My friend urged me to check out Le Colonial, and despite not being a fan of Taiwanese cuisine, I was intrigued by the rave reviews. Nestled in the heart of Buckhead Village, Le Colonial boasts a warm, exotic ambiance that transports diners to a jungle-like setting. I was instantly charmed by the theme, the elegant decor, and the well-dressed servers.
Upon entering, I had high hopes for a delightful evening. We had made a reservation, but the inside was fully booked, which meant we had to wait. For those who know me, waiting for a table is not my forte—hence the reason I make reservations in advance. Fortunately, the patio was relatively empty, and we opted to dine outside.
The view was stunning, and the pleasant weather created a perfect atmosphere for an evening under the stars. However, after nearly 18 minutes, our server finally approached us—with no greeting or pleasantries, just a passive-aggressive inquiry about our drink choices. It was not the warm introduction one would hope for, but we were hungry, so we shrugged it off. Little did I know that this was just the beginning of a long night.
After I mentioned it was my first visit, the server made no effort to guide us through the menu. Instead of offering recommendations or insights, his responses were vague, often limited to “this is good” or “this is not good.” It felt as though he was disinterested in his role, which detracted from the overall experience. Every detail matters, especially in a dining setting.
The food itself was fresh. The tuna tartare was a standout appetizer that I highly recommend. However, I found the Chicken stir fry lacking in spice, though I appreciated the generous portion size—definitely shareable.
Unfortunately, I didn’t have the appetite or energy left for dessert, which is unusual for me as I have a sweet tooth. My decision to leave was prompted by the server’s casual remark, which included a curse word. While I appreciate a relaxed atmosphere, I believe professionalism is essential in the service industry.
On the bright side, the prices were not as steep as the server’s attitude. While I’m not eager to return, I encourage you to try Le Colonial for yourself and share your experience. I hope my visit was just an off day for them.
You can watch the full review below.