Customer Testimonials
Customer reviews of l'ortolan
We always strive to keep our food and service of the highest quality so you will want to keep returning. Here are what our guests say about us.
December 2011
"We thoroughly enjoyed our evening. Excellent service from start to finish, all staff were very courteous and knowledgeable. The food and wine were outstanding, a perfect way for my girlfriend and I to celebrate our 5th Anniversary! Many thanks, look forward to dining at L'ortolan again and recommending it to friends & family."
- Steve Morris
"Really enjoyed the excellent service, the Seabass was beautifully cooked and presented and the wines recommend were spot on for each course."
- Nicola Pickard
"I had the most wonderful evening with old friends. The food and service was superb - the sommelier was so kind and helpful and the atmosphere was lovely - not formal and stuffy, but polished and friendly. The food was fantastic and a wonderful and special treat."
- Victoria Sherston
"This was my second visit and all of my group enjoyed our visit immensely. The food was amazing and the service faultless."
- Yasmin Miller
November 2011
"I have been to many Michelin starred restaurants but thought the food at L'ortolan was as good if not better than past experience. What stood out for me was: the honey and truffle popcorn; the parsnip soup; the duck confit; the spectacular mango fried egg and the devine quince. The sensations of taste were quite amazing. I had the pigeon which I haven't tried before and didn't particularly like the texture but I did love what it came with. The service was excellent, unobtrusive, unpretentious, friendly and efficient. It was an excellent experience. Thank you"
- Shirley Clipp
October 2011
"I have eaten there before and brought two friends to 'get a taster' experience - they LOVED it. Great reception at the taxi and inside. Excellent food - and my coeliac needs well-catered for. Champagne and wine superb and the service was OUTSTANDING."
- Maureen Stride
September 2011
"This was our first visit to the restaurant, and we had an excellent evening. The service was among the best we have witnessed and the quality of our Gourmand meal was equally impressive. We had a really good evening to celebrate our wedding anniversary."
- Colin Gradd
"Our visit to L’ortolan was simply amazing. All aspect of the experience was positive. The staff were charming, knowledgeable and provided a first rate service. The food was a revelation. I had the vegetarian option whereas my son opted for the menu du jour. Every item from either menu reflected a high degree of imagination and technical skill. The food looked remarkable and tasted absolutely wonderful. I cannot recommend the restaurant highly enough."
- Ketan Patel
August 2011
"We've been once before and enjoyed it so much that we thought we might not enjoy it so much the second time round. Wrong! The service was again faultless and the food utterly beautiful in every way. L'ortolan really is my favourite place in the world!"
- Tina Jordan
"My daughter and I dined for a birthday celebration. The surroundings were very comfortable and most relaxing. The service was attentive without being intrusive, polite and friendly. The food was amazing, all the courses were delightful - a real celebration of taste and the presentation made it almost impossible to eat. How can you eat a work of art? We loved everything, but our absolute favourite was the broth which accompanied the sea bream. It was good enough to die for. Thank you so much for a delightful experience."
- Vivian Peters
"I really enjoyed the food - all of it was excellent. The service was great - efficient and friendly. We were made to feel very welcome and comfortable on arrival. I really enjoyed the whole experience and hope to be back soon."
