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Restaurant Jean-Louis Restaurant Review

61 Lewis St. (Greenwich Ave.) Send to Phone
Greenwich, CT 06830
203-622-8450 | Menu
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Chef-owner Jean-Louis Gerin showcases his "nouvelle classique" cuisine at his namesake restaurant. Restaurant Jean-Louis is one of our 2012 Hot 10 Greenwich Restaurants | Top 10 Greenwich Wine List Restaurants | Top 10 Greenwich Food Rating Restaurants | Top 10 Greenwich Romantic Restaurants |

Cuisine

Open

Lunch Mon.-Fri., Dinner Mon.-Sat.

Features

Wine

Great Wine List

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Dining room at Restaurant Jean-Louis, Greenwich, CTThe aura of France exists in this tiny spot on a side street just steps from Greenwich Avenue, and a simple sign is the only clue there is a restaurant in the all-but-unnoticeable building. The room exudes the warmth and calm one feels as a guest of a private residence, rather than as a patron of one of Connecticut's finest dining establishments. Since it opened in 1985, chef-owner Jean-Louis Gerin, together with his wife, Linda, have developed a cuisine that they refer to as being "la nouvelle classique," an apt description for the unique ambience of the restaurant and superior quality of the cuisine. There is a daily tasting menu, weekly dinner specials, and a regular menu which is changed on a seasonal basis. Gerin offers such specialties as a double oxtail consommé with snow peas and foie gras slivers and Szechuan peppercorn, and a lamb filet mignon massaged with gingerbread spices in an olive medley infused in meat jus with fresh herbs and chopped scallion ratatouille. Desserts include a super thin warm green apple tart with green apple sorbet. The wine list is comprehensive and offers something suitable for all dishes. Restaurant Jean-Louis dictates no dress code except for collared shirts and trousers, yet an evening here invites us to dress for the occasion, just as one might if dining at Guy Savoy in Paris, to which it bears a striking resemblance.

User Ratings & Reviews for Restaurant Jean-Louis
Average rating    1
Reviews 1 - 1 of 11
Restaurant Jean Louis - Greenwich - DON'T GO!!
by Michele V. on 07/12/2009
 
This was the most disappointing dining experience my husband and I have ever had. I would highly recommend avoiding this restaurant. Upon arrival, the hostess seemed surprised to see us there (despite being punctual for our 8:15pm reservation that had been made more than a week in advance). Notwithstanding our punctuality and despite the two empty tables for two that were plainly visible, we were made to wait approximately 10-15 mins before being seated. The waiting area is a cramped appx 4'x4' entrance/vestibule area that you step into from off the street (and in which 5 other patrons also packed into and stood shoulder to shoulder with us while we were waiting). I actually had a fleeting thought of suggesting we leave at that point, and in hindsight, truly wish we had. The service throughout the night was completely unacceptable (slow, unanticipating of a patron's needs, and quite unfriendly and unwelcoming). The food was average, at best, and not even something to think of returning for. Our server certainly did not extend herself in tending to our table. I'm not sure if they were short staffed for the night, but she seemed to be trying to address several things at one time (take orders, clear tables, direct the two waiters that were also working but didn't quite have the room covered and pulling up a chair to chat with patrons that she obviously knew). We ordered the Grand Tasting Menu and found the timing between courses to be lacking. Additionally, she completely missed offering coffee or tea until after our dessert course was completely done and then looked surprised when we declined any interest in it (by that point, we just wanted to get out of there). This evening was a complete disappointment for us. We have dined at some of the best restaurants in NYC and CT (Daniel, Bouley, Danube, Thomas Henkelman, Bernard's) and by the reviews on this restaurant, we certainly expected a similar level of service and food quality. Additionally, this restaurant has absolutely no atmosphere or decor to speak of, also attributes that are expected in a finer establishment. At the end of this evening, we still left a proper service tip as I feel it unduly harsh to do otherwise; in hindsight though, I have to say that not $1 of it was deserved! This was unfortunately, a totally disappointing evening and a restaurant we will tell all of our friends and colleagues to AVOID!!!
 
Reviews 1 - 1 of 11



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