This restaurant is a long-time favourite of ours. The portions aren't enormous, but the food is consistently delicious, and creative in terms of both flavour combinations and presentation. Menus start from 18 euros with pork, duck, and various fresh fish on offer as main courses. The tarte tatin for dessert is delicious. The owners (young married couple) are very nice and welcoming, and the wait staff are all first-class (and have all been working there for years, which is a good sign!) It has a very modern vibe with good lighting and palm trees, and both outdoor and indoor seating (be warned: indoors can get a little bit smokey at times) More info is at www.letournesol.fr

Place du 14 juillet gets a bad rap for hosting some of Pezenas' worst tourist restaurants, but nestled amongst them is Le Yacca, which offers great over-sized pizzas with the thinnest crusts you've ever seen. Toppings are generous (depending on which pizza you order) and the Four Seasons pizza is a long-time personal favourite. Huge salads and big bowls of pasta are also good (any squeamish souls should know that the carbonara comes with a raw egg in a half-shell to dump on top . . . but it is delicious) . . . great for pizza, pasta, salads . . . not recommended for steak. Nice waitresses, fun and very casual atmosphere, and good for when you can't decide what kind of food you want, and/or if you just want a light informal dinner. Beware of the hot pizza oil, though, it is seriously HOT :-)

What better way to celebrate a century of l’Entente Cordiale than by paying a visit to the tea rooms of La Petite Maison d’Aumes. Here, just a short drive from the bustle of Pézenas, you will find an oasis of French and British harmony. This haven lies behind the unassuming and quaint exterior of a nineteenth century home in the centre of the pretty village of Aume. After knocking on the front door, and being welcomed by the utterly charming Nathalie Brassart, your first impression is that you have entered a particularly welcoming artistic home. The rose-red walls are hung with paintings, the stairway is a refuge for handmade baskets and pictures, while the shelves are lined with an array of colourful ceramics. On walking through to the back of the hall, the scene unfolds to reveal a tranquil sun terrace all set for afternoon tea, and a tea garden with tables anticipating guests. Once seated in the sheltered garden it is hard to regard the extensive tea and coffee menu, for your eyes wander off to the perfect lime trees, the green shuttered windows, and the rambling flowers. But it is worth distracting yourself. The usual suspects are represented: strong Breakfast Tea, Lapsang Souchong and Orange Pekoe. But there are other teas to tempt your taste, the sort you barely thought existed. This dizzying selection of infusions includes aromatic teas such as fresh fig, mandarin and cherry. Then there’s the luscious Les Fruits des Tropics; with vanilla, banana and lime to enjoy; while the unforgettable Melange Aurore (orange, honey and jasmine) speaks for itself. Whichever tea you decide on, it will arrive in a white teapot with the loose tea leaves in its own hand-labelled bag. Of course, afternoon tea isn’t afternoon tea without cake. Here, our hostess offers a daily selection of deliciously fresh cakes that she makes herself. On my visit there were generous portions of red currant clafoutis, apple and cinnamon crumble, and moist lemon cake. But perhaps the most wonderful thing about these cakes is not their mouth-watering scrumptiousness, but the fact that Nathalie has any time to make them at all. You see, as well as being everyone’s dream hostess, Nathalie is also an accomplished ceramicist, and accordingly is the architect of all the simply glazed and prettily decorated plates, cups and bowls that are at your service for tea.Not only this, but the fruits of her labours are in evidence all over La Petite Maison d’Aumes. After enjoying your afternoon tea, take time to wander from room to room. The old sitting room has tablecloths, plates and candles for sale (though unfortunately the fireplace urns used to make your tea and coffee aren’t). All the other rooms are a combination of Natalie’s ceramics and pieces that she has collected over the years from local artists, antique dealers and boutiques. You will find crystal necklaces, perfumes, teddy bears, hydrangea-shaped lamp bases, doorstops, and, of course, exquisite tea sets made by your host at La Petite Maison. Whether you decide to relax with a refreshing cup of tea or coffee, or indulge in a little retail therapy and chit-chat, La Petite Maison d’Aumes is well worth a detour from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

On the North Quay, this restuarant has even been written up in the Sunday Times! Bruno insists on fresh food and gets daily supplies from Sete – which I am sure all readers know is the biggest French fishing port on the Med – lucky us! Food is essentially good quality French home cooking with specialities like truffle omelette in season and mi-cuit fois gras or scallops all year round. Expect to pay €20 a head for the set menu with a bottle of wine between two.

