Chef's Table for First Visit to V&A's?

[frndofpooh]

We will be dining at V&A's for the first time on our 10th Anniversary next September. Since we have not dined there before, is it worth it to try for the Chef's Table? Would we miss out on the full atmosphere and elegance of the main dining room? Thanks in advance for your responses.

 

[Pooh67_68]

Not sure about missing out on the atmosphere and elegance.
But I just watched Great Hotels at 12:30 and it was about the Grand Floridan. It was stated that the chef's table is booked 6 months in advanced.

 

[BCV23]

For a first visit the main dining room is the way to go, I think. It's elegant, intimate and you can hear the harp. The Chef's Table is a great experience...we did it once for our 23rd anniversary...but the interaction with the staff as well as sampling extra dishes is the draw there. For a first dinner I would choose the dining room.

 

[Uncleromulus]

I agree-the main dining area would be my choice also.

 

[webray]

We did the chefs table on our first visit...we had it all to ourselves, it was excellent. We didn't regret not being in the dining room...we would love to try the dining room and I am sure we will one day.

 

[nasmith]

I think that the main dining room is much more romantic than the Chef's table - dim lighting, harp music, etc.

We are spoiled by the Chef's table though- We usually go with friends, and love laughing and interacting with the Chefs--- Plus we are Foodies, and the sounds and smells of food being prepared is "romantic" to us in it's own way! But you do give up candlelight and music- and when you go to the restroom, you have to walk thru the waiter's prep room (not very romantic) on kitchen tile floors and thru the restaurant to get there (It's a 3 hour plus dinner). One more thing- on our last visit, the manager brought back 2 couples (at 2 different times) who were dining in the main dining room to take a peek at the Chef's Table ((I guess they had inquired about it))- sort of made me feel like we were on display (That was the only time that has happened and we've dined at the Chef's table 4 times)

I think it all depends on the atmosphere that you are looking for! If you want the chef's table, be sure to be on the phone at 0700 exactly 180 days out in order to book it!

Jill

 

[TDC Nala]

I loved the Chef's Table. The main dining room would not be my thing. But when I go to V&A, I go with friends and am not looking for a romantic atmosphere.

 

[BCV23]

nasmith, we too had visitors during our one dinner at the Chef's Table. However it was two couples at the same time and they were only back for a quick minute so it didn't bother us.