- Jan Glen
July 2011
"It was my first visit to l'ortolan and my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the evening. The food and wine was excellent, the ambience was delightful and the service was attentive without being 'in your face' for the whole evening. A great night out - thank you"
- Lynn Moates
June 2011
"The experience was very enjoyable indeed. I am a regular visitor and the service, food and overall experience is always consistently excellent"
- James Faux
May 2011
"Thank you for another exquisite lunch on Friday for my wife's birthday. 4th visit and always fabulous. There's always a different highlight for me in the context of outstanding overall quality. Last time it was the glass of Madeira with the cheese course; this time it was the sea bream & broth! Keep doing what you're doing"
- Tony Roche
"Absolutely fantastic and first class, myself and my wife rated our meal and wine experience as one of the top five best meals we have had in our lifetime of travel here and abroad"
- Bob Bishop
"Wonderful food as always. Went for the Menu Surprise for the first time and each course had terrific flavours and looked stunning. Wine pairings were perfect. Service was very attentive without ever being intrusive"
- Ian Ashworth
April 2011
"Our meal was probably the best I have ever eaten. The restaurant staff were friendly, informative and charmingly respectful. At the same time, their commitment and passion for the food and the restaurant was evident. I can't recommend it highly enough"
- Sheelagh Hill
"The food and wine were fantastic. The taster menu was a delight to my taste buds and the wine's complimented each dish perfectly. The team were attentive to our needs and knew when to were fine to be left to our own devices. A beautiful location and fantastic service just what I needed to make my husbands 40th a celebration to remember"
- Caroline Sherlock
March 2011
"This was my second visit to L'Ortolan, I previously dined at the Chef's Table. Lunch was awesome and a wonderful experience for my two daughters who share my love of cooking and good food. The lunch was delicious and wonderfully presented and the service was superb - I particularly appreciated the information given about the wine as it proved to be as educational as enjoyable"
- Jackie Burgess
February 2011
“Stunningly presented, beautifully served, thoughtfully constructed, welcoming at every step. I am no cook and add to that....I am a vegetarian! It was a challenge! It is a skill to make all walks of life feel comfortable in such a prestigious setting and you do that. Thank you to all involved. I hope to be able to eat there again”
- Dr Raval
“Wonderful experience. Food excellent as was choice. Staff looked after us extremely well - could not ask for more”
- Anonymous
January 2011
"I really enjoyed my visit to l'ortolan. I am a vegetarian and am often disappointed by the choice and quality in other restaurants, but not at l'ortolan. My family, who are not vegetarians, also thoroughly enjoyed their food. It was wonderful."
- Lesley Rudd
December 2010
"The whole evening was one that we will remember forever. Our Chef's Table evening was absolutely superb. The whole of the staff were full of fun and wanted to make out experience as enjoyable as ever - and they did!"
- Martin Pearce
November 2010
"Just loved the whole experience from being greeted, throughout the meal the service excellent and the food imaginative and delicious. It was a 70th birthday celebration for me that was vey memorable. Please convey my sincere thanks to all the staff who played such an important role in providing a special experience."
- Douglas Wilson
"We sat at the Chef's Table and the whole evening was amazing and truly memorable. The boys in the kitchen were fantastic, they really went out of their way to make us feel welcome even through the restaurant was fully booked. The service from the kitchen and front of house was top drawer with every detail covered. The food was outstanding and the sommelier did a brilliant job of matching an interesting, unusual and downright delicious wine with every dish. Our expectations were exceeded in every aspect of the evening."
- Anthony Jones.
"Our evening at l'ortolan was fantastic. This was our second visit and we again we could not fault the quality of the food, and especially the service. It is perfect - attentive but not too much and the staff can't do enough for you. They are a credit to the restaurant. In addition, one of our party was in a wheelchair and everything was done to ensure he could access the restaurant and the table with ease. Our menu surprise was delightful and we were sorry we were not able to really utilize the services of your sommelier (who last time we visited was superb in his choices and service level) but we will not doubt return. The highest compliment we can pay your restaurant is that we have been fortunate enough to visit 1, 2 and 3 Michelin star restaurants over the years and we would certainly say that you are deserving of more than the one star you currently hold. Thank you for a lovely evening."
- Tracy Sacks
October 2010
"We had a superb evening. The food was delicious, the staff attentive and not 'in our faces'! The sommelier is friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. For me, the highlight of the evening was the cheese trolley! - I've never eaten cheese like that in England - congratulations on a lovely venue."
- Marilyn Coppinger
"Faultless food, faultless wine, faultless service. Lunch was incredibly good value for money."
- Richard Frazier
"Thoroughly enjoyed the evening. The service and care from the staff was great and the food was very special and a worth while treat."
- Helen Done
"Food brilliant. Service first-rate. I also highly recommend the Chef's Table - a fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable experience. Fantastic for aspiring amateur chefs as it provides and unrivalled opportunity to observe and to ask questions. It's rare to get so close to a Michelin starred brigade!"
- Des Palmer
September 2010
"My husband took me to l'ortolan for lunch on my birthday. The food was an exceptional taste experience and beautifully presented as expected - but the additional treat was how welcome we were made by the staff who were attentive without fussing, extremely knowledgeable about the wines and food course, courteously friendly and generally seemed happy to assist. I would definitely come back again on a special occasion."
