GAÏA — Restaurant in Narbonne

We chose to come here on the basis of reviews and were disappointed so we need to be frank. The location was no better than OK, the noise from the train tracks intruded at times, but the ambience was fine. The staff were friendly and helpful, but of course at a restaurant food is the key. This was perhaps the prettiest food I have ever eaten, but did the actual cuisine match the appearance? For us not at all. The flavours were not so well developed as we might have hoped and my veal was plain tough. I nearly sent it back but felt it was not quite at that point and I didn't want to wait whilst they cooked another, which I anticipate would have been much the same. Many people rave about the food, either we were unlucky or others value appearance over real cooking. I am not sure. We still give three stars on the basis that we were unlucky. We shall not return there are too many...

The food was very good and the creativity in the dishes was brilliant! The ' squid carbonara wasn't just an addition of squid to the pasta we know - but the 'pasta' was lovely, tender strips of squid. The sauce was that of a regular carbonara with lots of lardon and egg! The reason it wasn't excellent is that it was a bit too salty. On the other hand the fresh and well prepared ceviche of dorade was under-salted. These discrepancies are ones I've seen before, done by a chef who smoked a great deal... (Do you smoke, chef? I hope you give it up as I did!) The black and white homos was perfect, as was the blanquette of shrimp. The house vervain infusion was...

Came across this superb restaurant by chance, had a truly lovely and relaxing evening. Top class food, genuinely gourmet quality including an excellent 3 course vegan menu option ( = delighted daughter! ) Very good cocktails and great wine list / wine recommendations all at a very reasonable price. Staff were very welcoming , informative and helpful. First visit but treated as if we were regulars. Very unpretentious and laid back but attention to detail - e.g. Breads for the table was artisan / delicious - was top notch. Cannot recommend highly enough. You will not be disappointed. Wonderful last night to our family holiday ...