. His food rates up there with Thomas Keller, Jean-Georges, and Daniel Boulud. Whimsical and amazingly presented, wonderfully creative plates, perfect wine pairings. Everything far surpassed our expectations. Plus the amazing birthday cake, with the joke candle that wouldn't blow out was really a unexpected and fun surprise.
One of our favorite dining experiences. If you can foot the bill, treat yourself to a dinner here. We will be returning anytime we are in Las Vegas. -
Review from jim s.
Los Angeles, CA
4/14/2012
An amazing experience. Paris in the United States.
The bread cart, butter and muse buche were terrific!
Crispy poached egg with Osetra caviar - mind blowing. -
Review from Jason V.
4/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
One disappointing feature of many Las Vegas restaurants is that, while it is truly remarkable to have so many big name fine dining establishments in one city, those places never seem to live up to the quality of their parent restaurants. Mesa Grill was disappointing; BARMASA was a disaster. The burger at the now-closed Daniel Boulud Brasserie was not quite as tasty as the one at db Bistro Modern in New York City. Rao's, Guy Savoy--the list goes on and will surely keep going on in the future. So even with the imprimatur of three Michelin stars, I was a bit skeptical visiting Joel Robuchon--after all, Picasso and Guy Savoy received two stars each in the 2009 rankings, and I was relatively disappointed with both.
Joel Robuchon bucks the trend. First, the restaurant environment is fantastic: Not too large, there are purple highlights and silver trinkets everywhere, including slightly creepy framed black and white photographs of Nicholas Cage and Dennis Hopper that certainly take the edge off. The lighting from the ceiling is dramatically aimed onto each table and certain spots in the restaurant, including where the bread cart is kept. The sound insulation is also impressive as you remain completely unaware of the din of the casino floor until you step outside the restaurant doors. The space as a whole is extremely elegant and formal while retaining a hint of the playful and whimsical.
The experience begins with the bread cart, a wide selection of different flavored breads including bacon bread, cheese bread, milk bread, saffron bread, and basil bread. Selections off the bread cart are taken away and reheated. Personally, I would have preferred a much narrower selection of freshly baked bread, but such is the fair trade-off to enjoy the variety. The basil bread with the olive oil is a great combination, and I also enjoyed the relatively subtle flavoring of the saffron bread.
The Blood Orange amuse bouche provided a good pre-meal awakening of the senses. The dry ice under the bowl provided a visually impressive effect, while the slightly sharp taste of the blood orange stirred the palate.
The Truffled Langoustine Ravioli with Chopped Cabbage as an appetizer was truly amazing. The ravioli contained whole pieces of langoustine, and the black truffle--including the thin strips of truffle delicately set on each of the three ravioli--fit with the slight sweetness of the langoustine. Pair the truffle sauce with the saffron bread for another great combination.
The Foie Gras and Bacon Foam Soup with Celery was good, though probably something I would trade for other options in the future. The taste of the bacon is present and tightly controlled in the foam, and the small pieces of foie gras were a solid addition. I would view this soup more as a respite along the course of the meal rather than a major attraction.
The Spaghetti with Soft Poached Egg and Shaved Black Truffles was a straightforward but nevertheless impressive dish. The homemade spaghetti is covered with a layer of black truffles circled around a single poached egg. The recommendation is to break the egg and stir everything together, thus mixing the spaghetti with an egg and truffle sauce. The result is certainly gooey, but I actually enjoyed the texture as well as the taste--though the truffles were a lot more subtle than I had expected (given the sheer quantity involved).
My second entrée was the Beef Ribeye. I enjoyed the accompanying vegetables but the beef itself, while good, was not really superior in any way. The side of whipped potatoes are extraordinarily creamy, seemingly more butter than potato. It is probably much too rich for some but definitely worth at least a taste.
The second entrée was followed by a cheese course, selecting cheeses from a cart of about 15 or so. Dessert was a Chocolate Soufflé topped with Chocolate Sorbet. The chocolate-chocolate combination was overkill but admittedly my own doing--I would recommend going with the other sorbet selection or none at all. The soufflé is light but remains rather sizeable and is a bit of a challenge after such a large meal.
The service at Joel Robuchon was exceptional. The sommelier stood out in particular, indulging us upon request with the history of selections of one of the winemakers in particular. The wine list is quite impressive, tending towards--and appropriately so--"special event" level bottles.
If I had to nitpick, I wish something more could have been done with the Beef Ribeye, which seemed more like a convenience selection on the menu for those really hankering for beef. Still, with the amazing and well-thought through restaurant space and excellent dishes like the langoustine ravioli and spaghetti with truffles, Joel Robuchon Las Vegas is certainly a destination-caliber restaurant worthy of five stars. -
Review from Tom L.
San Jose, CA
3/18/2012
Went here on Christmas eve for a special celebration. Like most, I was excited to go to first 3 Michelin star restaurant. Was expected to be blown away by food and service and ambience. So not the case.
Food
Everything was good but not great. Many of the delicious were mono-texture. Soft soft and more soft. No crunch no texture. Perhaps, I ordered the wrong dish but how many types of gelee and you put in your dish?
Food temperature was good but not great.
Famous Robuchon potatoes are delicious. Perfectly smooth and creamy. I think it should be called Robuchon butter served with a hint of potato.
Bread and desert cart were awesome! What does that tell you when I remember the bread cart more than the meal. I could probably just eat the bread cart all night. You pick and choose your bread and then it is returned perfectly warm to mealt the smooth butter. But when you ask for seconds it comes back cold? Ok why heat the first batch and then just give me the second batch right off the cart? Which leads me to the next category....
Service
Michelin star rating is based on food and service they go hand in hand right? Wrong. We were seated, I went to the restroom. When I returned the host had dropped off the menu to the only guest at the table and left. No intro no explanation no welcome. Nada!
The tablecloth had a big stain. Yes, a nasty chocolate like dish had smeared into the top fishnet pattern cloth so there was pieces of a meal embedded in the intersticies. Wow someone wasn't paying attention.
I should have asked for the special limo and come in via the Mansion but were running late and had to get to a show.
Tips
When the waiter asks you for water expect to pay $10-20 a pop on the bill.
Don't bother asking for the a la carte menu unless you want to pay $200 for an entree dish.
You get a delicious piece of dark chocolate to go home with.
My wife has gone to Per se (3 Michelin) and I have been to Coi (2 Michelin) and countless 1 Michelin star restaurants (Michael Mina, Gary Danko, Village Pub, Quince) and Robuchon is at the bottom of the list in terms of food, service and value.
Next stop... the French Laundry. -
Review from Schahram R.
Los Angeles, CA
3/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
If you ever wondered what the 7 Wonders in Food can look like. I think you should either book a trip to Las Vegas as soon as possible or go for your next celebration! This 3-stars Michelin is the best restaurant I've been to. I ate at the Mansion.
