5 /5 Lo: I chose Protégé for our anniversary dinner on a Tuesday evening, booking the last available time slot. When we arrived at 6:30 pm, the restaurant was already lively with patrons, yet street parking was plentiful. We were warmly greeted by the host and seated in the main dining room near the bar. The atmosphere struck a balance between intimate and vibrant—cozy lighting, a view of the open kitchen, a large glass wall looking outside, and a playlist mixing old classics with current pop hits created a welcoming ambiance.
Our server, Patrick, was attentive and took time to explain the menu and share thoughtful recommendations. We began with oysters, milk bread with butter, and the crab & caviar. Each starter was brought out promptly and plated beautifully. The oysters were incredibly fresh, and the milk bread—soft, warm, and paired with rich butter—was an instant favorite.
The stone fruit salad and the octopus were highlights of the night, both recommended by Patrick. The salad was a surprisingly delight, perfectly balancing sweet and savory with a deep, cured flavor I wouldn’t have thought to order myself. The octopus was tender and artfully presented with olive oil foam and a bright, flavorful sauce.
For mains, we shared the brick chicken and halibut. The chicken was juicy with crispy skin, served over a well-seasoned fideuà that paired beautifully without overpowering the dish. The halibut was equally impressive, accented by crunchy toppings that added texture and flavor.
Dessert was both playful and refined, the 18-layer Dubai chocolate cake and the mushroom cap cookie. The cake was stunning, with layers of nutty pistachio and just enough bitterness from dark chocolate to balance the sweetness. The mushroom cookie, subtly fragrant with maple and served alongside ice cream, was whimsical and memorable.
We also sampled three cocktails, all well-crafted. The Match Made in Honey was a highlight, while the Old Fashioned was perfectly balanced.
Overall, the dinner and service were excellent. The only touch I felt was missing—given it was a special occasion—was a small gesture such as a card, something I enjoy collecting from restaurants each year. That said, Protégé may not be that kind of establishment, and the experience itself was more than enough to make the evening special. I’d happily return to explore more of their seasonal offerings.
