Reviews for Lussmanns Fish and Grill

Disappointing

My first visit; I was looking forward to a good evening, but sadly I was disappointed in Lussmans, considering they won a local foodie award this year, it did not meet my expectations. The fishcake starter , nicely presented, was bland and lacking in texture, smooth mostly potato, a hint of unidentifiable fish, ideal baby weaning food! The salmon main course could have been cooked a little less and the potato cake that accompanied it would have been great as a fishcake, chunky texture, with crushed potato. perhaps they were served in the wrong order! The sticky toffee pudding tasted decidedly 'shop bought' almost as if it had been microwaved, it certainly wasn't from The Pudding stop, which I frequent weekly. However, the decor and restaurant are attractive, and the waiting staff are very pleasant can courteous. [Dec 11]

Andrei Lussmann responds: My apologies that we didn’t deliver as expected. From your comments it seems that we fell well below par. Not knowing when you ate with us it is impossible to establish whether what you ordered was to standard or not. Either way I’m not happy that you left feeling underwhelmed.

The fishcake and the sticky toffee pudding are both made in house and are amongst our top 5 sellers. It is therefore both unusual and surprising to learn of your experience - more so as both these dishes form part of our very successful two course £10.95 set lunch deal. Never-the-less we will review present practices and improve where required.

Moving forward it would be great to invite you back for a re-taster on us. Please email me at andrei@lussmanns.com and I would be more than happy to send out a gift voucher that can be used at your leisure.

Edging ahead as St Albans' best

Been a few times, consistently creative food on the menu. And you get the sense the kitchen knows what they're doing. Modern stylish feel to the place with excellent service. The whole experience feels cutting edge yet good value. I would recommend it. [Sep 11]

Lovely food and fantastic service

We really like this restaurant. Atmosphere is lovely and service is fantastic. Our favourite is to order the Wild local rabbit andamp; chestnut mushroom linguine and the Rump steak andamp; frites and share. Superb! I would say that its a little on the expensive side but we have never had a bad meal there! [Aug 11]

Best restaurant in St. Albans?

I haven't eaten at them all so I couldn't say for sure but Lussmanns is certainly in the running for this accolade. I've been to Lussmans on a few occasions including organising my mothers 60th birthday here. The service is excellent and the ambience and decor is pleasing and relaxing. The range of food on the menu and the fact that it is both local and seasonal are both huge winners for me. There are some tables that are much nicer to be sitting at than others which can add or detract from the experience. This is probably my favourite restaurant in St. Albans currently and certainly the place my wife and I will go to if we want to treat ourselves. If you haven't been I thoroughly recommend it. [May 11]

very good food, improve the lighting please

Overall very good! One disappointing starter (mackerel and mine) out of four; all the main courses were enjoyed and two required a bit of extra seasoning. Our waitress was very pleasant and efficient. The dimmed lighting, (we were upstairs) meant that we struggled to read the menus for dessert and it was also a bit hot up there as well. The overall atmosphere with the kitchen / pass on show on the main floor was good, it is obviously a popular place. Very reasonable pricing as well. [Apr 11]

first timer

Great expectations on first visit, very lively and friendly atmosphere we were seated upstairs where the lighting made it a little difficult to read the menu, service was good, starters were very disappointing main course saved the day, an enjoyable evening, good wine, limited choice of beer would like to try again but will wait a bit. [Feb 11]

Andrei Lussmann responds:

Hello Terry. Thank you for your valued feedback. Lighting can always be increased should it be a little dim. Our beer choice, though not European, does go some way to enlightening the great brewing talents that are on our doorstep. Though they have enjoyed much applause I can appreciate that it might not be to everyone’s taste. I am happy to learn of the good service but equally concerned about your starters. In this case it would be great to learn a little more in order that we may investigate further. Andrei Lussmann (andrei@lussmanns.com)

We only have one complaint

We only have one complaint to make which is the lack of good lighting over our table.We had a lot of trouble trying to read the menu. There were two spotlights coming down in the middle of our table seating four people, but as the menus are very large when someone opposite wanted to use the spotlight they put the lit area in the shade, so that only the two people sitting next to each other can read their menu, those opposite have to wait.We even tried using the tealight candle for extra illumination. So please consider installing brighter lamps. We cannot however fault the excellent food or the waiting staff. [Jan 11]

Andrei Lussmann responds:

Thankfully the food and service was excellent. The problem might be the size of the new style menus or the lights just need turning up as the entire system is on a dimmer switch. Though the lighting is altogether more flattering by directing a pool of light into the centre of the table, the process inadvertently pulls patrons together thus creating your own bubble of intimacy, just like candles used to do. As part of our sustainability charter we will soon be moving all lights over to LEDs, thus providing the perfect opportunity review the matter once again. Thanks for your support. Andrei

Quality

Lussmans is quality. Service is brilliant, and even if you have a problem, the issue is resolved quickly and with a smile. Service seems seamless, and whilst the staff is attentive, they get the balance between letting you eat and bothering you absolutely right! Food is just amazing--locally sourced, high quality, yum. There is no confusion between offering quantity as opposed to quality. I have had fish, pasta and burgers on my visits, and never have I been disappointed! Must go back now...[Jan 11]

An old Favourite

Myself and four girlfriends went to Lussans for our Christmas meal and, as always, enjoyed a wonderful evening. The food is consistantly good, served by polite, informative waiting staff and the prices are reasonable. My haloumi and roasted vegetable starter was delicious as was the steak and frites main. The meat was cooked to perfection. My warm chocolate and walnut brownie desert was to die for - I'd walk over hot coals to eat it again. Can't recommend highly enough. [Dec 10]

Consistantly Brilliant

My favourite hobby is eating out and my favourite affordable place to do that is Lussmanns. The food is always excellent and is only challanged by the brilliant service. I cannot find anywhere in Hertfordshire that can get both elements so right - consistantly. Personal favourites are the linguini with crab and chilli and the schnitzel with linguini. A dessert wine to finish with a great selection of cheeses rounds the evening and me off well! Why do other establishments find it so hard when Andrei Lussmann makes it look so easy. [Nov 10]