Brambles Seafood + Grill in North Ayrshire

Really good food , great service and a dog friendly area within the restaurant-our waitress was exceptional and so attentive, our food was of the highest standard, we were given VIP treatment on the occasion of my wife's birthday and our 3 Dogs were pampered and looked after with water bowls and treats

Lovely meal in clean quite friendly restaurant with helpful knowledgeable staff what more could you ask for even had an area for those of us that want to bring our dogs along

This was the first of two restaurants we tried at Auchrannie. Mussel starter was delicious and generous for a starter; the parsnip soup also very good. Main was my standard burger which was excellent, whilst my wife was delighted with the hake,with its delicious sauce. Service was good and cheerful, though with a bit more of a gap than expected between starters and mains. And don't make my mistake of taking the first road to the resort, coming from Brodick. Take the next one, it's properly surfaced!

This was the best meal of our 2024 trip to Scotland (even better than a Michelin Star restaurant experience on same trip). Michelle was our server - friendly, professional and very helpful. All the dishes we ordered (shared starters, entrees, and desserts for a party of four) were delicious. The mussels were especially good and the tandoori hake was out of this world! This venue accommodates dogs very nicely in a seperate pretty private room. Highly recommend !

Location couldn't be better the island of Arran is one of the best locations in the world. Brambles is part of the Auchrannie resort an upmarket hotel. It is a far cry from what Arran used to be about roughing it camping with the midges. Staff are professional and attentive. I chose the pork terrine as a starter at £8.50. Good size portion and quality could have had a little more picalilly and dressing on the salad Main sea trout on the bone £25.00 even for Arran quite expensive. Again good quality though for my taste the trout was just a tad overdone. Enclosed couple of photos of surrounding area so you know what your missing

A great dining experience . Excellent food and friendly staff. Complimentary glass of bubbly provided! Thoroughly recommend this restaurant for any occasion.

This is the nicer of the two restaurants at this hotel. Staff were excellent & the food was delicious. My wife & I had different seafood dishes, both outstanding. Wine by the glass was good too.

What a breath of fresh air this restaurant is! Wonderful surroundings inside and out, 5 star customer service and incredible food (the best fish and chips I have ever eaten!). We will definitely be returning (possibly for our 7th Wedding Anniversary in October). Cannot recommend this restaurant enough.

Food was very good with a wide selection to choose from. Nice atmosphere and service was excellent. Was also good to have a drink in the bar after

The menu at Brambles is exceptional and the food is so well presented! What’s more it tastes great too! 5 star service from the Australian servers! We enjoyed mussels, steaks and desserts. All delicious! If visiting, you must have dinner here! Brambles > cruise bar for food.

Ate in this restaurant a couple of times during our stay, we stayed ate Auchrannie 3 nights. We had breakfast and lunch the couple of times we went. Some of the staff are spot on with their service, however I’ve came on to leave a review about two members of staff that made the atmosphere uncomfortable. This morning having breakfast we were served by a waitress Laura and upon arrival her face and persona was extremely sour and off, it seemed like a ‘bother’ that we were there and serving us. Asked a question about the menu and her response seemed liked she was really annoyed, she had a really bad attitude. My partner and myself actually commented to one another about her attitude, and how she was making us feel uncomfortable to be served by her. On Friday afternoon we dined for lunch, this was our first meal at brambles and we where put off upon arrival, we were served by a lady with ginger/brown hair and slightly larger and her face was extremely sour and didn’t crack a smile or any manners. I’m not sure why staff like this are working in such an establishment, as again we felt uncomfortable dinning here because of a waiters attitude. It was like it was such a bother to serve us or we were not good enough to dine there. Fortunately as mentioned at the top of my review, other staff were extremely welcoming and interacting with my little girl which made us feel comfortable. Overall the food was good, just a shame some staff let our experience down.

We treated our family to dinner in this restaurant recently and enjoyed the food, but the impression we got was that the staff were under serious pressure. The food was nice enough but we thought that it was pretty expensive.

Credit to Auchrannie staff and Brambles for the huge improvement in service and food quality. It was always good but on our recent visit they are a notch up as staff were exceptional hosts. Fishcake Kedgeree starter was delicious, flat iron steaks perfect and the excellent dessert ensured we left content and will return again next October for sure.