Atmosphere 5/5: Chic and Classy. The place is small enough to gather the right amount of people to create a perfect ambiance. Colours are wisely chosen and the place is great for a romantic dinner.
Dinner 5/5: You will enjoy this 5-star Gourmet meal from the Amuses-Bouche to the Desserts. I had "La Sole" which was one of the tastiest fish I had for a long time. As appetizer, we had the Foie Gras Soup. As dessert, we had the Chocolate Soufflé which was out of this world!
Service 5/5: P.E.R.F.E.C.T !
Such a small review but there's not a lot to say about it... It's just amazing and it's an experience you have to try by yourself. -
Review from Elaine L.
Hayward, CA
5/9/2012
If you are looking for something special, this is definitely it. I went for my birthday with my sister. We wore our classy, cocktail dresses so our attire was perfect.
The meals were light, french and very tasteful. I absolutely loved the bread and dessert cart. For females, I would recommend the 2 selection course since you can have a few servings of bread and mini desserts at the end.
I would go back. I would not recommend parties greater than 4. I highly recommend just a party of 2. -
Review from Carl S.
Las Vegas, NV
5/7/2012
Went there for my anniversary. I never thought I would ever say "$1,200 for two people was a great deal". My wife and I both had the Sixteen Course Degustation Menu and found them both incredible.
Each course was better then the previous. The bread is spectacular as just about everything else.
The staff was well educated regarding the products as well and the wines.
Looking forward to saving up to go again. -
Review from Philip T.
#500
My wife and I celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary here. What a dining experience it was!
The complimentary gold MGM limo picking us up right in front of our place was sweet. You must do this! We were met by a beautiful hostess straight out of a James Bond film as we rolled up to the Mansion. An amazing place to check out. I guess this is what playing $25k a hand in blackjack gets you.
We had all intentions of getting the 16 course dinner but realized there was no chance whatsoever of my very petite sized wife having even a hail mary's shot at finishing. She might've reached course 10 at best.
No problem! Let's just fill up on champagne and do four courses.
There are so many extremely detailed reviews for this restaurant. Read all of them! I'm only going to do notes and observations:
- Is it possible to be too fancy? This comes close. I love fine dining as much as the next fat Asian with glasses but the word "stuffy" came to mind. Maybe my suit was too tight.
- The man, the myth, the legend was there. Right before our appetizers (ah-hem! Une Entree) came out I heard a "Bon Soir!" from behind me and there he was in the flesh! Joel Robuchon!! He shook our hands. Joel stops by the restaurant 4 times a year according to the staff and he said we were lucky to see him. I should've asked Mr. Robuchon to sign one of the rolls from the ridiculously amazing bread cart.
- The lobster salad with fruit was orgasmic.
- Whoever invented foie gras should go down in history as one of the greatest people ever.
- Veal cheek kind of tasted like if a chicken thigh had sex with filet mignon. I savored every little bite. I believe the neighboring table shot me a look after I said this out loud to my wife. Whatever. More champagne please!!
- They served us an extra dessert to celebrate the occasion. It was the white and yellow meringue fruit pie cake I took a picture of. I forgot what they said it was called. Blame it on the ah ah-ah-ah-ah ah-alcohol. Tremendous stuff! We ordered 2 more dessert dishes and THEN the dessert cart came out. Wow!!
3 hours later we were stuffed and ready for the limo to take us back. A fantastic gourmet experience I would recommend to anyone.Listed in: Oui Oui Mon Cheri
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Review from Rosemarie Y.
Las Vegas, NV
If you want to truly feel like royalty, you must come here and order the 16 course Menu Dégustation. From the moment the doors are opened by beautiful hostesses, you feel like a King and Queen. For the next 3 hours, you forget that you are in a casino. We were led to an intimate corner table with lush velvet purple chairs and throw pillows, surrounded by beautiful art. Even my purse had her own royal chair. We were handed the extensive wine list (which weighed about the same as my 6 month old son) and the knowledgable sommelier directed us towards some wines that we might like. There were probably 8 servers doting on us, refilling our water glasses, laying new silverware for every course. I am a big fan of the show "Downton Abbey" and I could have sworn I saw Mr. Carson and Mr. Bates dressed to the nines, carrying a large silver tray.
Everything is just so decadent. The bread cart and sinful french butter set the tone for the gastronomical adventure that awaits. Black truffles, Caviar, Uni, Fois Gras...I was in heaven. And each were presented as a work of art. The infamous desert cart carrying 35 different types of bite sized desserts, included chocolate eclairs that are heavenly. If I had not indulged on 16 courses, I would have easily devoured a dozen of those eclairs. I was most impressed when a cart of potted herbs was rolled to our table and we were asked if we would like some tea. They actually freshly picked spearmint leaves and mashed them before my eyes to brew a beautiful aromatic pot of tea just for me. Add some of the fancy honey and it was the absolute perfect way to end such a gluttonous feast.
This particular 16 course tasting menu had some items that blew my mind and some that were just okay. My husband wants to return for our wedding anniversary, but we will probably order the 4 course meal instead. We will probably ask to be seated in the outdoor garden terrace next time. And maybe we will return in April instead since that is one of the 4 times that he is supposed to make his visit- with hopes that we can shake the hand of this culinary genius. There is no doubt that Joel Robuchon is deserving of the "Chef of the Century" title and I consider myself blessed to have experienced his creative menu. -
Review from Victoria L.
San Jose, CA
2/10/2012 7 photos
This is more like a 3.6 than a 3, but not quite a 4
I have waited FOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOREVER to come here. Every time I'm in Vegas, I pass by and give the pillar at the entrance a hug. Needless to say, when the opportunity arose, I took it.
Joel Robuchon + Free? It doesn't get any better than this..
or so I thought.
I wanted so badly to LOOOOOOOOVE the place because I was dying to come here. I enjoyed the experience and the presentation of the plates were impressive, but the food was just mediocre. For the price my boss paid for our meal, i expected it to blow my mind, sadly... it did not.
We ordered the $385 16 course prixe fix menu when they brought out the first dish I was thinking "that's it!?" but by the end of the course, I wanted to be rolled out the restaurant. Not quite the place to bring out your camera to take pictures of the food, but I did anyways. (Most of the courses are posted)
Once your first course comes out, the wonderful bread cart comes out. You pick and choose from the wide selection of bread they have. [possibly another reason i was full from the meal]
Don't say I didnt warn you, but when your first course comes out, you will probably think.. "that's it?!", but trust me, by the end of your 16 courses, you will want to get rolled out of the restaurant.
At the end of the course,even after the desserts, the ladies get a bag that has little box of desserts in it. Guess Mr. Roubuchon loves the ladies.
Food - 3 Stars
Service - 4 Stars
Presentation - 4 Stars
Overall, best part of the night was the dessert cart and the bread cart but I could care less if i went back there. -
Review from Terry K.
