We recently dined there for a friend’s child’s birthday dinner, and while there were some definite highlights, the overall experience left us with mixed feelings.
Setting Expectations: Before we even arrived, I explained to my daughter Eloise that Angelique wasn’t her favorite restaurant, Lavish. Lavish Restaurant has set a high standard for her when it comes to restaurants in Stevenage —not just because of the incredible octopus they serve, but also because of the way they treat her. At Lavish, the staff treat her like a lady, and she responds with equal respect. This mutual appreciation is why I don’t hesitate to spend hundreds of pounds every time we dine there.
The Highlights: Let’s start with what Angelique got right. The Bellini was an absolute delight—refreshing and perfectly balanced, setting a positive tone at the start. The arancini was a standout, with a crispy exterior and a creamy, flavorful center. And the tomahawk steak? Cooked to perfection, it was juicy and rich, truly showcasing the restaurant’s potential when they’re on their game.
The Disappointments: However, despite these culinary successes, the service and timing issues were glaring. From the outset, it felt like we weren’t as welcome as we had hoped. My husband had felt this way during a previous visit over a year ago, and it was disappointing to see that not much had changed.
Ordering was particularly chaotic, especially for the kids. Eloise, who usually enjoys her meals, ordered from the main menu, expecting to indulge in her starter before moving on to her main course. Unfortunately, both courses arrived simultaneously, leaving her feeling rushed and overwhelmed. This unusual experience resulted in her having indigestion on the way home, which put a damper on her evening.
The service issues didn’t stop there. One of the children, who was celebrating their birthday, didn’t receive their meal on time. Watching a hungry, tired child wait for food was heartbreaking and entirely avoidable. In a service-driven industry, timed and well-coordinated service is key, especially for children. Unfortunately, the operational process at Angelique fell short, leading to a less than ideal experience.
Facilities Matter: Another point of disappointment was the condition of the ladies’ toilets. I was surprised by the state they were in. While I did take a photo, I’ve chosen not to share it because I don’t want it to reflect poorly on the staff—especially since a young man was diligently cleaning the floors leading to the toilets at the time. Perhaps I just timed my visit poorly, but it’s something that definitely affected my overall impression of the place.
Final Thoughts: While Angelique Restaurant delivered on the food with their delicious Bellini, arancini, and tomahawk steak, the overall dining experience was marred by poor service timing, unmet expectations, and disappointing facilities. For a restaurant of this supposed caliber, these issues are hard to overlook.
I believe dining out should be a well-rounded experience—good food, great service, and clean, well-maintained facilities. Sadly, Angelique didn’t deliver on all fronts. It’s not a place I’d recommend or return to, even if the bill was on someone else. In dining, as in life, it’s all about the complete package, and Angelique, unfortunately, missed the mark.
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