Menu-less restaurants?
 

As I was eating and drinking my way through Italy last week it occurred to me that the best restaurants we went to were menu-less - they just bring you plate after plate after plate of whatever they're serving that night, and usually all of it outstanding. I was pondering whether such a concept would ever be popular in the states, outside of a few niche locations. What do you think - would this ever catch on, presuming the food was of the same quality you get in Italy, or is that last constraint laughable?

Isn't this the same thing as the places that only do a tasting menu? There are a lot of those here...

I can think of a couple (one in my town, even, which isn't that large) that change menus daily, but require booking in advance. They have maybe two or three choices for each course, and you just better hope you like what they have the day you go. That seems pretty close.

I've been to a Chinese place in San Francisco that just brought food when they were very busy (which was most of the time). The waiter would ask initially about some basic things you did/didn't want--chicken? Yes! Beef? No! Spicy? Yes!--and bring food accordingly. Their food was very, very good, so it tended to work out!

in france, menu degustation(also called surprise, and leftovers) was/is quite common. in usa, we have the 5or8or12 course tasting menu. in italy, it was pretty easy to find a restaurant that would "find out what we have in the kitchen"

Not exactly the same. While the tasting or degustation menu is usually 5 or 8 courses of small dishes, carefully chosen, I'm talking more about what Slawecki mentioned where they just bring to the table platter after platter of whatever they're cooking that day. I've lost track of how many incredible meals I've had in Italy like that

We do it at several restaurants where we are regulars. We go in, the hostess sits us down, brings the menus, the manager comes over and asks if we want him to take care of us and he takes away the menus and starts bringing us food.

We have done it for three or four years now in this case, and even though he always offers it to people, he has said very very few take him up on it.

I think it's sad and they are really missing out, but for whatever reason, many (most?) people in the United States are not comfortable if they order off the menu.

Personally, I love it.

I'd be very comfortable with this concept if I knew in advance what it was going to cost me. And yes, I realize, "if you have to ask...." then you probably can't afford it. So sue me, I like to know what I'm paying in advance.

Menu-less restaurants?
 

That is a point - I've had from 25 euros a head, wine included, to 200 euros a head just for food at Michelin starred restaurants

There are a few of my local restaurants that I would love (and trust) if they did this. Hmm, may need to ask next time I'm in there.:D

In Japan, they are called Kappo type restaurants.

My favorite place, chef already knows my preferences, likes and dislikes, he just requests that I call him a day before so he can be sure that he has the supplies needed to make us a meal that is tailored for us.

We get there,we have no idea what he is making but 20 plus times we have done this, only once was the meal not to die for. There is a sense of anticipation each and every time we go.

State Bird Provisions in SF, Bon Appetite's best new restaurant in the country, is basically menu-less.

The only true menu-less restaurants I've been to were in Italy also. Though when I go to Japanese restos I usually just do Omakase style and let the chef take care of us. It adds that element of anticipation and surprise to your meal which for me, adds to the whole experience.

If anybody has any recommendations for great restaurants within about 50 miles of Boston that might provide an outstanding dining experience (maybe even off the menu?), please PM me. Will be back in Portsmouth, NH in March...We mainly look for off the beaten track, non-chain, places, for example, Joe's Boathouse in Portland, although it looks to be taking a beating in the online ratings of late...we liked it the last time there

We had a local Chinese restaurant where the owner did that for us. He usually asked how much we wanted to spend. It was great. Unfortunately, they closed.

But then dim sum is sort of like that, isn't it?

I'd say the Chinese and Italians are onto something here..

Just up the road from Portsmouth, NH:

http://www.arrowsrestaurant.com/index.cfm

^

Well, it looks good anyway, but not open until April. Will try to hit it on the next visit.

By the way, geo1005, you've been to this place - is it not clear what sort of restaurant this is before you go there? I only ask because the TA reviews are so typical of people who go to high end places then ..... about the prices. My favorite quote of one diner paraphrasing another "All I want is a salad with blue cheese and a steak.."

Sorry to have missed the "closed until April" part!

Arrows is upscale. The chefs are big on local ingredients and freshness across the board. They are also very flexible with the menu in that you can mix and match from their pre-set menus with no problems.

Regarding TA, I question the validity of those reviews all the time. And I don't pay much attention to them quite honestly. Most of the posts come across as complaints about a restaurant not being what someone expected rather than the restaurant not being good at what it tried to accomplish. There is a big difference IMO.

A steakhouse review from someone who doesn't eat in steakhouses regularly and uses The Outback as their point of reference is not really helpful. ;)

Family run restos in both cases, with chefs and proprietors who tend to be proud of their origins and skills. Korea is also a good place to try this approach...

House of Nanking?

My family has been going to this place in NYC for 40 years.

No menu, but the meal is always the same.

Great price point for the quality and quantity.

The only issue (for some) is that the decor is straight out of 1965, but it sets the stage well for the meal.

http://www.marchirestaurant.com/