Imaginative tasting menu prepared and served to the highest standards.
Michelin star well deserved for taste and presentation. The service was almost better than the food with staff who were impeccably trained and knew the food in detail. The explanations of the dishes were occasionally a little rushed and mumbled which meant I had to ask for them to be repeated.
The website does not do the restaurant any favours with no photographs of the dining area and a confusing description of where you are to be seated.
My only disappointment given the elegant food was the mediocre dining room. Whilst clean and smart enough, it had no thought given to decor or atmosphere, it just wasn’t interesting or special enough to match the food.
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A superb dining experience here for our anniversary dinner. Firstly, the service could not be faulted, the staff were attentive but not intrusive, very friendly and welcoming.
The only option for food is to have their four course dining experience but there are three options to choose from for each of the four courses. Before our official meal we had some starters including some cured meats, freshly baked bread, pork cheek arancini style balls with truffle powder and potato with Asian nashi tartlet. For the first course we had the scallop and cremet, second course we had the truffle risotto and squab, third course was highland wagyu and sole and finally fourth course dessert we had the chocolate miso and duck egg options. They gave us a complimentary pre-dessert based on a selection of shapes & colours we chose at the start of our meal, not to mention ice cream sandwiches as an anniversary treat and a take home gift of homemade chocolates. With every dish you could just tell the effort that the chefs went through to put the plate together both visually and taste wise each dish had a unique flavour, but not overpowering. Honestly, truly outstanding culinary delights in our opinion.
They also gave us complimentary glasses of their Gusbourne sparkling white wine to start, and my husband enjoyed a glass of Walt Riesling and Banyuls Rimage dessert wine during our meal which we're recommended by the staff as a pairing to the course options he chose and he absolutely loved them both.
We loved this dining experience, the atmosphere, the food, and the wine was just perfect. Even though it was fine dining it was not one of those uptight dining experiences, it was down to earth and very pleasant. The chefs came out at certain points in the meal as well to give us an introduction to the dishes which we enjoyed and the table staff really knew the details of the menu very well. We dined for about two hours in total and left feeling very satisfied. High praise to the wonderful chefs, table staff and everyone else behind the scenes for an excellent meal and dining experience that we'll always remember. Would highly recommend and would come back again if we're back in this area.
One of our favourite dining experiences to date. Just delightful food, wonderful staff, delicious drinks and one of the most beautiful buildings we've ever dined in. Katherine was an absolute gem, so lovely, attentive, and genuinely seemed like she loved her job. Every member of staff we dealt with were just perfect, and we couldn't have asked for more. We loved every second of tonight. Thanks everyone for making or first trip to Plymouth incredibly memorable! Perfection!
We had a pretty good meal at Àclèaf. The atmosphere is nice & cosy. The service was excellent.
My wife selected the pescetarian dishes. I would suggest that Scott, the head chef, be a little bolder in his vision: set the menu, don't offer a choice through the courses. Picking between 2 dishes, across 3 courses, means too many variables in the experience.
I had vegetarian. The only course that didn't really work was a kohlrabi with tofu wrapped in seaweed. It tried to match the turbot and unfortunately didn't.
But there's was an amazing pea snack at the start, a wonderful Jerusalem artichoke dish towards the end, and a really excellent custard & apricot dessert.
With a stronger (meat/fish) tasting menu vision there would be more consistency across the courses and a Michelin star would not be out of the question.
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Àclèaf had been on my radar for over a year when a friend mentioned it to me, so we booked in for Saturday evening. The meal, setting, atmosphere and level of service was on a par, if not better, than some of the restaurants that actually have a Michelin Star, rather than just a mention. I actually though that it was better than Tom Kerridge's Hand and Flowers.
We opted for the tasting menu with both the wine and non-alcoholic pairings (getting a taxi in Plymouth is a nightmare, so I drove).
I'm used to a taster menu having no choice, so I liked the concept of having a choice of 4 of the 7 courses. I opted for Dory, Crab, Wagyu and Honey, and my partner chose Rabbit, Monkfish, Iberico and Duck Egg. These courses were interspersed with an amuse bouche, bread, a pre dessert and chocolate. The cheese board was an optional extra which we took.
What can I say? It was perfect. The taste, textures and how they complemented each other was divine. Yes the portions are small, and I'm sure there are those who would say you don't get much for your money, but those are the people who don't understand the concept, and what you're paying for.
The wine pairing was spot on and perfectly complimented the food. My dinner partner is not a fan of red wine, but it turned out to be her favourite of the meal. I could not tell that the non-alcoholic pairing was alcohol free. The beef broth which was served with the wagyu was unlike anything I've tasted before.
Many places limit you to just a choice of 3 or 4 cheeses, but not here. I think there were 16 cheeses available and you could try all of them. Obviously the more you had the smaller the cut. I've not had cheese as good anywhere else.
As for the service, it was perfect. Our waitress Lauren was brilliant. The ambiance of the dining room was just right, and the whole setting within Boringdon Hall was very romantic.
We were the last guest in the dining room, but we did not feel rushed at all.
The experience was worth every penny.
It's Rachel's birthday soon and we will definitely be returning to celebrate here.
Access via the bar area. The restaurant is tastefully decorated, in keeping with the surroundings, with some separate areas. You order your 4 dishes, one from each group. You are started with bread and other nibbles made by the kitchen, followed by your dish selection, which is timed perfectly not to rush you, but not waiting too long either. You also get an extra pre-dessert dish. Excellent food and sevice, a great evening. The dishes are large and the meals are small, but pack a punch in taste and refinement.
We had a memorable evening at Acleaf. There were a few nice surprises. Food was well cooked, I liked the squab dish particularly, as it’s cooked pinked and yet the skin was crispy. The rhubarb crisp added an acidic balance to the dish. The waiter was engaging. But the service felt a little bit slow towards the end of the meal, and we had to ask for our drink twice.
Happy to say this was the best meal I've ever had. Knowledgable and friendly FoH staff guided us through the menu and drinks.
4 courses was just right, all dishes were bursting with flavours and paired excellently with wines.
Generous staff also spoilt us with birthday treats.
A shame I live so far away, but we will make the effort of visiting again!
Fine dining at its finest.
Superb front of house staff that endeavour to look after your every need.
Wonderful chefs that have mastered their art and produce deceptively simple dishes that explode onto the plate with flavour and passion.
Stunning grounds and a brilliant air of sophistication and tranquility. If you can afford it, it's a must try. One of very few true culinary experiences in Plymouth. And as of just yesterday, a michelin starred one.
What a sensational night!
Every course was a delightful surprise. This place is a must go for food lovers. Chef made the entire meal fun, fresh and exciting, I couldn't wait to see what was coming next. Service was excellent, Vlad and team were amazing and made our dinner a memorable one. Thank you!
Ps: not posting photos of the food because it feels like a spoiler. So here's a photo of the view instead.
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