Le Gambetta — Restaurant in Lisieux

Gambettas looks are more appealing than the food. The restaurant is romantic and cosy inside, though extremely small. If you are tall or wide, this definatley isn't the place for you. Back to the food. I don't know of any upmarket French restaurants that would give you a bowl of peanuts with your pre dinner aperitif? This was the first warning sign. Our waitress was very French, sullen and uncooperative. Could we have a smaller portion of the scallops(on the main course) menu as a starter? NO, no possible! I had the fois gras which was good, with the tiniest portion of compote, less than half a teaspoon. Our main courses were interesting. I had Coquilles Saint-Jaques, served in a large bowl. No potatoes, just a large pile of roughly cut vegetables heaped on the top of the scallops...most odd. When you could find the scallops they were good. The other main was Coute de Bouef. A massive pile of sliced beef was delivered of average/poor quality. The dessert was shared, and a lemon compote apparently. Tasted just like a quick mix of lemon curd and whipped cream to me? It was served with squirty cream (yes, the one from the can). So.....I would not recommend this restaurant. Its sister restaurant, L'homme du Bois, is the complete opposite, and the food...

This is a fantastic restaurant. I initial liked the location as it is tucked down a side street away from the tourist hustle and bustle. The restaurant has a friendly feel to it and it didn't disappoint. Seating outside is comfortable, and you're not squashed in next to your neighbour. The menu is varied, and the food was superb. Cooked to perfection, presented on the plate as food should be presented, with care and thought. The Oysters delivered on a bed of salt with a range of side dishes, Steak cooked as it had been requested, and the Tarte au Pomme, was delicious and was served with ice cream that tasted homemade. Not the cheapest menu in Honfleur, but I think that you would struggle to find a meal of quality, in a restaurant with ambience and atmosphere anywhere better. I wish this was my...

Bizarre - we had a reservation for 7pm. We arrived at 7:05 to find the chef and three waiting staff surfing their phones sat at the tables outside the restaurant. After standing there waiting for some response we said Bonsoir. One of the waiting staff said Bonsoir and returned to their phone the others just ignored us. After a further pause I said we have a reservation at 7pm. After a Gaelic grunt one of the waiting staff got up to get some menus whilst the others remained surfing their phones. When the restaurant is only open between 7pm and 9pm you’d think the staff would be ready at 7pm to receive guests not grunt at those that arrive. Needless to say we didn’t stay. There is far too much competition to accept such a poor welcome. We used to love the Gambetta but won’t...