It has been too long since I went (Valentine's Day) to write a proper review and account for everything, so right now I can only talk about what I still remember: the highlights. The bread cart is awe-inspiring. There were four types of brioche alone, as well as every other type of bread you could dream of. The brioche, by the way, melts in your mouth, morsel by morsel. Our appetizer/amuse bouche was a citrus flan/sangria flavored concoction, which emitted its own dry-ice fog, as if it were a present from a forest nymph.
I had the lobster and artichoke salad, which was tender and light, the chesnut soup with foie gras and bacon froth, which is just as it sounds (clean, deep with flavor and amazing), and then the spiny lobster with yuka root in green curry. The only issue I had was that the spiny lobster in curry was a little salty. For dessert, I ordered the chocolate souffle because that is my favorite thing in the whole world, and the only place besides Les Souffles in Paris that can make a good one in the States is Gary Danko. By this point, we were way too full to possibly enjoy the souffle, and they even went so far as to roll around the dessert cart with 50 some desserts on it, so we first sampled those (they're all good), and then they gave us sorbets because the souffle was taking a long time. I felt like I was having a heart attack trying to spoon the rich chocolate souffle with gooey chocolate liquid inside into my mouth. It's delicious, don't get me wrong, but I don't recommend getting any dessert; the cart is plenty.
The service was just impeccable, I couldn't help but clap or laugh whenever they brought out a new thing, it was magical, romantical! Best restaurant I've been to in America, even better than French Laundry, dare I say it? It was the bread cart. :*) -
Review from B N.
Huntington Beach, CA
3/12/2012
If you are not willing to spend over $300.00 for a meal and expect large portions, then you may as well just skip this place and go to the Cheesecake Factory.
Robuchon is a foodies Shangri La. The techniques that they use along with the flavor profiles were unbelievable. My wife said after dining there, it set the bar so high that all of her other favorite high end restaurants that we have been to do not even come close to this place and does not know if any other restaurant will come close in comparison.
Note to others who may try this place. There is a dress code here. Do not come dressed in a polo shirt and jeans. This place is very elegant. Bon Appétit ! -
Review from Lydia K.
Scottsdale, AZ
4/9/2012
Best food I have ever had, I thought I was having an out of body experience! I never have had an opportunity to have a truly gourmet meal like this but I got to go for free. If you are paying I think it is worth the ~$400 for a once in a lifetime experience. The bread cart is beyond description.
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Review from Trang H.
1/4/2012
10 Things you should know about dining at Joel Robuchon:
1) You will not be disappointed, except by the price which might make you cry.
2) They send a free limo to pick you up and drop you off at the restaurant from wherever you're staying.
3) Prepare yourself for at least a three hour meal. It's an experience afterall.
4) They will ask if you want champagne when you sit down. Each glass is $35-$45. Water is $10/bottle for Evian.
5) 16 Course Tasting Menu is $495/person without wine pairings - this is not listed on the website. Wine pairings go up to $999/person.
6) Bread Cart - AMAZING. There are dozens of types of breads. The cheese breads and the milk bread was my favorite. They carve your butter from a magnificent butter mountain.
7) What can I say about the food other than it was perfect. This is definitely a meal you will remember for the rest of your life. Every presentation, every flavor, every bite was absolute perfection. It was interesting and complex, unlike anything I've ever eaten before. You just have to try it.
I recommend the Riz, a rice pilaf with sea urchin and lobster. It was my favorite course of the night.
Every main course dish also comes with Robuchon's famous whipped potatoes. SO CREAMY!
8) Mignardises is the sweets cart they offer at the end, full of chocolates and pastries. My favorites were the creme brulee and the cream puffs.
9) They give you a little present (if you're a girl) before you leave of chocolate and a booklet on the dining experience.
10) If you're there for a special occasion, there is complementary cake (or gateau *pinky up*)
PS Don't forget to ask them for their finest glass of Keystone Light -
Review from jerry s.
Honolulu, HI
5/13/2012 4 photos
i was speechless and thrilled after sampled the degustation tasting menu at JR, every dish is exquisite and unique , the desserts and les mignardises propel this dining experience into a state of ecstasy, this is definitely the most wonderful fine dining experience i had so far, chef joel robuchon deserves his 3 michelin stars and i highly recommend everyone to experience this sumptuous culinary journey while stopping by vegas!!
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Review from Jason S.
1/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
I had very high expectations going in, and I was not disappointed.
I've eaten at a lot of amazing places, I was raised foodie, and very little intimidates me. But I will have to say, I was kind of on the defensive when I came here.
First of all, it was a little awkward as I was dining solo. My dinner companion had bailed on me, so I was going in on my own. Additionally, I didn't make a reservation and just sauntered in. Glad I had an extra sportcoat with me. The ambiance was amazing, beautiful, exactly what I expected. The two hostesses were tall, gorgeous women in couture dresses. As I was mustering up courage to enter, I pulled the two huge front doors way too hard, almost causing a scene. As I sauntered up to the stand, quickly regaining composure, I announced I would like to have dinner and didn't have a reservation. There was some murmuring and they asked me to sit in the lounge while they spoke to the manager. I didn't even have a chance to sit and they whisked me away to my table.
I was seated on the bench side of a table for two, with a couple next to me and a third gentleman dining alone immediately next to them. This is significant, because I couldn't help but eavesdrop, as it was so quiet in the restaurant and we were all in such close proximity. The male half of the couple seated next to me, was on the opposite side of the table, and the bastard would not stop looking at me during my meal, which was frankly just weird and did detract from my overall experience.
They asked me if I wanted a cocktail, and when I said Martini, they correctly assumed gin and asked for my preference. I chose Hendricks and recommended they use a cucumber slice as a garnish. The server came back with a perfect Martini in a crystal glass, and he told me that the bartender said 'thanks' for the idea of a cucumber garnish, that it paired perfectly - he said they would recommend it in the future.
I started with amuse-bouche of a tomato puree served over a custard - perfect combination of flavors. I must take a moment as well to mention that the table setting was beautiful, all silver flatware, perfect china, and sparkling crystal vessels. Whenever I would finish with a utensil or another dining implement, they would spirit away the offending dirty item to an impossibly large silver tray in the center of the room, which they would carry away only to immediately replace with another giant silver tray. It was almost humorous when it was a lone cocktail glass.
Next they arrived with a huge cart full of dozens of freshly-baked breads. I spent half of my time just being walked through what was contained on the cart. Not wanting to spoil my meal, I chose a modest selection, although the gentleman manning the cart was insistent that I try more. I settled on a fresh Gruyère brioche and a roll that had bacon within. Then another fellow came by and engaged in a complex ritual where he carved fresh butter from Brittony with a chilled spoon and put it on my plate with a little fleur de sel. The bread was incredible, unsurprisingly.
