The Fat Duck "Gastronomic Restaurant" Review

the most incredible experience I've ever had the pleasure to be apart of.

Have to admire the spirit of this place. Every element on the plate has undergone such extensive transformation from the original ingredients that nothing is as it seems. The diner's journey has also been revamped from a few years ago--and the entire meal follows a roadmap of a family holiday to add to the storytelling element.

Brilliant experience. We did the journey. Food was phenomenal, as was service, story and everything else!

HOT TIP: Not a fan of drinking during dining experiences as it impacts the palate so I tried the non alcoholic drink pairing. LOVED IT. The juices and teas and kombuchas they paired were fantastic and perfect for the meals presented. Highly recommend visiting this world renowned restaurant at least once Thank you so much team

Amazing experience at the Fat Duck. It's really something different. Love the storytelling behind each dish and the journey too. Love how we had some dishes outside the usual tasting menu that was related to us.
Got some free goodies to take home.

We had a wonderful time celebrating my 50th Birthday - the tasting menu was awe inspiring and interacting with all the five senses - site, sound, smell, taste and touch!

Quite simply the best culinary experience of my life

Loved it. Not every day food but well worth the visit!

Beautifully presented dishes and lovely staff but...the food was very fish dominant and it just didn't taste very nice! Even the desserts were bland and lacking sweetness. A fabulous experience but without delicious food it sort of misses the point.

Amazing experience, worth every penny, childhood to adulthood experience with food.

Amazing experience, from the presentation of the food to the flavour combinations. Bacon and eggs ice cream was the best dessert iv ever had.

Amazing. The personal touches, they really know there customers, I would highly recommend the experience. and in my opinion the price is a bargain for the level of service you receive

tasting menu is food theatre. there is a reason they have 3 Michelin stars. food was impeccable, both in presentation and taste. staff were attentive and helpful. Can't think of a better restaurant in the UK for the experience. this is NOT an individual meal or a quick meal (we were there 6 hours) you pay a lot but as my friend put it, it's a once in a lifetime meal

There should be a completely separate scoring system for entirely unique experiences. Five stars makes it sound like this is an experience that could be compared to conventional dining, which it simply can't. It takes the tasting menu concept and pushes it to another level. Rediculously expensive, but worth every penny.

Good general experience. More of a show rather than a satisfactory dinner experience. Treat as a bucket list experience. Would not go again.

A magical and memorable experience as expected. So many amazing flavor combinations. The standout for me was the white chocolate and caviar foodpairing that Heston came up with by finding foods with similar molecular structures. The service was impeccable. Worth a visit if you are able. We took the train in from London and then a taxi home.

Hands down the best meal we have ever eaten! Loved the sounds of the sea, whisky chart & the take home sweet shop so creative thanks team Heston x

Having visited other 3 Michelin starred restaurants, the fat duck stands una league if it s own. It s very expensive, but it s the only restaurant in this league that I ve come out wanting to back to again. It s not just about the food, it s about the entire adventure that Heston and his crew bring you on. For us it was as memorable as a holiday abroad, and I could not recommend it more.

It was a fine enough experience, but just not really worth the price for me. The pros:
1. Everyone was really nice, and seemed willing to go out of their way to help (my wife and I didn't really ask for much).
2. The dishes were unique and unlike anything you'll get anywhere else.

The cons:
1. For our personal experience, we didn't experience many of the cool things other reviewer seems to have, for example:
1a. We were not invited to meet the chef or tour the kitchen; several other people seem to have been.
1b. We answered their pre-reservation questionnaire, providing many details and extended answers. Other reviewers have mentioned that there were pleasant surprises related to the answers they offered during the meal. We had none of this at all. Zero personalization. Other reviewers have mentioned that they commented on how they were looking forward to trying dishes no longer on the menu, and then they were surprised with that dish. We tried this specifically, and got nothing.
1c. There seemed to be a lot of buildup that the candies you got at the end would be somehow personalized for you. They weren't. Everyone gets the same thing.
2. We simply couldn't understand anything our waiter said. He had a very thick French accent, and was pleasant, but we entirely missed the description of every dish. And the menu you're provided gives very little information.
3. My wife was pregnant, and required a number of substitutions. They were accommodating of this (we let them know ahead of time), but all of their substitutions were for mushrooms. I mean, the mushrooms were fine, but this is supposed to be a uniquely creative restaurant, and my wife ended up having six mushroom courses.
4. There were certain courses we were looking forward to that other tables actually got and we didn't. Specifically, several other tables got the dessert "Botrytis CInerea" while we got a rhubarb dessert. It was fine, but it would have been a treat if we both got a different dessert and could have shared.
5. They called a taxi for me, but then lost my coat and had the taxi's meter running and charging me while they tried to find my coat, doubling my cost for the taxi. I know that's splitting hairs, but they didn't seem to mind charging 3-4 extra pounds to add stuff to your espresso despite charging many hundreds of pounds for the meal, AND adding their own tip to the final bill.
6. The crab/passion fruit ice cream, and the meal meant to simulate being in a forest tasted awful. Simply awful. I was bothered that I had to eat them. It has to be said.