Pretentious - rarely changed menus so boring if one lives down here. Fine for tourists. Service is the problem, one feels one is being done a favour to be allowed to pay them money.

In french, sorry. Pour avoir testé avec mes enfants ce restaurant à plusieurs reprises lors de vacances successives, je vous recommande fortement cette adresse si vous passez par là. Bruno est un amoureux de sa région et de ses produits. Sa cuisine est à son image : fine et authentique. Les produits sont toujours très frais, bien servis dans une ambiance très chaleureuse. En plus, le cadre est superbe. Goûtez aussi ses vins ... vous ne le regretterez pas ! Allez-y, vous vous ferez plaisir !

Pezenas for all its charm is not blessed with a great many places where one can eat well. Restaurants sadly rarely rise above the ordinary or mediocre. Le Pre’ St. Jean happily, is an exception to the rule. Off the main traffic street that runs through town, the entrance is, admittedly, less than overwhelming with its red a neon sign . However, when one enters the first impression is pleasant. This atmosphere is reinforced by the soft colours, the paintings on the wall with well chosen music which is never too loud to interfere with conversation. There are several menus ranging from 22-45 euros. We chose the one for 22 and while it was the simplest menu there was nothing simple about it. We started off with an “amuse” of warm cauliflower soup with a bit of licorice, tiny strips of serrano ham and a twirl of parsley oil. Our starter was an Asian salad withpieces of lobster, monkfish, bamboo shoots, ginger, grilled peanuts, sundried tomatoes and several types of lettuce seasoned with a soya vinegar dressing. It was a creative and eclectic dish that might have easily failed had the ingredients all worked against one another. Somehow though, it all worked together with each texture and taste balancing each other. Someone creative was looking over the burner! Our main course was a delicate and delicious sea bass in sauce Americain surrounded by garden vegetables. Nothing was over cooked, including the snow peas but, I admit, I wouldn’t have minded if they hadn’t been quite so polite about the size of the portions! Having said that ,the dessert was more than ample. An apple flan smothered in a beautiful caramelized covering of cinnamon with a cinnamon ice cream. The apple had been sliced and baked and the whole effect was as terrific to taste as it was to look at in its presentation. The wine list shows depth and while the Languedoc is strongly present there are also lots to select from other regions, tool. Prices for the wine seemed to be in keeping with the quality of each domaine with nothing too over the top. The service is very professional. The maitre-waiter knows what he is doing, gives clear explanations and is friendly without over doing it. In short, this is a serious restaurant and one to return to.

We keep going back to Le Pre'St Jean. In June this year we both opted for the €32 'Balade Gourmet' menu and it was wonderful. The service is professional without being intrusive and going back each year since 2004 we have never been disappointed with the value for money. More restaurants of this quality are badly needed in the area which is not well served by them.

On a busy street heading into the centre of Pezenas, Les Marronniers is a beautiful old building dating from the 1880’s. It has a pleasant garden with big shrubs that partially block out the traffic noise. Inside, one enters a small very distinctive dining room with beautiful tiled floor and leather banquettes that evoke another era. During the day, there’s what amounts to a bistro menu of what has been bought at the market and this changes constantly. A warm goat cheese salad, fried sardines, wild sea bass with sage and a mushroom risotto were a few of the offerings. In the evening, the name of the game is tapas and meat or fish ‘a la plancha’; definitely a Spanish theme. I started off with an asparagus salad - correctly prepared, but nothing fantastic. Perhaps that’s my own hang up as I much prefer the green variety to the white ones which were served. Then saddle of pork with tapenade – again with mixed results. The pork was nicely seasoned and had that delicious, fatty flavour that many of us, besides doctors, love, but the tapenade was so salty as to be uneatable. The accompanying mashed potatoes with herbs were very good in taste so a real pity they still had lumps. Dessert was Pelardon (goat cheese) marinated in olive oil. Again, not bad but the description promised. The wines are almost all good local wines with a few big name Spanish producers there, as well. I had the house wine, a Minervois -a good example of an easy, pleasant wine that is not going to break the bank. Service unfortunately was not so smooth. Perhaps it’s niggling on my part but bistro or not I dislike having to shout for another glass of wine. If you are careful and stick to the less expensive items, you can eat for 20 € or a bit less. There is also the advantage of not having to order a 3 course meal if you’re not up to the battle that day. All in all, not great, but not terrible either. It left me with the feeling of curiosity of what their tapas would be like and I will probably go there again in the evening sometime.