Next up, I had the langoustine ravioli with truffle, cream and chopped cabbage. Not only was it a delicate flavor explosion, it also had fantastic texture. Thank goodness there were only three, because I am quite sure I could have eaten a bucket of them. The next course was a fava bean soup served over a rosemary foam, again, flavors were incredible and there was just enough to get the flavor, but not too much. During the meal, the service was not only incredibly attentive, but also not pretentious. I really appreciated that.
For my main course, I had a splendid duck breast with foie gras and almond-stuffed sweet and sour cherries. Easily the most perfect duck I have ever partaken of, and the sommelier paired the perfect wine with it.
To finish the meal, I chose the Earl Grey rice krispy with raspberry milk mousse, a nice blend of sweet and tart. I ordered some fantastic coffee and they ended with the dessert cart, where the gentleman who manned that cart foisted more and more treats upon me. I especially loved the baba ahrum, caramels and the jellies he offered.
I felt as one should after a repast like this, completely sated. Price be damned, this is what culinary art tastes like.Listed in: Yelp 100 Challenge 2012, Places that do not suck
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Review from Jose H.
Long Beach, CA
2/17/2012
After much raving to friends about this restaurant I had the opportunity to return this past weekend. This time, we took a friend to celebrate his birthday, lucky devil.
For a moment we contemplated doing the 6 course prix fixe, but after the sensible person in our party (birthday boy's wife) pointed out that for a mere $ 200 more a person we would be getting a lot more food, we immediately made up our mind, 16 course Menu Dégustation for all! It's always best to do a tasting menu as the chef showcases his best dishes to us in this manner.
The bread cart was phenomenal as usual. From previous experience I knew better than to have more than one piece. This time around, having dinner with 3 other people allowed me to have small tastes of their bread selection. The rosemary roll was my only choice and one I enjoyed tremendously, the flakiness was comparable to the best croissants.
This time around the food was very good, and everyone at the table was impressed. I was a little more reserved with the accolades, perhaps I'm being a bit blasé. I just remember my first visit, every bite blew my mind, but perhaps like a first kiss, it is something to be cherished and not recreated.
My only true complain is that the shellfish courses were a bit over cooked for my palate. I prefer my shellfish a bit more on the raw side. Other than that, every course was tremendously enjoyable. Every dish that contained a sauce was amazing, true traditional French cooking at it's best. There's a reason M. Robuchon is the chef of the century.
I was mortified last time I had dinner at Daniel NYC when my dinning mates decided it was imperative to photograph every course served, some more than once! To my embarrassment , the presentation of Le Caviar (caviar served 3 ways) was worthy of the paparazzi, the birthday boy (a pastry chef at one of the top NY French pâtisseries) and I had to breakout our camera phones. The Maki was a bit of a disappointment as the couscous overpowered the caviar. The Salmon tartar with caviar was amazing. But nothing can prepare you for the complexity in flavors that are contained in "un velouté de maïs glacé tremblotant aux croutons dorés" I suppose the name of the dish should have been a hint to that effect.
One of my favorite dishes of the evening was the accompaniment to the scallop. I am not sure what "fregolas avec une emulsion coralline" is, but I can certainly have a bowlful of it and die happy. My second favorite dish of the evening was the last savory dish "L'Epeautre du Pays de Sault mitonné et doré à l'or fin" which probably would be my last request were I in death row.
I was disappointed to have the main course be a rib-eye and not Kobe, like my last visit, but the sauce that was served along the steak was enough to forgive such oversight. I suppose having 4 or 5 courses with black truffles, one of which is a tart with probably a whole truffle on top of it makes the dinner worthy of the price tag. But is the last dessert that makes the whole experience great.
A loud sigh was heard when I tasted the second dessert course, "crémeux au cœur de Guanaja, bavarois à la Poire Williams". The wait staff turned around to insure that everything was in order. I was frozen for a few seconds, not able to move or utter another word. That fleeting moment is what makes this restaurant worth every penny!
Not every dish is perfect, but if a tasting menu gets a sigh out of me, then the chef is worthy of my patronage. -
Review from Carlos B.
Colorado Springs, CO
12/25/2011
I have mixed feelings about Joël Robuchon, and I'm perfectly willing to admit that it's because this joint is way out of my league... financially. We read many reviews about this place and found them to be accurate, particularly when they addressed the quality of the food. NO QUESTION, this was the best food we have had in Vegas (and perhaps ever). Everything, and I mean everything, was just knock your socks off delicious, complex, interesting, and indulgent. The service was beyond impressive, too. Everyone knew what everything was, the wait staff was choreographed to negotiate huge trays (with or without food on them) in a way that made the whole operation look like a Balanchine ballet. So you can imagine how hard it is to find anything to complain about. The culinary experience was near-flawless.
Wait a darn minute, what do mean "near"? Well, two things: (a) the portion sized and (b) the price.
I still stand by my statements about the quality. I had a lobster cooked with uni (sea urchin roe) on a bed of truffle risotto that was to die for. The problem is that the portion fit on what was basically an oddly-shaped, ramekin-sized soup bowl. And so it was with the other portions: barely enough to tease your palate, have you humming in delight, and it's gone (who knows, the portions were so small that I suspect evaporation might even be a factor).
Then came the bill. Good grief. Let me digress: at seating, one of the waiters asked if we wanted to start the evening with some champagne. We said "sure," to which he replied "white or pink?" What the heck, "one of each." That statement, as it turns out, added $70 to the bill.
I'm not going to divulge how much the meal set us back, but I'll give you enough for an educated guess. Not being able to even think about the 16-course, $495 chef's course, we opted for the $165 prix fixe, which had four courses: amuse bouche, appetizer, entrée, and a thin plate of chocolates for dessert (the bread cart came by before the appetizer, too). A bottle of Riesling cleared the century mark, you know how much the champagne was, one of the appetizers came with a "surcharge" (I think it was because it had extra truffle or something), and we did have some Hungarian Tokaj to sip with the chocolates. The term "sticker shock" doesn't quite cover it.
I'll end this (my first yelp review) by emphasizing that if I were a person of more affluence (in this case, much more), I would most likely not care about the bill because the food was so good, it would eclipse the expense. We came, we ate, we enjoyed, we marveled, we learned and we'll most likely never be back. -
Review from C W.
Honolulu, HI
1/14/2012
General Fine-Dining Disclaimer: Many people do not understand that most (if not all) upscale restaurants do not pile a ton of food on your plate. A diner should appreciate the finest flavors orchestrated into smaller dishes, which is how we received our servings. If you're looking for places that serve up large piles of food and multiple napkins, kindly skip my reviews.
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I wanted my GF to experience a Michelin 3-star restaurant. I had no idea about the level of sophistication that a restaurant can give, but I do now.
