La Maison de Petit Pierre — Restaurant in Béziers

“A beautiful fiasco”

After a lukewarm welcome it felt like you had to leave in 10 minutes. Since it was our anniversary we wanted to start with a nice glass of champagne which before it arrived was already the drink for the amuse which was almost on the table before we sat down.

And before we had the chance to finish our amuse the entree was being served. No mention of a wine list or anything else to drink with our actual menu.

After asking we received the wine list and since it’s not really a list made the choice somewhat difficult. We asked our nice waiter if he had a suggestion, which he had. He kindly served a glass to taste but apparently it was just a glass instead of the bottle we ordered. After some back and forth they were able to find the bottle with our two glasses missing from it instead of the new bottle they wanted to open on top of the two glasses.

Then the main dish arrived, again too fast after asking if they could please slow down a tiny bit, a filet of dorade certainly not royal. Cooked sous vide and barely finished on a half hot plate among 20 other filets all gently waiting to be served.

When asked if we liked it, we didn’t have a poker face, which apparently came across as an attack on a personal level and not on the quality of the fish. Plates removed without hesitation with the notice we would get the same. We asked how it was prepared we got the answer “pan”. I don’t say this lightly but I’ve never seen a restaurant without any pans until today. No pans, no smell of butter and two “chefs” in the kitchen heating up dishes.

I guess there’s a fine line between catering and a restaurant but sadly I would not call this a restaurant or a very good catering business.

Still we try to be nice customers in general, so we tried to pay (multiple times) for the produce we had until that point. We were told we should not worry about the money and we could leave immediately.

So if you’re looking for an experience close to sitting in your high school Mensa or canteen this is the place for you. If not maybe, don’t go.

I hope they just had a bad week. The season was long which we understand.

But in the end it’s called...

If you don't go here when you visit Beziers then you're missing out. We opted for the four course 'menu surprise' at €45 per person. There was an additional pre-course of foie gras too. It was a lovely touch that Chef Pierre came out with each course to explain the dish. Starter of seared squid on puree broccoli with a fennel vinegarette was delicious. Main course of beef ravioli was again delicious if slightly rich. Cheese course, two goats and one cow cheese accompanied by pear chutney which I'd never had before but will be looking for again. Dessert was perfect! We has the 7pm time slot and the restaurant was empty as it had just opened. It would appear that they limit the numbers every fifteen minutes in order that they can provide the best dining experience for their guests. We were in the restaurant for around two and a half hours, not rushed and there wasn't a single table free by the time we left. The pinot noir was fantastic as was the bread on the table. We couldn't get enough of both. I highly recommend this place, excellent food, atmosphere and customer service. Thanks...

We have visited this restaurant three times in the past two months. As always, we were welcomed warmly and shown to our table. The menu was explained and we were asked if we had any allergies or dislikes. The service throughout our meal was attentive, friendly and helpful without being obtrusive. We chose the four course lunch, which was preceded by a delightful amuse bouche. The starters and mains were excellent, beautifully cooked, well seasoned and presented. Clearly, the produce was of high quality and handled with great skill. The cheese board and desserts were equally impressive. We asked the waiting staff for appropriate, accompanying wines and these were well chosen. Our whole dining experience was exceptional and the staff were unfailingly efficient, cheerful and helpful. This dining experience is one to savour. It is a triumph of creativity, quality, value and good management. We will be returning for a fourth visit to conclude...