Le Vieux Greement

Lunch here was quite an experience. The tapas were inventive, and the produce seemed carefully chosen. There was an artistic touch that made the food taste even better. Sitting in the church square in a fishing village, among cute White House’s and colorful blinds, felt like heaven.

We were a group of eight, two families, and the manager refused to seat us for lunch. We offered in French to split into two groups, but he rejected that too, saying they were too busy. Then he seated another group of five right in front of us. It didn’t seem to occur to him that we could wait for tables to open. A restaurant would normally give an idea of the wait when busy, but he didn’t. We arrived at 1330h, and they serve from midday to 21h. He made it feel as if he didn’t want our custom at all. I lost count of how many times he said 'no' in a single sentence. We went to Les Anneries nearby instead and had a lovely lunch with great service. The place looks lovely, but the customer handling and rude manager spoiled it. From his replies to other 1* reviews, he seems to think a business should only get good reviews, though he rarely disputes the details people describe. I usually leave good ratings. If I’ve had a bad experience, I give feedback at the time instead of posting a review, and see how they respond. Usually people take it graciously, even when they disagree. I’m curious what he’ll say to this one.

SNACK PART ONLY The welcome was good, 8/10, and the waitress was friendly, also 8/10. The snack food was high quality, 9/10, though peeling the quail egg yourself isn’t practical. Atmosphere gets 7/10 because the tables are distant. Prices felt right and affordable, 8/10. Overall, a good snack, 8/10. Hope we can try the Restaurant part before we leave.

Ile de Ré was magical, and this lovely little place is right in the perfect spot on the island. The room was adorable and really comfortable, with a gorgeous terrace. It’s right in the centre of the beautiful town. We’ll definitely be back and stay here again.