L'épicurien — Restaurant in Yssingeaux

Warmly recommended: the best burger I've had in years!

We didn't plan to stop by as L'Epicurien is normally closed on Mondays, but the charming terrace was busy and we were told that the place does open throughout July and August.

And so we decided to have dinner there, as the staff was very pleasant and attentive, and a board outside promised a 280g cheeseburger made of "fin gras du Mézenc" -- literally "fine fatty (veal) of the Mézenc", a very local type of organic veal raised on the finest grass and wild plants of nearby Mount Mézenc, known for its specific taste (imparted by wild fennel and other plants), great marbling and tenderness. I just had to try...

We therefore ordered said cheeseburger and a piece of beef onglet (aka. butcher's steak, as back in the days they would keep it for themselves) in a morel-infused jus. As the place doubles as a bar, drink options are extensive and include a selection of draught beer. Service was rather quick, and soon we were tucking in.

The burger was a piece of fine art! The brioche-like bun, the choice of emmental cheese pairing and the flavours of the veal are enough to have me longing to come back. It was served with a generous and colourful side of mixed salad and a helping of fries which, interestingly, didn't have a square but V-shaped section for perfect crispiness yet fluffy inside. All for a very pocket-friendly 14.90€ that will be hard to beat. The onglet again was tender and tasty, probably locally reared too. And when I see morels on a menu, I expect to find a couple slivers here and there... But the chef here was very generous with her precious mushrooms.

Two regrets for me, one is that we just couldn't eat anything more and couldn't try the desserts, and two that we don't live any closer to come again more often. So five starts from me for a great culinary treat that didn't bankrupt us, and an overall excellent experience. Warmly...

Showing up to a place and land on a sunday noon after church service was quite a feat. L'épicurien was a little startled but the waitress made it so smooth. We were two couples in distress with young children and we were offered a seats and tables aside from the rest of the customers for their own tranquility. It appeared that only a €35 unique formula applied : an all you can eat buffet. Good news the dishes were fresh and home made. Even the cakes and the drinks. The waitress spoke perfect English and everyone...

Beautiful chalet style restaurant, very cosy, outstanding cuisine. Fresh products superbly presented and delicious. Great children's menu and very "child friendly". Exceptionnel value for money. A must for all travellers in this...