Auberge de Bardigues

Sometimes one can forget just how good a restaurant is. We went for lunch today and were not disappointed. Great service, great food and excellent wine accompanied by being seated on the terrace on a warm summers day. The foie gras did not disappoint, neither did the canette, and my chocolate dessert was fabulous. Plotting my next visit...

We were looking for a first lunch on our short break, en route to Agen. This was a fantastic meal - quality ingredients, excellent presentation, imaginative combinations, well paired wines. In fact everything about it was perfect, including service.

This little gem is tucked away in a French countryside village of the same name. Service was exemplary. After the complimentary amuse bouche we both had the warm king prawn starter with mozzarella, anchovies, artichoke hearts, beetroot and basil dressing. Really yummy. To follow we had sumptuous monkfish with a pan fried vegetable medley laced with crab and an intense crab reduction. This was good cooking. My desert was a masterpiece of chocolate garnished with popcorn and my partner had roast apricots with an iced almond yoghurt. Mmmmm. We were about to pay when a tray of complimentary homemade bon bons arrived. The bill came to €90 with an excellent bottle of wine. Good value for the quality and attentiveness. Sitting beneath a low canopy of leaves in the warm summer's evening what more could we want for our last gastronomic dinner in South West France.

I didn't expect much from the only restaurant in a very tiny village, but Auberge was fantastic, serving up a wonderful meal with excellent local wine.

This place has a terrific local reputation and it didn't disappoint, but I can't quite give it five stars. I would like to go back and try the tasting menu but that will have to wait until next year. We were a large party and everyone was happy. my veal main was delicious. And the wines were reasonable which is rare these days!