L'Avocette - Royan

A thoroughly enjoyable dinner, with beautifully presented and tasty food. The staff were very helpful and easily accommodated the ‘sans gluten’ requirements (coeliac). We booked and were glad we did.

We were visiting from America and working out at a gym next door to L’Avocette during our visit to Royan, passing the restaurant daily. It looked like such a good French restaurant I was determined to try it. We stopped in one day at lunch without reservation. We were told,via French Sign Language, that it is impossible to come without a reservation. The next day we called during open hours to be greeted by a voice message that we didn’t understand as we don’t speak French, but couldn’t leave a message for a reservation. The next day, after the gym we went to make a reservation in person. The proprietor lady took our reservation for three days later. We arrive on time for our reservation. The proprietor rushed us to take our order though we are slow in deciphering the menu as it is in French and she didn’t speak English. We asked for one Menu of the day and told her that we wanted to split it in additional to other items. We have small appetites and have learned that in France, cannot comfortably consume 2 le menus. She was incredulous that we wanted to split a prie fix menu and said she wouldn’t allow it. Her haughtiness left such a bad taste in my mouth, my husband and I decided to leave. I was heartbroken because I really wanted to try this place and believe the reviews of how beautiful the food is. But the personality of The proprietress made the experience distasteful and a barrier for us. In sure she felt relieved to be rid of us. It is her business and her choice, but I am left with sadness. She felt like a bully. In our 3 week travels in France, she was the only unpleasant person we met. Even the Parisians we crossed paths with were gracious and kind.

Tried to walk in on the Sat 25th August, no chance fully booked so reserved a table for the Sunday evening and wasn't dissapointed. Location away from the busy front about 10 min walk from the tourism office on the front. Had three courses the food and display on the plate was superb asked for my fillet steak medium and it was just right, I explained that my wife didn't eat meat and the proprietor pointed to the Dorado fish dish which again displayed and tasted great. Good wine choice started with an apperitif and ended on a special coffee cost reasonable I think we paid 119 euros all in. Staff were very helpful I asked what the cheeses from the cheese board were and the waiter wrote them down for me worth a visit if you fancy a nice evening out or romantic if a couple but book in advance especially at the weekend.

Happened to see this restaurant as we drove past. Fabulous food, very good service and a pleasant atmosphere.. Highly recommended.

My wife and I are lucky to live not far from L'Avocette and have been going there regularly since it first opened. The food, service and atmosphere are consistently excellent and the prices are fair and reasonable especially given the high standards that Isabelle, Laurent and Jeremy maintain. Of the family and friends we have taken over the years not a single one has been disappointed and all ask to return every time they visit us. If L'Avocette was in London or Paris there would be a four month waiting list to reserve and the prices would be four times as high.