Excellent Food, but Very Expensive for a Regular Night Out.
Arlo is, without question, doing something special. From the moment the plates hit the table, it’s clear this is a kitchen driven by creativity, confidence, and technical skill. The food is delicious, original, and thoughtfully executed—designed to surprise you in the best way.
Part of the fun at Arlo is being nudged outside your comfort zone. Dishes featuring things you might not normally order—like eel or trout tartare—are handled with finesse and balance, making the unfamiliar feel exciting rather than intimidating. Everything we tried was beautifully presented and impeccably prepared. The schnitzel was the undeniable standout of the night: crisp, rich, and deeply satisfying. The cod was also excellent, perfectly cooked and delicate, while the duck impressed with both flavor and texture, especially paired with genuinely addictive fries.
Service deserves its own applause. Our server was warm, attentive, and knowledgeable without ever feeling rehearsed or pretentious—exactly the kind of service that elevates a meal without overshadowing it.
The drinks largely matched the quality of the food. Cocktails were creative and delicious, and desserts were truly outstanding—easily on par with the strongest dishes of the evening. The one weak point was the mocktail offering. At this price point, serving only canned or bottled non-alcoholic drinks feels like a missed opportunity. A house-crafted mocktail list would be far more in line with the ambition of the kitchen.
And that brings me to the main hesitation: the price. Arlo absolutely deserves its stars and the praise it receives, but it’s undeniably expensive. While the experience was enjoyable, it’s not the kind of food that lingers in your mind as a craving. When I truly love a restaurant, I find myself wanting to return almost immediately—the dishes haunt me a little. Here, the combinations (eel & beef tataki, for example or escargots & snitzel) are clever and well executed, but not exactly habitual things you’d crave. It’s hard to justify returning to pay that much for dishes I know I can find equally excellent versions of elsewhere at a more approachable price.
In the end, Arlo feels less like a place to leave full and deeply satisfied, and more like a curated culinary experience—one that’s exciting, refined, and undeniably well done. I’m glad I went, I admire what they’re doing, and I would confidently recommend it for a special night out. I’m just not sure it’s a place I’d return to often or consider for reoccurring date nights.
Verdict: Exceptional food, thoughtful service, memorable desserts and cocktails— Value for money: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is where it loses stars. The price is very high for something that feels more like an experience than a place you’ll crave and return to regularly. We spent 595$ for 4 people (including an 18% tip and taxes).
So overall:
A strong 4/5 — impressive, deserving of praise, but not quite irresistible enough (at that price point) to earn the full five.