I'm glad I did it because the itch has been scratched. I don't imagine I'd go again, and it wasn't worth the price. I probably won't visit any other Heston Blumenthal restaurants after this. An unquestionably mediocre experience.

The best restaurant I've ever eaten, and we're pretty fond of "Michelin Star".

The best and most expensive meal I've ever had. Wine list was very, very daunting but waiting staff and food were perfect. Train ride back to London not fun. If I had my time again I'd stay the night locally.

If you only ever go to one restaurant then The Fat Duck is the one not only fantastic food but the service and staff are amazing.

Although the location is not so good to find, but finally the hard work pays off, after finding it, enjoy a meal

Heston. Wow. What an incredible journey through food. I will always remember your seaside rock pools and how they took me back to my childhood in an instant.

This is an amazing, life altering experience. Perfect from start to finish.

The Storyteller experience is like nothing I've experienced before. Themed 17 courses with amazing attention to detail and extremely friendly and helpful staff.

Wow, beyond amazing! Although trying to find it, is not obvious! 17 courses, a journey of discovery, flavours and gourmet/ culinary experience. Once in a lifetime meal beyond all meals. Service was fantastic, food was amazing. Go forr the non alcoholic beverage package, some thing completely different

Well... this is something totally different. It would be good to be childish, adventurous and ready to 'just go for it". This will make you remember your childhood. Nothing is (tastes) what it seems and everything is all wonky. Enjoy!! (No pictures to spoil your experience).

I've enjoyed the experience, but wouldn't go back (nor recommend). The theatrics are simply too much, to the point where they detract from the food, which should be front and centre but wasn't. In fact, on a couple of occasions, I had the strong sense the dish being bent to accomodate the story rather than the other way round.
Service not at 3 stars level - sorry.

First class service. Incredible place. I will definitely visit again

A very different dining experience. Some food served divides opinion which is probably the intriguing part of it. The reason for 4 stars is due to the price but you pay for the research that goes into the molecular gastronomy.

Amazing!!! This was no meal - it was the best eating experience of my life!

A truly magical experience that you can't get anywhere else. Heston's cuisine is one of a kind.

Such a lovely place with friendly and really helpful staff. Fantastic food and atmosphere.

Excellent food, great staff (thank you Jessica) and a nice celebration of Christmas!

The Fat Duck is a must-see spot in Berkshire. The decor is beautiful.. I've been here on several occasions and i am always impressed. Superb service

WOW! Definitely a unique experience and highly recommended.

better than ever, peerless. very cheap at the 2009 prices when compared to the waterside or rhr.

This is a review of the Fat Duck's choice of reservation system. Thanks to it I could not complete my booking after spending FOUR HOURS trying. A restaurant of this calibre might think to employ a booking service that actually works.

Tried to make a reservation online for four hours while waiting for IT staff to fix issues. Given that spots only become available once a month, a four hour downtime at the exact moment they become available is not indicative of preparedness. As soon as support staff emailed everyone that the issues were fixed, I tried booking. It still presented the exact same error. I tried every solution they told me and more - different browsers, opening and closing, tried three different computers, deleted browsing history. Everything didn't work and within 15 minutes the available date I kept frantically trying to unsuccessfully book was taken by someone else. The support staff said that once the site went live, there was nothing they could do except try to avoid issues for next time. Needless to say this was extremely frustrating and a complete waste of my time.

I tried calling the Fat Duck, but no answer and no way to leave voicemail or send an email. Hopefully someone from the restaurant reads this review and takes their vendor to task. I hear your food is amazing but it may be difficult to appreciate if I already have a bitter taste in my mouth.

THANK YOU

WHAT AN ENTERTAINING EVENING

THANK YOU HESTON!

Heston and the team continue to provide culinary heaven.

This was an amazing experience. We flew from Frankfurt Germany to London, just to eat at the Fat Duck. What shall I say, is was worth every effort! Of course its pricy but absolutely worth it. Just look at the pictures.

Amazing service and food from start to end. We were running 30 minutes late due to London traffic but they never made us feel rush throughout the tasting experience. Looking forward to Dinner on our next trip back.

