Okay so yesterday I finally bit the bullet and checked out this place everyone’s buzzing about – Helium Restaurant. Kept seeing it plastered all over my feed, you know? Promises of “elevated dining” and “cloud-like flavors.” Sounded fancy enough to make me open my wallet wide. Here’s the lowdown on what actually went down.
The Booking Headache
First off, getting a reservation felt like cracking some kinda secret code. Hit up their website last week. Looked sleek, super modern. Found the booking section, picked Tuesday at 7 PM. Boom – error message. Tried different times, different days. Nothing. Ended up calling the number listed. Rang for ages before a dude picked up, sounding like I’d interrupted his nap. Managed to book it after spelling my name three times. Not the smoothest start.
Walking In: Nice Vibes, Weird Host Stand
Place looks sharp when you walk in. Dim lighting, fancy chairs, kinda cool geometric stuff hanging from the ceiling – guess that’s the “helium” theme? Pretty quiet for a Tuesday though. Maybe half full? The host stand was… an experience. Stood there waiting. And waiting. Two staff walked right past me chatting. Finally made eye contact with someone and got waved over like I was late for something.
Service: Ups and Downs Like a Balloon Ride
Our server, Sarah, seemed nice at first. Took our drink orders quick – water for me, fancy cocktail for my friend. Cocktail took forever. Like, forever. Water guy? Never saw him again after the initial pour. Sarah explained the menu passionately though, I’ll give her that. Pointed out their signature “Lifted Scallops.” Placed our food order. Then? Poof! Vanished into thin air. Had to practically wrestle down a busboy to get another drink order in later. Felt a bit untethered, service-wise.
The Main Event: Food Landing
Alright, the food. This is why we came, right?
- The Famous “Lifted Scallops” ($32): Three scallops. Three. Sat on some pea puree thing that tasted exactly like frozen peas, and these weird foam clouds. Scallops themselves? Cooked perfectly, gotta admit. Seared just right, tender. But the portion? Felt like a teaser. Tasty? Yeah. Worth the hype and price? Eh.
- “Cloud Beef” Short Rib ($38): My friend got this. Beef was falling apart tender, real melt-in-your-mouth stuff. Good flavor. But the “cloud” potato mash? Felt suspiciously like regular, kinda lumpy mashed potatoes. Good, but… clouds? Nah. We got our sides after reminding Sarah we ordered them. Lukewarm.
The Sweet Disappointment & The Bill Shock
Thought we’d end on a high with dessert – “Airsicle Cheesecake” ($16). Sounded intriguing! Came looking like a weird white log. Tasted… okay? Mostly just sweet cream cheese. Texture was smooth, I guess? Honestly, my supermarket sells cheesecake that hits harder for $6. Sarah dropped the bill without asking if we wanted coffee or anything. Total for two appetizers, two mains, one dessert, two cocktails, and sides? $162 before tip. My jaw practically hit the floor. For a Tuesday.
So… Was Helium Worth It?
Here’s my honest takeaway:
- Food Quality: Honestly? Mostly good. Scallops were cooked well, short rib was excellent. But… it’s not mind-blowing. The whole “cloud” gimmick feels forced on most dishes. Sides were forgettable. Dessert was a joke for the price.
- Service: Started promising with Sarah’s menu knowledge, then went deflated. Slow, forgetful drinks, disappearing acts, had to chase stuff down. Felt amateurish for a place charging these prices.
- Value: Big Fat NOPE. Paying fine dining prices for portions that left us hungry, service that dropped the ball, and desserts that under-delivered? Felt like I was floating on pure hype, not substance. Left feeling lighter – in the wallet only.
If you’re desperate to try the buzz or take Insta pics, maybe go once for the novelty. Grab one signature dish. But honestly? Plenty of other spots serving food just as tasty, with way better service, where you won’t need oxygen after seeing the bill. My helium balloon? Punctured.