L'Essentiel — Restaurant in Périgueux

For a Michelin starred restaurant, we were pleased with the food, however we were disappointed in the service provided. For a standard 3-course meal (entrée, main, dessert), we spent a total of 3 hours at the table, as the wait for each course was very long. At our arrival, we were greeted by a waitress and our order was taken by a second older waitress. Pleasantly surprised by their wine selection, we made a few pictures of the wine menu as a remembrance and to research the wines in our own time. This second waitress noticed and harshly asked us why we were taking a picture. Following our explanation and apology (her tone implied that was she not pleased by this), we offered to delete the photos off our phones. She then replied in a cold manner, saying there was no need, but that she prefers that customers ask first, before taking pictures. We understood her point, however her tone was extremely unpleasant and nobody had told us/it wasn't indicated anywhere that pictures of the menu were not allowed. This set an awkward tone for us as customers, as we hesitated to take photos of the nicely presented dishes throughout the night, for fear of being scowled at again. There were also a few details we noticed, such as the lack of table cloth, no individual plates for the bread (nowhere for each person to put their piece of bread, eventually needing to put it back onto the serving plate or on the table, which is a bit improper). Although the food was good, our experience (especially in regards to the customer service) was not very pleasant overall, we will not be dining...

I can honestly say that L'Essentiel is the finest restaurant in Périgueux and the entire Dordogne. You can actually taste Chef Eric's passion and expertise in his Masterfully prepared and presented Gastronomic Delights...it's a true labor of love. Using only the finest and freshest products available, each of Chef Eric's artfully creative and truly delicious Masterpieces are pleasurable to both eye and palate.

Step inside L'Essentiel, and you are immediately welcomed by Madame Vidal or one of their lovely Hostesses. From their first sincere smile and greeting, to their final thank you and farewell, you are treated as Family. The restaurant is Classic French elegance. This tastefully stylish and very chic restaurant makes the perfect setting for a fine Family dinner, special event, or a very romantic evening with "that special someone". L'Essentiel offers both Salle à Manger et Cour Privée dining.

The combination of their unbelievably delicious dishes, along with excellent service, amazing staff, and tastefully charming atmosphere; is the key to this highly respected Michelin Star Restaurant's success and popularity. Come to l'Essentiel and experience why the French are regarded as the World's Gastronomic Masters.

Merci Beaucoup Chef Eric and Madame Magali,... C'était délicieux et magnifique. Mel

As with any excellent and very popular restaurant, reservations are highly recommended (especially Friday and Saturday evening). A "Best of Périgueux" Selection Vive le...

My husband and I dined here for our wedding anniversary while on a visit to Perigueux. The staff could not have been kinder or more professional. We loved the garden area for dining. The hydrangeas were stunning. Our service was perfectly timed, and our host assisted with the wine choice. We wound up with a regional wine that was absolutely perfect with the courses. We were pleased with our meals, and the faite maison candied grapefruit brought as a treat on the “lagniappe ” dessert tray was divine. The sweet younger waiter ( there are two very good ones!) even popped out to say hello to us one day as we passed in front of the restaurant. All in all a...