While staying at Auchrannie we made a reservation in advance for our evening meal in Bramble’s restaurant, this was after looking through the menus of the three on site restaurants available. We were seated right by the door despite other tables available in the more comfortable and warm looking area of the restaurant. Then we watched other diners with no reservations be seated in these tables. When seated we were told “I’ll just get you some water” the water didn’t arrive, waiter arrived to ask if we would like a drink, order a bottle of wine….asked for water. Eventually the bottle of wine arrived, not served by the waiter but a lady who is obviously the only person trusted to serve decent bottles of wine. Asked her for water….finally on third attempt received water, which was never topped up during our visit! Starters are not this restaurant’s thing….I wouldn’t bother! Crispy squid….absolutely nothing crispy about it, soggy! Mains redeemed somewhat, thank goodness! Steak was lovely! Ordered a crumble for dessert and it was ok. The waiter was nice but not attentive and hardly saw him! I happened to mention that my starter was just a bit ok….he implied that he knew that but wouldn’t have said! We had higher expectations of a special meal with excellent service! Didn’t live up to it unfortunately. The cozy bar in the hotel entrance is lovely and comfortable for a nightcap unlike the restaurant which didn’t feel warm or comfortable.

The restaurant was decorated well, and had a nice feel inside. The room was light and spacious. Unfortunately on sitting down we were Told that they had run out of Mussels, rockfish, wagu beef, and a few other pieces, meaning for the seafood restaurant they really only had, fish and chips and a fish soup left available. We were okay with this and made do with the reduced menu, we went to order drinks and were told a large number of their beers were also not available. The servers were friendly and polite, but when we received the bill, we waited over 20 minutes to be told we had to go to the bar to pay, it was little things which we felt really affected the overall feel of the evening. The food was generally good once it arrived, but the battering on the fish wasn’t all crispy, the Cullen skink was under seasoned and the new potatoes were too salty

Fabulous tasting food, excellent service well worth the money. First night on holiday, have son with autism, they knew in advance ( definitely book) and gave us lovely corner table with sofa Bench. We ordered fish and chips, grilled salmon and a venison pie. OMG food tasted amazing. Desserts £9 so shared one but they halved it for us and served it on two plates. Mains are big, desserts average size. Beer excellent; wine so so but I chose a less expensive one. Totally recommend it they gave us a lovel evening out and the decor etc is smashing. 2 courses, drinks for 3 just under £90.

Just had another delicious leisurely lunch at Brambles. Really lovely, friendly and professional staff as always. I highly recommend a meal here whilst you are on this wonderful island. A real gem.

This was an unexpected gem for my wife and myself. Located within the Auchrannie Resort, this restaurant boasts the most amazing seafood. The decor has a casual cool chic vibe while remaining homely. It also has an impressive menu that would satisfy every palete. We were served by Ankit, who provided a level of service synonmous with top end 5 star hotels. It was first class, friendly, professional and attentive. Highly recommended.

On a short family break with our adult son, staying at Auchrannie we blew the budget in Brambles Restaurant on our last night. The Paella was packed with seafood and my steak was cooked to perfection. The fish & chips was served crisp and delicious.

Visited with friends, and once again aspects of the food were not acceptable. 2 of us ordered the heritage tomatoes and burrata starter. What was served was dreadful. Mine had absolutely no heritage tomatoes, only bog standard tomatoes, with my friend having a couple of bits of yellow tomatoes. What was served as burrata, bore no recognition to the ball of lovely burrata, but simply a splodge of mozzarella watered down, with 2 bits of dried up basil. For £11, shocking. Issue with wine, in that they had to send for a cold bottle from another restaurant, which took ages. When it eventually came, it was warm, and we were asked if we wanted ice?? The floor manager went and checked when I mentioned the starters, at the end of the meal, as I had not wanted an issue during the meal. This was only about the tomatoes, returning with an apology and taking one of the starters off the bill. For £11, you need to do much better.

We had an early dinner here. The location and restaurant are just lovely and the staff excellent. We had tuna and salmon grilled and local drinks. Everything was superb and we thought good value. We would definately eat there again.

A disappointing dinner but the staff were very quick to make amends and so overall the evening was saved. The paella was very dry and had been reheated in such a way that all moisture had been eliminated. Restaurant manager was most apologetic and the dish was not charged for on our bill. We have enjoyed so many meals here in the past. Let's hope this was just a one-off

Lovely friendly staff. Great food - never knew moules could taste like this. Really good menu choices, fab atmosphere - went back two days later!

