Bistrot des pêcheurs — Restaurant in La Rochelle

Let me start by saying that 22 years ago, I spent a memorable 9 months working here as a student, I look back on this time with great fondest (and a cheeky smile). So when I had the chance to revisit I didn't hesitate, though how things have changed.

We were greeted and asked where we would like to sit, we chose a table on the terrace overlooking the Old Port. I'd spoke of the seafood platters we used to offer and that they were still available, so I suggested we order one, specialties of the region, our server didn't seemed to be too enthralled to be serving us, we ordered our drinks and then a "Captaine" platter. The drinks were served with little care, spilling mine over my menu, I let that one. Then our platter came, a shadow of its former self, what used to be a spectacle when it was delivered to the table, was merely dumped on the table. The food itself was good, all fresh and good quality, the oysters were particularly good, but this is as expected, the langoutines were overcooked making them difficult to peel well. Once we'd finished, and the platter was cleared, we were offered desserts, we both decided on the "Cafe Gourmand" which consisted of a selection of small desserts and a coffee of your choice. These were good. We asked for the bill and even though we'd read the menu, it was still a mild shock to see how much we had to pay, I appreciate quality fresh produce isn't cheap, but there's a fine line between expensive and a rip off.

Safe to say my memories of the restaurant will be those of yesteryear, not my recent...

Lovely place by the harbour. My husband and I both had moules frites and they were really fresh and tasted amazing. Even the frites were good! The dishes being delivered to nearby tables looked wonderful. The service was very friendly and paced perfectly, they were very attentive but also didn't rush us at all. A very lovely lunch indeed.

EDIT: We returned for dinner and it did not disappoint! I had the razor clams (couteaux) for starter and then the sea bream (dorade) with sauted new potatoes and the most divine little pickle. My husband had Tuna tartare followed by yellow bass with crushed potatoes. The food was sublime and cooked to perfection, even the cafe gourmand was the best I've ever had!! The same people were serving in the evening and yet they were still all beaming smiles, attentive service and very happy to help explain the menu to me in English. We...

I visited here recently for lunch and I absolutely loved it. It was so busy when I arrived but I was seated with my dog immediately and they brought out water for him. The menu was really great and it was difficult to decide what to order as it all seemed so delicious. For starters I took, raw espadon, tomato seche and avocat - super delicious and light. Mains, I ordered Bar with mashed potatoes with buerre crustace - also delicious. For desserts i was clever and went for a café gourmand as they give you a small taster of all the desserts which I adored - mousse au chocolat, Panna cotta, pistache cake, and chocolate pudding and caramel sauce - DELICIOUS😋 The staff here are so nice, they were super efficient and everything was fluid. Service was quick. Strongly...