Les Canailles — Restaurant in Montreuil-sur-Mer

Review of Les Canailles I am writing this review from the perspective of two couples from the UK on a day out in Le Touquet. Three of us are 'adventurous' foodies, one not so much. The great reviews for Les Canailles tempted me to make the reservation, and I can only think that some of the small variety of dishes on offer are a local specialty. Unfortunately, yesterday there were very few options for anyone unable to appreciate dishes such as Tartare de Veau as a starter and Tartare de Boeuf as a main (a huge serving) – although there was Blood Pudding as the only meat alternative?? Indeed we did ask for any alternative cooked piece of meat, but no. Perhaps it was an off day because the reviews are fantastic? I note that Service is also well praised, but where others mention being welcomed, we felt completely un-welcomed. I booked and confirmed online the week previously, but on arrival, we were offered a very tight table in the middle of the restaurant, and when I requested if we could sit in the vacant area by the window, we were told a flat no. Bizarrely, fifteen minutes later, we were told yes and we moved toward the light.

The menu (4 starters + 4 mains + desserts) was gratefully translated. There was the aforementioned Tartare de Veau, as well as Bouillon of Crab ‘Asiatique’ with ravioli of egg yolk, Terrine, and a Veloute of Butternut Squash – and all but the Tartare was ordered. The mains were Blood Pudding with potatoes, Loin of Pollock with Leeks, Tartare de Boeuf, and Cauliflower Roti as the vegetarian option.

We then felt we had made a mistake by asking for butter for the bread. The reaction of distaste to this request from the young lady serving us was such that we felt we must have misinterpreted her or that she misinterpreted us. Though in other parts of France, the bread is considered to be enough on its own, but, particularly in Normandy and Brittany, it is not unusual, so we couldn’t work it out. We had to ask again to be told it’s on its way.

The Bouillon should have been good, but it was unfortunately tepid; the added soy and coriander totally overwhelmed the light flavour of crab, and the clever yolk ravioli had dissolved to a mush. The Terrine was very very ‘campagne,’ far too crumbly and served so cold that there was little obvious flavor. This was a shame because it was actually very good when it had warmed up but would have benefitted from the sweetness of a redcurrant jelly or cranberry as opposed to the few dry salad leaves sprinkled on top, garnished with pickled cornichons from a jar.

The main courses served were Blood Pudding (pushing the boundaries for my non-adventurous friend), half a roasted cauliflower, and I actually had a well-cooked, but regrettably flavourless under-seasoned, piece of Pollock.

By this point, we weren’t particularly happy. The limited choice was only a problem for one member of our party - what does it take to rustle up an escalope de poulet in such an instance? - but the other dishes just weren’t good enough and do not reflect the reviews. Service was poor, food wasn’t hot, and no care or indeed flair was obvious in presentation.

You won't be surprised that we didn’t want to look at the dessert menu, the bill was 200 Euros, and we didn’t leave a tip as something of a mute protest feeling that 200 Euros was plenty enough to pay for a lunch we could have gone without.

Maybe we aren’t Les Canailles' target market? Maybe it was an off day? Maybe the Chef was off-sick? Maybe they had been let down by suppliers? Maybe the experienced front of house didn’t turn up on a Sunday? It must have been something to explain why our experience was the complete opposite of...

We booked and got a table outside as it was warm. The waiter explained the menu in English which was nice. The tomato burrrata was bland tasteless - just piece of chunky tomatoes in cheese and an olive oil dressing. The lamb was tasteless - just seared, bit rubbery bit of seasoning which didn’t go through the meat (not sure what the cut was). The worse was the veg medley that came with the lamb- few chunks of courgettes, peppers and sliced aubergines all smothered in olive oil and roasted - Overall, all the ingredients were high quality but the dishes were bland, boring, unimaginative and expensive for what it was. Desserts was ok but forgetful and sweet for a ganache - didn’t have a chocolate hit to compliment the sweetness of the sauce. Couldn’t really recommend here, they do have a good wine...

Very nice, young and motivated staff!!! We ate two times in January and tried it again in May 2022. No disappointment! Nice and interesting food, great wine and good service. And the only restaurant in Le Touquet with good music. We returned once more in June 2023… and yes, it’s still the best place to go in Le Touquet: food, wine, service and music are all super. We will come back next time for sure! It’s all traditional French food with a modern twist. All the wines are “bio” and...