Dined here on Friday 24th March. Table of 6 for a special birthday meal. Service was very professional and friendly with a bit of banter thrown in which always makes for a relaxed and welcoming experience. Food was great, starters and mains for all and...

Great staff and food. Very friendly and polite Great décor and you just felt as home will be back soon

The restaurant had a really nice and cosy feel inside, the staff were friendly and the food good albeit a little on the pricier side. We shared the stone bass sharing plate and liked being able to choose what sides and sauces we wanted. I...

Eaten here twice. Super impressed the first time, came back again. Excellent service, amazing food, great ambiance, locality etc. Highly recommend. Cullen skink as a starter fantastic, twice! Squid as a starter on the second time, amazing. King prawn and monkfish skewer first time, incredible....

Tonight we both had a delicious meal at The Brambles Seafood and Grill. The mussels were absolutely delicious 😋😋😋

We had a good meal here characterised by a warm professional welcome and good menu and wine choice. Prompt and very helpful service made the occasion memorable. Strongly recommended.

Had an overnight stay in Auchrannie , very luxurious and Staff were all very efficient and friendly . We had dinner , which was excellent , the breakfast this morning was delicious. I couldn't fault anything about my stay and highly recommend it to anyone...

My hubby & I ate dinner at Brambles for the first time last night. Restaurant is beautifully decorated with a really relaxing atmosphere. Staff were warm, welcoming and attentive. Great menu - seasonal, not too many dishes (quality over quantity). Wine list also good. We...

We have been to restaurant on numerous occasions and would highly recommend. The food is delicious and the staff service was first class. Lovely environment and atmosphere.

Good food but definitely more expensive than other restaurants nearby. 2 starters, 2 mains, 2 sides, 2 beers and a coke £92. Good portion size as we were too full for dessert..

A lovely restaurant with a menu that was stacked with incredible options. The service was first class (Kam was the most lovely waitress), and the food... wow! 3 courses of perfection!

A nice family restaurant with friendly and efficient service. Freshly cooked local food which is of a good standard. Convenient if you are staying at the resort.

We went to Brambles as a special treat on a family member's birthday. I had the Goan monkfish curry: flavoursome, with plenty of fish and decent-sized portion. My son and wife both had the venison burger, which was very tasty and very generous in their...

Absolutely fantastic experience - would highly recommend a visit to Brambles Bar and Grill when on Arran. The food was incredible but more importantly, that staff were simply wonderful! Everyone was so attentive and genuinely wanted all their customers to have the best possible experience....

Bit of a mixed story I guess. Me and my partner recently went there we both did enjoy our starter I had the chowder and he had the pork belly which in hindsight was pulled pork but he still enjoyed it. Now the mains I...

Nice setting but the music was slightly loud in incongruous with the surroundings. Mussels and fish cake were excellent. Very friendly staff.

This was such a mixed dining experience. The good Cullen Skink was excellent. The venison burger was excellent. The fish was cooked to perfection. Most staff were friendly and pleasant. The bad Only Tenants ale on draft. Decent beer only available in bottles. Chips were...

This was a very nice meal which we booked and had a short drive to the Auchrannue resort. It was busy but the service was excellent and the food great. We had the sea bass and the cheese and beetroot tart with some extra vegetables...

lovely setting for the restaurant. Toilets were pristine and free wifi. Varied menu with several tasty options. We chose the Cullen skink- listed as a hearty soup- it was tasty but would have benefited from more fish/ thickness to it. The sourdough bread was fresh...

Went twice during our four-day stay! Restaurant is light and airy, staff were cheerful, friendly and efficient (quite busy - need to book). Recommend the mushrooms on toast, the pork tomahawk and the prawn/monkfish skewers and the lemon/pistachio/raspberry macaroon and ice dream dessert.

I stayed at Auchrannie in April and as such had breakfast in Brambles as well as choosing to have dinner here one evening. On all occasions the food was delicious and beautifully presented and the staff were extremely friendly and helpful. As someone who is...

Lovely place and the staff were brilliant. So professional, helpful and friendly. Over priced on the whole. I had vegetable curry which tasted nothing like curry, more of a tomato ratatouille so veggie option wasn't great.