Excellent. A magical and entertaining experience. Amazing dining and great service.

This is the first restaurant review I have ever written and The Fat Duck was hands-down the best dining experience of my life. Yes it's very expensive, but no expense is spared with regards to the quality of food, the preparation time must take forever and the attention to detail (including personalisation) is mind-blowing. To me it was worth every single penny.

The experience itself is a themed around a journey, so think of it as an much more memorable, enjoyable and convenient (and probably cheaper!) alternative to a mediocre European weekend break away!

Bon voyage and see you on the other side.

An amazing experience that touches each of the five senses

Truly an experience, amazing food and great service.

Not much to say really. Unique dishes which looks and taste exquisite. Incredible attention to detail from all the staff. Once in a lifetime trip.

Im giving it 4 stars because I think this place can be even better than it is and I'll explain why. First to get the most out of this place you need to be able to transport yourself and become a child once again. Leave the adult at home. The story telling, the creativity of it all is a trully magnificent and an unforgettable experience. I cannot fault this place for any of that and it will always have a place in my heart. The food is ofcourse fantastic, however with some exceptions. There are dishes that are unbelievable in taste, packing so much flavor that makes you sit there in silence in disbelief. But there are challenging dishes also. This place pushes flavor to it's limit where just a little more becomes less. For me one such dish was the one "in the woods" and the desert was too strong in acidity for my liking as well. I enjoyed these dishes but they did challenge my palate and perhaps thats a good thing - you decide for yourself. I did order the basic wine pairing which makes the experience a lot more expensive but didn't seem to excite me. Sure the drinks were nice, but I think it could be much more. A good example is a restaurant called "Story". The drinks there blew me away. A tip from experience. If you want the ultimate experience - be one of the first diners. Tables are close and others will spoil the surprise. The dinner lasts 4 hours so starting earlier will also help your stamina. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

Michelin 3-star store.

In 2005, selected by Restaurant Magazine as "World's Best Restaurant".

Truly one of a kind. This meal was superb. It is difficult to describe the experience. If someone is looking for a true scientist in the kitchen then this is the restaurant. The deconstruction of some of the concepts (eg gin and tonic) and the reconstruction of something as something else (eg cocktails, frozen pops) was the most playful eating/dining I've ever experienced. I doubt you would find a similar experience any where else. Worth the trip (from anywhere).

Tremendous food and experience. Some of the best food I've eaten in the UK.

Such an unusual meal, very attentive staff, and the food is perfectly presented in such an unpretentious atmosphere. Best foody experience ever.

They serve big portions and for affordable pricing. welcoming employees. Highly recommended.

One of the best restaurants in the world! It s not a dinner it s more like a journey. The flavours (and the sound) if the sea , the forest , the cereal English breakfast , the treats and the super friendly and professional staff.

Heston Blumenthal is one of the best chefs in our generation, his unique approach what it comes to food , the flavours, the textures and the presentations create an outstanding meal.

It takes roughly 4.5 hours , it s quite pricey and still highly recommended.

Awful service! Won't refund my money 6 weeks after being told I would receive it. I've been given numerous excuses, however these are making you look ridiculous. Can't believe a renowned establishment like this is acting in this way. Get a grip

It was a good experience and the service and presentation and ingredients were excellent. However, I didn't have that "wow" factor which you'd expect one would get when eating the food and thinking the food would be redefine tastes. Instead the wow factor comes from the intricate designs of the food and from the bill.

For me it was really overrated, I took my husband for his birthday and we were very excited. There is no ambiance in the restaurant, too quiet and very pretentious. I think unfortunately it is style over substance. We were asked to complete all information before, we assumed so they would make us special items however everything was the same for everyone. We have had a lot better tasting menus for a fraction of the price, however at least we have done it!

Wow, Just wow . It took me years to get a booking but we finally managed it what an experience. Highly recommend

Crazy expensive but really is a once in a life time experience. Really would recommend.

Amazing. Super detailed, well thought out, and most surprising of all: service was absolutely exquisite. Thoughtful, intuitive, customer-forward. A really pleasant experience (and good value too in hindsight!). Only recommendation: it's a long affair, so allow up to 5hrs for it!

you know its expensive
but come along with a smile and enjoy a meal
with someone you want to be with
and you will leave with a bigger smile
nothing in life is perfect
but this is as close as you can get where food is involved
went for our 25th wedding anniversary
and will return for our 50th

Excellent restaurant, although very expensive. Worth visiting once though

Very good experience however, food wasn't as up to scratch as some the the guests thought it would be.