- Sharon Waring
"Exceptional service, food and drink. Exceeded our high expectations. Catered well for me as a vegetarian."
- Philip Baillie
"It was incredible... it was not only art on a plate, but the mixture of flavours and creativity was awesome. I also felt like I had eaten proper food!"
- Karen Daly
"It was a wonderful dining experience - in my top 5! Superb food and excellent service in a relaxing environment. Can't think why we waited so long to visit."
- Greg Peddie
"The service and food was excellent as usual. We enjoy eating at L'ortolan because of it's relaxed atmosphere and have never had a bad course of food at the restaurant."
- Carol Doughty
"As usual the experience was great. Fabulous food served by very competent and knowledgeable staff. Always a pleasure."
- Pedro Quartin Graca
"Myself and my friends thoroughly enjoyed our dining experience. Obviously the cuisine was out of this world, but the waiting staff were superb. Very attentive and accommodating to our needs. They were very knowledgeable (and one in particular had a great sense of humour!) and were very engaging with the diners. I look forward to visiting again with my husband!"
- Lynne McCandlish
"5* - Excellent. I had a fantastic time. My boyfriend took me to l'ortolan for a surprise birthday treat and I was blown away. We were made to feel very special, the food was superb and the service was fantastic. Thank you!"
- Elaine Williams
August 2010
"L'ortolan never fails to live up to excellent standards."
- Anonymous
"Food and wine was mouthwatering and the service was faultless!"
- Mrs Prior
"Our dining experience was extremely enjoyable. The meal was absolutely delicious and the service was suitably attentive without being obtrusive. This was our first visit and it hopefully won't be our last!"
- BW, Reading
"Wonderful. Food was a feast to the eyes and the stomach. Service superb."
- Barbara Denning
"A superb evening - outstanding meal, beautifully presented. Extremely pleasant staff. It helped make a "special" birthday very special and an evening I will not forget."
- Janina Weller
"A great dining experience in a beautiful setting. The service of all staff was good and the food was excellent both in presentation and taste."
- Jackie Keep
"I enjoyed every moment at l'ortolan. Chris Horridge's wheat/gluten/dairy/sugar free tasting menu was a delight. Turnip spaghetti was a revelation! I was honored that Chris came front of house to speak with us. I will certainly return to l'ortolan in the future."
- Neil White
"Couldn't fault anything. A beautifully cooked and presented meal in very pleasant surroundings. Table service helpful, cheerful and unobtrusive."
- Howard Dell
"The food was outstanding both in presentation and taste. As a vegetarian, I felt extremely well-catered for. The staff were attentive but somehow managed to create a relaxed atmosphere as well. I have been sharing my experiences with my friends and would recommend you to everyone!"
- Tina Jordan
"Superb evening and excellent food! The surprise menu with wine by the glass was a fantastic way to enjoy food, and the input from your sommelier, Stephen Nisbet, really added to the whole experience. The visit to the kitchen at the end of the meal to meet the chefs was a great finish to a lovely evening. Thank you and we shall be back!"
- Graham Preston
"Excellently prepared food, well presented and served with just the right level of attentiveness without being intrusive. A thoroughly complete and enjoyable experience."
- Martin Godber
"A super time. The staff, food and whole experience was lovely and one that we shall certainly recommend to friends"
- Eileen Beck
"It was the best meal we've had in a long time."
- Sedisha Brink
"Thoroughly enjoyed our lunchtime dining experience, both the food and the accompanying wine on the surprise menu. Absolutely excellent."
- Christine Orton
July 2010
"We cannot express enough how wonderful an experience we had when we visited your establishment recently. From the courteous and attentive staff to the mouthwatering food, we had one of the best dining experience we've ever had! Thanks to my job we have been lucky enough to have travelled around the world and have eaten in some of the finest restaurants - and I have to say that l'ortolan rates very highly amongst them all. We feel that we have made a "real find" in having such a top class restaurant so close to home and cannot wait to experience it again. Thank you so much for a wonderful."
- Roberta Cowler
"The food was excellent and the service impeccable."