Nice location. Meal was adequate but a bit on the pricey side. Service was good although we had to ask where our chips and salad was with the main meal. It was brought quickly afterwards.

Seems management need more tips on manners. Waitress staff superb and attentive however management lack manners Food was good, however this place is seriously overpriced in my opinion for what you receive

We had a fabulous meal in Brambles last night - fish cake and prawn starters were on point followed by ribeye steaks which were well cooked and tender. Staff were very attentive and engaging (should have got names but the two guys on duty were...

Amazing meal! Couldn’t fault this place. A beautiful restaurant, immaculate service and delicious food and wine! I had the chicken with dauphinois potatoes and black pudding- it was so lush! And a stunning cheesecake with ice cream for dessert. Will definitely return next time we’re...

Staff were very friendly and polite. I had the fish cake starter which was really nice. I thought I would try the fish and chips and it was very underwhelming. The fish was slightly over cooked and the chips were too large, with the skins...

Waitress very pleasant, portions size large, food good more for families or if you are staying at the resort, restaurant very hot

Tables were wiped down meticulously between diners - covid measures were second to none in Brambles. This restaurant may be a bit off the beaten track, but it is well worth the detour to find it. The service was excellent and the food delicious. Thank...

A visit to Brambles that did not disappoint, drinks outside on their terrace in the blistering sunshine is just what’s needed after a busy day before stepping inside to have a wonderful dining experience! Would like to say a very big well done to the staff who looked after us; Duncan, Blair & Ashley! It cannot be easy working in such a busy restaurant, ensuring social distancing is adhered to while also making sure that each guest has a great experience! We will definitely visit again ! Thank you!

We visited here yesterday evening , and were very impressed by the arrangements in place to deal with the epidemic. The screens are well designed and don't look out of place or institutional . We were greeted warmly and although a bit earlier than booked, were shown to our table which had just been sanitised . Cutlery and condiments were brought to the table on a tray and we were able to arrange them ourselves. The wine was brought on a tray as well ,unopened and we opened it and poured for ourselves. Good thinking by the folks in charge! The menu has changed a bit since we were last here, not such a big choice as before, but very good quality and generous proportions. Service was quiet and very efficient, we were not rushed to have our meal, and left having had a very pleasant evening. Our only complaint was that the last bus home had been cancelled and we had to walk!!!!! (Nothing to do with Auchrannie though!!)

They take Covid precautions very seriously, haven’t been anywhere that’s beat them on that front. Plenty of space between tables and also dog friendly.Food was fine - but I’d return more for the comfort.

Ate here on the first night of our stay and thoroughly enjoyed our meal, Jodie our server was pretty friendly and attentive, quite with it. Good eating. Mussels in beer and mustard, Awesome!

For my recent trip to the Auchrannie my partner and myself had both breakfast and dinner both days at this restaurant and we both agreed that we could not fault the food at all. Was top quality food and really decent portion sizes. My partners only criticism was that we wanted more of the full Scottish breakfast as it was so good and could’ve eaten double the amount. 10/10

The restaurant looks good inside and the food was nicely cooked. I had the monkfish curry and my only real complaint would be I like my curries a bit spicier. Although we did enjoy our meal, had this been my first post lockdown experience it would have put me off dining outService was friendly enough for the most part but the restaurant takes it covid restrictions very seriously and can sometimes be a bit off-putting how they get their message across. you don't even get asked if you would like to taste your wine, the tray of drinks is just put on your table and you are told to pour them yourself. There is a requirement to wear face masks everywhere except while sitting at your table and depending what time you book, you may be restricted to a 70 minute slot.

We booked to eat here and knew that there may be a 90 minute limit on it, when we turned up we were told we had to be out no longer than 70 minutes! Why not tell the next person that it wouldn't be available till 7.30pm?! So from the second we sat down we felt like we were on the clock. We decided to just go for a main course, I had the beetroot and ricotta tart, which was actually a slice of tart. Fortunately we had ordered an extra side of roasted cauliflower which was the difference of the dish being bland and being tasty - cost £5.95 for a small side dish.We wanted to share a dessert and when we asked to wait 10 minutes before this was served, to let our mains settle in our stomach, we were met with a glance albeit subtle, of the watch. I actually felt sorry for the wait staff being under the cosh like this.We actually wanted to have a relaxing 2nd drink but decided not to bother and left. Over £60, not worth it.