Tip: If you are planning to use the complimentary MGM limo, make sure to reserve it way in advance. We were brought to the MGM via the VIP Mansion entrance, and walked through the exclusive area that most people don't get to see.
Note: Guys, if your GF is the jealous type, avoid eye contact with the Asian hostess dressed in Robuchon garb. Trust me.
The GF had the six-course selection and I had the 16-course Menu Degustation tasting menu. If you ever want to feel proud in a restaurant, tell the Maitre'd that you'll be ordering the Menu Degustation selection and he'll give you an approving nod with a "Ah. Very good, sir."
The GF had a serving of Robuchon's legendary whipped potatoes, and asked to have a little more that was still left in the bowl. I explained that we'd heard of the potatoes and the waiter graciously explained the process and scrutiny that is placed on it. He later came back with an extra serving of complimentary whipped potatoes for the GF... I wasn't as lucky, but she was happy.
If you're female, the restaurant gives you a gift in their chic black bag. The GF got a very-rich pineapple pound cake and a personal menu listing the items from the Menu Degustation selection. I got the check.
After-dinner kitchen tour: The same hostess took us through the main kitchen as well as the separate pastry kitchen areas. She explained a lot of background info and showed us the numerous awards that the restaurant received over the years. Of note, Restaurant Joël Robuchon has its own dedicated kitchens which are separate from L'Atelier de Robuchon. We also got to see Robuchon's Michelin 3-Star plaque and I video'd everything on my shaky iPhone.
- Food: Excellent. The best French cuisine I've ever had. If you order the Menu Degustation, expect to stay 3-4 hours. I've been in French bistro's and higher-end restaurants, but Joël Robuchon trumped them all.
- Service: Excellent. The little things impressed me. When my GF asked what brand of Olive Oil they used (Masia El Altet), the Maitre'd brought her the label that hangs from the bottle. They have dedicated wait staff watching you for any need you might have.
- Pros: Food. Service. Ambiance. After-dinner kitchen tour. Uh... everything.
- Cons (not really): Price - I have never spent this much on any form of food in my life. Our trip was in Sept. and I'm still paying this off on my credit card. But you get what you pay for, and we got the best French fare (Michelin 3-star).
Is this restaurant for everyone? No. But it was an experience I was glad to have (and pay for). I can't say that we'll be eating there when we return to LV in a couple of weeks, but we were very happy to have had this experience. Hopefully we'll get to go there again. -
Review from Dustin G.
3/31/2012
The mansion fantastic. The grand entrance and picked up via the gold mgm limo. truly in awe the whole time. the food the food the food. foie soup, goldflaked curdled egg appetizer, dover sole, the maine lobster, bison, lamb, and the cheese and bread cart stood out. the degustation menu, fantastic. the meal fantastic. i can die now and be happy. Imma match the 16 degustation entree's with 16/16 judochops..well done 3 star michelin. Dinner for two plus wine pair and bubbly and tip = under 1k. Next stop Jiro in japan. hiyaaa!
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Review from Norma J.
Upland, CA
12/29/2011
Wow! What can I say but wow! My husband and I celebrated our 1-year wedding anniversary by having dinner here. The food was delicious and very pricey for two normal people like ourselves.
I ordered the rib eye steak with bell peppers and spinach in a wasabi sauce and dark chocolate souffle for dessert. My husband ordered the lobster dish with some stuffed seafood items. These aren't your regular portions, they are smaller but very filling. They offer a great selection of breads and after dinner chocolates. They also gave us the most decadent, buttery, creamy mashed potatoes I have ever had!
The staff was nice enough but a bit stiff. Our waiter was really friendly and made me feel more welcome. Thanks! Watching the staff was like watching a choreographed dance. They even took our coats and scarves!
At the end of the night we were given a bag with chocolate and a mini book with pictures of the restaurant. Overall the food was delicious and we enjoyed ourselves but at about $500 for 2 people I'm afraid we can't afford to come back. If we win the lottery we'll be back :) -
Review from Ren L.
1/31/2012 1 Check-in Here
I decided to have an early Valentine Day's dinner by going here. Better going now than during the weekend of VD.
I usually have a big stomach for food. And I was hesitant on going for a four-course meal, knowing that I would want to eat more. By the end of the night though, I made the correct decision on going for four, since I was nearly full.
I went with an amuse-bouche full of berries, which was fantastic. The appetizer consisted of a chestnut soup with bacon foam. I'm not a chestnut person at all, but I enjoyed it; probably because of the foam The main course consisted of the veal cheeks over the bouillon with couscous. I expected this dish to have a bland taste, but the amount of bouillon worked really well. The components of the main course came together, that Robuchon himself along with the executive chef Claude should be commended with a great meal.
I feel nearly embarrassed to pull out my camera and take pictures just because it would look too obnoxious in front of the service. And speaking of the service, it was top f'n notch. Even when my glass was a quarter empty, they would be there to refill it almost immediately. And they were just lovely when rolling around the bread cart as well as the dessert cart. Just awesome, so awesome.
Being at Robuchon is definitely an experience that I will never forget. Thank you so much!
edit: I didn't know there was complimentary limo service. Had I known.... :( -
Review from Minerva L.
Fremont, CA
1/24/2012
OMG, I didn't know they had limo service..I didn't know so didn't get offered for it. :(
NEXT TIME for the 16 course. This time we had the 5 course (could of done 6), and omg, what can I say? It was good. The first small bite was interesting, it was umm 3/5 stars. The salad with lobster was delicious along with the soup. I think the fish was tender and the bread selection? DANG!
I love the bread cart and the dessert cart. They were listing out all the bread and dessert, I couldn't even remember what he said.
It's so nice and elegant inside and they even have a small stool thing for your purse. The decor was purple and was just plain nice. The price is yes, expensive, but it's a nice experience.
I would come back to do the 16 course, the neighbor did it and they were taking their time.
I do think I like eating at Cirque a bit more, but this was a life time experience everyone gota try! -
Review from Kevin K.
Arlington, VA
1/2/2012
Robuchon....what else is there really left to say. Perfection.
The restaurant is as good as it is in any other city. I make this compasion to the Robuchon in Macau!
The bread cart makes you want to keep asking for more the caviar dish is sublime, the tasting menu does get a bit over the top. I like to describe the menu like waves of cuisine crashing into your soul relelntlessly battering you into submission to remember each and every wave of divine french cuisine.
I only regret going there on the first day of a 5 day trip but making the reservation for 8 pm (EST was 11pm), by the time we finished the meal it was around 11pm. It was a little late for us and had to order some espresso to finish the entire tasting.
Once again pricey but for the experience you should try this once, hell maybe even twice. I would also suggest L'atelier because it is also a show but again worth every penny!
Cheer and happy eats!
P.S. if you have a reservation and are not staying at the MGM...THEY( Robuchon) will send a limo for you there and back....DEFINITELY a nice touch for Vegas this is must!Listed in: best destination eats
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Review from Rod U.
