Let's cut to the Chase with this review.
Even the waiter suggested that the restaurant next door had better quality food than the business he was working in - but what can you expect with a tiny kitchen, huge bar and lack of quality food.
Now, I may seem a little pompous when it comes to having quality food but this was a tourist trap serving "French Cuisine" at marked up prices and crap quality and doesn't serve as genuine and authentic French food.
We were meant to sit outside at Le Safari - but we wanted to sit outside and there were no tables left out in the beautiful April sun, so we opted for La Civette du Cours.
The location is wonderful on the corner, facing the markets - filled with provincial souvenirs, flowers, fruits and local produce. It's a lovely location and from what I hear, in the later Spring and summer months, is filled with live music.
I was okay with the choice after reading the very simple menu. Hamburgers and Frittes (fries), traditional Salad nicoise and even a small selection of tapas, with a few good wines and a larger drink menu. It was simple and clean and I thought I was in for a good experience.
Sadly to say I was disappointed by everything but the wine and the server who spoke perfect English.
I went to the restroom to wash my hands and passed the large bar and entered the dirty restroom right next to the small and cluttered kitchen, by the time I had come out my father had ordered me a Boeff Tatare (Steak Tartare - a raw meat dish served with fries and a small salad) and for himself a Traditional Salad Nicoise. Paired with a Gewurtztraminer from Alsace, I'd have to say that it was probably the best part.
What seemed like "Lays" chips were served as a pre-meal compliment with some water, and then we waited.
My Steak tartare was served like an uncooked beef patty and although it was a huge portion and looked like fairly good beef, the flavor was not there. You could taste the Worsterchire sauce the moment you put it in your mouth. Which speaks to me that the chef is trying to push the meaty flavour that the beef itself doesn't release. I was disappointed, but with a drizzle of olive oil (courtesy to the table) and some fresh baguette it was ok.
My fathers "Nicoise" came without beans, no potato, no dressing and the smallest portion of what seemed to be canned tuna, possible. A sliced and flowered green onion lay across the plate and seemed to be nowhere near what a real nicoise would be.
Please if you are visiting France and want the true taste of France, I would not want you to be disappointed.
Le Petite Maison is said to be the best for eating in the area (however fairly pricey) but go next door, if you're looking for French food... Then take yourself to Fenocchio for a good ice-cream in the square.
I'm sorry to have to write this review, but 49.50Euros later it was a sheer disappointment. read more