If you want an adventure in eating the freshest and best prepared seafood ever, look no further…read morethan Chez Mamelou. I have eaten mussels and shrimp on four continents but rarely have I had such a unique specialty as the mussels at Chez Mamelou. Simply put: delicious does not begin to describe these mussels cooked over an open fire with pine needles and white wine. Anthony Bourdain would certainly have made the trek here if he were still around to enjoy this wonderful place. Be sure to make a reservation a day in advance in the summer.

I'm going to write this in English for the benefit of any foreigners who come to visit, and because…read moreI'm from the U.S. and my French isn't so great! I found this restaurant amazing. We in the US think we know charcuterie, but I don't think I've ever had this. It was so yummy! It might be scary if you've never had it- but trust me it's all good and even if you don't understand what it is you're eating- just go for it. Yes there is some fat in there for flavor, but don't worry, you're in France so it doesn't count. What's so special about this restaurant is that everything is sourced locally. It's what at home we call "farm to table" restaurants where all ingredients are fresh, local, and therefore of course in season and delicious. They make all the charcuterie on site, the bread is from next door, and so on. The restaurant isn't on the main port road, so there is no view if that's what you want. There also aren't many menu choices, so you have to like charcuterie. There is only one choice for children and the 8yo in our party was upset, but later she found her meal quite good. Also if you're worried about price I would say it's about medium. We had cocktails, charcuterie, shared cheese plate, and dessert, and paid about 28euros per person. In my opinion it was well worth it! In sum, I highly recommend and I hope you enjoy!

Probably one of the most unique restaurant, home style experience I have ever had. This little…read morecharmer is only open about 6 months out of the year and is wholly operated by a family and the lovely folks they have adopted and love like their own. The food is all fresh and one of the owners after catching the fish puts them in his warehouse across the street where he keeps them all in very harmonious environment until someone orders a crab, lobster, muscle dish, etc. One of the dishes I received was muscles, they were all laid out on this long wooden plank, then covered in pine needles to slightly scorch and imprint the pine needle taste. Then two of the family members presented this long smoking stick with muscles on it and J'oila (sp) appetizer is served. A little boy who was about 7 sang and played the guitar. I will post a photo or two soon. What an amazing experience on this little island off the west coast of France.

I went there twice and everything is was absolutely delicious ! Two vietnamese women do the cooking…read morein the main room, like in Thailand where there is a tradition of preparing the food in front of the customers. The cooking is very tasty and sophisticated. I seldom found such good Thai restaurants.

From the owner: Dans un décor sobre, un mélange d'ancien et de contemporain, nous vous proposons une cuisine de…read moresaison composée de produits locaux, raffinée et sans ostentation, alliée à une jolie carte de vins et un service discret. Notre Hôtel dispose de 8 chambres, au cœur du village du Château d'Oléron. Charme, design, service et sérénité font de ce lieu un endroit privilégié...