"I recently posted a review on TripAdvisor about a restaurant called 'L'Artisan,' and there's a good reason for its name. The skill level required to create the dishes at this restaurant is truly impressive. The chef not only understands the food he prepares but also clearly loves it, which is evident in every dish that comes to the table. The staff he employs to serve the meals share a genuine enthusiasm for exceptional cuisine.
My friends and I visited Cheltenham for the weekend and decided to try L'Artisan after seeing it highly rated on TripAdvisor. I recommend making a reservation, especially on weekends, as it is a small, intimate venue and you might not get a table if you just walk in. I appreciated the excellent customer service ahead of our visit; I received a call to confirm our booking, followed by another call to check if we were still coming. Both representatives were friendly, and there’s something about a French accent that adds a nice touch!
The restaurant is conveniently located near some great bars, making it easy to enjoy a drink beforehand. The ambiance was delightful; I loved that they employed French-speaking staff who contributed to the restaurant's authenticity. We were greeted with warm smiles, and the atmosphere was calm and romantic.
The menu was outstanding. It was difficult to choose because everything sounded enticing. For our starters, we ordered red mullet, scallops, king prawn, and aubergine. Before our starters arrived, we were treated to an amuse-bouche of salmon, accompanied by homemade bread and butter—everything was delightful. The starters were absolutely delicious; I have no complaints.
With our meal, my friend and I enjoyed a beautiful Sauvignon Blanc that was easy to drink and delightful. Another friend had a rosé that she really liked. For our mains, two friends ordered the ribeye for two (to be honest, it could have easily fed three of us if we weren’t big eaters). I chose the veal, while another friend opted for the lamb. As a side, we ordered French fries, which, being in a French restaurant, were essential; they really do serve the best fries!
Once again, the table fell silent as our group savored the food—we were all just blown away by the excellence. My taste buds were incredibly happy, and yes, the French do make the best fries!
For dessert, we sought the waiter’s advice on portion sizes to ensure we had enough room for something sweet. I had the strawberry crepe, one friend ordered the chocolate fondant, another chose the crème brûlée, and the last one ordered sorbet. As you can see from the photos, everything was simply delicious. We were all pleased with our choices, but the chocolate fondant and crème brûlée were particularly exceptional.
A few extra touches made our experience even better. One friend was expecting a baby and has a nut allergy, and the chef was very attentive to her needs. I do want to mention one minor point: there was a macaron served with the dessert, which was great for me but could have posed a risk for someone else with allergies.
The waiting staff were fantastic. Caroline was very sweet, and Florian, along with another staff member, was also incredibly attentive. I loved that their name badges indicated when they attended culinary school; it was a nice touch. Meeting the chef was also a highlight—he came out to speak with us, which added a personal element to our visit.
The warm, personal touch really made the experience shine; I felt like I was dining somewhere in France. It was absolute magic, and I can’t recommend this place enough. If I could give it a 10 out of 10, I absolutely would!"
