L'Endroit du Goinfre — Restaurant in La Rochelle

A disappointing experience. Having agreed a reservation time of 21.00 the owner called and requested we arrive at 20.30. We said we’d do our best but might be a few minutes late - and we were, arriving at 20.45 but still before our original reservation time. On arrival we were immediately rushed and put under pressure by the waiting staff. There was only one menu for 10 of us so it was quite a stressful process getting our orders in quickly. The staff made it clear there was no time for starters. The food was OK, albeit the steak was rather overpriced and, in our opinion, underweight - we were charged for 2kg for five of us but no-one felt they had much meat. The staff were standing around with the coats on and chairs were on the tables when we asked for the bill at 22.15: we’d been overcharged €55 for a bottle of wine we hadn’t had, which didn’t feel like an accident. The bill was updated quickly but we were left in no doubt we weren’t welcome and we rushed to leave. We had hoped, and expected, much better hospitality for what wasn’t a cheap meal. Suffice to say we won’t be returning and wouldn’t recommend this restaurant to others. There are much friendlier and welcoming places...

If you’re on Île de Ré and don’t eat at L’Endroit du Goinfre, you’re either tragically unlucky or have the taste buds of a soggy toast. Because what’s coming out of this kitchen is nothing short of divine.

The dry-aged beef? A love letter in meat form. Perfectly seared on the outside, melt-in-your-mouth tender inside. The ingredient quality? Top-tier — the kind of flavor you feel in your soul.

We were just a party of two, but still got offered one of the best tables in the house, sun-drenched and perfect. The waitress? Charming, witty, and on point. The chef? A true host with taste, heart, and personality.

Their menu suggestions? Spot on. Each dish was a little masterpiece. We got a surprise amuse-bouche to start things off, and later, a complimentary drink — just because. Talk about hospitality that makes you grin.

Bottom line: L’Endroit du Goinfre isn’t just a restaurant. It’s an experience. A celebration of food, feeling, and French flair. If we could move in, we would.

We’ll be back — hungry and...

This is an excellent restaurant located near the harbour and is, from our experience, the best restaurant in the village of La Flotte. The menu proposes a wide range of dishes, using fresh produce and specialises in meats. The staff are welcoming, have a sense of humour and are passionate about what they prepare and serve – they are true professionals. Since the restaurant is small, it’s highly recommended to book in advance. There is the option of the terrace, the first room (normal table seating) or the main room which is located near the kitchen and is like a table d’hôtes where you can see, hear and smell all that is going on in the kitchen. We opted for the tasting menu which was simply excellent from start to finish. Our grandson selected the homemade burger which he considered to be the best he had ever tasted. Everything was prepared to perfection and...