La Petite Maison Cannes — Restaurant in Grasse

I reserved this venue to celebrate my girlfriend's birthday during our trip. While initially hesitant due to its 3.7/5 Google rating (rarely do you see a sub-4 score with so many reviews unless it is particularly bad), I delved deeper and found that most negative reviews centered around service and subsequently the service received for the price paid. While this made me a little nervous for the experience given it was a special occasion that i didn't want the restaurant to sour, the location's charm and decor convinced me to give it a chance. I reasoned that if we were reasonable/low-maintenance customers and spent a decent amount (around 600 euros), we could avoid any displeasure from staff disappointed in the size of the tab/tip, or how long we took to dine.

We arrived slightly before the 7:30 pm service, greeted by a stunning setting and attentive wait staff. Our orders included ceviche, prawn dishes for starters, a shared beef ragu as the main course, chocolate mousse for dessert, and a bottle each of rose and champagne. The food was all very tasty and matched the décor's sophistication, aligning with what I am sure are the restaurant's culinary ambitions (centred around a popular and celebrated chef). Although prices were steep, I recognized that part of the expense covered the vibrant ambiance, akin to renowned upscale "sceney" eateries in Mykonos, St. Tropez, and Amalfi frequented by the Instagram influencers bunch during European summers. The atmosphere catered to a flashy crowd but was equally enjoyable for a regular like me seeking a distinctive experience.

When politely asked by a manager to vacate our table due to a bar queue forming (likely due to delayed reservations, as noted in other reviews), we realized our extended dining time and were content to comply. The offer to continue the evening at the bar was appreciated, considering our earlier extensive table use.

Our bar experience, complete with espresso martinis, was great and well-received. The bartender managed her duties well, exhibiting respect and consideration even amid her busyness. However, the experience took a negative turn when my girlfriend and I stepped out for a cigarette. Upon returning, a 6 foot 5 heavily muscled bouncer of the establishment confronted her (not me), questioning her presence inside earlier. The situation escalated, with the bouncer's aggression towards my very petite girlfriend reaching a point where he yelled at her very aggressively. I swiftly removed her from the situation and tried to defuse it.

Expecting the restaurant's fine-dining standards to extend to its staff, we reported the incident to a manager. We highlighted the rudeness and verbal assault from the bouncer towards a customer, who should never be treated as such irrespective of the amount spent. We sought only an apology and an acknowledgment, but the manager, who had been courteous as we dined, retorted venomously, saying, "What do you want me to do? Who cares? You're back in now," before walking away. This shocking response left us enraged and disillusioned, regretting our decision to patronize the place altogether.

This incident shed light on the reason behind the 3.7 rating, as numerous others had experienced similar mistreatment. Ironically, during dinner, my girlfriend and I had marvelled at our unexpectedly enjoyable time and joked about leaving a positive review to counteract some of their negative feedback. This optimism proved fleeting. As disappointed patrons, we understood that despite their high prices and business, the restaurant's indifference became evident once we stopped ordering.

In conclusion, our understanding of previous reviews deepened as we departed. While we won't return, I hope this account offers prospective diners valuable insight into the place and I’m sure, much like the reviews beforehand, this will receive the same autogenerated response for the establishment (although I challenge the restaurant to surprise me on this point). Dine at...

Do not set foot in this place if you have even an ounce of self-respect!

What was supposed to be a pleasant evening at La Petite Maison turned into an absolute farce! From the moment we arrived, we were met with a level of audacity that I have never encountered before: 200€ was demanded by the valet for a measly two hours of parking! Two hundred euros! But that was just the beginning of the nightmare that awaited us inside.

As soon as we walked through the door, the madness began. We were left standing cold and ignored at the reception for a full ten minutes—ten agonizing minutes—before a visibly underage waitress finally dragged herself over to us, looking like she might collapse at any moment. The restaurant was nearly empty, yet we were led with a forced smile to a table adorned with a pathetic display of tomatoes and lemons, if you could even call it "decor."

And then came the waiter. It took him an eternity to approach us, only to ask in an unbearably slow manner if we wanted water—so slow that it was hard not to suspect he was under the influence. But it only got worse from there.

The pinnacle of incompetence arrived in the form of an older woman with smudged makeup who eventually brought us our water. When we politely asked for a holder or table for our bags—since the tiny table barely had room for two plates—she stared at me with glazed eyes as if I were speaking a foreign language. She made me repeat the question endlessly, as if I were a fool, and then began rummaging through her own bag, muttering to herself in French. When we asked her to speak in English, she completely ignored us and instead started waving her hands around wildly, as if she had lost her mind.

But the worst was yet to come. This woman finally pulled out a scratched-up, shabby bag holder from her bag—and had the nerve to charge us 30€ for it! And that was just for one holder, even though we needed two! She continued to gesture wildly, indicating that she wanted money, as if we were complete idiots. It was an outrageous insult!

Reluctantly, we paid 15€ for the stale water and walked out of that nightmare of a "restaurant" immediately. This establishment is a disgrace to the culinary world! Stay far away if you value your dignity!

Thankfully, the valet team was on our side and waived the...

Average Food / TERRIBLE Service / High Price

S T A Y A W A Y

Having visited many nice places in the South of France and dined at LPM in London multiple times, we decided to have dinner at LPM in Cannes. Knowing the London location for its pleasant atmosphere and good service, we were lured by expectations of a similar experience. We were mistaken.

The only positive aspects were the beautiful location and the elegant design of the place.

However, that’s where the positives ended. First of all, the restaurant is in a building shared with a few other establishments, which made it feel like a more luxurious food court.

Our overall dining experience was soured right from the front desk. The brunette receptionist's attitude was unacceptable for a place like this, or for any job involving interaction with people.

Having a reservation, we felt like intruders causing a problem, rather than welcomed guests. It seemed as though escorting us to our seats was a great favor she begrudgingly performed. Contrary to our thought we were not the only people she escorted to the table with the same manner.

We ordered rosé but received red wine; however, the mistake was quickly corrected. When selecting our dishes, the waiters showed no interest and offered no recommendations, which should be standard in restaurants of this caliber. Fortunately, we knew the LPM London menu and decided on some classics such as pasta arrabiata, lamb, and peppers.

Despite dining at many top restaurants worldwide, we have never felt so rushed. The service was uncomfortably quick, and while we were still eating, the waiters repeatedly asked if we were done as if somebody was already waiting to be seated at our table. This sense of being hurried ruined the experience further.

To our surprise, no one offered us a dessert menu, which is customary in similar establishments.

We definitely don’t recommend LPM in Cannes. If you, like us, are seeking a pleasant experience similar to LPM London, don't be fooled and better...