- Chris Alan
"The service received was first class and the food was sublime. From the moment you step through the doors the whole experience is wonderful. We had the Gourmand Menu and having not experience this before it was such a treat. The salmon and pickled cucumber with horseradish snow was outstanding and the wine matched perfectly. Thank you to all at l'ortolan."
- Claire Connery
"We thought the whole experience was amazing. So special. A real one off treat!"
- Tessa Hancock
"The whole dining experience was excellent. The service was friendly, helpful and timely. The food came in good sized portions, with a mix of textures and flavours, and was very well presented, in addition to being tasty."
- Erin O'Neill
"The service was excellent as was the food. We enjoyed every single course and had a great time discussing which were the best courses, and were unable to come to a consensus! Once again, thank you for a fabulous opportunity to celebrate a special occasion."
- Nicola B
"This was the second time I have had lunch at L'ortolan and this time 2 friends came with us. We all thoroughly enjoyed our experience: the service was perfect, friendly but not intrusive, the food was excellent with a wide choice of dishes and completely different choices from our last visit which is important to us! We shall certainly visit you again and would recommend the restaurant to friends and family."
- Deborah Mullins
"It was my first visit to a Michelin starred restaurant and I was very impressed. Not only was the food delicious and beautifully presented, the staff and their service was impeccable. They were all very attentive without being at all 'in your face.' They were extremely polite, courteous and helpful. Top class!"
- James Porter
"It was the most wonderful experience from start to finish. As it was a birthday surprise for my partner I was hoping for something special and we were not let down. Thank you for the excellent food, first class service and wonderful memories."
- Richard Bennet
"I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience of our visit, which was to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary, the food and service was second to none."
- Lesley Rogers
"Every time I have been to your restaurant I have left with a big smile on my face. We always feel very special when we come, and the food and service is fantastic."
- Scott Morrow
"Extraordinaire! Great service! Great food! It was the first time my wife and I had been to your restaurant (to celebrate our 1st anniversary). We will be back with the family!"
- Adam Caulkett
"The food was interesting and of excellent quality, well matched with some interesting wine and supported by outstanding service."
- Colin Willoughby
"The service was impeccable - enhanced by the full explanation of each dish and how to eat it; our wine waiter helpfully advised on the best temperature to serve our Lebanese Rose; and our cheese waiter was most enthusiastic about his cheeses. The food was superb and imaginative. The meal became an experience and part of our social conversation, not merely food to accompany our evening out. I would have no hesitation in recommending L'ortolan and I hope to re-visit in the future."
- Anon
"We very much enjoyed our visit and felt the staff were very efficient and friendly. The tasting menu is a very nice experience."
- Angie Morrow
June 2010
"I went with an open mind, and am pleased to say that we had a most enjoyable visit. Food and staff were excellent."
- Susan Harvey
"I had a fantastic experience, the food was cooked to perfection. I've never had better! The service was exceptional, staff were friendly while maintaining their professionalism."
- Anon
"Absolutely fantastic! The best meal I've ever had the pleasure of eating. Service was excellent, extremely attentive and at the same time not intrusive!"
- Jonathan Hall
"My partner and I visited l'ortolan to celebrate our anniversary, we both had a fantastic time, both the food and the service were top notch. Thank you very much for a lovely afternoon."
- Nicole Arnold
"Had a very pleasant evening. The food was superb and the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff added to a perfect occasion."
- Keith Sawdon
"It was excellent - every aspect of the food, service and experience was superb."
- Amanda Bailey
"Absolutely superb service, delightful food and charming surroundings"
- Emma Jones
"Fantastic food, fantastic service, couldn't have wished for better!"
- Naomi Kenton
"The food and service were outstanding, and the Pommery Lunch Menu was excellent value for money."
- Hayley Bishop
"My visit was absolutely superb, staff were excellent and knowledgable on both the food and the wine, both of which were some of the very finest I've tasted."
- Graeme Davison
May 2010
"It was a fantastic experience. We enjoyed the Gourmand menu and especially the win combinations, which were without fault. The service was superb - informative and attentive without being obtrusive."
- Richard Frazier
"The food was absolutely exquisite! The flavours complimented each other beautifully and the whole dining experience was utterly sublime. Thank you for a wonderfully special evening."
- Claire Culverwell
"Service was exemplary, the staff were knowledgeable and helpful, The food was wonderful, the flavours really intense."
