Chez John - Ambres

Our first of what will now be many future visits to this wonderful restaurant, good choice of menus, excellent cuisine and service, well done !

The whole meal was brilliantly flavoured and balanced and the service was first class. I particularly enjoyed the fraicheur with quails eggs, venegrass and bacon ice-cream. A great experience and I will be back.

I was impressed on many levels. The first has to be its location, situated in the tiny village of Ambres some kilometres from Lavaur, and definitely worth the drive. Compared to other restaurants in the area, Chez John feels different, even from the outside. The first impression upon entering is one of contemporary elegance, a city style rather than rural charm, with widely spaced tables and delightful modern cutlery and glasses. The lighting isn't harsh, the decor works perfectly, and a warm welcome only adds to the ambience. Now I've eaten in a number of restaurants where all this can feel pretentious, but the proof of the pudding is in the eating so to speak, and here Chez John doesn't disappoint. The menu is small but well balanced and using the freshest locally sourced ingredients. The dishes are assembled with great attention to detail, the flavours are harmonious, and everything cooked to perfection. The wine list isn't extensive but cover most tastes and aren't overly expensive, favouring several from the local wine-growing area of Gaillac. The plates aren't copious but you wouldn't expect them to be for a restaurant of this kind. What you do get is quality and a memorable dining experience, where good food and service set Chez John apart. Definitely worth a visit.

A welcome addition to the choice of eateries in the Lavaur area and beyond. Good on John who despite the onerous official requirements to set up a restaurant these days, persisted with his dream. The restaurant itself is modern in decor / fittings and needs to " wear in " but with the addition of an outside area this summer will be right up there. Interestingly different twists on fresh local produce makes this a most pleasant experience.

We had heard about this restaurant from various people and finally got around to going this week. Why have we not been before? it is brilliant. The chef has a light touch, a great sense of taste and the menu is good. It wasn't terribly busy when we went - midweek - but the waitress made sure she talked to all the diners and advised them well. The Mancunian chef was more than happy to talk to his guests and explain the sources of his food. The restaurant itself lacks a bit of ambiance, possibly because it is still relatively new and so settling down, but at least it doesn't impose music, thank goodness. All in all, a great evening out.