Le Bistro de Jean — Restaurant in Saint-Malo

If you’re not French (or white), please don’t go to this restaurant!

When we arrived at Bistro du Jean, only two tables were occupied, yet my husband and I were almost refused entry. The two staff members inside paused to confer, as if deciding whether we were “worthy” enough to be allowed in. Moments later, we watched white customers without reservations walk in, receive warm and friendly welcomes, and be seated immediately, even at tables marked as “reserved”. As a black woman, I immediately felt the racist approach, so I decided to pay attention to the other clients coming to the place, confirming what I had suspected.

I had been genuinely looking forward to having dinner at this restaurant, but instead I left feeling disappointed and hurt. When paying the bill, I asked if I could share some feedback about our visit that day. The man who appeared to be the owner/manager confirmed he spoke English, so I told him how humiliating and racist my experience had been, to which he replied he didn’t agree and then suddenly pretended he could no longer understand me.

If you value respect and equality, spend your money elsewhere, they...

A cold Tuesday night in November and the intra-muros is almost completely closed. I was wondering if I'd find dinner that night. A small bistro, half full, the only thing open within sight, so I walk in. Only the two owners in the front of the house. There's a very large, white dog sleeping right in front of the door. From past experience I know, in France this is a very good sign. After I ordered, I asked them to pick a red wine for me. It did not disappoint. This is a quality establishment. The presentation of their homemade terrine was impeccable. My plat, the duck, was tender and perfectly cooked, paired nicely with both mashed and fried sweet red potato. The bread served with my dinner was dark, hard crusted with an exceedingly airy crumb. A wonderful experience for my first...

Charming spot in the heart of St Malo by a friendly couple. Service was decent, though a bit slow; no check-in on the food. Wine recommendation was on point.

Starters (egg and fromage a tete) were enjoyable. Main courses, beef, and duck, were nicely cooked but under-seasoned. Butternut squash puree had hard bits, likely from unremoved skin. Burnt potatoes had to be sent back; no apology from the waitstaff. Raspberry sauce for duck was tasteless, some potatoes also burnt which ruined the dish but the mushrooms were a delightful surprise.

Coulant dessert was the standout, absolutely delicious. Total cost: 102 euros for 2 starters, 2 mains, 1 dessert, and the cheapest bottle of wine, steep price for such basic mistakes. Sadly,...