A tasting menu inside a hotel is a different kind of dinner. 8-12 courses, paced for the night, no other agenda. Two and a half hours minimum.
Where to do it
Aman Tokyo — Arva
Italian tasting menu in Tokyo. 8 courses. Iconic.
Le Sirenuse Positano — La Sponda
Italian classic in candlelight. 8-9 courses on the tasting.
Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong — Pierre Gagnaire restaurant
Pierre Gagnaire's two-star tasting menu, 25th floor.
Hotel de Russie Rome — Le Jardin de Russie
Italian garden setting, 6-9 course tasting.
Belmond Le Manoir Oxfordshire — Raymond Blanc
UK two-star tasting at Manoir.
Connaught London — Hélène Darroze
Three-star tasting menu at the Connaught.
Royal Mansour Marrakech — La Grande Table Marocaine
Moroccan haute cuisine tasting menu, one star.
Pacing
Tasting menus run 2-3 hours. Order wine pairing or skip it — the meal works either way. Most kitchens move at restaurant-pace, so do not arrive late.
What to ask before booking
- Are vegetarian or other dietary restrictions accommodated? (Most yes.)
- Is wine pairing pre-fixed or available à la carte? (Mix.)
- What is the cancellation policy? (24-48 hours typical.)
- Is the tasting menu available the night you want? (Some only Tue-Sat.)
Five rules
- Pre-book — 30-90 days out for top restaurants
- Choose wine pairing — the kitchen designed the meal around it
- Don't arrive late — the kitchen pacing fails
- No dessert sampling — the chef chose the dessert
- Stay overnight at the hotel after — wine pairing is real
For more, see the hotel dining pillar.
