Restaurant Mengem — Restaurant in Céret

This is the restaurant which has the best view of the port in Port Vendres. Mengem is very recent, took over the restaurant from another owner. They change their set lunch menu each day using only fresh produce locally and the meat is supplied by our favourite butcher, Nicolas, next door. We were there 3 times over 2 weekends when they opened this summer. This is now our regular haunt when we are in Port Vendres. I overheard the French owner spoke English (rather well) and Spanish as well. The 3-course lunch at 23€ is clearly a winner when the starters and main dish consist of fresh catch from the local fishermen (Gabriel and Manu). Service is courteous and prompt. Highly...

The food and drink here is incredible, and miles ahead of the local competition at competitive prices. But what really sets Mengem apart is the fact that every single person working there seems to love it. The chefs clearly love what they do, but the waitresses are so attentive, service-minded, kid-friendly, and... well, happy. We dined with three children, and they were pampered and fed like kings and queens. As were we.

When I tipped, because of course I did, the waitress seemed genuinely surprised. I'm sure to them, it was just another Sunday. For us, it was a feast. I'll happily come back here...

We had lunch in this beautiful place this week. We were visiting Collioure but had nowhere to park, so we drove on to Port Vendres. We then booked tickets for the Petit Train to Collioure and back, but stopped here for lunch. The resturant has a lovely terrace, just above the port and overlooking it. It is well shaded and has a fabulous view. The food was just stunning, with delicious tapas as starters and very carefully cooked mains. My poitrine de cochon was expertly cooked and truly delicious. The restaurant was a chance finding, but was worth the...