Brambles has always been a favourite of ours and is coping well in the current crisis.The only criticism we would have is allowing dogs into the restaurant during meals, chaos sometimes erupts if the canines are upset. The hotel is dog friendly which is not a problem but please use common sense.

Dropped into the Auchrannie Hotel. Wife and I and two friends had a nice lunch in the Brambles Restraurant. Made most welcome

First night on Auchrannie dined here great surroundings pleasant staff good menu, we opted for 2 steaks sirloin and rib eye very nice well seasoned steaks very impressed with in hurried service

Ate here on the second night of our stay at Auchrannie and did not disappoint. We only had mains & deserts. My wife had the chicken dish with black pudding dauphinoise followed by the chocolate & ginger tart & I had the rib eye steak followed by sticky toffee pudding. Only moan was the size of the chocolate tart it would not have looked out of place in a dolls house restaurant and the severe lack of ginger & rum soaked raspberries.

From someone outside the resort it was interesting to pop in and experience the range of sea food particularly. Obviously it seemed most people were staying in the resort.

We had a lovely evening meal. The mussels were cooked perfectly and it was a generous portion. We all really enjoyed them. Excellent service.

Well, sea food and good wine list. Go easy though. Portions are very ample, so do not order a five course meal here without consulting the staff. I'd go back here time after time.

Came here with my 5 friends as celebrating 30 yrs of friendship an qualified as nurses ...we were staying at lodges on auchrannie ....the atmosphere was relaxed although place very busy 8pm on a saturday night ..service excellent the "banter"with the manager he has wicked sense of humour ad the young staff made the night complete ...2 of our table had the starters of mussels and what a portion they had ENORMOUS am glad i didnt get them as wdnt have been able to finish my deliscious steak done to perfection ...great value fr money due to portion size quality of food ..made a perfect ending to a fantastic trip to auchrannie

We had a very good evening meal enjoying some local produce including Scottish beef , mussels and icecream which were all very good! The staff were most helpful in regard to Coeliac advice which was quickly and correctly sourced from the chef!

This was a good recommendation from a local. A very pleasant, nicely furnished and decorated room which offered us the distinct advantage that it was a dog friendly area of the restaurant. Notwithstanding that we were separated from the main restaurant, the service was attentive and the food and wines well received. We would definitely return to investigate the menu further.

We were on Arran for a week recently and this restaurant served the tastiest and freshest food we had all week. The service wasn't too bad and the decor and ambiance is lovely but what really stood out was the food. Everybody at the table enjoyed their meal and I wouldn't hesitate to return.

We stayed in the house hotel rather than the Spa resort. Whilst our stay was very nice we disappointed in the breakfast one morning, other mornings was ok. We decided to eat dinner in other building as it seemed to have more choice.

Knowing a group of vegans was coming to stay at their hotel, the chefs came up with some delicious menus

Brambles restaurant. Great food, good quality food, excellent menu and served by friendly helpful staff.

Had dinner and breakfast here this week...the breakfast choice, ingredients and cooked all to perfection. The veggie breakfast was outstanding. As a veggie my friends get anxious re chives and this often determines where we choose to have dinner. The ambience and atmosphere in Brambles was great and the staff were welcoming and knowledgable....the veggie choice sounded ok...but the Moroccan dish had wonderful flavours but the tofu was not for me...a bit more choice or flexibility would make this restaurant perfect

We ate here while staying in the attached hotel. Wonderful service and the food was excellent.

This is part of the larger hotel and spa complex set in large and pretty gardens. High standards of service and quality food served here. The staff are polite friendly courteous and helpful. Food is prepared and presented to a high standard. This restaurant is considerably pricier than many on the island

Das Restaurant befindet sich ausserhalb von Brodick. Reservierung von Vorteil. Die Bedienung war freundlich. Das Essen war vorzüglich.

Visited twice whilst staying in one of the Lodges. Convenient. Nice decor and service good. Meals were very good. Just felt the prices were rather high especially for steak.

Excellent food, great staff, very helpful and lovely place to sit and chill. Very kid friendly and it was great to be served by all Scottish Staff.

We were staying at Auchrannie and only tried this place on the last night - a shame as it was very good. Decent menu and a specials board. Food excellent and service too. Quiter than Cruize.

Nicely decorated restaurant on a resort. Unfortunately our starter was very slow in arriving, but they sorted it out as quickly as they could and the food was very good when it arrived.

