Not sure what "SCI Charlotte" refers to. This restaurant is called, variously,…read moreResto Charlotte, Chez Charlotte, or Restaurant Charlotte, at least online, as far as I can tell. On the other hand, there's no actual sign or label at the unassuming entrance on rue des Bernardines -- which could generously be called a side street but almost borders on an alley.
This is NOT your typical restaurant in touristy Aix-en-provence. We sought it out because a website described it as the sort of place that the Aixoise would go. Well, that may be, and I certainly would not blame them, but there were plenty of tourists there when we dined on a weekday. (They basically open at 8pm, a more French dining time, while most establishments in the city accommodate touristic tastes and open as early as 7. In fact, our rather entertaining waiter seemed to speak French, English, and German fluently (to hear him banter with nearby tables) -- although he couldn't manage Mandarin.
How to describe the food? "Unpretentious" would be accurate but maybe slightly misleading. It is a fantastic deal for a full meal compared to most sit-down restaurants in Aix. Expect well-executed, classic but un-fussy French cuisine in a pleasant outdoor courtyard. The vibe is fun, even on a less crowded evening.
The two of us had the summer special gazpacho (amazing, and quite spicy) and the chicken liver pate (also very good) for entrees. Our main courses were a steak and a fillet of veal, both served with french-fry-like hash browns and haricot verts. A plum clafoutis and a nicely caramelly tarte tatin rounded out this meal -- very traditional bistro fare. (Both desserts were tasty, without being mind blowingly good or especially original.)
At 40 Euros (tax + tip included, of course) for two people, including one glass of house red and one coffee, I think Chez Charlotte's menu might be the best deal in Aix.