A little disappointed with this restaurant. The food is very basic - your typical Languedoc fare of meat without much flavour and the same old dishes you tend to find at so many restaurants in the region. My lamb had very little flavour - surely a little garlic and rosemary wouldn't have gone amiss, and the thick brown sauce that came with it tasted a little like Bisto. The 'Cammembert Roti' was just slabs of cammembert on a slice of baguette - quite nice but not terribly special. When we arrived, we were bustled into a seperate dining room from the French, who were eating in the main bar - which seemed far more lively and fun.

OK - so I take it back. My previous review of this restaurant wasn't very positive. But I got dragged back there today, and had a far better meal. Interestingly, this time we ate in the left-hand dining room (whereas last time we were ushered into the right-hand room - where we suspected only foreigners were allowed to eat.) Rather than being quite and sterile, the left-hand room seems to be where the party is - it's lively and full of character, and importantly, other diners. In fact, it's the closest I've come in ambiance to a lively British pub in winter - relaxed, buzzy and fun. The food was excellent - again, very basic Languedoc fare, but nicely done and tasty. The roast vennison was pink in the middle and tasty. The Boeuf Bourguigon excellent - with olives added to give it that Languedoc touch.

This review is courtesy of Languedoc-Dining.com
Cost for two: 70 €. Oct 2004

Les Marronniers has a local reputation for its tapas but at lunch there is also an accomplished bistro style meal on offer. Leeks à la Catalane, rustic leek and cheese tarte, chou farci that was certainly the business and bavette steak didn't fail to please. The wine list has plenty under 20€.
The bar dining area has a great atmosphere fuelled by the charismatic patron. The outside courtyard looks equally enticing. Certainly a handy local address in a gastronomic dead spot.

Pleasant restaurant in the port de Meze, seating outside in summer. Good range of seafood and other well cooked dishes.Standard of food and service a pleasant surprise.Popular with locals, must book.

A superb setting, in it's own grounds. It's also an hotel open most of the year. It also has an outdoor swimming pool which can be used by guest who are dining at the restuarant. The setting reminds us of scenes from the days or the last century and a colonial lifestyle.

Situated between Faugères & Bèdarieux in a very small village. It's menu is always very interesting and varied home cooking. It's atmosphere is quiet but usually very busy so you need to book in advance. the French eat there so it must be good! definitely worth a visit.

L'Echalote has closed down. I have twice tried to find it having previously seen it on a recce of the local area, but last Friday a friendly local told me has finished.

Superb setting overlooking the River Herault. The Hotel / Restaurant is on the riverside in the old town. It's open all year round. English is spoken. Generally quiet out of season, but in the season you need to book. Definitely worth a visit.

On the main street of Pezenas this smart French owned Cafe offers a wonderful selection of Teas and Coffees with some of the best cakes I have found in the region. Their Carrot cake is excellent and we also tried a chocolate and raspberry one that was so dense and moist - sheer choc heaven! The interior is smart and well presented with comfortable chairs. Not the usual 'church hall' look at all. Additional tables on the pavement outside. They also sell jams and other goodies for the Expat market.

I love Moroccan food. Tgen such as couscous and he goes to energy and vitality

It's nice to see younger people starting up restaurants in Languedoc, breathing some new life into the sector. 'Le Cafe' is run by a young couple, who have decorated it in a very modern style (lots of earthy colours, funky lights, sculptural wood and clean lines). The food is simple by very well executed - my beef and salmon brochettes were excellent - the beef was juicy and even had a hint of chili (mon dieu!) and salmon had been marinated (sacre bleu!) before being grilled, and was soft and delicious. The staff were very friendly and smily, and an open-plan to the restaurant meant you can see the chefs at work behind their counter. It's right in the main port area - opposite the Noilly Prat building. If you're in the mood for something a little more modern and 'cool' then this is the place for you.

