I came to Montpellier for a day trip and I was cruising around town looking for a place to eat. After browsing what seemed to be like all of the historic center's restaurants, I settled on Pain et compagnie. The weather was fantastic and everyone was outside sitting and sipping various drink from cocktails, beer, coffee, and tea. Hoping to get a table outside, I was disappointed to learn that if I wanted diner service, I had to go in the restaurant.
Upon entering, I realized that the interior of this restaurant is quite beautiful. The center piece is their large communal table but due to the odd layout of the building they have 3 separate rooms for seating. Since the place was virtually empty when I walked in I was able to pick my own table. Looking over the menu and using my limited French vocabulary I started off with the foie gras followed by a pork plate served with cheese. The foie gras as always and expected, was absolutely fantastic. I only wish they had given more bread but I guess you're really supposed to be very generous with the amount of foie gras you're supposed to slather on that bread. My entree to my shock was actually not so much focused on the pork meat but cheese. Yes, the entree was a breaded and fried cheese wheel! I couldn't even eat half of that monstrosity on my plate and was absolutely stuffed by the time. The meal was great, service was fast, and I was quite amazed that two women could handle the ever increasing number of tables filling the restaurant. From the looks of it they had to recruit people from the kitchen to help them since the restaurant was absolutely bursting at the seams by the time I got up to pay the bill.
Although they spoke some English at this restaurant it was limited. So I hope you've practiced your French because it will certainly come in handy here! read more
