Café Lavinal
Reviews
Much better food than many other restaurants in and around the Bordeaux environs. Good food, just don't be in a hurry. Nice ambiance. Expect a 2 hour "rapide lunch". They were much slower than most restaurants in France (a good argument for NOT having tip included) - even our local French hosts were getting exasperated by the painfully slow service. However, the food was good enough to warrant an attempted return visit, but we got hopelessly lost in the dark when we couldn't remember the name and finally found it again after they closed for dinner. Can't say they were helpful in re-directing us but they were just being oh so French, laissez-faire. (Oh, and I didn't see the bill so I cannot comment on value...)
Having been unimpressed by the food in Paris for 5 days, including Michelin started restaurants, this place was so unexpected and delicious!! The Hake fish is a must try, it's like a cod but more buttery and smooth, it's not a fish I've seen in the US. They also have small tasting size serving of wine so you can do your own wine tasting flight at your table.
Had heard this was a good place from French friends....Well, its located in a pretty courtyard at the back of the Chateau complex which has been recently done up, but as for the rest - food no better than average and very overpriced for what it is. Staff came across as rude and uninterested...... The only reason I can think of for its popularity is where it is, because if you want to eat here, you cant just pitch up, you must book a table. To sum up - Promised much, delivered little.
Cadre très sympa. Très bon rapport qualité-prix. Service rapide
Très bel endroit, accueil chaleureux, service top, caret des vins au verre bien, bons produits cuisinés avec goût. Prix corrects. Adresse à recommander.