11/16/2011
A French chef once told me "French people are born with two gifts, making love and making food. " While I sadly cannot speak to the prior, the latter is exemplified by Joel Robuchon.
The short review: THE BEST!
The long review (sorry its so long):
Three Michelin stars and the AAA Five Diamond award speak for themselves.
A meal at Joel Robuchon showcases the French passion for food, respect for ingredients, deftly practiced restraint, and the melding of cutting edge cooking techniques with the traditional. The presentation is nothing short of breath taking yet everything on the plate has a purpose. Ahhh like a beautiful yet sensible woman.
While the core of each dish may be the same, portion size and the way they are dressed varies depending on what menu you order them from (a la carte, pre fixe, or degustation). Keep this in mind when trying to follow the recommendations of another.
The current menu standout is the signature truffle langoustine ravioli. A see through thin wrapping envelopes a core of sweet, moist , langoustine tails dressed by an incredible foam (not your typical brown butter sauce), and doused in a generous amount of shaved black truffles. Sensuality on a plate.
The current 16 course ultimate degustation menu was nothing short of perfection. Course after course of pure artistry and intriguing flavors. How about a salad of haricot verts (green beans) with Parmesan and foie. So simple. So delicious as the richness of the foie and the earthiness of the parm makes the vegetal flavors of the beans explode. Too simple, how about the langoustine ravioli described earlier with grilled spiny lobster lightly accented by a curry served aside an aspic of uni with a fennel potato puree scented with anise. The warmth of the ravioli and puree quickly soften the aspic releasing the creamy goodness of the uni throughout the dish. Layer after layer of flavor. Truly orgasmic.
The ambiance is contemporary European elegance. Stunning.
The price? Prefix menus (2, 4, 6 courses); $120 - $240. The ultimate degustation menu (16 courses) $425 in the fall of 2011. If it sounds crazy, consider there must be more chefs in the kitchen than guest in the dining room preparing your meal.
The outstanding wine list focuses on France. Good vintage depth. Fair pricing considering the cellaring, however the average bottle price is $300. There are few worthy selections below $100.
Service is perfect. It is executed by professionals who view service as a career. Practiced, polished, extremely knowledgeable of menu and culinary techniques They are experts at making you feel like a welcome guest. No stuffiness.
Finally, remember there are things even your casino host cannot do: provide illicit drugs, arrange "companionship" for the evening, and get a same day reservation at Joel Robuchon. Make you reservations well in advance.
Ahhh, the French really do have it right.Listed in: Best of the Strip - LV
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Review from Nilo M.
Cerritos, CA
1/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
A M A Z ZZZZZZZZINNNNGGGGG! (yes exclamatory on the ZINNNNNNNGG! with a high pitch sound!)
Went here for my girlfriends once a year treat and bday. I decided I had heard enough about this place and I wanted to experience it for myself. We walked over from Cosmo not knowing they had the gold limo experience...but oh well I was in it for the food!
This place is just off the top bliss, its very intimate from the minute you walk into the bar. They had us wait in the bar, and they had GOOD top shelf alcohol here. I had a Macallan 25 to start of my night...and that set it off realllll smooth. You do sit next to people but I know I was more than two people lengths from the seating next to us on either side. Some people are just loud in general, but for the most part me and my girlfriend did not have to raise our voices to have a conversation, in fact if I dropped my fork I can guarantee that everyone in the restaraunt would hear it.
Service was awesome, I think it was at least two individuals maybe three per person in our party that were whisking away dishes or refilling our glasses with wine or water.
My SO and I did the 4 course prixe fixe and it was well worth it. The Amouse Bouch or whatever you call it, was a jelly in a special vase suspended over dry ice. Man the presentation of that blew me out of the water...
From there on it was like I was in food heaven. The bread cart.. Its the size of my smart car. CRAPOLA! I went crazy on the bread realizing I havent even started my meal. They had special butter from the UK and then a olive oil from the South of Spain.
See I was so fixated on the carts...that I completely forgot what I ordered...ok now I remember..
1) Crispy soft boiled egg with smoked salmon and caviar
2) Delicate tofu velouté with lemon zest on warm seaweed gelée, smoked and caramelized eel
3) Duck and seared foie gras with sweet and sour cherries, fresh almonds
4) Raspberry milk mousse, spiced raspberry sorbet, earl grey puffed rice krispies and pistachio foam
The Duck was the standout dish... I love foie gras, but the way this melted in my mouth..oh man...
The couple next to us had the 16 course with wine, and they looked stuffed! I will only hope that I can go back and try this once in my lifetime, in the meantime, I can say I did experience a restaraunt that was to die for! -
Review from Justin B.
Virginia Beach, VA
12/4/2011
I won't repeat all the other reviews but our visit to Joel Robuchon was hands down the best dining experience I have ever had in my life.
Everything was the best it could possibly be from the limo pickup, to the private entrance drop off, wine selection, bread cart, 6 course meal, desert, cheese selection and limo drop off back at our hotel. The service and menu knowledge was impeccable.
If Joel Robuchon (the restaurant) was a....
Car; it would be a Rolls Royce
Woman; it would be Heidi Kulm
A hotel; It would be the Pierre Hotel in NYC
Jewelry; It would be the hope diamond
If your in Vegas and you have a special occasion and you don't make at least an attempt to go to Joel Robuchon, you should reconsider how special that occasion actually is. -
Review from Stanley C.
San Jose, CA
Updated - 3/28/2012
The second time to be honest was not as great as the first time but still better than most. The best dish was the caviar over dungeness crab. Other dishes were good but not as great as the first time around. Will not be dining here anymore because of the price unless I hear them improve.
Listed in: The Elite Restaurants
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/14/2012
The Intro:
The chef of the century. The only Michelin 3 starred restaurant in Vegas. 'Nough said.
… Read more »
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Review from Kent D.
When I was asked to dine at a AAA Five Diamond, Forbes Five Star, Three Michelin Star, Wine Spectator Grand Award and Chef of the Century's restaurant, the question wasn't IF...It was WHEN!
My last night in Vegas marked the unforgettable occasion and as soon as I opened those shiny glass paned double doors, I knew I was in for a treat! As I walked across the foyer into the main dining room, I left the hustle and bustle of the frenzied casino behind me and I was instantly transported into a luxurious 1930's style French bistro with a huge crystal chandelier cascading above me. Honestly, this place was dripping with opulence!
Truth be told, I do get a bit uncomfortable in fancy schmancy restaurants. Perhaps it's the well pressed white table cloths or the half dozen stuffy staff serving my every whim, but this place was not like that at all. The servers were warm, friendly and present without being overbearing, which was really nice! Add to that the elegant yet inviting atmosphere and I was feeling like a king! A hungry one at that!
As soon as we were seated and handed our nicely bound menus, I instantly knew in my mind that I wanted to try the 16 course tasting menu. Heck, you only live once, right?
