Restaurant Le Neptune — Restaurant in Céret

I visited this restaurant with my partner on the last day of our vacation in Collioure, hoping to end it on a high note. I had reserved the table online and drove there, only to discover that the parking also required a separate reservation. That was partly on me for not checking in advance, but it would have been helpful if this had been made clearer during the booking process.

Now, onto the food: Vegetarian menu (my partner’s choice): Artichoke, ravioli, cheese platter, dessert. Unfortunately, there was nothing particularly new or memorable in any of the dishes. For the same price as the meat menu, it felt underwhelming. The artichoke was served as a cooked artichoke surrounded by raw-cut vegetables, more decorative than flavorful. The ravioli portion was so small it seemed like it was meant for a child, though the taste itself was acceptable. Overall, the vegetarian option simply didn’t feel like value for money. Meat menu (my choice): Chicken Caesar-style salad, filet mignon of pork, cheese tasting, and dessert (red fruits). Here, the quality was noticeably better. The meat was cooked well, and the sauce was particularly enjoyable. Both the starter and main course were well prepared and satisfying. Service and atmosphere: One of the most important parts of a restaurant experience is feeling welcomed, and this is where things fell short. The servers looked exhausted by the end of the day, and their tone came across as indifferent. Service was extremely slow—it took three hours to complete the meal—and at one point, they forgot our cheese tasting altogether until we reminded them. This lack of attention really affected the overall experience.

The one saving grace was the view, which was indeed beautiful and memorable. But apart from that, paying 127 euros for an average meal with indifferent hospitality didn’t feel worthwhile.

In short: the view was wonderful, but everything else left us...

If you like a quaint, picturesque beach town in the south of France, Collioure is a must. And if you are lucky enough to find yourself in Collioure, Le Neptune is a must.

The restaurant enjoys a romantic setting above the beach and the “Ansa de la Baleta” (the scenic cove here) with remarkable views of the Château Royal and the hills beyond. If the weather is good, ask to sit outside.

Our dinner was so special.

Before we ordered anything, the maître d’ brought us a beautiful introduction to the kind of meal we would have: a warm white cauliflower soup topped with a froth of white chocolate! Sounds bizarre (and it is) but remarkably good.

There’s a big list of specialty cocktails here. I enjoyed a cranberry-citrus-vodka cocktail whose name I can’t recall, but it was so refreshing - not too strong, more sweet than bitter.

She started with the Turbot appetizer that was plump and delicious without a hint of fishiness.

I had 6 big, fresh, local oysters that tasted like a mediterranean vacation.

For dinner, she ordered the bouillabaisse. I have always shied away from bouillabaisse it, but this was superb: a hearty, well, seasoned broth with generous portions of fish, shrimp, and mussels.

I enjoyed the lamb, which came perfectly cooked with a crispy sear on the outside, and some kind of a light glaze – not quite like duck a l’orange — less sweet and real improvement over an American smear of mint jelly. I also ordered a glass of local Collioure red wine (who knew?) that partnered beautifully with the Lamb.

if you’re a planner, don’t count on luck; plan ahead and reserve, because this exceptional...

The hubby and I had the pleasure of dining at Le Neptune during lunch on our trip to France, and it was an extraordinary experience! The food was absolutely amazing—especially the fish, which was cooked to perfection and paired with creative, delicious accompaniments. The desserts were a standout as well, bursting with flavor yet perfectly balanced without being overly sweet. Every dish was a feast for the eyes and the palate, beautifully presented with care and attention to detail.

The customer service was exceptional. The staff made us feel incredibly welcome, going the extra mile to accommodate my husband by speaking in English. They were also very helpful and accommodating with my reservation, ensuring our lunch went smoothly.

Of course, we can’t forget the breathtaking view—one of the most magical aspects of this restaurant. Overlooking Collioure during the daytime added a special charm to our meal, making the entire experience even more memorable.

The only downside was the limited parking, but the overall experience far outweighed this minor inconvenience. If you’re visiting Collioure, I highly recommend making time for lunch or dinner at Le Neptune. It’s a culinary delight that’s not...