Aux éphérites — Restaurant in Lille

Pardon my French, but this was the worst dining experience I’ve ever had.

I rarely leave reviews—only when something truly delights me or deeply disappoints me. Sadly, this time it’s the latter. I was really looking forward to discovering a local gem, hoping for a charming French evening with good food and wine. Instead, I left feeling sick—literally and figuratively.

The menu was a fixed tasting experience, with no option to choose individual dishes. What followed was a confusing journey of flavors that didn’t belong together. Luke-warm oysters with sweet jelly, cod with mushrooms and dried rose petals, snails, duck, beef… it felt like all possible proteins were thrown onto the table, with little thought to balance or digestion. I enjoy creative cuisine, but this felt more like chaos on a plate than a culinary experience. I couldn’t even finish some of these dishes because they didn’t taste nice at all.

To make matters worse, the wine we were offered wasn’t listed on the menu. We later found it online for €10, only to be charged €50 on our bill. That left a very sour taste—especially after paying so much for a meal that ended up making me sick - literally and figuratively. I spent the next day recovering, unable to have any food because of how unsettled my stomach was.

Sometimes, better really is the enemy of good. A well-prepared, simple dish beats an overthought plate of mismatched flavors any day. Unfortunately, this restaurant seems more focused on being “experimental” than enjoyable.

I genuinely hope this review saves someone from making the...

I'm so glad I had the pleasure of dining at this restaurant, which I randomly found on Google Maps. The staff was very friendly, the chef François offered the red wine Château de Chausse, which perfectly accompanied the meal. The lunch started with an appetizer composed of 4 parts, each was delicious. Best of all was something I never tasted before - mayonnaise with grape must (moût de raisin), which was fantastic! Then came the cheese starter and I was off to a great start. It was so good on its own, I barely touched the accompanied bread. Then came the main course - the fish with baked vegetables, which was beautifully presented and tasty as well. Finally the highlight of the meal - the brilliantly executed Île Flottante by Mathéo. The ingenuity of the chef and the masterful execution really made me want to come again and try more dishes, next time I'm in...

The best food experience in Lille. Definitely we do not regret that we took a leap of faith to try this place. Michelin-level tastes and attention to details at very modest price. It's not typical north-of-France cuisine, but rather a taste adventure worth attempting. For the first time in my life i've had excellent porc tartar with strawberries, gaspacho with ice-cream and pine ice-cream!!! Indulge yourself with a lunch or dinner at this very special place. The service deserves extra compliments - my friends and I were treated at exceptional level of hospitality. All wine suggestions were very professional & profound. Wish my home city had a place like that....