Because we were in a festive mood, we decided on a bottle of bubbly and for me, a bottle of Veuve Clicquot fit the bill perfectly!
Then came the famous bread cart in all its glory! Wow! It was a sight to see! There were more than a dozen breads to choose from to start the meal and i think we tried almost all of em! Three magnificent breads, however, stood out from the pack. Those being the buttery cheese brioche, savory bacon epi, and chewy cheese baguette.
Then, of course, came the food! Honestly, it was so beautifully plated there were times I simply felt it was a shame to eat it! But I got over that hurdle fairly quickly.
Now, I don't plan on boring you with the entire 16 course blow by blow, but I will focus on the dining highlights which made the evening extra special for me!
Amuse Bouche "sangria emulsion" refreshingly light citrusy blood orange cream emulsion above a chilled jam in a whimsical dry ice bowl with small chunks of apples and berry sangria gelee. Lip smacking tartness with a delightfully smooth & creamy finish! Excellent way to awaken the palate!
Trio of Caviar
Caviar with Asparagus - Although not the most interesting pairing of the evening, the flavors of the fresh green asparagus and salty caviar played well against each other.
Salmon Tartare with Shiso Sprouts and Caviar - The textures were delicate and the flavors were refined.
Daikon Cous Cous with Caviar - The thin delicate slivers of cool daikon wrapped around fluffy cous cous and topped with caviar was an exhilarating finish to an interesting play on Japanese cuisine.
Lobster - Topped with fragrant black truffle, the langoustine ravioli was magnificent! The grilled lobster was simple yet beautifully presented. Subtle flavors but hey it's lobster! Sometimes a good thing shouldn't be messed with! The smooth & creamy sea urchin fennel potato puree was inspiring and texturally inviting, as well.
Chestnut Soup over Foie Gras Foam - Rich frothy and flavorful with savory bacon bits. The chunks of roasted chestnuts added a subtle sweetness to this warm and rustic soup.
Bone marrow - One of my personal favorites! The marrow was luscious, rich and supple in texture. It also exhibited the most irresistible aroma! The popcorn added a pleasant textural dimension to this delightful dish.
Sea bass - Beautifully seared, this magnificent piece of fish came bathing in an irresistible butter sauce. The artichoke balanced the flavor profiles nicely.
Birthday Cake - As the evening came to a close, the staff came out with a cart embellished with lavish decorative baubles and a small sign that read "Happy Birthday" The accompanying birthday cake was extraordinary! Perched on a large black pedestal, it was absolutely majestic but all I could think of was digging into it! To my surprise, it was a mango meringue ice cream cake and although we couldn't take it home with us, we did indulge in two large decadent slices and it was fantastic! Bravo to the dessert chef!
If that wasn't enough we were given free reign of the mignardises (dessert cart) that had a vast selection of petit fors, small cookies and yes...macarons!
They boxed up the cookies and gave us an additional box of marshmallow treats to take home with a copy of the menu and a nicely bound colored brochure documenting the magical evening.
I'd have to say this was by far the most amazing dining experience
of my life. Would i do it again? Someday.
But for now, I'll just revel in the fine memories of an unforgettable evening that will leave my palate in infinite bliss!
Happy "Birthday" Eats, Part Deux!!Listed in: Fine Dining, Michelin Star Restaurants, Vegas Baby!
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Review from Bryan T.
San Francisco, CA
11/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
Not sure what else I can add, but I will say that Joel Robuchon was one of my top two dining experiences of the year (along with Momofuku Ko). The two are very different: Joel Robuchon is like the platonic ideal of French style fine dining. Everything that other Michelin star French places do, they do bigger and better.
For example, many restaurants have great bread. Most Michelin starred restaurants will even offer a selection of bread. I have a weakness for carbs that makes me hate myself in the morning, so I've had embarrassing amounts of tasty bread from Bouchon, Jean George and the like. Most of these places will even offer a nice selection of bread, perhaps on a tray. At Joel Robuchon, they wheel a cart the size of a motorcycle over, full of bread. It literally looks like something that would be served to a king in a Disney movie. The same thing happens after dinner with their "mignardes cart," which is the same thing but... covered in mostly chocolate dessert items.
Of course, the food was amazing and also very consistent. One would hope that when paying upwards of $500 for two this would be a given, but even places like Jean George or Manresa had courses that just didn't work for me. Not so at Joel Robuchon, where everything was fantastic.
Then, at the end of the night, they send you home with a loaf of fresh baked lemon bread, which was a tasty breakfast the next day.
It's been a pretty good year for me, and I've been lucky enough to dine at a number of fantastic restaurants, but in terms of pure, decadent, gluttonous fine dining experience, Joel Robuchon stands above the rest.Listed in: Best Fine Dining Restaurants…
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Review from Thanh N.
Houston, TX
I'm a foodie aficionado and the experience to wine and dine here was pure bliss!!! Any foodie's dream, right? I felt like a queen!!!!
WOW! Truffle galore, lobster ravioli, lobster salad, lobster curry, kobe beef, 3 different ways of caviar tasting, chestnut bisque, foie gras, uni custard, wild oats with truffle topped with real edible gold...and more! Is your mouth watering yet? Mine still is.... :P I had the 16 course tasting! Each dish was small but perfectly portioned. I got to taste everything and wasn't tired of eating or too full because each dish was definitely unique and perfect. Their selection of breads were delightful! I liked the basil bread...you get to pick which bread you want and they'd bring it to the back to toast and served it to you warm.
I had 2 glasses of rose champagne. Champagne was definitely nice and light to have with all the dishes.
Decor was beautiful, service was to the 9! We had at least 7 servers for our table. What a wonderful experience. I felt spoiled! No wonder it's a 3 star michelin! =) -
Review from Cynthia C.
Alameda, CA
Updated - 1/3/2012 59 photos
The cheese course is now wrapped into the 16 course price.
Favorite courses of the evening:
*L'Orange Sanguine
Emulsion of blood orange on a wild berry gelee
*Le Foie Gras
Carpaccio of foie gras and potatoes, covered with black truffle shavings
*Le Truffe
Crisy black truffle tart with onion confit and smoked ham
*Les Crustaces
Truffled langoustine ravioli, grilled spiny lobster in green curry, 'chaud-froid' of sea urchin on fennel potato puree with anise citris
Wine pairing prices for the degustation have four levels of prices, starting at $295 per person and going up $100 each level.
Hazard: The two desserts of the even required diners to break the candied shell, part of mine broke onto where I was sitting and caused a choco mess. Good thing it was nothing a little soap and water couldn't take out.