My builder recommended this restaurant one dark and stormy night when everything seemed closed for the season. My wife and I turned off the D908 at Poujol sur Orb and drove through the torrential rain for what seemed like forever up a narrow twisting mountain road that he told us led to the village of Combes. Finally we arrived at the Auberge (don't worry, you can't miss it) and sat down to one of the most memorable meals I've ever had in my life. The restaurant is one of several owned by an association of chefs dedicated to using locally sourced ingredients. The food is delicious and beautifully presented and the wine list is extensive and reasonable, specialising in Languedocian producers. There is a stunning view from the terrace and from the big table by the picture window. If you're up to it, go for the menu gastronomique - then you can roll all the way back down the road to Poujol sur Orb. Alex and Sally Norton Olargues

I concur completely with the review above. We were surprised to find so good a restaurant so far off the beaten track. The food is inventive and delicious, and the huge windows overlooking the Orb valley below are equally memorable. Definately worth the drive.

This fish restaurant in the charming little fising village of Bouzigues promised a lot. It's perfectly placed - with views across the Etang de Thau, over the oyster beds, to Sete, and to the left, a good view of Bouzigues itself, with its pretty pastel houses. The ambiance was good - quite buzzy (it was a sunny sunday in March), with tables piled high with ostentatious platters of oysters, prawns and muscles. The food is good - but it's realively simple fare - oysters, grilled fish, prawns and squid. My fish soup was excellent - light yet very tasty. The 'Meli Melo' - a mix of fish brochette, grilled squid and grilled giant prawn was OK - the prawn was over-cooked and tough, but the fish was superb. For what it is, the prices are pretty high. My Meli Melo came in at €27 - which is more than an entire menu at most restaurants. But I suppose you're paying for that superb view. The sevice was a little flat - we managed to squeeze a smile out of a rather lemon-faced waitress by the end of the meal, but it was hard work. You get the impression that, ideally placed, they don't have to work too hard to fill the place, and are probably making a packet.

It seems the inmates have taken over the asylum. That is what I first thought when I heard an English-New Zealander couple were turning out fantastic food in their own restaurant here in Herault. Located a few kilometers north of Clemont L”Herault in the quiet village of St. Guiraud, Le Mimosa occupies a lovely old wine maker’s house. Walking past the kitchen into the dining room, one encounters 10 tables that are well spaced in a quiet, tasteful room that exudes restrained elegance.

Deciding for the set menu which presents four offerings from a la carte plus an extensive cheese board and a dessert from the trolley seemed a good way to see what this kitchen was all about. Our first course was tuna that had been marinated in Swedish acquavit with wasabi cream on the side. The tuna was so soft it almost melted on the tongue. Such was the refinement that the wasabi almost became an intrusion on the palate. The next dish was saddle of rabbit and quail eggs on a bed of wild salad leaves that had been picked locally. The combination of tastes and textures imploded in my mouth and if I had to pick a winner of what turned out to be an excellent meal this would be the one. Next up was sea wolf with orange peel, broccoli and potatoes with essence of cardamon and olive oil. The fish was not overcooked and with just the right combination of piquancy to make the sum greater than the individual components. This was followed by roasted pigeon with lentils and spinach, a hearty plate with robust flavors. It was the perfect foil to what had preceded it. As with all good meals one became full but not bloated which was just as well because missing out on the great selection of cheeses and desserts would have been a pity.

This is intelligent cooking employing excellent local ingredients. It was to my mind more like a fine restaurant in Italy rather than France in making use of natural flavors and keeping it simple, while in reality it was anything but that. When I asked David Pugh, owner, pleasant host and wine lover why he thought they had not received any Michelin stars he also felt it was because of their lack of tricks. His wife Bridget, who is in charge of the cooking is largely self- taught so she comes free of the baggage that tradition imposes. The result is cooking with a passion and flexibility. This was evident in the way dishes were adapted for a vegetarian seated at a nearby table. This does not happen often when a chef has to keep up with formula of keeping one’s star.