- Jan Fountain
"Would like to say a big "Thanks You" to everyone. It was John's birthday and we couldn't have asked for anywhere better that l'ortolan with it's lovely relaxed atmosphere. The service from the very first phone call was exceptional. John is on a gluten free diet and all the staff were made aware before we even arrived. Food was wonderful. We had the Champagne Lunch and couldn't believe what good value this was. We will definitely be returning and recommending the restaurant."
- Susan and John Murphy
April 2010
"We were there for a celebration lunch... the sun was shining which was a great bonus! Fabulous welcome and a truly lovely visit. Food was beautiful and my girlfriend said it was the best meal she had ever had! Cannot recommend it more highly; we had a wonderful, comfortable, unrushed experience and have all said that we will be making a lunch visit a regular event. Staff charming and friendly, very professional, on hand but not 'in your face'; it was perfect. Thanks for a lovely visit... Hope to see you soon!"
- Catherine Rees
"We had an excellent time with you - our daughters booked as a surprise for our 40th wedding anniversary. Would certainly recommend you to our friends - food and service were excellent! Can not wait to come again - perhaps for our 50th!!"
- Annette and Bob Hawkins
"It was fantastic! Friendly, helpful, all the staff were excellent - and such hard workers! Fantastic attention to detail and of course, fantastic food!"
- Isobel Hotten
"Another wonderful all round experience. The rabbit was delicious and the service was as attentive as ever. I particularly liked the way that your staff found time to have a chat with us without impacting on the timeliness of the service."
- Dean, Wokingham
"Can only say what a delightlful experience it is to come to l'ortolan. I just love coming. The staff are so welcoming and friendly, describing all the dishes. It really is my favorite place - the food is exquisite and the wine delicious. I can't wait to come back with my daughter from the States who loves it just as much, Just can't fault anything - for me it is perfection."
- Janet Willis
"The whole experience was great, from the front door opening magically as we approached to finding our coats awaiting us in the hall on departure! The food was amazing, service perfect!"
- Rosie Mortimer
"It was a warm, welcoming restaurant and the service was second to none."
- Claire Taylor
"The food was excellent, the surroundings also. The service was very good, with plenty of information offered on what we were eating and drinking"
- Sian Marlow
"We thoroughly enjoyed our evening and would not want to change a thing"
- Robin Saunders
"Service was excellent. Seond to none. Staff wonderful. Food excellent too."
- Helen Sconlon
"We had a wonderful time. Staff were really helpful, and food was a work of art - both delicious and beuatifully presented."
- JS, Farnborough
"The whole experience, service and quality of food were all excellent. In particular the knowledge and enthusiasm of the sommelier providing the per-course wine really made the evening special."
- Aran Stephens
March 2010
Fantastic food and staff - would definitely recommend, we had a great night."
- David Kershaw
"Everything was excellent - the service, the food, the restaurant. Thank you very much!"
- Richard O
"The service was friendly and helpful. The staff were knowledgeable about the wines and different menu choices. The food was excellent, the flavours were well balanced and delicious. The location was beautiful and the decor had a nice modern touch."
- Jenna Wain
"The whole experience was most delightful. The make-up demonstration that we attended was informative and fun. The size of the group (7) was just right as you were able to talk to everyone. The food was simply delicious and a wonderful experience of flavours, textures and 'works of art,' with top quality ingredients. Your staff were quiet superb - they had a sense of humor and yet were meticulous in all that they did. The ambience at l'ortolan is relaxed and yet the quality is there. Well done to all the team. I look forward to another visit."
- Susan Carter
"Excellent value for money. Exemplary menu, presentation and service."
- AB
"The lunch was superb and the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. The service was impeccable. It is the second time I have been to the restaurant, and both times it has been enjoyable and relaxing. The flavours in the menu were so delicate, and the presentation is fantastic. Just wonderful. Thank you."
- Fiona Ryder
"A wonderful dining experience from the moment we alighted from the taxi until we boarded the homeward bound taxi. Staff, service and food magnificent!"
- Wendy Tant
"Staff were fantastic! Made us feel very special despite the fact that this was not our usual kind of restaurant! Food was wonderful as we expected and really good value for a special occasion or celebration."
