Le Tertre — Restaurant in Libourne

It’s not often that I walk out of a restaurant thinking the house cocktail was the best thing on the menu, but nevertheless this is the reality at Le Tertre - a restaurant so overrated, so pretentious, and so utterly overpriced that it has forced me to do the unusual thing of bothering to write a review.

This restaurant is quite simply ‘fusion’ at its worst. Case in point: the foie gras entrée that came accompanied by some instant-quality noodles, and which then had cold dashi poured all over it by the waiter right before our eyes. I could tell you why the dashi itself was terrible, but the real culinary question is: why is somebody pouring soup on foie gras? Suffice to say this was not good. The only silver lining was our being treated to the spectacle of another patron attempting to swallow the same dish, which was truly hilarious and for which I am giving Le Tertre a single star for performance art reasons.

Performance art aside, what followed was invariably a pretty mess. Full marks for presentation (except their abysmal cheese plate), but whoever runs the kitchen clearly has no real-life experience of Asian cuisine. Furthermore, they appear to be highly ignorant of food structure and texture and utterly incapable of profiling and blending flavours. The kitchen also seemed to be aiming for a kind of lukewarm degree of heat on the palate, which combined with the other characteristics of the food led to some truly ‘experimental’ results. Indeed, this restaurant will be forever remembered by us as tabling the most bizarre culinary creations that one should definitely never, ever try.

If you do decide to brave this restaurant, be forewarned that whilst your credit cards will be happily accepted here (and then charged astronomically), criticism will not. Criticism – constructive or otherwise - will likely be met with the retort that it is just your taste, your opinion, and that neither mean anything in the context of the hordes of happy tourists who will inevitably continue to frequent this St. Emilion restaurant, not really caring about the...

Le Tertre – A Hidden Gem in Saint-Émilion

Le Tertre was the first lunch spot on our visit to Saint-Émilion, and what a lovely start it was. The restaurant is charming, and the owner was just as warm and welcoming. The food here genuinely impressed me — not only was it delicious, but it had a level of complexity and creativity that you don’t often find. I honestly think this place deserves some kind of award.

Entrées: • Poached and Grilled Duck Foie Gras with root vegetables, duck broth, and herbs • Gamberro Rosso Carpaccio with bisque, citrus, and Timut pepper

Both starters were incredibly flavorful — fresh, vibrant, and full of personality. A perfect start to the meal.

Mains: • Beef with red cabbage, raz el hanout, beetroot, roasted spelt, and hoisin sauce • Cod ravioli with mushrooms, spinach, and morel sauce

Cheese: • A lovely selection of matured cheeses

Dessert: • Warm dark chocolate mousse with almond, soft cookie, and New Caledonia vanilla ice cream

Wines: • Sancerre Les Sens (Domaine de La Garenne, 2022 – Loire) • Château Clos Marsalette Blanc (Pessac-Léognan) • Château Ripeau (Saint-Émilion – red)

Every dish felt thoughtfully crafted — familiar ingredients presented in unique ways, with great balance of flavor and texture.

And before we left, the owner shared a sweet little tip: we could get a key from the tourist office to climb the tower and enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree view of Saint-Émilion. Such a thoughtful gesture that added to an already memorable experience.

This place really made my day — definitely worth a visit if you’re...

From the moment we arrived, we knew this was going to be a special dining experience. This restaurant is run by a husband-and-wife team, and their passion and dedication shine through in every single detail. She is an absolutely amazing hostess—warm, welcoming, and attentive in a way that makes you feel like you’re a guest in their home rather than just another table in a restaurant. Her gracious personality sets the tone for the evening and creates an atmosphere that feels both elegant and comfortable.

The food, prepared by her husband, is nothing short of extraordinary. He is a truly gifted chef, with an ability to take simple, high-quality ingredients and turn them into dishes that are full of flavor, balance, and creativity. Every course was beautifully presented and thoughtfully crafted, and you could taste the care and expertise in every bite. It’s rare to find a chef who combines such technical skill with such obvious love for the craft.

Together, they create something truly special—a dining experience that goes far beyond just good food and service. It feels personal, heartfelt, and unforgettable. This is the kind of place you immediately want to tell your friends about, and also the kind of place you can’t wait to return to yourself.

An absolute 5-star experience...