Le Jardin de l'Estagnol — Restaurant in Carcassonne

My girlfriend found this place on TripAdvisor where it was described correctly as a 'hidden gem'. From the outside you'd never guess how cozy and iconic it looks on the inside.

The gate opened at 19:30, about a dozen other guests were waiting outside, which is a good sign... And we walked in through the arch into a oasis of tranquility and colours

We were welcomed warmly by the staff and an elderly couple who we assumed are the owners of this beautiful place

We ordered a mocktail and two soda's to start, the lady gently asked whether we'd like some wine which we declined because I don't drink alcohol when I have to drive and my girlfriend doesn't drink alcohol at all.

We both ordered the steak au poivre with two different types of cooking and they had a clever way of putting little flags in the meat , one for bleu, one for saignant. It was delicious! This was our 5th restaurant visit this week and so far the best in the entire region if it comes to the food!

The staff and female owner stayed very warm and friendly throughout our visit. Unfortunately we can't say the same about the male owner who would come check and ask rather forcibly and indignant that we wouldn't order any wine. And after we respectfully declined ... He looked at me with anger in his eyes. We could see him be very polite and friendly towards other people... Who ordered wine.

A bit later I saw him walk in our direction and wanted to ask him for the check and he didn't stop, just passed us while looking angry. This attitude left us bewildered and shaken to be honest.

We don't speak perfect French but we try, we dressed decent for our visit, we try to be as friendly and respectful as we can wherever we travel. But we have our own principles, for me it's 0% alcohol when I have to drive.

Normally when the food is this good we would leave a handsome tip, this time we didn't because of this unfortunate situation

Except for him, great service from the rest of the staff. The interior is fantastic! Without a doubt this place has the most awesome and iconic toilet you've ever seen!

So, great place to visit and dine at, if...

Absolutely delightful meal, service and ambience in this local restaurant. We sampled most of the dishes between the six of us and they were all delicious. Particular mention of the goats cheese salad. Terrific selection and description of local wine choices to match our meals. Very friendly staff who worked hard to translate to English for us. It was full mid week so definitely book ahead. It was a good 20 min walk from the centre of town (canal moorings), with limited taxi services to return, and not much lighting on the roads. But walking off a tummy full of delicious cassoulet was probably a good thing....

4 days in Carcassonne What a find. We were more than impressed with everything about this place 5+ homemade cooked food, presentation and taste was delicious, lst class 5service family run and there is nothing to fault about this restuarant it was amazing, it's outside Carcassonne centre, but assure everyone, so glad we went best food we ate in Carcassonne highly recommended. 100% you will not be disappointed. Try the homemade Cassoulet.. Deliii... Cous more than flavour some. Perfect location for a group meals.. Thank you Xavier your Wife and family.. We will return from UK...