It rare that a restaurant gets it all right. So often in France it's the decor that lets it down. But not here. Overlooking the etang, with the odd flock of flamingoes flying past the window, Le Portanel (in the gorgeous little vilalge of Bages) is beautifully decorated in a mildly nautical theme. It's all light and bright and cheerful, with not a plastic table mat in sight. The food is lovely, mostly sea food, it too is light and tasty. The crab soup is gorgeous. And all the fish is incredibly fresh. Make sure to book a table by the window - because the view is superb (especially for lunch). The staff are also extremely friendly, and not overly formal.

Le Portanel occupies a commanding position overlooking the Etang de Bages in the small hilltop village of the same name. The Etang provides both the majority of the ingredients for the menus and the backdrop to the large picture windows, which make up one end of this restaurant. A table by the window is, therefore, an absolute must. Menus range from €18 to €35 plus a local speciality €38 Degustation D’Anguilles if you are in the mood for 6 courses of eel variations! Our €25 menu consisted of four courses but the delightful gazpacho amuse bouche and fabulous petits fours with coffee really made it into a six course feast. The highlight was the ‘Fraicheurs D’hivers’ first course, which clearly allowed the chef to demonstrate his diverse culinary expertise. The single fresh oyster, tuna carpaccio, marinated scallop, spoon of caviar, unexpectedly delicious eel terrine and confit courgette and red pepper was one of the most sublime plates of food I have ever eaten. Everything that followed was excellent but struggled to complete with the brilliance of the starter, although special mention must be made of the perfection of the macaroons that accompanied dessert. The lunch was enlivened by an excellent bottle of white wine from La Clape, directly opposite on the other side of the Etang, and efficient and attentive service. Even on a Friday in January there was a good atmosphere and plenty of custom for a midweek lunch. I suspect a booking is essential later in the year.

A friendly relaxed atmosphere with consistently very good food. All the dishes are well presented, but more importantly taste delicious! Everyone we've recommended it to have been full of praise.

Lovely food in a delightful setting served by the friendliest people imaginable. We eat there every time we're in the area, always take familiy and friends, recommend it widely - and hope it will continue to thrive.