Les Grands Buffets — Restaurant in Narbonne

The food was undeniably delicious and of high quality. However, the overall experience was overshadowed by misleading information and poor customer service.

Leading up to our visit, we received numerous emails emphasizing strict policies, such as non-modifiable reservations, cancellation fees, and a dress code (honestly, making you feel stressed that not following their rules, means no access to the place and you being charged nonetheless) Despite all this, when we arrived, we realized that the dress code was not enforced, as many guests were underdressed, contrary to the restaurant's reputation and requirements to “live this moment in harmony with the place and lend yourself to the game of elegance” as they mention in their emails. Unnecessary stress caused.

The queue management was another issue. Despite having a reservation, we faced a long wait and were presented with 2 options, either to wait at the queue or go to a nearby pub to purchase drinks for a pass to skip the line. This was frustrating, as we had secured our reservation months in advance and did not expect to be treated as walk-ins.

Our reservation was at 8:00 PM, and we were under the impression from their registered hours in Google that the restaurant closes at 9:15 PM on Tuesdays. So we inquired this at the entrance and the staff informed us they close at 9:30 PM, still giving us the impression we had very limited time to dine. This misinformation caused significant stress, as we felt rushed due to the perceived time constraint. We later discovered that the restaurant actually closes at midnight, which made the rushed feeling unnecessary and confusing.

To add to the discomfort, the room we were seated in, La Salle à manger Ann Carrington, was not air-conditioned, making it uncomfortably warm. The environment was far from the refined experience advertised, with children running around and even a baby crying nearby constantly. The restaurant's portrayal of a strict and elegant dining experience is not reflected in reality.

Additionally, an extra person who wanted to join us was initially told he couldn't enter due to a lack of space, even though we noticed empty tables around us. They were advised to wait because a table might open up and he then inquired about the hours the restaurant closes but he was told they close at 22:00 this time. As I mentioned above, we found out that the restaurant closes at midnight and this thanks to a very polite and kind waitress who told us the truth finally.

In summary, while the food was excellent, the overall experience was negatively impacted by poor communication, misleading information, and a lack of adherence to the restaurant's own stated policies. The ambiance did not match the sophisticated dining experience we...

I’ve been coming to Les Grands Buffets since 1997, and it used to be a warm, family-friendly place with charm and consideration for guests of all ages. Sadly, it feels like those days are gone.

First off, customer service is completely unreachable before making a reservation, which is incredibly frustrating. And babies—yes, even those who don’t eat or need high chairs—must be counted in your booking, limiting space for actual diners. It feels like families with children are being discouraged from attending.

There’s no longer a play area, and strollers are not allowed, which meant I had to eat with twins in baby carriers. Definitely not ideal. If you have babies, I would skip this restaurant. The entire atmosphere is crowded, chaotic, and stressful. It felt more like a Black Friday sale than a fine dining experience—people bumping into each other, stepping on toes, long queues for food, and general disorganization.

Some dishes were empty for long stretches, even though they’re restocked eventually. The apéritif came 20 minutes into the main meal, completely missing its point. Table service was polite but slow with drinks, though they were quick to clear plates.

Staff behind the buffet were noticeably abrupt and rushed, and in one scary moment, the dessert waiter almost shut a glass door on my baby’s head, claiming it was for “safety”—clearly not considering my child’s safety in the process. To top it off, he was wearing black hygiene gloves while serving desserts, but then wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. Really unappetizing.

As for the food: average at best. Like most buffets, it looks better than it tastes. I forced down four half-lobsters just to try to justify the cost, which is honestly far too high. No lobster crackers to open the claw, and when I used my teeth the claw was full of cooking water. Kind of gross. We went to the 1:00pm seating, parking was impossible. Eat backwards to avoid lines lol.

Good cheese selection! Fois gras great! Crepe Suzette lovely!

Sadly, I won’t be returning. What used to be a memorable, family-friendly experience has become a crowded, overpriced, and surprisingly anti-child establishment....

Booked table for 21.30 hours got there 20 mins early told to go and wait outside or go to a bar downstairs we chose to go to the bar very strange badly sign posted walk around big empty hall badly lit got there eventually more luck then judgement walk in the bar area there was party of travelers there had taken over the bar area very loud and very intimidated found a seat away from the bar waiter on is own ordered 2 cocktails no fruit or dressed up in small wine glasses very poor and in taste and appearance quickly went back upstairs where there was a queue of about 30 people there this then 21.35 the doors opened a mad rush to be seen and sat down we sat down at 21.50 twenty mins after I booked asked if we wanted an aperitif said yes told some one would be along 5 min later we order our drink from waiter then another waiter comes along and said you better hurry up because all the food is taken away at 23.15 hours so I have go up and get my food dodge all the people there talking in the aisles and taking photographs kids running around what a nightmare the place is to top all up we rushed to eat our main course starter plates never cleared when we came back with dessert someone had cleared everything of the table water and bottle of wine which was not full but half left in it no cutlery left to eat dessert our jackets were on the back of the chairs spent another 10min trying to find someone to complain to they give us a glass of wine each and apologized for me it was going to a special night for our wedding anniversary instead it felt like joining a soup kitchen which is most probably run better I think they are trying to sit to many people at once and not given enough time to enjoy what is on offer I cannot fault the food it’s just like a cattle market it will suit some people because of the price excellent value if given enough time to eat for us never again I shall keep to good restaurants where they wait on us and make it a memorable evening this was memorable for all the...