Gibus Cafe - Caen

Whilst my mum was undergoing tests at Caen hospital we were left with a 75 minute gap at lunchtime so decided to go to the nearest brasserie for lunch. Parking was difficult and mum needs to be immediately outside due to mobility problems. So we continued on towards the centre of Caen and halfway down a residential street saw this rather smart looking restaurant/café. We walked straight in without looking at prices or menus only to discover a packed, modern restaurant with a lovely traditional wooden bar and very friendly waitress. We were seated immediately, although in future I would book as we took the last table at 12.15. Whilst waiting for the menu our neighbours ' starters arrived and my first impression was that looks good but oops, I think this could be expensive . When the menu arrived we were pleasantly surprised to see that plat du jour was 11 euros and entrée plat was 15, plat dessert was 15 and all 3 courses were 20 euros. We all had the entrée which was modern presentation of rillettes de pintade (guinea fowl paté served on a finger of toast, a type of pastryless quiche topped with whipped blue cheese and a small dish of fromage blanc (cream cheese with various chopped fresh vegetables and oil dressing, all served on a slate platter with really yummy bread! My mum 's main was a beef patty served on spicy couscous, which did look a little dry and she confirmed this. I had ordered pasta and when it arrived I was surprised to see that there was no sauce. It looked extremely pretty but I wasn 't holding out much hope. WRONG!!! It was absolutely bursting with flavour and there was plenty of oil dressing to give it enough moisture. It was strips of lasagne pasta served with parma ham, samphire and hollowed out kumquats and a variety of fresh herbs. Very unusual and VERY good. My dad had cod with samphire, clams and shrimps in a sauce so fantastic that he wiped the bowl clean with his bread (a French habit he hates!!!! Unfortunately, time was pressing on and we had to get back to the hospital, so didn 't have time for a dessert and coffee which is my only reason for not giving this report an excellent rating. I shall have to come back for a more leisurely meal in the very near future and try all courses. A great little find. Incidentally, they also run one day cookery courses which I shall investigate and report on at a later date.

I've eaten lunch here a few times. The chef is from Brittany and keeps the menu simple but well executed. Typically you start with a plate of three miniature starters, a choice of main course and finish with a plate of three miniature desserts. Modern French cuisine done well with a nice ambience, friendly service and reasonable prices. The restaurant is near the university campus and frequented by academics- a community long on intelligence and short on finance so their endorsement is a good sign. If this was in the town centre, it would be a lot more popular with tourists but then it would no doubt change and become like all the other run of the mill establishments catering to the PimpAdvisors.

Fantastic welcoming place with magic atmosphere and nice decoration. Service was simple and careful. Plates were generous and prices were good. Thank you we will come back!

Everything was perfect! The refined cuisine with fresh products, all homemade, with a simple presentation, our taste buds were delighted! A server who takes care of the customer while remaining discreet For a very reasonable price we had a very good time. Thank you , we will come back with pleasure

Very good Valentine's Day evening spent at Ty Gibus. The welcome and service are impeccable. The cuisine is refined and we leave with a full stomach. I will come back without hesitation!