The wine list was no less impressive. Not only were all the best local houses represented but so were their colleagues from the other important areas in France including the often underrated Alsace. It is a first rate cave. A suggestion: might it possible to also see some new world wines, say from New Zealand to also go with the eclectic cosmopolitan menus. One can also opt for a wine degustation with each dish for € 27 p.p.

Service was friendly and efficient. While the Pugh’s speak French fluently, English speakers will have an easy ride of it. The only hiccup was we were having the wine degustation, and once or twice the wine arrived a bit latter than the food; however this is niggling in what was a lovely dinner.

As with most nice things in life it doesn’t come free, but if one considers the quality and quantity of the meal then € 54 p.p. takes on another dimension. A la carte is from € 54- € 84.David also told me that in May they will open La Terrasse du Mimosa in nearby Montpeyroux where lunches can be had for € 19.

Directions: 7 kms north of Clemont-L’Herault. Take the N 9, N 109, D 908, D141 and D 130 (or you can just follow the signs as I did). Open: dinners only except Sunday for lunch. Closed Sunday evenings

This review is courtesy of Languedoc-Dining.com
Cost for two: Dinner 130 €. Many visits

Fantasise about your ideal country restaurant - simple and intelligent food using top quality ingredients that also excites, a relaxed homely atmosphere, comfortable but not grand, warm service, great value, world class niche wine list, outstanding cheese board. This is it. Over the years since 1984 Bridget and David Pugh have created this perfection and since "discovering" it in April 1993 we have been fortunate to eat here more than anywhere else. We always have the menu that offers four dishes from the carte, plus cheese (home matured, not to be missed) and the dessert trolley. The wine list is a gem for the local wines, plus growers from the Rhone and Provençe, and is a showpiece for the most exciting up and coming wine region in the world today. For around 27 € David will provide you with an appropriate interesting wine for each course. For accommodation they have a super nearby hotel Ostalariá Cardabela - a traditional village building tastefully renovated.
Note that Le Mimosa is open for dinner only Tuesday to Saturday and Sunday lunch. They close from early November to mid-March.

We have dined at Le Mimosa more times than any other restaurant anywhere. The relaxing dining room combines simplicity without modern minimalism and in hot weather a table on the patio takes in the atmosphere of the charming courtyard.

We invariably start with the latest vintage of local Mas Julian white which is always available by the glass. As we study the menu the nibbles arrive, perhaps subtly marinated local Lucques (green olives) with some irresistible coated nuts.

As usual David or cusinière Bridget Pugh will propose a menu of the day based on local ingredients from suppliers established from years of research. Most diners opt for this - four light dishes followed by cheese (do not miss cheese here) and the dessert trolley. All that remains is to select a bottle of wine supported by David's first hand local knowledge.

This review is courtesy of Languedoc-Dining.com
Cost for two: 50 €. April 2001

Only open at weekends off season but worth seeking out for genuine Ferme Auberge home cooking in an appropriate setting. Chicken in leeks with a hint of Roquefort was a first rate example. Wine is made on the Domaine and certainly keeps the cost down. Check my detailed notes for directions and be aware that they close for much of September and October. Also book well ahead and note they don't respond to FAXes - this has derailed our plans to return more than once.

The Domaine du Pelican is an isolated set of grand farm buildings surrounded by vines and fields. First the logistics. Outside of July and August they only open at weekends so do book first. To find it take the Gignac turning off the N109 dual carriageway from Montpellier and then take the first left (before the town) following signs to Pelican. Coming from the west involves going through Gignac and making the right turn.

Chickens wandering around freely confirm that this is a Ferme Auberge. The dining room is simple but attractive and on our Sunday lunch visit became more or less full. With only your host serving service is leisurely but calm and effective. For 21 € you select two courses each with a choice of three dishes followed by cheese and dessert. Also included is a jug of the domains wine and some tapenade nibbles.

We started with pissaladiere, a Provençale tart with white onions spiked with thyme and anchovies, and a tasty asparagus flan (actually a mousse). Next chicken with leeks and a hint of roquefort was delicious with a pintade and cherries not far behind. Potato pancakes and what we thought was cauliflower flan accompanied. After cheese an apple tart and strawberry charlotte completed the meal. While all of this is more akin to accomplished dinner party fayre it succeeds far better than most equivalent priced menus you would encounter elsewhere in "proper" restaurants. Our only criticism would be the over use of eggs throughout the meal, but then you are on a farm. Next time we'll probably upgrade to one of the domain's bottled wines. Coffee disappointed, even at about 1 €. Total bill just 52 € including two kirs and muscats with the dessert.