Gift at the end: they have removed the color photo book of the degustation menu. A gorgeous milk chocolate caramel bar with dusts of gold and lavendar.Listed in: Vegas Go's, Tasting Menus are my Passion &…, Return Worthy Restaurants on…, Voted by the People, yes…, Life Altering Food
4 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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9/10/2010
Definitely take advantage of the R/T limo service. Extra smooth ride in the gold emblazoned MGM… Read more »
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Review from Stan L.
3/15/2012
i've had awesome meals in other michellin restaurants.. and this one tops one of my favorite restaurants (alinea).. my fiancee and i ate here and this was the best meal we have ever shared.. we also got the free "limo" (actually an escalade) to pick us up and from our hotel to take us to the restaurant .. we entered through the VIP entrance and got a quick little tour before being escorted to our restaurant by our lovely host.. service was absolutely perfect from the beginning to end..
the food is impeccable.. and the ingredients are absolutely top notch.. we had the 16 course degustation menu.. and we were both stuffed beyond belief.. the bread cart was awesome.. since we got there a little early than other tables.. they toasted our bread for us.. everything from the amuse bouche to dessert flowed seamlessly.. although we were full.. the dessert cart they brought out in the end was over the top enticing... and of course.. we both filled our plates full of the sweets..
if you don't mind dropping some serious cash for exquisite food.. than you must come here if you're in town.. -
Review from Chelle B.
San Diego, CA
1/4/2012
Ahhhh-mazing this place is! Or, well...that's an understatement...Robuchon is beyond amazing from taste, to presentation, to staff, to atmosphere, etc. etc. This place deserves more than 5 stars on yelp for sure.
Be prepared for an awesome experience while you dine here as you spoil your tastebuds for approximately three hours. Also, make sure you come hungry and be aware that money shouldn't be an issue when you dine here as you will definitely rack up a bill!
It is quite difficult to say what my favorite part of the meal was. Everything was superb and extraordinary. The selection of breads, cheeses and candied desserts were mindblowing! I wanted to try them all...
My friend and I enjoyed our meal in their psedo-garden which was quite nice and didn't come off cheesy looking. There, I loved the black cod dish that I ordered--you can taste the layers of flavor in this dish. My friend went with the lobster and veal dish. They were also so very good.
The things that I didn't really care to spend money on or would care less if they served this to me was the soup and the dessert. I also wasn't a big fan of their creme brulee as it tasted somewhat bland and the consistency was not to my liking.
Oh and I liked the fact that my friend and I weren't treated like we didn't have the money to spend, since we were probably the youngest ones in the restaurant during our time there.
Lastly, I want to say I came in very excited and full of energy and left feeling so tired and exhausted from such a lovely treat. And how nice of them to provide a nice chocolate treat along with a visual booklet of the restaurant at the end of the meal. I can't wait 'til I come in again! -
Review from Alex F.
Irvine, CA
11/8/2011
This restaurant delivered in it's over the top execution of service, food, and ambiance from the limo pickup and ride through the huge double gates to a private entrance, to the ride back to the Aria. Rather than repeat the selections or the accolades, what I have to say is more about the experience.
It might be safe to say that most three star Michelins don't deliver in this style or fashion. Maybe it was our proletarian awe or our lack of worldly sophistication that accounted for the slack-jawed yokel impression. Yes, I said impression. After all, we're not from Kentucky.
We were asked to wait in the parlor, but there was no way we would be sitting all doe-eyed and passive, not when there was an entire world of holy moley check this out, just steps away from us. No, we wandered. We wandered and wondered at the atrium, the fruit trees, the perfectly temperatured interior, and the huge glass dome of joy that made it all possible. Unfortunately, a girl from the Audrey Hepburn School of Walking and Diction came to escort us through the Mansion and away from the awesomeness of the atrium.
Wow. Can it get any more cool. What is this place? Where does this passageway lead? Who are those people gambling in that private room? How on earth does Audrey walk like that?
The restaurant itself is rather small. Not impossibly small, but smaller and more intimate than we thought it might be, which was a nice surprise. We were taken care of by Romiero and Driss, who opened the restaurant 7 years ago. Romiero is from California and Driss, from Morocco. Romiero is the cheery one, while Driss is the consummate service professional with a pretty cool accent.
Service was like a well choreographed ballet. It wasn't rushed, timed perfectly, and very enjoyable. The food was outstanding and we were almost hesitant to consume the piece of art before us. Flavor profiles took us all over the place and the execution was flawless.
We were addressed by name, they remembered our drink preferences, and when we were done, the chef offered to take a picture with us while we waited to be escorted back to the lounge for the limo ride back to reality.
So apparently, what makes a 3 Michelin star restaurant is not so much the killer food, but the execution of the meal along with the experience. -
Review from Vickie Z.
12/15/2011
A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!
My husband and I both ordered the full tasting menu with one wine pairing.
The dishes were very original and the presentation of each dish was extraordinary!
Everything was beyond our expectation!
Bravo! -
Review from Marlease F.
San Francisco, CA
1/4/2012
The end of the meal....Chocolate Souffle. The presentation was edgy - say Mad Hatter Tea Party meets Spruce. The server put a scoop of, my preference, chocolate sorbet in the middle of my souffle. It was wonderful! Then they came around with the complimentary dessert cart...all homemade chocolates, including marzipan filled truffles.
The only other time in my life that a restaurant has made me feel as if I was in someone's living room was in Stellenbosch South Africa....this was the 2nd. -
Review from Antara B.
San Francisco, CA
10/17/2011
I'm not sure where to find the words to describe the best food & dining experience of my life. This was my second 3-star Michelin restaurant (French Laundry being the 1st, which I did NOT like) -- but having watched 'Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations, Paris' episode, where Joel Robuchon was cited as the 'Chef of the Century,' and saw how much he is regarded in the culinary world, my curiosity was piqued, and my expectations were high.
And my, did they exceed any expectation I could have come up with. A SIXTEEN course VEGETARIAN tasting menu -- omg. My family debated whether or not they could handle that food ... but being pregnant I a) am eating for two, and b) am not drinking, which leaves A LOT more room in your stomach for food -- so I was the first to decide that the 16 course tasting menu was the way to go.
Out of all 16 dishes, I would say that only 2 were mediocre -- everything else that went into my mouth was FREAKIN AMAZING. A new burst of flavors every time. Their bread selection was incredible -- their gruyere bread, saffron bread, and one more cheese bread was to die for.
After 4 hours of eating the most delectable dishes unimaginable to me ... we were showed a cart of over 40 petit fours!! We each filled ourselves mini-boxes of goodies to enjoy for the days to come. Because we had gone there to celebrate my mom's 60th birthday, we not only had the two dessert courses on the menu, but they had also made an extra birthday cake for us (ice cream cake of sorts) ... God it was good.
And then they let us take home our leftover cheese which we couldn't finish, and gave us amazing lemon cakes as goody bags -- which we ate for days to come.
Though it was $400/person ... I will always make it a point to eat at Joel Robuchon's whenever I visit Vegas!
