Contoir des Marais — Restaurant in Saint-Lô

AVOID! None native French speakers be aware…. ….We tried to order from the cheaper (formule) set menu and were refused. That in itself not an issue if one rule for all - BUT - 15 mins later a ‘native’ couple arrived, sat next to us and were allowed. I questioned this with the staff who disagreed that the other couple were allowed to do so. I speak French, I know what I heard, and I spoke with the other very pleasant couple who also confirmed they had ordered from the set menu. Additionally, I saw their meal arrive. Two stars, one for food being ok, the second for its location.

THIS REVIEW IS BASED NOT ONLY ON MY EXPERIENCE BUT ALSO ON THE RESTAURANT REPUTATION - THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME I HAVE HEARD OF THIS and have therefore always avoided this restaurant, this time, because I joined friends, I found out for myself. Never again.

• GO ELSEWHERE and keep some of...

Came for evening meal with kids. Were a little sceptical at first as it looked a bit run down, but food was superb and service very good. Frog decorations adorn every surface!

We shared a fish and chips and a smoked salmon salad. Had some nice blonde beer by La Chouffe which was on tap. The battered fish was excellent and well seasoned. The salad came with way more salmon than I think we would get in the UK. The kids’ meals (gammon and chips, burger and chips) were absolutely massive and as they let us try, were also very tasty.

All very reasonably priced.

Would...

We were really disappointed with this place. Service is muddled and slow - they were busy, but even so, we were served after others who arrived after us. The food was mixed. Starters of soup and oysters were fab, but the Caesar salad was appalling. Burnt chicken, far too many croutons and a weak salad dressing. Then, to cap it all, the chaos of paying! Had to queue, and each customer had to remind the cashier what was eaten. Also, it is pretty grubby...