This review is courtesy of Languedoc-Dining.com
Cost for two: 90 €. June 2005 and May 2004

For some reason Pezenas is a gastronomic dead spot, but wedged between two high white stone buildings Les Palmiers, with a great al fresco atmosphere, is a strong recommendation. The food is eclectic ranging from braised rabbit with olives, through Moussaka to Brandade of haddock with gambas. A refurbishment for 2005 includes a large modern kitchen and the cooking has stepped up a couple of notches. A bonus is a quality short local wine list. Sadly prices have crept up somewhat, otherwise a ? would be in order, but the set lunch remains a good deal.

For some reason Pezenas is gastronomic dead spot. Les Palmiers was recommended by wine lover Jean-Marc at Les Vins de Horloge, not least because the short wine list has some local growers gems with very low mark ups. Located just down from the tourist office in the maze of back streets that is Pezenas, the other attraction is a great atmosphere. It looks like a South American shanty shack in a space no bigger than a deep squash court wedged between tall ancient white stoned buildings. There are also a couple of very tall palm trees to justify the name.

The menu looks interesting because it is diverse. For our lunch the blackboard included dishes ranging from Moussaka to a vegetarian dish with goats cheese. We started with a succulent rabbit kidney terrine with salad and a Poulpe (octopus) salad - both simple and good. Saddle of rabbit baked with olives with some cheese baked penne was crude but a good sized portion and enjoyable. Brandade of haddock with gambas was perhaps a bit cheesy but otherwise tasty and fulfilling. Bough in tarte aux fraises completed the meal.

Note that Les Palmiers closes for winter and does not take cards. There is no inside dining but blinds to protect against rain were in evidence.

Tucked away down one of the side streets off the main market square in Pezenas, husband & wife team originally from Lyon(he is the chief), delicious food; all homemade & beautifully presented plus Bernadette is a charming host. It is just in a poor location so doesn't get the foot traffic, don't be put off if you are the only guests, you won't be disappointed!

Pezenas' latest 'haut cuisine' restaurant is creating quite a buzz. Everyone seems to be talking about it. And so they should. The food is excellent - it's quite innovative and very tasty. My scallops in Japanese tempura batter was lovely - succulent and crisp (although it wasn't REAL tempura!). In fact, we all thoroughly enjoyed our meals, eating out in their courtyard. The interior is very stylish and modern - lots of taupe and black. And the service is extremely friendly - not a bit snooty. I think the lunch menu is cheaper than the dinner menu - which I've heard can be rather pricey. But this is a truly special place - perfect for a birthday or other special event. Highly recommended.

I know I have reviewed this place before but I just wanted to add further praise for this excellent restaurant. We went last night with my parents and a couple who have been successful restauranteurs in the UK. They were very impressed with the food and presentation. And we were all delighted by the staff who - without exception - were charming, happy and engaging. The only minus point was that until the restaurant filled up (which it did) the large room at the back was a bit lacking in ambience - but this soon changed as the other diners arrived. Another excellent meal all round - not the cheapest - but I am happy to pay for quality and knowing that they consistently deliver is a plus.

This small restaurant on the left of narrow street on the way in to the centre of Bédarieux from the Hérépian or La Tour sur Orb roads has had a chequered career in recent years. For some time it was the Pili Pili, serving crêpes and other snacks, then, two years ago, a young couple took it over under the title “Evan” but, alas, didn’t make a go of it. Now another young couple have reopened it as a very pleasant, mid-market restaurant, under the name “La Gargote” - which translates as “greasy spoon” in English! “C’est ironique,” the patron, Ludovic Mouliy, told us, with a grin! It has just a couple of set menus, reasonably priced, with relatively few choices. The food was excellent and was beautifully presented in a very convivial atmosphere. It isn’t a gourmet establishment - it has only a few local wines, for instance, again at very fair prices - but serves splendid French cuisine. It has small ground floor dining room with a larger basement room but we ate at one of the three tables perched rather precariously on the pavement, with traffic passing within arms length! Recommended - and we will return.