Hotel-Restaurant La Flambee

I’m sorry to give just one star, but it’s mainly because of how the poor service was handled. I worked until 2 PM and missed lunch at a restaurant, so I’d only had a croque-monsieur and a cookie from a bakery. That evening I wanted a treat and found La Flambée Hotel-Restaurant on Google, a 10-minute walk from where I was staying, with 4.8 stars and glowing reviews. The setting really was unique and relaxing, at least in the evening. The service was attentive and seemed skilled at fine dining, with suggestions and an empathetic manner. I ordered calf’s head with Gribiche sauce, partly because that was why I’d come, along with a soft orange and ginger dessert and a glass of Pécharmant. The waitress said the main course would take a while, and I told her I had plenty of time. When she brought it, she warned me about something, though I can’t remember the word. I took it to mean I shouldn’t touch the mini tureen. I tried the calf’s head, but there was no Gribiche sauce. The plate looked lovely and the vegetables were very good, but I wondered why the meat came in pieces in a mini tureen and where the sauce was. I assumed that was how they served it and kept quiet. When the waitress later asked if everything was all right, I told her about the missing sauce. She said they sometimes forget and that she’d check with the kitchen, but didn’t come back until dessert. The dessert was completely uninteresting, and I’m sure it had been microwaved. At the end she offered me a small hot drink, which I flatly refused. I don’t usually make a scene, and maybe I was wrong, so I ate everything. But the man at the next table had also ordered calf’s head. I waited until it arrived so I could ask whether he’d found the Gribiche sauce. He smiled and confirmed that, unfortunately, he hadn’t. When the bill came, I asked the waitress if she’d found it. She said they hadn’t received a delivery. Of what, the ingredients or even ready-made sauce? I didn’t think to ask whether she wanted me to make it for them. I asked why they hadn’t mentioned the issue when offering the dish, and she said, rather boldly, that she hadn’t been aware. Surely the dining room and kitchen talk before service? I’d naively thought she might offer some compensation, like a discount, given the problem, but I paid the full €35. The only part of the meal I enjoyed was the glass of Pécharmant, which they obviously didn’t make themselves. P.S. I see why there was no sauce: the receipt only said “Calf’s Head,” with no mention of Gribiche sauce. Stéphane B.

From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel at ease. They were lovely and attentive, and the meals were delicious with impeccable presentation. The setting is peaceful and wooded, tucked away in Bergerac. It’s excellent value for money. Congratulations on bringing this authentic place back to life. Go for it, you’ll be won over.

The food was delicious, carefully prepared and beautifully presented. The waiters were attentive and gave good advice on dishes and drinks to suit your tastes. The service was impeccable, and the place itself felt peaceful, warm and elegant, with an atmosphere that was both chic and friendly. A superb restaurant I’d recommend without hesitation.

The dishes were beautifully presented and full of flavor, a wonderful discovery for me. We had a group meal on the terrace on a Friday evening, and the welcome was excellent. All the staff were friendly. We’ll definitely be back.