Le Petit Léon — Restaurant in Sarlat-la-Canéda

UPDATE June - 25.

Our third time dining here, and once again, it was exceptional. The new seasonal menu is a testament to the Chef's creativity and commitment to local ingredients—every dish is thoughtfully crafted with fresh produce and incredibly well-balanced flavors. You can really taste the care and skill behind each plate.

What stands out every time is the combination of precision and soul: it’s fine dining without any pretension. The atmosphere remains warm and inviting, and the staff are consistently attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely kind.

It's rare to find a place that evolves yet never loses its heart. Nestled in the peaceful Dordogne countryside, this restaurant continues to impress us with both its culinary excellence and sustainable philosophy.

Truly a gem—we’re already looking forward to visit number four.

July 2024 Had dinner here, perhaps one of the best places, meal and service we've ever had ! How this place doesn't have 2 Michelin stars is beyond belief. The Chef has serious tallent, his balanced pairing of tastes with many surprises are out of this world. The place has a real soul, and the staff are extremely professional, helpful and warm. Also the restaurant is in a wonderful little village in the Dordogne. Overall, as said above, one of the best meals and experiences we've ever had.(and we have been to many places with stars). The last note is to say that they do everything they can to use local, self grown and sustainable produce...

This special place needs no accolades from me, yet I must write. After living in Sarlat for six weeks, and exploring the gorgeous countryside of the Vezere Valley, I fell hard for Saint Leon. It draws me, beguiles me, haunts me, whispers to me--come back. I shall,

But finally, after a few substantive recommendations, we booked a luncheon. For more than three hours, we basked in the irresistible garden and succumbed to the ministrations of a young, vivacious, knowledgeable wait staff, who glided amongst the diners and dispensed magical miniature creations that were as much art as flavor--and flavor was the star.

Luscious wine, chosen by the feminine side of the partnership, were paired with small plates that compelled contemplation and analysis.--flavor upon flavor, layer upon layer.

And yet, the foods and wine ultimately take a back seat to "care"--this is truly a labor of love created by a young family bent upon creating a life that not only fulfills them and nurtures their staff but draws the diner ever more deeply into the story. Make a reservation to dine, but open yourself to something greater. The beautiful village of Saint Leon has been given a gift of which it is worthy. May the twain...

One of those places you want to pin on your map, brag about with your foody friends (French snubs included), tell them how you're good at picking food routes as travel destinations and not the other way around...how you were pampered with Sensei mousse which demolished every veggie stock you've made from "scratch", how those fluffy miniature meringues topped with wasabi flavored raw tuna and saffron-like seaweed melted in your mouth...and on and on, go to Le petit Léon, do not think too soft of its little bistrot-ish name and relaxed white-tablecloth-less atmosphere, it's serious food lover stuff from the Michelin like type without the star and...