Efficient service but average food - the steak was under done, there were no peas with the battered haddock and a tasteless tiramisu. The restaurant is a big open room making it very noisy but is nicely furnished. Signage in the entrance of the building could be improved - we weren’t staying at the Auchrannie resort and had to go into the 1869 restaurant to ask for directions. Unfortunately we wouldn’t rush back.

Our first visit to Arran & we stayed at the resort. It’s a nicely decorated restaurant but everything else was a disappointment. The service was poor and the food (starter & main) was tasteless. Although the menu was appealing, the food did not deliver at all. We did not risk ordering dessert and ordered two decaffeinated cappuccinos instead. Sadly, the restaurant couldn’t make two cup of decent coffees either.

What an enormous letdown our dinner at Brambles turned out to be. Firstly, it must be stressed that the service and ambience was top-notch. But the food - both in presentation and quality - was very poor fare.

Food was very good and there was a good choice. Atmosphere was very relaxing and staff were very nice. Much better than Cruize at Auchrannie

Four of us went to Brambles on Sunday to celebrate a special birthday. We were greeted in an offhand manner before being seated at a table against a fire escape, which was fine apart from when the waitress kept reaching across my husband to serve me my food. Overall, the service was poor and inappropriate ( massaging shoulders!? ). Before ordering, one of our friends tried to ask about the menu and the waiter cut across him 3 times. I ordered a glass of Malbec for the main course and when it never appeared, I asked if it was on its way, having nearly finished the steak I wanted to drink it with, only to be told they were out of that wine! Really, you weren't going to tell me? I can honestly say that's a first.

Fabulous friendly restaurant serving first class food. Dog friendly area available. Good menu and great location within Auchrannie Resort.

Always visit when on arran. Staff are friendly, wide selection of drinks. And the food is lovely. Comfortable atmosphere

Booked a table here during our stay at Auchrannie.

Food read much better than it tasted! Felt rushed because we had booked for quite a late sitting! The batter on our fish was inedible because it was thick and soft and the chips were greasy and soft also! Maybe cooking oil not hot enough?? I did point out to the waitress why I hadn’t eaten it and she agreed it wasn’t crispy and that was all that was said! Very disappointing

A very nice meal, a good selection to choose from. Pleasant dining experience with good knowlegable staff

We had evening meal there. Food and service were excellent with a good range on the menu. Good to see emphasis on local products.

The staff are lovely friendly professional people who make this place, however the food is not tasty, I wished I had not paid for dinner b & b. There are 3 restaurants to choose from sadly food not wonderfull in any. I would loike to say we had ribeye on last night and it was really delicious, phew thank goodness.

We had dinner at Brambles and everything was top quality. The staff were very friendly and attentive. We also had breakfast and again everything was delicious. I highly recommend eating there when in Brodick.

I am afraid I was disappointed with the food. I had a fish and pasta. Small portion of fish was good but the spaghetti was really tasteless. I think it was overpriced altogether even if it was a pleasant atmosphere and service ok.

Heartily recommend eating here whether staying at the hotel or just passing by. They seem to be going for a winebar feel with an interesting selection and lots of delicious food choices. I had feared it would be burgers and fried things, but was pleasantly surprised by the range of seafood and local produce. I had stonebass with spagetti and crayfish, with a td too much smaphyre for comfort. This was fresh and tasty. He had crab chowder which was creamy and served with nice sourdough bread, followed by smoked mackerel with potato salad , pickles and a side salad. All in all a very good and reasonably priced affair.

We visited on Friday night. Restaurant was busy with a nice buzz but not overcrowded. Nice wine list, slightly on the expensive side with the cheapest around £20. We ordered the Malbec, which i would highly recommend.

My girlfriend and I just visited Brambles Restaurant and were wholly underwhelmed with the experience.

We visited Brambles twice during our visit to Auchrannie and enjoyed both meals.,The fish was cooked to perfection ! My only criticism is that it was a bit too expensive

We’ve just visited for the first time and will definitely be back. Why ? Well to begin with the service was the best we’ve experienced anywhere in the world. From the warm welcome, to the attentive but unobtrusive performance of the waitresses - we got iced water immediately and top ups throughout the meal without having to ask, time to study the food and wine menus without feeling abandoned, and prompt service of our food without feeling rushed.