Always a pleasure for us to have lunch in this fine restaurant in its lovely location. We have visited over the last 3 years, enjoying several meals each time we stay in Cajarc. Pleased to report that the well earned Michelin Star has not resulted...in any fall in the high standards of cuisine and service set by the owners.More
at lunch on 30th August we took the six course tasting menu. Sadly, a parade of ill-conceived and undistinguished plates (with the exception of a swordfish carpaccio); generally under seasoned. By the end of course number two the chef/proprietor was standing in the bar when...he might have been better served preparing the rest of our dishes. The menu we were offered did not contain a meat dish as might be expected given the excellence of local meat production and the chef’s proclaimed interest in promoting local producers. Instead, it focused on seafood from distant oceans (including a very un-fresh sea bass). The accompanying wine suggestions were generally mundane with enthusiastic pricing. The service, with the exception of the co-owner, not up to Michelin-starred standard. Our experience was well below the anticipated standard (when comparing with other local Michelin restaurants) and consequently greatly over priced.More
A firework in the plate, a great atmosphere and a selective wine list in the magnificent village of Cajarc at the heart of the Quercy countryside
Snobbish and old school, one recent star might explain the lack of simplicity, that’s a pity in a such remoted place not to be able to welcome foreigners properly, not recommending it, not returning there...ever
Cajarc is a lovely old town on the banks of the Lot, well worth a visit, even if the Allee des Vignes was not here. The restaurant is located in the old presbytery surrounded by a beautiful and tranquil courtyard, with its wisteria strewn walls...and the ever present tinkle of the fountain tumbling into the old well. Recently awarded a Michelin star this is inspired food at its very best. Eugenie takes cares of front of house and Claude Emanuel Robin handles things in the kitchen We went for Sunday lunch and had the Surprise menu at 55 euros. Pretty canapes accompanied the aperos but the ball really started rolling with the amuse bouche of swordfish carpaccio flavoured with citrus, just stunning. The starter was gambas well presented and beautifully cooked and was then followed by mi cuit foie, grilled courgette, confit egg yolk and safran flavoured sauce. This is without doubt the best foie dish I have ever eaten and was a work of art, it almost seemed a shame to dig in! Main course was rack of lamb with a tomato and lentil sauce which was perfectly cooked and very tender. The earthy accompaniments really worked well in an upgrade to a traditional Quercy dish. A super 3 cheese course of vache, brebis and cabecou followed with the whole meal concluded by a tiered brandy snap concoction with diced fresh fruits and an ice cream perfumed with brebis fromage blanc. Good coffee if you like it accompanied by tempting mignardises , just in case you had any room left. Full marks for presentation, top quality ingredients put together with passion and style. We will be going back in August with family can't wait.....need I say more. Service was restrained and professional. All the staff seemed well trained and pleasant. Finally there is an excellent cellar with wines to suit every taste and pocket. We chose a dry white Bergerac which worked well with most dishes though a red would have been nice with the lamb but it was just a bit too warm that day for that. Thanks to the whole team for a memorable experience, keep up the good work.More
This was by far the best restaurant I have been at for a long time. Amazing food. Nothing less. We had the :8 moment", and it was heavenly. If you love good food - really good food- this is the place to go ø.
A gastronomic extravaganza with a five course ‘blind’ menu served with style and elegance in a delightful enclosed courtyard. Each course was a ‘tour de force’ with immaculately prepared dishes that were delicate, full of flavour, gorgeous to look at and simply delicious. This was...fine dining at its best. Evgenia and Claude-Emmanuel are to be congratulated on producing an outstanding culinary experience that fully warrants its recent award of a Michelin Etoile.More
We had lunch here in May 2018. It was really delicious! and also supersizing especially the hot cheese dish and deserts. The whole meal was very tasty. I would for sure return if in the area again. Very nice plates and design of the inside...as well, as an art gallery an exhibition while you eat.More
Since the last review, we revisited this superb restaurant twice more in September and the standard was always sheer perfection on a plate (well several plates actually!) Our final lunch included beautiful slow cooked lamb from the local Causse and was delicious, I do recommend...going with the wines chosen to accompany each dish. The choices as far as we were concerned over 3 visits this year were spot on! Look forward to returning during our annual visit in September 2019.More
Having made a few visits here last year we wanted to have Sunday lunch in this superb restaurant, preferably in the lovely courtyard which was so inviting on this warm sunny day, but fortunately we were shaded by the large parasol! We were not disappointed...- the lunch was sublime and our choice of the Magret de Canard main course was the best we have had anywhere. Every course was a surprise and a delight and we will return very soon!More
L’Allee des Vignes serves great food in a great place. The courtyard is quiet and lovely, a great setting to have a romantic dinner. The full ‘Carte Blanche’ gourmet menu is great, for about €85 (without wine). The advantage is that you can take a...smaller subset of the full menu for a lower price (several options available). The same with the wines, you have a choice among 3 options for the menu. Of course you can also eat ‘a la carte’. Almost all ingredients are local so that adds a nice touch. We had a good time here, the personnel is very nice and take care of their guests. 4 big thumbs up from us!More
Absolutely fantastic food, served at a moderate pace, coupled with great service and a superb wine list of both local wines (ie SW France) and other regions. A cut above the usual restaurant this is Quercy food with a twist. Limited menu but fresh produce,...subtle combinations of different ingredients and a flair for presentation make a dinner here a delight. The tuna tartare was delightful, the slow-cooked veal superbly cooked with delightfully tasty accompaniments and excellent local strawberries. But that is not all, amuse-bouches and palate cleansers between courses make for an experience not to be missed. An evening full of taste sensations and food art right down to the petit-fours served on a bed of coffee beans. Expensive but not to be missed and we believe excellent value overall. Love the wine list including many local gems.More
For a small town Cajarc has a surprising number of good places to eat, but for me L'Allee des Vignes is by far the best. Imaginative food, friendly and knowledgeable staff, a comprehensive wine list, and a beautiful courtyard for outdoor dining on a sunny...day. They also exhibit interesting art and pottery in the main dining room. What's not to like? Very highly recommended.More
Fine dining indeed! This place exudes quality throughout with Hors d' Oeuvres and Amuse Bouches before the main event. The food was sublime and cooked and presented with great style and artistry. The attention to detail was staggering! The choice of menu and wine is...good and the service exactly what you'd expect from such a well run restaurant! First class!More
We've been many times now and have never been disappointed. The food is just wonderful. Wholly recommended!