- Lorna Willis
"Excellent food, great service and the lunchtime special menu was good value too - would definitely return and recommend to others"
- Helen Simons
"We very much enjoyed our dining experience. The food was delicious, and the service excellent."
- Andrew Bowtell
"Thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of my visit; from the welcoming arrival, to the fabulous food, great wine selection and impeccably professional staff."
- Liz McBriar
"We really enjoy visiting l'ortolan. The food is always of the highest quality and served to perfection. The menu is always varied and interesting. L'ortolan is always our first choice for our special occasions."
- Tom Gamble
"I completely enjoyed the dining experience at l'ortolan and the food was delicious/ I had thought that the portions might be tiny, but they were a perfect size! My friends and I had a very relaxed enjoyable time."
- Linda Robson
"The food was delicious and the flavours of every course were perfectly balanced. I must come back soon!"
- Graham Hunt
"I have been to l'ortolan 6 or 7 times over the last 10 years or so. The service and food has always been 1st class. This time however, you surpassed all previous visits. The Mother's Day food was outstanding, the service absolutely perfect - highly efficient, but relaxed and friendly. Well done!"
- John Armstrong
"We all thoroughly enjoyed our experience at l'ortolan. We had anticipated a different but exciting dining experience but it exceeded our expectations from the moment we set foot inside your classy, yet informal restaurant. We still cannot decide which course we enjoyed most and your wine choices complemented the food to perfection. We shall be back!"
- Jill Ward
"Our first visit. A culinary delight accompanied by impeccable service."
- Christopher Mellor
February 2010
"Once again a truly wonderful dining experience, great attentive service and exceptional food. We will definitely be coming back soon."
- Kev Cooke
"Food and wine presentation, quality and flavour were excellent and service immaculate. The staff were discrete, yet fun and extremely informative. We all received personalized, discrete and thoughtful treatment proactively. Thank you for an all round excellent experience! We warmly recommend the restaurant to others and will be coming back ourselves soon."
- Donna Cullan
"I've been meaning to come for years... so I had expectations, and they were met! Upon entering we were greeted and guided to the bar for a drink and to peruse the menu, and this is where you first start to get excited! I loved the dark decor in the bar. Initially I thought the dining area was too light but it grew on me throughout the evening. The service we received was attentive but never overbearing or intrusive, and it was nice to talk to the sommelier about the wines I had. Obviously the food was memorable with well sized portions, the flavours and ingredients all marrying together perfectly. This was a lovely night to celebrate our first anniversary together, so thank you, and we will be back!"
- Paul Firman
"Incredible tastes, textures and flavours. The meal was a superb treat and both my wife and I will be returning very soon! Congratulations!"
- Chris Walton
"We loved our experience at l'ortolan! The food and service were excellent - we will definitely be coming back!"
- Grace Whiteside
"Everything was as expected - EXCEPTIONAL! It would be very difficult for me to make any criticism as both my wife and I think L'ortolan, as an experience, is at the top of restaurant locally and as good as or better than many of the well known London equivalents."
- Rod McLoughlin
"We had a most enjoyable dining experience. The ambiance was perfect, food outstanding as were the wines all served by very knowledgeable and friendly staff."
- Allan G Stephens
"We had a wonderful time at l'ortolan. The service throughout the evening was impressive, so a big thank you to all the staff that made our evening that little bit special. The food was spectacular with great attention to detail and great flavours & textures. Overall we had a great time and a big thank you goes to the team. This was our first visit and we hope it's not the last!"
- Marc Lucas
"I very much enjoyed my experience, everything was perfect. I can't wait to return."
- Christine Barnard
"I have been a couple of times now, for lunch, dinner and corporate events. Every time has been an exciting experience for my taste buds. I thoroughly enjoyed the variety of textures you manage to incorporate into one dish and the relaxed atmosphere makes me with the evening would never end! Many thanks!"
- Hermione Skelton
"Great experience and especially as I had been before and had recommended it to my colleagues for a belated Christmas celebration. We all felt it was a first class experience and were meticulously looked after."
- Tricia Allison
"The food was excellent and the service amazed me beyond expectations. All the waiters were very professional and attentive without being over zealous. A very enjoyable experience."
- Angela Anderson
